asked the President of the Board of Education whether service in secondary schools in Ireland is computable towards recorded or qualifying service for a pension under the Superannuation Act, 1918.

Service in a secondary school in Ireland is not recognised service under the Superannuation Act, 1918. It is qualifying service if the school is in receipt of grants from the Government.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the recent arrest and imprisonment of the lord mayor of Dublin and other Irish Members of Parliament and public persons was carried out in accordance with instructions from the Cabinet, or on the initiative of the Irish Executive; what was the purpose of these arrests; and on what grounds were these particular individuals selected from the large number of their associates engaged on similar work, and with identical political faith?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on the 12th inst., to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull Central. These deportations have been effected with the authority of the Cabinet.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. Morgan, a member of the Thurles trades council and elected chairman of the Thurles urban council, has been arrested; whether he is aware that Mr. Morgan's wife is in a delicate state of health and very anxious about her husband, of whose whereabouts she knows nothing; whether he will state the reason for his arrest; whether it is proposed to bring him to trial; and where Mr. Morgan is at present incarcerated.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that Mrs. Morgan is not in bad health. Under an Order made in pursuance of the Defence of the Realm Regulations Mr. Morgan has been deported from Ireland and interned in Wormwood Scrubbs Prison as a person suspected of having acted, and being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the public safety and the Defence of the Realm.

asked the Minister of Food why, if butter is now decontrolled, control is still maintained in Ireland and the export of butter to this country forbidden except by licence; and if he was consulted by the Irish Food Control Committee before the decision was arrived at.

The decision to maintain the control of butter supplies in Ireland during the remainder of the winter was arrived at after consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, which is responsible for the administration of food control in that country. There is actually no surplus of butter in Ireland at the present time, and the removal of control including the restrictions on export would have the effect of depleting supplies' required for Irish consumption during the period of winter scarcity.

asked the Minister of Pensions, if it is his intention to increase the allowances to soldiers and sailors in respect of pensions, grants, and bonuses?

Increased rates of pensions and allowances for disabled soldiers and seamen came into force on the 3rd September last and are now being paid.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the total length of service within the Ministry of Pensions of each of the regional directors, and the amount of the salary received?

Eleven regional directors have been appointed, each at a salary of £800 per annum. The length of service in the Ministry of Pensions of each director is as follows:

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of permanent male civil servants in the Pensions Ministry who have seen service in the firing line and the total number employed in the Ministry?

The total number of permanent male civil servants in the Ministry of Pensions is 213, of whom 50 have seen service overseas.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make any further announcement as to Recommendation No. 48 of the Jerram Report setting out that men invalided are to be awarded pensions in respect of length of service apart from any award in respect of disability; and, if the matter is still under consideration by the Treasury, will he communicate with that department and press for a decision?

I regret that I am not yet able to make an announcement, the Question being still under consideration. We fully appreciate the urgency of the matter and have made representations in that sense.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been supplied from His Majesty's Treasury to the forces recently under the command of General Yudenitch, or other Russian generals serving the government of North-West Russia; whether his attention has been drawn to the attempt of General Yudenitch to leave for Paris with a large sum of British money in his possession: and what steps have been taken, or are being taken, to ensure that moneys supplied by His Majesty's Government to the Russian generals involved, or to the late government of North-West Russia are properly accounted for.

No money has been supplied from His Majesty's Treasury to the forces recently under the command of General Yudenitch or other Russian generals serving the late Provisional Government of North-West Russia, or to the Government itself. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give directions that a return of public expenditure under various Acts of Parlia- ment as in Parliamentary Paper No. 218 of 1919, should in future be compiled and issued annually?

Yes, Sir. I will arrange for a return on similar lines to be presented in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimated amount of silver subsidiary coinage per capita of the population was held in the United Kingdom before the War; what amount of silver has been purchased and coined during the War; what is the estimated amount per capita in the hands of the public at the present time; and whether, in view of the risk of higher prices should the coinage be depreciated, there is any need of an increase in subsidiary coinage at the present time?

The answer to the first part, of the question is approximately 13s. per head; to the second and third parts about £33,000,000 (net) face value and about 27s. 6d. per head. I do not think the increase of the subsidiary coinage, which is legal tender up to a very limited amount (40s.), has any appreciable bearing on the increase of prices of which it is a consequence rather than a cause.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will reduce the high charges now made in respect of traders' parcels sent by passenger train?

The increases in respect of parcels by passenger train were made in accordance with the advice of the Rates Advisory Committee, and are of an interim character. The Rates Advisory Committee are about to undertake a general inquiry into the basis and classification of railway rates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the insecurity of railway travelling, as shown by the murder of a lady on the Bexhill express; whether he has considered the possibility of improving com- munication between the different compartments so as to avoid occurrences of this nature; and whether he will make a report on the precautions taken on this matter in foreign countries?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on this subject on Thursday last to the hon. and learned Member for the Chertsey Division of Surrey, of which I am sending him a copy. The practice of reserving compartments for the use of ladies only is largely adopted abroad as well as in this country.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the county borough council, Stoke-on-Trent, recommending that, having regard to the great and increasing cost of maintenance and repair of roads and keeping the same in a fit state, owing to the damage caused to them by the use of the roads by private motor-omnibus proprietors, legislation should at once be introduced by the Government to provide for the payment of a fair mileage rate by such owners to the highway authority, and emphasising the urgency of such legislation being carried into effect as early as possible; and whether he can indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

I have been asked to answer this question. The only reply to the first part is in the affirmative. As my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, stated on December 22nd, in reply to a question from the hon. Member for East Islington, a Departmental Committee is now considering the whole question of the taxation of mechanically propelled road vehicles, with a view to advising on the best and simplest means of securing revenue to assist the highway authorities in meeting the increasing cost of maintenace and repair of highways. A Report from the Committee is expected very shortly. It is not by any means certain that a mileage rate, as suggested in the Question, would be in the best interests of the highway authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received complaints from traders against the increased railway rates on condensed milk, milk powder and other milk products; whether the Rates Advisory Committee has been consulted on the matter; and whether they have held the public inquiry provided by the Transport Act, Section 21?

Some such complaints have been received from traders against the increased railway rates which were adopted by the Minister of Transport on the advice of the Rates Advisory Committee. It was open to the Rates Advisory Committee to hold a public enquiry or not, as they deemed fit, before reporting, and the Committee's reasons for not taking that course are stated in their report.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the public inconvenience due to the change of cars at Lordship Lane, Wood Green, and Bruce Grove, Tottenham, on the system of the Metropolitan Electric Tramways Company, Limited; and if he will make representations to the company to restore the through running arrangements which formerly existed?

The change of cars referred to is necessitated by the reconstruction of the track which is now in progress, and it is the intention to restore the through running as soon as this reconstruction is completed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a communication from the Welfare Association of the London County Council (Tottenham) estate suggesting an extension of the tube railway from Finsbury Park to Enfield; and if he can make any announcement on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the requests of the Welfare Association, which were received only last Monday, are now being examined.

asked the Minister of Transport how many railway companies operate railways in the United Kingdom; how many companies lease their railways to be operated by other companies; and how many railway companies own steamers carrying passengers in connection with their normal service?

The number of companies operating in the United Kingdom is 132, whilst 121 railways are leased to or worked under agreement by other companies. There are fourteen railway companies owning passenger carrying steamboats.

asked the Minister of Transport, whether, in view of the fact that he may become liable for reduction in the capital value of railways of which he has taken possession, he has taken the precaution of agreeing, the capital value of such railways before taking possession?

Possession of the controlled railways is retained under the Ministry of Transport Act, and Section 8 of that Act provides that any reduction or enhancement in the value of an undertaking due to the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Act is to be assessed on a revenue earning basis. The question of a capital valuation does not arise. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member has grounds for fearing, as his question suggests, that the nation may become otherwise liable, I shall be most grateful for any assistance he can give if he will kindly explain his point to me verbally.

asked the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that certain railway companies have provided supplementary funds to augment the allowances received under the rules from the statutory superannuation funds; that seven of the railway companies have agreed to contribute an equal amount to that subscribed by the active members of the superannuation funds; that certain railway companies, including the Glasgow and South Eastern, Great Eastern, Great Northern, Lancashire and Yorkshire, and South Eastern and Chatham, have declined to proceed with similar schemes for their annuitants; and if any steps are being taken by him to bring these companies into line?

As the annuitants were companies' servants, the question of in- creasing the alowances payable under Statutory superannuation funds is a matter for the railway companies themselves to consider. I understand that some companies have taken steps as suggested but I am not aware of the precise action taken by individual railway companies.

asked the Minister of Transport how many motor lorries are there for disposal at Slough and other Government centres; how many have been disposed of to ex-servicemen on the instalment system; and what arrangement, he is making with a view to relieving the congestion of the docks and railways by developing road transport?

The first two parts of this question should be addressed to my hon. Friend, the Deputy Minister of Munitions, As regards the third part. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, considers it desirable to leave the development of road transport to private enterprise. The use of Government lorries under the emergency scheme to relieve congestion at certain ports is not considered to be any longer of value except for a further short period in Liverpool and Manchester. It has therefore been discontinued elsewhere as it was very costly. Nearly 1,400 Government lorries have been supplied to railway companies to supplement their cartage strength for ordinary railway work, and have done a good deal to relieve congestion at the railway terminals.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the new type of motor omnibus in Chicago, with a covered sitting accommodation for 60 persons: whether he is aware that this omnibus has a low body enabling it to pass under bridges; and whether our police regulations are so framed as to enable such an omnibus or a similar type, offering such comfort and facilities for traffic, to ply on the London streets.

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that he has no knowledge of the type of omnibus referred to, but that he will get particulars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that during the year 1913 the output of coal in Great Britain was 287,412,000 tons, of which 77,000,000 tons was exported, including 8,883,353 tons from Humber ports, 23,023,810 tons from the ports of the Blythe, Tyne, Weir, and Tees, 751,819 tons from the North West Coast ports, 29,875,916 tons from the Bristol Channel ports, and 10,437,197 tons from the Scottish ports; that during the first 11 months of the year 1919 the output of coal in the United Kingdom was approximately 248,000,000 tons, of which 32,315,713 tons was exported: and that of this amount only 427,758 tons was allowed to be exported from the Humber ports, while 10,662,623 tons was exported from the ports of the Tyne, Blythe, Weir, and Tees, 85,451 tons from the North West Coast ports, 18,720,352 tons from the Bristol Channel ports, and 2,376,997 tons from the Scottish ports; why the proportion permitted to be exported from the Humber ports is so much smaller than the proportion permitted to be exported from the other ports of the United Kingdom; whether he is aware of the distress and unemployment caused in the Humber ports through this discrimination against the Humber ports; and whether he can see his way to permit a greater share of the amount of coal allowed to be exported from the United Kingdom to be shipped from the ports of the Humber during the present year?

Except as regards the output for the first eleven months of 1919, which was 210 millions instead of 248 millions, as stated in the question, I accept the hon. and gallant Member's figures; but I would point out that owing largely to difficulties of inland transport the position of both household and industrial supplies of coal, especially in Central and Southern England, continues to give rise to considerable anxiety. The supplies for these areas are mainly drawn from those coal districts which ordinarily provide the coal exported from the Humber, and so long as the present difficulties continue, I regret that it will not be possible to allow a larger quantity of coal to be exported from the Humber ports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware of the great hardship that the people of Barnard Castle and district are being subjected to by not getting their proper rationed quantity of coal, as since October they have got little more than one-third of their quantity, whilst only six miles from a coal mine, and now all stocks are used up; and if he will inquire into the facts in order that they may get their proper supply?

The District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee for Northumberland and Durham are dealing with the position in the Barnard Castle District, and I am informed that for the week ended 7th February the deliveries exceeded the average winter requirements of the district.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, and when, he proposes to reduce the price of coal: what were the total profits made last year by the Government on their transactions in coal; and if he can hold out any hope of the speedy abandonment of the policy of control?

A reduction in the price of coal is not in immediate contemplation but the matter is not escaping the attention of the Government. The Government are not directly concerned in the buying and selling of coal. The distribution of the profits of the coal mining industry as between the owners and State will depend upon the Coal Mines (Emergency) Bill, the second reading of which will be taken to-morrow. The total profits of the industry for 1919 cannot yet be ascertained, but an estimate for the current financial year is made by the independent accountants, Messrs. Alfred Tongue and Company in the third Schedule to their Report. An account of receipts and payments by the Board of Trade and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue respectively under the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918, for the period 1st April, 1917, to 31st March, 1919, was printed in the White Paper issued on Saturday. The abandonment of the policy of control depends on many factors, and it cannot yet be foreshadowed when events will enable control to be terminated without serious consequences to the community.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Report of the Central Profiteering Committee on prices and profits in the soap manufacturing industry will be made.

The Sub-Committee appointed by the Central Committee to obtain information as to the nature, extent and development of trusts, companies, firms, combinations, agreements and arrangements connected with the manufacture of soap is still pursuing its investigation and has not yet rendered any report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he would state, in view of the threatened refusal of Lancashire manufacturers to buy American raw cotton, what steps are being taken to stimulate the growth of cotton in Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and other parts of the British Empire; and if he has considered the advisability of granting ex-service men money and special facilities to assist in the growth of cotton in districts suitable for European colonisation?

I am not aware of any intention on the part of Lancashire manufacturers to cease buying American cotton, though there may have been some isolated cases of that kind. His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the importance of developing the production of cotton within the Empire, and in this connection they are giving earnest consideration to the recommendations contained in the report of the Empire Cotton Growing Committee. I am glad to find that those recommendations have been received with widespread approval in the Lancashire Cotton Industry, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement as to the Government's intentions at a very early date. The last part of the question should be addressed to my hon. Friend the Acting Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that a number of allotment holders on the London County Council White Hart Lane (Tottenham) estate have received notice to quit; and if he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the provision of other plots for the dispossessed cultivators?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The duty of providing land for allotments in this area rests with the Tottenham Urban District Council, and the Ministry have advised the Council to endeavour to obtain alternative land for the dispossessed allotment holders.

asked the Minister of Health when the Milk and Dairies (Amendment) Act, 1915, will be brought into force; and, if any amendments of this Act are proposed, whether he will indicate the nature of such amendments?

It is proposed, before bringing the Milk and Dairies Act into force, to introduce proposals for legislation to provide for the licensing of milk-producers and dealers, for the definition and grading of milk and for empowering local authorities to undertake the supply and distribution of milk in their areas. Parliament will also be asked to grant powers to enable the price and distribution of milk and its use for manufacturing purposes to be controlled in an emergency. A Bill is in course of preparation.

asked the Minister of Food whether it is proposed to increase the sugar ration to individuals at an early date; whether there is a prospect of increased supplies of imported butter; and whether His Majesty's Government will be in a position to decontrol these essential commodities at an early date?

I cannot at present indicate the date when it will be possible to effect an increase in the domestic sugar ration. Nor can I hold out any prospect of increased supplies of imported butter at a reasonable price. It will be necessary to continue some measure of control in respect of both sugar and butter so long as there is a world shortage of these commodities.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will make provision for the inhabitants of country villages having a supply of sugar during the coming fruit season for jam-making, and thereby avoid the waste of fruit and serious loss that otherwise will be caused to a comparatively poor part of our population?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer already given on this subject to the hon. Member for West Bromwich on Thursday, February 12th.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether an application to continue the use of a miniature rifle range on Crown land at Lyndhurst has been made on behalf of ex-soldiers, civilians, and boy scouts; whether the application has been refused; and, if so, whether he will state the grounds of such refusal?

An application was made by one or two private individuals for permission to utilise a rifle range (in a sand pit) recently used temporarily for service rifles, but it was refused for the following reasons:—It was ascertained that the ex-soldiers in the district did not want the range and that a well-equipped miniature rifle range existed at the Workmen's Club which could be used for Boy Scouts and others by arrangement. The sand pit is worked by the Crown and is a common playground for village children.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether his attention has been called to the very serious hardship which is being inflicted on farmers who are being dispossessed of their holdings by county councils who are acquiring their farms for soldiers' settlements; whether any compensation is payable to them for such interference; and whether it would be possible to limit the acquisition of farm land to cases where it can be bought with vacant possession or, alternatively, to cases of holdings exceeding a certain minimum area, so that as few farmers may be deprived of their livelihood as is possible?

The Ministry are aware that in some cases the acquisition of land by county councils for the purpose of the settlement of ex-service men on the land is causing hardship to the tenants whose holdings are being acquired, but the councils can, in my opinion, be trusted to acquire land with the utmost consideration possible for the sitting tenants. In reply to the second part of the question it may be said, generally, that in such cases the tenant farmer is entitled to compensation for his interest in the farm, and he may also be entitled to compensation for disturbance under the Small Holdings Act, 1910, or the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1914. With regard to the last part of the question, I fear that, owing to the large and urgent demand for land from ex-service men, it is not possible to give an undertaking that the powers entrusted by Parliament to county councils to acquire land will be limited in the manner suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that the police have recently served notice on owner of livestock that all hay fed to live stock is now to be chaffed; and whether, in the case of smallholders who have no chaff cutters and cannot afford to buy them, the order may be rescinded or modified in view of the fact that they, in self-interest, are not likely to waste their small and valuable stocks of hay.

I have been asked to reply. The Hay and Straw Order, No. 4, 1918, prohibits the feeding of long hay to any horse to which the Order applies without official sanction. The necessary consent is given by the Board of Trade in cases where compliance with the Order is impracticable or undesirable.

asked the Secretary of State for India where British troops have been engaged in India since the Armistice, and the total number of men killed and disabled respectively?

British troops have been engaged on operations on the North-West Frontier of India consequent on hostilities by the Afghans and frontier tribes. The total casualties reported amount to: British officers, five killed, eleven wounded; British other ranks, forty-two killed, 137 wounded, one missing. In addition, amongst British officers of the Indian Army, forty-nine were killed and died of wounds, and fifty-one wounded.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the question of the rate of interest allowed on deposits in the Indian Services General Provident Fund has now been examined; and, if so, has a higher rate of interest than 4 per cent. been sanctioned?

The question has been examined, and sanction accorded for a rise in the rate of interest. A notification will be issued shortly (if it has not already been issued) by the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India for what reason chaplains on the Indian ecclesiastical establishment have been refused outfit allowance and gratuity for service; in the field?

The War Office, on whom the charge would fall, have been unable to agree to the grant of outfit allowance to regular chaplains of the Indian ecclesiastical establishments, who are paid at special increased rates while on service. Wesleyan and Roman Catholic chaplains not on the Indian establishments have received the same outfit grant as chaplains employed on the British establishment. The grant of a gratuity to chaplains who were sent on service from India has not been refused. The question is under consideration, and it is hoped that a decision will be taken shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that the sanctioned family scale for the British units now arriving in India is practically double the pre-war scale, and also that owing to the scarcity of bungalows many of the wives of junior officers have to be taken into the family hospitals for treatment, he will state what steps are being by the Government of India to provide the extra hospital accommodation and equipment required and to sanction the appointment of the fully trained nurses now so urgently needed for the family hospitals?

The improvements referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question form part of an extensive programme for the improvement of hospitals in India which has been accepted by Government on the recommendation of the Makins Committee and is being undertaken as funds permit. I am enquiring of the Government of India regarding the progress made with the particular items to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of British officers who have fallen on the Indian frontier since January, 1919, against the Afghans and against the hill tribes, respectively; the numbers of disasters and casualties about Fort Sandeman and other outposts since January, 1919; if the outposts were at once reinforced on the threat of an Afghan war, and, if not, why this course was not adopted; if aeroplanes were asked for by these outposts, and if so, why they were not granted; if the Indian Government was offered aeroplanes after the armistice and when, and if and when they were accepted; and what number of aeroplanes were in India in January, June, and December of 1919?

The number of British officers killed and wounded is as follows: In the Afghan operations, killed 25, wounded 36. In other operations on the North-West Frontier, killed 29, wounded 26. The above figures include casualties for Fort Sandeman and other outposts. The term "disaster" does not fit anything that has occurred on the North-West Frontier since January, 1919. I have no information as to the extent to which the outposts were reinforced; this would be a matter for the General Officer in command of the operations to decide with due regard to the forces at his disposal and the disadvantage of disseminating his strength in the face of the Afghan forces. I am unaware that any outposts asked for aeroplanes, which I may remark, require landing grounds and aerodromes and other preparations to be made in advance. 100 aeroplanes were offered to the Indian Government in June, 1919, for civil purposes and were at once accepted. No personnel was included in this offer. It was unnecessary to offer aeroplanes for military purposes, since the Government of India had already made known their requirements, and these have now been met by increasing: the two squadrons of the Royal Air Force-which were in India in January and June., 1919, to six in December, 1919. Further information is contained in the correspondence presented to this House in Command Paper, No. 398.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is the practice of the Government to differentiate in the matter of privileges in the treatment of Regular officers of the Indian Army to the prejudice of those holding temporary commissions therein, or in the I.A.R.O., who have performed similar war services?

I am not aware that the Government of India differentiate in the manner suggested in the question.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn: to the practice of certain landlords who have compounding arrangements with municipal authorities, yet compel tenants to pay in full their portion of rates; and what steps are taken to prevent this contravention of The Rents Restrictions Act, 1917?

I have no evidence to show that the practice of charging tenants with more than the increase of rates permitted under the Increase of Rent Acts is at all widespread, but if my hon. Friend has any evidence showing that it is I shall be glad if he will send it to me.

asked the Minister of Health why the extra grant made to medical men and chemists to meet the increased price of drugs and cost of living has not been paid out to medical men engaged by workmen's medical associations?

If the hon. Member is referring to institutions recognised under Section 15 of the Insurance Act I must refer him to the answer I gave on October 29th to the hon. Member for West Nottingham. The Friendly Societies Medical Alliance has still failed to send in the requisite information as regards institutions in England. Information has recently come in from certain institutions in Wales and this is under consideration with a view to determining such grants as may be due.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Plymouth Co-operative Society offered to place an order for a collier to be built at Devonport dockyard; whether the Admiralty have accepted the offer; and, if not, will he state the reasons?

An offer was received on the 19th January, and a reply was sent on the same day that so far as can be foreseen, we shall not be in a position to undertake the construction of a vessel of the class described. The reason for this reply was that staff on the constructive side would not have been available till March next, by which time we hope to lay down a vessel of another type which will give employment to a larger number of men.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is now in a position to make any further statement with regard to the construction of merchant ships in the royal dockyard at Devonport?

The Admiralty hope to lay down an oil tanker at Devonport for fleet use, at an early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether definite arrangements have been made with the Forth Shipbuilding Company for the transfer of the premises and plant of His Majesty's dockyard, Pembroke; and, if so, will he state the terms and the reasons which have actuated the Admiralty in making the arrangements?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the. Admiralty whether, in connection with the proposed sale of Pembroke Dockyard, due consideration has been given to the fact that about 3,000 workmen, chiefly skilled, are employed there, and that of this number 900 are on the establishment and will be transferable to other Government yards, and that grave local difficulties are likely to accrue as a result of the inevitable dislocation of industry involved in the actual closing of a dockyard which has existed for fully a century?

The hon. Member refers, of course, to the leasing of Pembroke Dock to a commercial firm, an offer from which is under consideration at the present time. Consideration has been given to the position of the workmen now in the employment of the Government at Pembroke Dock. The Admiralty have invited information from the established workmen as to the numbers who would wish to be transferred to other Royal dockyards rather than that their service should be terminated under the Admiralty in order that they might continue their employment in Pembroke Dock in the service of the firm. The difficulties in connection with the matter are fully appreciated; and I may assure the hon. Member that, in the event of the lease being carried into effect, all possible consideration would be shown to the workpeople who have hitherto been employed in the Admiralty service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what considerations have actuated his Department in ignoring the recommendation of the Colwyn Committee that the two slipways at His Majesty's Dockyard, Pembroke, should be utilised for mercantile marine construction; and what are the difficulties opposed to such construction under State auspices, in view of the urgent demand for cargo tonnage?

The recommendations of the Colwyn Committee are not being ignored, but are under consideration. In the case of Pembroke, however, as I have just stated, an offer has been received from a private firm to lease the yard; and this is being carefully considered, as it is possible that it would ensure the facilities there being made full use of permanently for merchant ship construction; whereas the Colwyn Committee recognised that the building of merchant tonnage by the Admiralty could only be a temporary expedient carried out on a limited scale.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the case of a child named Nellie Smith who, charged before a bench of magistrates last month with stealing, was remanded and ultimately acquitted, but who was refused bail during the remand, contrary to the provisions of The Children's Act, 1908, Section 94; and whether he proposes to take steps to secure the due observance of this section of this Act in the future?

My attention has been called to this case and I have received a report from the Commissioner of Police. The girl, when charged, gave a false address, and it was impossible to trace either her friends or her address. The police officer in the exercise of the discretion conferred on him by Section 94 (c) of the Children Act, 1908, caused her to be detained in a place of detention under the Act in accordance with Section 95. Her conduct, while in the Remand Home, was so violent that the Superintendent was compelled to bring her before the Magistrates and to ask them to send her to prison, which the Justices did, certifying in the form required by Section 97 of the. Children Act that the girl was too unruly to be detained in a place of detention. The action of the police in this case was quite justified, and I have no reason to suppose that the provisions of Section 94 of the Children Act, 1908 are not duly observed.

asked the Home Secretary why Mr. G. Richards, of 230, Ducane Road, Wormwood Scrubs, a prison officer at Wormwood Scrubs, has been dismissed; and whether this man was a striker in the August police strike?

This man was dismissed in August last for absenting himself.

asked the Home Secretary what pension a police constable of 20 years' good conduct service retiring on 31st December, 1914, is entitled to draw to-day; and what pension a police constable of 20 years' good conduct service retiring on 31st December, 1919, is entitled to draw to-day?

In each case the amount of the pension depends (i) on the pay the police constable was drawing prior to retirement; (ii) the pension scale adopted by the police authority under the Act of 1890; and (iii) the nature and cause of the disability which led to retirement. Further, when a police constable retires as the result of injury on duty with less than 25 years' service, the Act leaves the police authority a discretion as to the amount of the pension within the limits laid down in the first schedule to the Act.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the police authorities, in order to evade paying the increased pensions and allowances to those men whose terms of service were almost expired, compulsorily retired such men without the regulation one month's notice; whether he is aware that some men of nearly 30 years' good-conduct service were so retired; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I am not aware of any such action on the part of any police authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether he intends to revise the pensions of those police officers who, not knowing the revised scale of payment to the police granted last year, retired on the old scale, and in many cases a few weeks before the new scheme was adopted, are now suffering hardship?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's speech in the debate of last Friday. I regret that these pensions cannot be increased.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any appeal from the decision of a medical officer of an industrial school as to the question of the sanity of any occupants of an industrial school who, in the opinion of their parents are in their right mind and their parents are desirous of removing them to their own homes.

I presume that the question refers to the transfer of defective children from industrial schools to certified institutions for defectives under Section 9 of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913. In such cases a certificate must be given by two duly qualified medical practitioners to the effect that the child is a defective, and before an Order of Transfer is made each case is considered by the Board of Control and the Home Office and full inquiry is made as to the home circumstances in each case. Further, under the provisions of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, each case comes up periodically for reconsideration by the visitors of the certified institution.

asked the Home Secretary, if it is the intention of the Government to introduce summer time this year; and, if so, from what date?

It is intended to introduce summer time this year, but the date at which it shall commence has not yet been fixed.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Lillian Elizabeth Bowen, who was sent to the Maurice girls' industrial school, Ealing, until she reached the age of 16 years; whether he is aware that, although the girl will reach this age on the 11th of next month, it has been decided to retain her for a further indefinite period, in spite of the fact that there are no complaints against the girl, who has passed all her standards; and whether he will state upon what authority it has been decided to retain the girl and the reasons for coming to such a decision?

Under the terms of the commitment the girl is legally liable to detention in the school for another year, but I have advised the managers to release her on licence before 11th March, and I understand they are trying to find her a suitable situation. She remains by law under the care of the managers until she is eighteen.

asked the Postmaster-General why Great Britain cannot have a parcels post to the Argentine and the other South American states, with a limit of weight of 22 lbs. instead of, as at present, a limit of 11 lbs., inasmuch as at present South American buyers ask manufacturers to send parcels up to a weight of 22 lbs. via France and thence by the French parcels post, which accepts parcels up to 22 lbs. weight?

11 lbs. is the limit of weight for parcels exchanged by post in the inland service of the United Kingdom. There are practical difficulties in the way of adopting a higher limit of weight in the foreign parcel post, but the matter will be kept under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Thomas Price, recently employed as rural postman at Ballymott, county Sligo, has been discharged and replaced by a former telegraph messenger from another county; and whether, in view of the fact that Price had over four years' service in the Army and is receiving a small pension for disability contracted on service, he will find him further employment?

Mr. Price was employed by the Post Office for eight weeks in a purely temporary capacity. The duty on which he was employed was required for an ex-boy messenger retained in the service with a view to a permanent appointment as postman on reaching adult age. Mr. Price's name has been recorded for further employment if an opportunity should occur.

asked the Postmaster General whether he is aware that many residents in Mill Hill are unable to obtain telephone installations, although the main wires or cables are laid along the roads in which their houses are situate; whether he is aware that the delay is a constant and serious inconvenience to these residents; and whether he will give instructions to secure the early installation of instruments in such cases?

The difficulty in providing telephone service at Mill Hill is due to the fact that all the wires in the underground cable between Mill Hill and the Finchley Exchange are in use. The substitution of a larger cable is proposed, but I fear that some little time must elapse before the requirements of the district can be met.

asked the Postmaster General what steps, if any, he proposes to take to protect the staffs in connection with post offices in consequence of the recent outrages at post offices in London and the country?

Measures for the protection of post offices against robbery with violence have been taken by the Police, with whom my officers are in communication; but it is not in the public interest to make any statement as to their nature.

asked the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the fact that the sub-post offices at Cross, High Street, and at Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, have both been closed within recent times; that these post offices were situated in densely populated and important business parts of the centre of Edinburgh; that their withdrawal has caused great inconvenience to large numbers of business men and residents in the adjoining areas who have protested without avail; that protest has also been made by the Town Council of Edinburgh; whether it is the case that at Cockburn Street a new tenant was willing to do the work but could get no satisfaction from the Post Office authorities in the matter; whether he is aware that the suggested office in High Street some months hence will be quite inadequate for the needs of this crowded district; and whether, in view of these facts, he will give instructions to have the offices in Cockburn Street and in High Street restored without delay?

The Cross sub-office was closed on the 30th September last, and the Cockburn Street sub-office on the 4th instant, upon the resignation of the respective sub-postmasters. There are no adequate grounds for maintaining an office in Cockburn Street as the premises are only 250 yards distant from the site of the new office which is being provided at 164, High Street, and both sites are within 500 yards of the head office. The intention was to maintain the Cockburn Street office temporarily until a new office in place of the Cross and Cockburn Street offices could be opened, but the present occupier of the Cockburn Street premises will not allow Post Office work to be conducted there unless he is appointed as sub-postmaster. Ample facilities are, however, available at the head office, and I do not think that any considerable inconvenience is being caused to persons residing or carrying on business in the vicinity. Steps are being taken to prepare the premises at 164, High Street for occupation as soon as possible, and I am assured that they will afford satisfactory accommodation for the needs of the district. I understand that the representatives of the town council accept this view of the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General, if having regard to the interruptions of telegraphic service between England and Ireland due to storm, it is intended to substitute underground for overhead wires in exposed coastal positions?

The question of substituting underground for overhead wires in the exposed sections of the land lines used in connection with the cables to Ireland is being considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, what is the present position with regard to the oil-borings in Derbyshire?

As the Minister in charge of the Petroleum Department, I shall reply to this question. In order to make a thorough test of the Derbyshire district a chain of seven wells was planned covering a distance of approximately 20 miles. The well at Hardstoft has produced approximately 1,900 barrels of oil. Shows of oil have been met with in some of the other borings and work is still continuing. A copy of the Report of the Petroleum Executive on the drilling operations issued on the 24th January last will be forwarded to the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that numbers of men employed on highly dangerous work during the War have been killed or seriously injured as a result of explosions, and these men or their dependants are receiving only the ordinary workmen's compensation; and whether, in view of the character of the work upon which these men were employed and the risks they voluntarily accepted, steps will be taken to provide for them or their dependants on at least as generous a scale as the provision for soldiers and their dependants?

I presume that the question relates to employees of Government factories under the control of the Minister of Munitions. I am aware that a number of such employees have sustained injuries or have died as a result of explosions, but the Minister has no power, in the case of these employees, to pay compensation in excess of the Statutory scales provided by the Workmen's Compensation Acts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Munitions whether a man is employed as an accountant at His Majesty's factory, Queensferry, at a salary of £500 per annum; if so, whether the duty of the office consists solely in visiting the factory once a month, the cost being £40 per visit plus travelling expenses and subsistence allowance; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will have this appointment reconsidered?

In view of this officer's special knowledge of the finance and accounts of His Majesty's factory, Queens-ferry, he was retained on a part-time basis for one quarter from 1st November last at a rate of £500 a year, the minimum for which his services could be secured. His duties involved visits and consultations at headquarters and references elsewhere in addition to his visits to the factory.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions when the Report of the Committee appointed to consider a scheme of pensions for arsenal and dockyard workmen is expected?

My right hon. Friend will recollect that, in reply to his question of the 8th December last, he was informed that the Departmental Committee appointed to enquire into this matter as regards the Royal Ordnance Factories, etc., had presented an interim Report. The subject is one that involves important considerations in which the Ministry of Munitions is not the only Government Department affected, but I think it is probable that a decision upon the interim report will be reached this week. In order to avoid any misapprehension, I should, perhaps, say that I am not aware that any Committee has been appointed to enquire into this subject as regards the Royal Dockyards.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, with the exception of a small percentage, all British stores in France and Belgium thrown up by the military authorities to the Disposals Board have either been sold or are in process of being brought home for disposal or to supplement reserve stocks held in this country; whether he can state the approximate sum of money obtained by the sale of these stores remaining overseas, including railways; and how this sale compares with estimates made in February, 1919?

The total sales of British stores, animals, etc., in France and Belgium since the Armistice amount to approximately £50,000,000 sterling. Of these, a considerable proportion, including stores lying in the front army areas and in the arrondisements of Calais and Dunkirk, railway lines in situ, and huts in various parts of France, have been sold to the French Government and are in process of being taken over by that Government. The same applies to large quantities of railway material, barges, etc., sold to the Belgian Government. The total sales represent more than three-fifths of the surpluses reported for disposal. About £15,000,000 worth of surplus stores have been brought home from France and Belgium since the Armistice for sale in this country. In addition to these surplus stores, it is understood that the War Office have removed from France about £80,000,000 worth of stores to supplement reserve stocks held for the Army. The transfer of the stores Bold to the French Government has been a slower process than was expected, but it is hoped that this will now be accelerated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the case of Miss Gertrude George, of Chippenham, Wiltshire, who lost an eye while engaged on munition work, who is threatened with the complete loss of her eyesight, and who is in consequence permanently partially disabled from earning her living: and whether, under the circumstances, he can see his way to grant her an annuity or compassionate allowance out of the funds at his disposal for the purpose?

As this worker was employed by a private firm and was not in the direct service of the Government, I have no power to grant her such assistance as my hon. Friend suggests. I gather from information courteously supplied by the firm in question that Miss George has received compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Acts in respect of her unfortunate injury.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he will instruct the Burnham Committee to reconsider their Report, and to base their future recommendations upon the principle of equal pay for equal work for all teachers, whether men or women?

I see no sufficient grounds for giving such an instruction as the hon. and gallant Member suggests, even if it were proper for me to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether the increased cost of teachers' salaries, arising out of the proposals of Lord Burnham's Committee, will be borne by the Treasury or the local authorities; if the latter, whether protests have been lodged by many local authorities; and, if so, whether he proposes to make the extra charge a national one.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to resolutions of the Staffordshire County Council, and other education committees, protesting against the whole of the cost consequent on increasing minimum salaries of school teachers under the terms of the Burn-ham Committee being put on the rates; that, as the need for the increase in teachers' salaries was due to national and not local causes, it is unfair to impose the whole of the burden on the local ratepayers, especially in areas having large child populations and comparatively small assessable values; that the tendency of high rates is to discourage, diminish, and extinguish any zeal for education, and asking that the Treasury make provision for the amount required in favour of local authorities concerned to cover the extra cost in the coming financial year; and whether he will take the necessary steps to bring this into effect?

In the calculation of grants according to the formula contained in the Board's Regulations, three-fifths of the Local Education Authority's expenditure on the salaries of teachers in Public Elementary Schools is one of the factors. Local Education Authorities have represented to me that next year, when their expenditure upon the salaries of these teachers will increase considerably in consequence of the adoption of the proposals of Lord Burnham's Committee, an undue burden will be placed upon the rates because the grant in respect of the additional expenditure will hot be paid until the year 1921–22. The question whether it is desirable or necessary to alter the system on which grants in aid of Elementary Education are paid, is one which I can hardly discuss by way of Question and Answer, and I can only say that all the relevant considerations are being carefully examined.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he is aware that the public elementary schools at Dartmouth have recently been closed for 13 weeks by order of the local medical officer of health; and whether he or the local education authority propose to take any steps by way of an inquiry or otherwise to prevent a repetition of such closing.

I am informed that all the Public Elementary Schools in Dartmouth were closed from November 11th to February 9th at the requisition of the Medical Officer of Health of the Local Sanitary Authority (with the concurrence of the County Medical Officer of Health), in accordance with Article 57 of the Code of Regulations for Public Elementary Schools, on account of the prevalence of diphtheria and scarlet fever. There seem to be no grounds for my intervention.

asked the President of the Board of Education what decision, if any, has been taken by the Government with regard to the Report of the Departmental Committee which was appointed in 1918 to make recommendations respecting a national scheme for the training of boys for the sea.

I hope to be in a position very shortly to state the views of the Government on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education when he intends to put into force Section 1, sub-section (8) of the Education Act, 1918, which raises the school exemption age to 14 years of age?

I would refer the hon. Member to Section 52 of the Act, from which he will see that the appointed day for Section 8 (1) cannot be earlier than the date of the termination of the War, as fixed by Order in Council under the Termination of the Present War Definition Act, 1918. I hope to fix the appointed day for Section 8 (1) as soon as possible after that date.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed at a meeting of public libraries, museums, &c, committee, county borough of Stoke-on-Trent, protesting against the recommendation contained in the report of the adult education committee that the control of public libraries and museums should be transferred to the local education authority and strongly supporting the view of the Library Association on the matter addressed to him; and whether, in view of the manner in which the business has been managed for many years and the fact that the education committees are fully occupied in managing their own departments, he can give favourable consideration to the suggestion in the resolution that the libraries and museums be under the management of the libraries, &c, committee as in the past?

The resolution in question was forwarded to me by the Council of the County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent on December 22nd. Under the provisions of the Public Libraries Act, 1919, the position of public libraries, museums and gymnasium committee is not affected unless the council of the county borough decide under Section 3 (2) to refer any matters relating to the exercise by them of their powers under the Public Libraries Acts to the education committee.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has recently issued an order under which teachers who joined the Army and have returned to their duties are required to undergo medical examination at their own expense before they can be accepted under the Superannuation Act; whether those who are suffering in health by reason of their service in the Army are penalised in the benefits they can obtain; whether teachers who have not been in the Army are accepted for full benefits under that Act without any medical examination; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent any injustice to men who have served their Country?

No such order as is mentioned has been issued. Under the Act a death gratuity cannot be granted in respect of any teacher (whether he has served in the Forces or not) who fails to satisfy the Board that he was not of impaired health on the 1st April, 1919. It is not the case that medical certificates are required for teachers who have served in the Forces in circumstances in which they would not be required for other teachers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes, at an early date, to introduce a Bill to give legislative effect to the recommendations of the committee of inquiry into night work in the baking trade?

The question of legislation on the subject of Night-Baking is receiving consideration, and I hope to make an announcement on the matter at an early date.

asked the the Minister of Labour, whether he can give the number of ex-soldiers who, having completed their period of training, are now unable to find suitable employment?

I regret that there is no information at my disposal which would enable me to reply to the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether he is aware that Mr. Roger Halliwell, of Cheltenham, a bricklayer and insured person under Part II. of the National Unemployment Insurance Acts, was prosecuted at the instance of his department for the alleged offence of endeavouring to obtain out-of-work donation benefit under false pretences with intent to defraud on 28th July, 1919; that the case was subsequently adjourned to 31st July, 1919; that the Cheltenham Police Court held that there was a primâ facie case; and that the person in question was committed for trial to the Gloucester Quarter Sessions; whether he is aware that the case was withdrawn from the jury; that Mr. Halliwell left the court without a stain upon his character; and that it was stated in court that the Ministry of Labour could be better engaged than in instituting prosecutions upon such slender evidence; and whether he is prepared to recommend an ex gratiâ payment to this workman to enable him to meet solicitors' costs of £50 which he was forced to incur to protect his honour and compensation for loss of employment and travelling expenses?

I am aware of the facts relative to the case of Mr. Roger Halliwell. In my opinion the evidence before the Department justified the institution of a prosecution, and this view is supported by the action of the magistrates in sending the case for trial. The statement that the Ministry of Labour could be better engaged than in instituting prosecutions on such slender evidence was made by Counsel for the Defence, and was not an opinion expressed by the Court. I regret that I am unable to recommend any ex gratia payment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the case of an insured person who is compelled to pay contributions under the National Insurance Unemployment Acts, 1911–19, and who rightly claims benefit in conformity with the umpire's decision, and such claim is disallowed by a court of referees, such person thereby renders himself liable to prosecution for endeavouring to obtain money under false pretences?

A prosecution would not be instituted in such circumstances unless there was clear prima facie evidence of fraudulent intent.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his Department is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, safe custody, and repairs of pictures, tapestries, and works of art in the Royal Palace of Hampton Court?

My Department is responsible for the upkeep and cleaning of the Palace generally, including the furniture (and tapestries), but the pictures are in the charge of the Lord Chamberlain's Department.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the ground near Gloucester Gate, Regent's Park, formerly used as a cricket field, is now covered by temporary buildings; whether the cricket fields in the area adjoining the Zoological Gardens have been so cut up by cavalry training as to become useless for their previous purpose; whether there is any land whatever in the Regent's Park now available for cricket; and, if not, what steps have been taken to provide playing fields there?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The whole of the area in the centre of the Park has certainly been damaged by its use for military training during the War. All arrangements to restore part of the land to grass have been made for this spring. Meanwhile about one-half of the area will be available for cricket this year.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in the last examination for junior appointments in the Civil Service under the Competitive Selection (Reconstruction) Scheme, nearly 1,000 Civil Servants competed; that of the twenty-nine appointments subsequently made eighteen were commissioned officers and eleven were below that rank; whether he is aware that several of the officers appointed were very low in the list of qualified candidates; that the first nine places were all awarded to officers; and whether he will say what steps were taken to ensure that the appointments should be made in strict accordance with individual merit?

At the competitive selection for junior appointments in the Civil Service which took place on the 25th November last and following days, 259 competitors attended for interview before the Selection Board, of whom twenty-nine were declared successful. Of these twenty-nine, seventeen held commissioned rank. The examination which preceded the competition was a qualifying, not a competitive, examination, and, although the Selection Board took into account "any specially distinguished work done in the qualifying examination," the Board would not otherwise take note of the number of marks obtained by a candidate in that examination. It is the duty of the Selection Board to arrange the candidates in order according to their judgment of the comparative merit of the individual competitors; there is no doubt that the Board performed this duty impartially and to the best of their ability. Military record and recommendations from persons having first-hand knowledge of the work of candidates in any capacity are taken into account by the Selection Board. The candidates' record and work in His Majesty's Forces comprise their life and activities during the last few years; and, apart from the actual military record, it is reasonable to suppose that the personal qualities which gained a candidate promotion in His Majesty's Forces are observed and taken into account by the Selection Board at the interview.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has again been directed by the Scottish Library Association to the serious financial position of Scottish public libraries owing to the limitation of the library rate to 1d. in the pound; whether he is aware that several of the authorities fear that they may be compelled to close their buildings; and whether, having regard to the great importance of the work of public libraries in educational and other reconstruction at the present time and the fact that an Act has been passed for England and Wales abolishing the statutory limitation, he is now in a position immediately to introduce similar legisla- tion for Scotland or take such other action as will assist Scottish public library authorities in their present grave difficulty?

I have received a communication of the nature indicated from the Scottish Library Association, but the urgency of the question has not recently been pressed on me from any other quarter. My hon. Friend will recognise the importance of considering fully the views of the rating authorities in such a matter. I am informed that the Convention of Royal Burghs proposes to discuss the question early in April and to submit their views thereafter. I am awaiting also the observations of the Parish Councils Association.