asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the total value of the confectionery that was imported into this country during the year 1919; and whether he can say what is the approximate total cost of the additional sugar which would be required by British manufacturers of confectionery to enable them to bring their present combined output up to prewar standards?

The imports into the United Kingdom during 1919 included:

Confectionery (other than chocolate confectionery)	£1,018,238
Cocoa preparations (including chocolate confectionery) containing sugar	£2,189,594

It is not known what proportion of the latter figure should be assigned to chocolate confectionery. It is, accordingly, only possible to say that the total value of confectionery imported in 1919 did not exceed £3,207,832. With reference to the last part of the question, I am informed that the cost at current prices of the additional sugar required for the purpose specified would be approximately £6,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the quantities of benzol which have been produced at coke ovens and gas works, respectively, in each of the years 1918 and 1919?

During 1918 approximately 32 million gallons of crude benzol were produced at coke ovens in this country and ten million gallons at gasworks. Statistics for 1919 are not yet available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mr. Winter-burn, of 5, Park Road, Abingdon, aged 69, and unable to work, is in receipt of a pension of only 11s. 8d. per week after 30 years' service as postman; and if he will take steps to have this pension increased?

This amount represents the highest award which the Treasury felt able to award in 1900, due regard being had to Section 9 of the Superannuation Act, 1859, and I see no prospect that it will be possible to increase it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mr. Edgington, of 10, Radley Road, Abingdon, aged 74, and a cripple unable to work, is in receipt of only £1 3s. 3d. per week, after 43 years as a postman; and if he will take steps to have this pension increased?

this amount represents the maximum award possible under the Superannuation Acts, and there is accordingly no power to increase it.

asked the Postmaster General whether he will explain why Albert James Harris, who has been employed for eight years in the postal service, mainly at the Purley Oaks office. Croydon, has been dismissed at one week's notice: and whether he is aware that Mr. Harris is a married man with a, family and the son of a life-long postal servant?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the request by the Goole Chamber of Commerce for the provision of telegraphic facilities at Booth Ferry Road Post Office, Goole; and whether he can arrange to have effect given to this re quest of the business interests of the town?

This application has been brought to my notice, but I regret that, as the Goole Head Post Office is only about 500 yards distant, I do not see my way to accede to the request, especially as telegrams can be dictated by the public from the call office at the Boothferry Road Post Office on payment of the call office fee in addition to the usual telegram charges.

asked the Postmaster-General what action he proposes to take in respect of the claim for consideration of the temporary Post Office staffs, who either have been, or rapidly are being, dismissed from their employment?

I am arranging for an extension of the minimum period of notice to members of the temporary Post Office staff, but otherwise I regret that I am unable to make any special provision.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the high cost of living, the pensions payable to retired civil servants who did not receive the war bonus will be reconsidered?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a month ago R. C. Hitchcox, Identity No. S.F.O. 121,783, was awarded the sum of £84, but up to the present he has only been able to receive £5 through the local War Pensions Committee; and whether he will expedite a settlement of this case?

I regret that there has been delay in this ease. It has now been settled.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether Circular No. 204 has received his approval; and whether, in view of the hardship which many men must undoubtedly suffer if it is enforced, he will take stops to delay its operation meantime?

Circular 204, which was issued on the 8th ultimo, was subsequently amended in certain respects and was reissued to Local War Pensions Committees in revised form on the 6th instant. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the revised circular. My hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking that it will cause any hardship. On the contrary, by the procedure adopted for bringing to notice each man's special requirements, it will be possible to secure for him the most suitable form of treatment.

asked the Postmaster-General if the war pensions could be paid by the Local War Pensions Committee instead of the Post Office and save the unnecessary delay of pensioners waiting for their pensions?

I have been asked to reply to this question. In view of the fact that the number of post offices in the United Kingdom greatly exceeds the number of Local War Pensions Committees' offices, I am afraid that a change of the kind suggested would only result in great inconvenience to pensioners, who are, under existing arrangements, able to select a post office situated much more conveniently for them than would be the office of the Local War, Pensions Committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can give an assurance that the chief woman officer of the Ministry will be the lady appointed to the official side of the Departmental Council?

The appointments to the official side of the Departmental Whitley Council are entirely within the discretion of my right hon. Friend, who cannot give any such assurance as is asked for in this Question. I should perhaps add that there is no member of the staff who is officially designated the chief woman officer of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Pensions what the estimates for the clerical and administrative work of the Ministry were when his predecessor left office; what they were for last year, and what they are for this year; and to what causes are the difference in these estimates attributable?

The estimates for the clerical and administrative work of the Ministry for the three years, 1918–19, 1919–20 and 1920–21, were, respectively, £934,000, £1,988,000 and £2,173,000. These figures do not include the expenditure in respect of medical services and Local Committee administration. The increase in the expenditure is mainly due to the enormously increased volume of work, the number of pensions granted during the last year having equalled the total number granted during the whole of the first four years of the War, and also to the bonus awarded to permanent civil' servants, and the corresponding increases in the pay of the temporary staff.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the decentralisation of the Ministry's work is calculated to increase or to decrease the cost of administration, and in either case by how much?

It is probable that the scheme of decentralisation will increase the cost of administration during the transition stage, but it is not possible to state what the increase will be. It is confidently expected that the increase will be more than compensated for by greater efficiency and expedition in working and by economies in other administrative units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to repay the arrears of pension due to officers who had been compulsorily retained in the Army beyond the date on which they had earned their pension: and, if not, will he explain why the pension which they had earned is to be withheld from them?

It is hoped to announce a decision shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why a wound gratuity and wound pension is refused to Miss Eileen King, a member of Queen Alexandra's Nursing Service, who was severely wounded by hostile bombs while on military duty in France and passed permanently unfit for further military service?

Members of the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service are not eligible for wound gratuities or wound pensions. The question of the rate of disability retired pay for which Miss King may be eligible is a matter for the Ministry of Pensions and, as I have already informed the Noble Member, her case has been referred to that Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. J. Cleary, 96, Blackburn Street, Glasgow, S.S., applied on demobilisation to the Civil Liabilities Commissioners for a grant to purchase furniture, which was refused; whether he is aware that this man joined in August, 1914, when no separation allowances were paid, and therefore sent his wife and four children to Ireland, where living was cheaper; and whether, under those circumstances, that this man is not entitled to some financial assistance, seeing that he is unable to purchase furniture sufficient for his household out of his present weekly wages?

At the time when the decision was given on Mr. Cleary's application, I was without power to give assistance to purchase furniture after demobilisation or discharge. Sanction has recently been obtained to make lump sum grants for the purchase of domestic furniture in certain circumstances where the sale of previously owned furniture was occasioned by serious financial hardship during the applicant's period of service. I am causing further inquiry to be made into Mr. Cleary's case, with a view to ascertaining whether a grant can be made to him by virtue of the amended Regulations, and I will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the benefits conferred on teachers by the Act of 1918 in regard to remuneration and pension is retrospective as regards retired teachers in Scotland, but not as regards those in England and Wales; and, if so, what is the reason for this difference of treatment?

As I have already explained in the House, the superannuation system for teachers in England and Wales has been, and still is, different from that for teachers in Scotland, I understand that the additional benefits given to retired teachers in Scotland are provided out of funds accumulated under the Pensions Scheme in force prior to 1919.

asked the President of the Board of Education if teacher soldiers who are now discharged or demobilised are required to undergo medical examination for the purposes of the Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1918; if they would have to undergo such medical examination had they remained in civil occupation; if a fee is paid for such examination and whether such an examination is an injustice to ex-service teachers; whether any teacher ex-soldiers, and, if so, how many have been declared as medically unfit to participate in the benefits of the Teachers' Superannuation Act of 1918; and whether the Board of Education is prepared to recognise that ex-service teachers shall receive the benefits of the Superannuation Act of 1918 on the same conditions as teachers who did not serve in the Army?

For the purposes of a death gratuity a medical examination is required where the other information before the Board does not justify them in regarding a teacher as not of impaired health on the 1st April, 1919. There is no distinction in this respect between the ex-service teachers and other teachers. The number of cases in which it has been necessary to say that ex-service teachers are not eligible for a death gratuity is less than 20. These teachers are eligible for the other benefits of the Act. The rules require that the fee for a medical examination shall be paid by the teacher.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many schools or other institutions or buildings controlled by education authorities were still in the hands of the War Office or other Government department on 1st January last; and what steps are being taken to secure all such premises for educational purposes?

I regret that I have no precise information for the date in question, but the total number of such cases appears to be about 89; in many of these cases the occupation is partial only. The Board are in constant communication with the Departments concerned with regard to the evacuation of the buildings.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local authorities have submitted schemes as required by The Education Act, 1918; how many such schemes have been approved by the Board; and how many are now in operation?

Five Schemes have been formally submitted to the Board under the Education Act, 1918. Of these, two are complete Schemes, covering the whole of the local education authorities' educational arrangements, and the other three are instalments dealing only with some particular branch of education. One Scheme of the latter type has been provisionally approved by the Board, and is now in operation.

asked the President of the Board of Education what portions of the Education Act, 1918, are now in operation; on what dates such portions came into operation; whether appointed days have been fixed for bringing the rest of the Act into operation; and, if so, what those dates are?

All the Sections of the Education Act, 1918, are now in force, with the exception of those named in (a) and (b) below:(

asked the President of the Board of Education how many secondary schools in England and Wales, respectively, have been allowed to reduce the number of free places which the regulations ordinarily require; how many applications to reduce the number have been received from 1918, 1919, and 1920, respectively; and whether he will now refuse to allow any continued or further reduction of the required number of free places?

I will send the hon. Member the figures for which he asks in the first part of the question. It would involve an unjustifiable expenditure of time and labour to compile figures as to the number of applications for reduction from the commencement of each of the school years 1917, 1918, and 1919, but I will send the hon. Member figures as to the number of such applications granted as from the beginning of each of those years. I am satisfied that the reasons stated in the White Paper presented to Parliament last Session [Cd. 241] for allowing a reduction of the ordinary requirement in special circumstances are still operative, and I do not see my way to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question. Each application for such reduction will be dealt with on its merits.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Commissioners of National Education require three successive favourable reports for the award of a training diploma to an ex-King's scholar; whether there have been oases whore the teachers who received favourable reports in the first two years of service have been deprived of their diplomas on an unfavourable report being given in the third year of service, which is a violation of Rule 172 (a) of the Commissioners' Code; and whether the enforcement of the condition mentioned in the first part of the question is contrary to the recommendations of the Dill Commission?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that a training diploma is not awarded in respect of any given number of reports but in respect of two years' continuous satisfactory service covered by favourable reports. It may thus happen that in certain cases further reports beyond those actually made within the two years' period are necessary in order that the full period of satisfactory service be covered. The Commissioners are not aware of any cases of teachers who have fulfilled the conditions of Rule 172 (a) and who have been deprived of their diplomas. It does not appear that the Vice-Regal Committee, presided over by Sir Samuel Dill, made any specific recommendations on the question of Training Diplomas.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what action he is taking, if any, to restore to the public their inalienable rights in the public parks; if he is aware that many of the apparently permanent buildings erected therein have not received the sanction of Parliament; and if he will say when he proposes to make a statement to the House as to the cost, the future, and the uses of the buildings indicated?

The question of permanently accommodating the largely increased Government staffs is receiving my serious consideration. No effort has been or will be spared by my Department with a view to restoring the Royal parks as desired, but so long as the demand for office accommodation continues in excess of the supply, the question of removing these buildings must be postponed. As the hon. Member is aware, the buildings had to be erected in the parks during the stress of war, as no other accommodation could be found for the large Government staffs called into being in the national emergency. The cost of the buildings has already been published in the appropriation accounts, and I am sending the hon. Member a statement showing the buildings (for the removal of which it has not yet been possible to make any definite arrangement) and the Departments in occupation.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware that the French authorities at Folkestone, Dieppe, and other frontier stations, now impound all British notes, whether French or British, above the values of 1,000 francs, found in the possession of travellers returning to England, and that travellers are only able to recover this English money, which they may have brought into France and never changed, after considerable delay and inconvenience and a considerable loss on the exchange owing to the compulsory conversion of British bank notes into French currency at the exchange rates for British notes and back again into British currency by cheque on London at a less favourable rate; whether he can explain with what object the French authorities interfere with British currency in the possession of British subjects; and whether, in view of the great inconvenience caused to British travellers, he will make representations to the French Government to limit their prohibition of the export of bank notes to their own currency, and to allow British subjects undisturbed possession of British currency?

Regulations enforced by the French authorities forbid travellers in France to remove French or foreign bank notes above the total value of 1,000 francs without special authorisation from the French Ministry of Finance. They also prohibit the exportation of gold or silver money, whether French or foreign, above the sum of 10 francs. Travellers are entitled, however, to take out of France the money which they brought in, provided that they declare such sums to the Customs authorities and obtain a receipt at the port of entry. These regulations are, no doubt, mainly of a preventive nature, due to the present shortage of French currency and to the exigencies of the exchange. With regard to the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, H.M. Ambassador in Paris has been instructed to approach the French Government with a view to the possible modification of the existing regulations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any arrangements have been made or are under consideration with the Persian Government regarding the construction of a railway across Persia from Mesopotamia to the Caspian Sea; and, if so, who is to be asked to find the necessary capital?

On January 10th the Persian Government granted to the Persian Railways Syndicate (Limited) an option for the construction and equipment of a railway from Khanikin to Tehran, viâ Kormanshah and Hamadan, with a branch to Enzeli on the Caspian Sea. The Persian Government have reserved the right to decide later whether the Railway is to be constructed as a Persian State line or whether a concession shall be granted to the Syndicate to build the line with a Persian Government guarantee on such terms as may be necessary and practicable. If the railway is built as a Persian State line, the capital necessary for the undertaking would be raised by the issue of Persian Government bonds secured by the necessary guarantees.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the cause and circumstances of the surrender by the Allies of Admiral Koltchak to the Red Commander at Irkutsk; whether the British mission in Siberia was consulted in the matter; and, if not, who was responsible for this surrender?

Communications with Siberia during the last two months have been necessarily defective, and I am not sufficiently in possession of the facts to make a reliable statement. I understand, however, from the Acting British High Commissioner in Siberia that a full report of all the circumstances has been sent to the French Government, and I have asked to be supplied with the substance of that report. My present information is that Admiral Koltchak, who was travelling accompanied by a Czech escort, arrived at Irkutsk on January 15th, where his train was immediately surrounded by Revolutionary troops, to whom he was surrendered by the Czechs. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and I cannot answer the third part until I receive the report referred to above.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ten Kouban Members of Parliament, expelled from Russia on the order of General Denikin, have been transported from Novo Rossisk to Constantinople on board a British military transport; whether these Members of Parliament, including two Colonels, have been placed under the guard of British soldiers and officers of General Denikin's army; and whether he can give any further information with regard to the present position of these Members?

I have no information on this Question, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether non-commissioned officers and men of the Territorial Forces who have completed their term of service, but have not yet received their discharge, and who are therefore liable to be recalled to the colours, though they have signed no further undertaking, are entitled to the usual bounty; and, if not, will he give the reasons?

I presume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to reserve pay. As the Prime Minister explained to the deputation which he received recently, such liability as attaches to Section Z is not sufficient to justify any payment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed, in connection with the reconstitution of the Territorial Army, to give its Director-General a seat on the Army Council?

At present I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth on the 16th April last, to the effect that the point would be considered in connection with the general scheme of Army re-organisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Committee appointed to consider the question of officers returning to their pre-war uniforms has yet reported; what is the substance of the Report; when the change, if any, is to come into operation; and what contribution the Government proposes to make towards the expense which it will entail on each officer?

The Committee has reported, and the whole question is under consideration by the Army Council. I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the feeling existing regarding the treatment of deserters from the old and new Armies since the Armistice; and if he is prepared to reconsider the matter with a view to the early release of these men?

No, Sir. It is not considered that deserters should receive preferential treatment. The offence of desertion is a serious one, and it is very prevalent at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to grant a medal to the officers and men who were retained on Home service during the War and who never left the British Isles; and, if so, whether the many elderly men who volunteered for service on the East Coast and elsewhere will be entitled to the decoration?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on Monday last to the hon. Member for Elland. In the event of a medal being granted for services rendered at home in connection with the War, the claims of those mentioned in the last part of the question would not be lost sight of.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to complaints alleged to have been made by patients in Army mental hospitals regarding their treatment in such hospitals; whether such complaints have been investigated, if so, with what result; whether and, i£ so, in what respects the system of treament in Army mental hospitals has differed from the system of treatment generally adopted in mental hospitals under public control; whether he is satisfied with the results yielded by the present system of treatment; and whether he is prepared to order an inquiry into the allegations made directly against the officials of the Army mental hospitals and indirectly against the Army medical department?

My atention has been called to the alleged complaints. Strict orders were issued by the Director-General, Army Medical Service, that every complaint, however made of whatever nature, should be immediately enquired into. These orders, I believe, have been strictly observed, and such action as enquiry justified has invariably been taken. In no case has it been found that there was ground for serious complaint, and the suggestions of careless treatment and of deliberate ill-treatment in these hospitals are unjustified. The utmost care has been taken in the treatment of soldiers suffering from early mental disorders, and the system of treatment followed, which was adopted after consultation with the most expert authorities on the subject, has been acknowledged by those best qualified to judge to be in some respects an improvement on the system generally adopted in civil mental hospitals. The results have been highly satisfactory, as is evidenced by the higher recovery rate and lower death rate as compared with civil institutions of similar type. I am satisfied that the general allegations made against the officials of the Army mental hospitals and the Army Medical Service are entirely unjustified, and I see no occasion for ordering an enquiry of the nature suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why a lientenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps is promoted to captain after 3½ years' service, and a captain to major after a further nine years, or a total of 12½ years' service, whilst a lieutenant in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps is not promoted to captain until he has five years' service, and to major after a further ten years, or a total of fifteen 3'ears' service; and will he take steps to have the officers of both these corps placed under entirely the same conditions as to promotions and rates of pay?

The time promotion qualifications for the Royal Army Medical Corps, and Royal Army Veterinary Corps laid down in the Royal Warrant for Pay, &c., were made in accordance with the requirements of the service and of the Corps concerned. It is not at present contemplated to alter the existing conditions. It is found by experience that it is necessary for corps to vary somewhat as regards conditions for promotion and rates of pay according to the requirements of each.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated annual cost, including annual training, of the following units of the new Territorial Army, namely, a yeomanry regiment and a special reserve yeomanry regiment, respectively; and if the respective strengths of these units will be approximately the same?

The detailed organisation is still under consideration, and the information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member is accordingly not yet available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether arrangements were over made between the War Office and the Ministry of Labour for the employment of ex-service men on works of reconstruction arising out of military use of buildings, &c.; whether he is aware that a number of painters so employed were discharged from the Royal Dublin Society a week before Christmas; whether the reason for the discharge was the non-payment of money due from the War Office for works, done or on account of a decision to withhold payment of any further money; whether he is aware that these ex-service men are still unemployed and that in one case the man's pension was reduced because of the employment upon which he was engaged and which was summarily ended; and whether further efforts will be made to provide for the re-employment of these men?

I am making enquiry, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is considerable delay in giving industrial training to disabled soldiers and sailors; whether the number awaiting training in the Northern region is 1,600; whether the local war pensions war committees have a responsibility in the matter; and, if they have not, will he take steps to make the fact clear in order that the local war pensions committee may not be blamed for a delay for which they are not responsible?

I am aware that there has been delay in the provision of adequate training facilities for disabled ex-service men in the Northern area, but, as explained in the reply which I gave yesterday to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Chester-le-Street Division, it is anticipated that the situation will be much improved in the near future, when the large training centres at Birtley and Walker are in full operation. The local war pensions committees have now no responsibility for the provision of training facilities, except in the case of those ex-service men who require concurrent medical treatment.

asked the Food Controller if he will adjust the price of petrol and paraffin in the case of fishermen using them, seeing that the price of the fish they land is subject to control?

The Food Controller has no power to control the prices of petrol and paraffin.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the recent judicial decision that private persons owning gardens and selling a portion of the produce of those gardens need not pay the standard wage under the Corn Production Act has caused discontent to owners of commercial gardens; and whether he can introduce legislation to amend the Act in question so as to bring all persons selling garden produce for money within the scope of the Act?

The Ministry are aware of the discontent which has arisen amongst, owners of commercial gardens in consequence of the decision of a divisional court on the 22nd ultimo, and the question of an Amendment of the Corn Production Act to meet the situation created thereby is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will state the difference in the imports of cereals and foodstuffs from Asia Minor between the year 1913 and the year 1919?

As the answer involves a statistical table, I will, with the permission of the House, have a statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what acreage, according to his latest Returns, has as yet been sown with wheat; and how this compares with figures for the last five years?

The acreage under wheat in England and Wales for the past five years has been returned as follows:

—		Autumn Sown Acres.	Spring Sown Acres.	Total Acres.
1915	…	2,029,313	140,857	2,170,170
1916	…	1,787,320	124,888	1,912,208
1917	…	1,724,703	193,782	1,918,485
1918	…	2,293,440	263,221	2,556,661
1919	…	2,074,027	140,568	2,221,195

I have no reliable information as to the position later than 4th June, 1919.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the operation of the Irish Pig (Control) Order, 1918, as affecting the livelihood of a considerable number of retail pork butchers in Liverpool and district; whether such Order restricts the importation of pigs into England to those who imported the same in 1916 and on the basis of trade? done in that year; whether his attention has been called to the fact that a considerable number of the retail pork butchers of Liverpool and district were in 1916 serving in the forces and consequently unable to do any substantial trade in 1916; whether the operation of such Order has the effect of penalising ail those who under such circumstances were serving their country; and if he can see his way to modify the Order in such a manner as to remove a grievance seriously affecting the livelihood of those men who were serving their country to the advantage of those who for various reasons were not doing so?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer already given on Friday, the 13th February, to the hon. and gallant Member for the Walton Division.

asked the Food Controller what steps are taken to consult Scottish opinion in fixing the controlled price of fish?

In fixing maximum prices of fish, all sections of the industry in Scotland have been consulted, representatives of the Scottish trawler owners, skippers, mates and men, line fishermen, wholesalers and retailers having attended conferences called to discuss the question.

asked the Food Controller if he has seen that 1,000 Cornish tin-miners marched 16 miles from St. Just to Penzance and back to demonstrate their indignation at the existing prices of milk and butter, and that at the annual meeting of the Bristol Dairymen's Association allegations were made that one company, with the consent of his Department, was permitted to buy immense quantities of milk, reduce the same to powder, and export it to Germany.; and whether he will give the name of that company and say what quantities they have purchased in the last three months in the counties of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall?

My attention has been drawn to the demonstration of Cornish tin-miners referred to, but I have no information as to the allegations contained in the second part of the Question. If my hon. Friend will give me more detailed information, I will cause enquiries to be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be able to reduce the Government charge for bran which is now weighing so heavily upon farmers who have to purchase foodstuffs?

I have been asked to reply. Any decrease in the price of bran would involve an increase in the amount of the bread subsidy, and as, even at the present price, bran is relatively one of the cheapest forms of cattle food, it is not thought advisable to make any reduction.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what action the Department is taking to stamp out foot-and-mouth disease, and what success it has had; and whether it is necessary in all cases to destroy all the livestock on a farm on which the disease appears?

(1) On the confirmation of disease trained inspectors are sent to the affected district to take charge of the operations for suppression of the disease.(2) The operations for eradication have been invariably successful up to date, in connection with the numerous outbreaks of invasion which have occurred, but the source of invasion has not been discovered.(3) It is not necessary to destroy all livestock on a farm on which disease appears, and it is the Ministry's practice to take means to save all the stock possible. Slaughter is confined to affected animals, but those in direct contact to the affected, and in some cases contiguous stock not actually affected, but which might form a chain for infection to spread to a large number of other stock further away, may also be slaughtered.The Ministry has also secured the services of a special committee of eminent scientists to investigate the problems connected with this disease.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what undertaking, if any, has been given to the French Government regarding the issue of a further French loan in this country?

As stated by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Peebles on December 15th last. His Majesty's Government have assented to the issue by the French Government in the London market of a loan, the proceeds of which are to be spent entirely in the United Kingdom.The amount and date of the loan are not yet settled and will depend on the arrangements to be made by the French Government with the market. There is no question of a loan by the British Government to the French Government

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware that debts owing to British firms by Germans domiciled in Alsace-Lorraine are being paid for in marks instead of, as provided in the Peace Treaty, at their pre-war value; and whether, in view of the great hardship caused to British traders, he will see that remittances are made in accordance with the Peace Treaty?

I have been asked to reply. The provisions of the Treaty of Peace with Germany, under which prewar debts due to British subjects have to be discharged in sterling at the pre-war rate of exchange, do not apply in the case of persons resident in Alsace-Lorraine. In these circumstances, there is no power to compel the payment of debts referred to by my hon. Friend in sterling at the pre-war rate of exchange, and the settlement of such debts is a matter for private arrangement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a resolution from the Woolwich borough council stating that unprecedented shortage of coal for domestic purposes is causing misery and hardship to many inhabitants who possess neither the means nor the facilities for storing coal; that the export of coal should be stopped until such time as all working-class localities in this country are in receipt of normal supplies of coal; that the Government shall give clear instructions to the Coal Controller to at once take all necessary steps to obtain and maintain an adequate supply of domestic coal through normal trade channels; that the Prime Minister be asked to institute an inquiry into the administration of the Coal Mines Department, the failure of that department to secure adequate supplies of reserve coal to local authorities who have endeavoured to protect the interest of the poor of their localities, and the reasons for the prolonged shortage of coal to the ordinary consumer, despite the fact that for some time past there has been a progressive increase in the quantity of coal produced in this country over the quantity produced 12 months ago; and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter?

I have received a copy of the resolution. Everything possible is being done to improve supplies of coal for domestic purposes and in this connection I would refer the hop. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Holborn by the Leader of the House on Monday last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Greenock Co-operative Society have never been in a position to supply their customers with the minimum allowance of two bags of coal per week; that deliveries from the Kilmarnock Cooperative Society are several weeks in arrears; that practically all the co-operative societies in Glasgow and district are unable to meet their customers' requirements; and whether he will take action to secure the allocation of sufficient coal for household purposes?

I am having inquiries made into the matters raised and will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he replied to the War Cabinet letter of 20th November last asking for an estimate of reduction of expenditure in his Department; and what reduction he proposes to make?

Yes, Sir; but the Ministry of Health was only established in July last; and, on taking over the existing functions and staffs of the Local Government Board and the Insurance Commission, was given new and extended functions under the Ministry of Health Act and the Housing Acts, which obviously made it impossible to reduce the staff. Every effort, however, has been made, to the satisfaction (as I understand) of the Treasury, with whom the detailed reorganisation of the staff was worked out, to secure the utmost economy in the staffing arrangements.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that recently a subscription list was organised among the outdoor staff of the Insurance Department of the Ministry in order to make a present to the Chief Inspector on the occasion of his marriage; that the appeal for contributions was signed and circulated by persons in many cases superior in rank to those to whom the appeal was made, and that many officers gave contributions because of a fear that it would be detrimental to their positions to refuse; whether this collection received his sanction; and whether he will take any steps to prevent similar appeals being made in the future?

No, Sir; neither I nor any of the heads of Departments have had any cognisance of the matter, which was a purely private affair amongst the outdoor staff as private individuals, none of whom, I am sure, can have felt any such qualms as the Question suggests. There was absolutely no foundation for any, and no such idea as penalisation could occur to anyone who knows the official chiefly concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Sanitary Inspectors' Association have made repeated applications for a deputation to be received by him with regard to the differentiation in salaries paid to sanitary inspectors in the various London boroughs and the inadequacy of such salaries; and whether he will arrange to receive the deputation from the association at a convenient date?

The whole question of the relation of the Ministry to the salaries paid to Local Government Officers will come under consideration in connection with the contemplated legislation in connection with Health Services and the Reform of the Poor Law, and I therefore do not consider that there would be any advantage in receiving the proposed deputation at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the position of clerks to district auditors; whether these clerks are exclusively employed on Government work, are paid out of Government funds at rates fixed by the Treasury, and yet have no rights as established civil servants; and whether he can arrange for these clerks to be placed on the established list?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can arrange for district audit clerks to be established as civil servants with a right to superannuation in accordance with the Report of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service 1914?

My attention has been called to the position of these clerks; a scheme of reorganisation is under consideration, and I am in correspondence with the Treasury on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that more than half the children born at the present time are withheld from vaccination; whether under the present Vaccination Acts the proportion of un-vaccinated children of each year's births is steadily increasing; whether nearly 40 per cent. of the births each year are exempted from vaccination by the statutory declaration of their parents of objection to the operation; and in what way would the health of the community be involved by the repeal of the compulsory clauses of the Vaccination Acts, seeing that under present conditions such a large number of children remain unvaccinated, while small-pox is less prevalent than in the years when a far larger proportion of children were vaccinated?

The facts are approximately as stated in the first part of the question. I am, however, of opinion that the repeal of the compulsory clauses of the Vaccination Acts would result in a still larger proportion of children remaining unvaccinated and thus the whole community would be less protected. Small-pox is prevalent at the present time in various parts of Europe, Canada and America, and in view of the risks of the introduction of the disease into this country, I am not prepared to take any action which would tend to increase the number of persons in this country who are unprotected by vaccination.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that The Increase of Rent, &c. (Amendment), Act, 1919, expires on the 1st July this year; that the Act repeals the clauses in the 191S Act and the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restriction) Act, 1919, giving tenants fixity of tenure on complying with certain conditions of tenancy, and the whole Act of 1918, and that landlords will be in a position of evicting tenants at 1st July; and whether, seeing that such a condition of affairs, owing to the scarcity of houses, would involve danger to public order and peace, the Government intends to introduce legislation to deal with the matter?

This matter has received the consideration of the Cabinet, and a Committee has been set up to consider the operation of the Rent Restriction Acts, and to advise what steps should be taken to extend, continue, or amend those Acts.

asked the Minister of Health whether rents of houses coming within the provisions of The Rent Restriction Act, 1915, can be raised 10 per cent. after six months subsequent to the notification of peace with Germany; and whether, in respect of the 1919 Act, the extra 10 per cent. can be charged during the currency of an existing Treasury agreement, or if the lease must be previously determined.

The date of the termination of the War for the purposes of the Rent Restriction Acts will be fixed by Order in Council under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, and the six months period will run from the date so fixed. I am not aware of any provision in the Rent Restriction Acts which would authorise an increase in the rent during the currency of an existing agreement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to issue a list of those municipal authorities which are not dealing with the housing problem on an adequate scale?

The monthly statement as to the housing schemes of local authorities which is issued as a Command Paper, contains particulars of the housing schemes submitted to the Ministry of Health by every local authority and where a local authority has not yet submitted definite proposals this fact is stated.

asked the Minister of Health if the brickyards at Peterborough and Durham are congested with millions of bricks owing to lack of transport to remove them; and if he has secured any undertaking from the Minister of Transport as to preferential treatment for their transport, as to rapid repair of trucks, and as to the further supply and effective distribution of trucks for the purpose?

The statement in the hon. and gallant Member's question is, I believe, substantially correct. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, in regard to the matters referred to in the question.

asked the Minister of Health, seeing that the high price of building materials is largely due to their scarcity, what steps is he taking to ensure that the prices are maintained at a reasonable level?

The whole question of the cost and profits made in the production of building materials is now being enquired into by a committee appointed under the Profiteering Act by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of picture palaces and houses of public entertainment now in course of erection in the United Kingdom and the number of workpeople employed thereon?

No statistics are available on the points referred to by the hon. Member. I presume that the hon. Member is aware of the powers conferred by Section 5 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, as regards the prohibition of building operations which in terfere with the provision of dwelling-houses.

asked the Minister of Health what is the average price per acre of land acquired for housing purposes; and whether any land has been given free of charge for housing purposes?

The average cost per acre of land included in housing schemes in regard to which both the site and price had been approved by my Department was, up to the 21st January, the latest date for which figures are available, £185. A large number of free gifts of land for housing purposes have been made and I propose to circulate a list of the donors.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state, in view of the great shortage of houses, why it is that two houses in Barry Road, London, S.K., are lying empty, and have been for years; is he aware that a large number of people are willing to rent these houses, but are unable to get them; whether there is a fictitious notice in a window of each that they are let; and whether, seeing the local authority had recently put up a notice on the buildings warning the proprietor that certain repairs must be made, he will take steps to secure power to cause unlet property under such circumstances bearing its share of local rates?

I presume that the houses to which the hon. Member refers are Nos. 231 and 233, Barry Road, Lordship Lane, in the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell. These houses were inspected on behalf of my Department on the 17th December and found suitable for working-class dwelling, and notices under Section 28 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act., 1919, were served on the owner by the Metropolitan Borough Council. These notices were not complied with, and the Borough Council subsequently made a proposal to my Department to acquire the properties. They were informed by my Department on the 21st January last that there was no objection to this course, and were recommended to make a compulsory purchase order.

asked the Minister of Health what powers local authorities possess under the Housing. (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, for increasing available housing accommodation by dealing with dwelling-houses, which are kept unoccupied, whether for the purpose of storing furniture or otherwise?

under Section 6 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, a person is liable to penalties if, after 3rd December, 1919, without permission in writing from the local authority, he uses otherwise than as a dwelling-house a house which is reasonably fit or is reasonably capable of being rendered fit for human habitation. I may also remind my hon. Friend of the powers possessed by local authorities under the previous Act to acquire houses which are suitable for working-class dwellings.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in many districts where there is a demand for houses there exist empty cottages used as summer week-end residences only; and if he will consider authorising local authorities to purchase at a fair rate such cottages to assist in meeting the housing demand?

Local authorities already have power under Section 12 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, to acquire houses which might be made suitable for the working classes.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Bramley, Leeds, Board of Guardians in dismissing four of their officers on the ground that they have children residing with them at the Poor Law institution; and whether, in view of the effect of such action upon the best interests of the nation, he will take steps to prevent these dismissals taking place?

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the action of the Bramley Board of Guardians in serving upon its resident porter and his wife one month's notice to terminate their appointments because they cannot see their way to comply with the Board's instruction, issued on the grounds of discipline, that they must place their seven-weeks-old son in the charge of some person outside the institution; is he aware that the same Board has also served a similar notice on the resident attendant and his wife, who have a child of three years living with them; and can he see his way to advise the Board to reconsider its decision with the view to preventing the discharge of these public servants?

Yes, Sir, and I have intimated to the guardians that I could not support them in such action as they are said to contemplate. But the matter, I regret to say, is not one in which I have power to issue a prohibition or direction to the guardians.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the guardians of the Bramley Union, Leeds, that in the best interest of the institution, and of the discipline, as well as for the future benefit of the child, it is desirable that Mr. and Mrs. Jackson should make preparation for placing out their child under proper care, to be maintained outside the institution, the same to take effect not later than the 1st March next, and they recommend that directions be given accordingly; if he is aware that in consequence of the refusal of the porter and portress named to part with their child they have received a month's notice for the termination of their appointment; if a similar notice has been served on Mr. and Mrs. Parker, male and female attendants of the same union, who have a child of three years of age resident with them; and if he will take immediate steps to prevent this policy of that board being carried out and secure the reinstatement of the officers named?

May I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to the hon. Member for the Wellingborough Division (Mr. W. R. Smith).

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he will consider the advisability of increasing the pensions of Metropolitan police officers who retired prior to the recent increase in the pay and pensions of the force?

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, since the passing of the Sex Disqualification Removal Act, he has issued instructions to chief constables in England and Wales cancelling the instructions previously given that women cannot be sworn in as constables?

I have not issued any new instructions on the subject. The question of the status and duties of women appointed to assist the police will be considered by the Committee of which my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Lender Secretary of State is Chairman.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Home Office Committee appointed to inquire into the question of duties, status, pay, and conditions of women police, will include Scotland in its survey; and, if not, in view of the urgency of this matter in that country, the Government will take the necessary steps to include Scotland under the terms of reference?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Committee will include Scotland in their inquiry, and I am in communication with the Secretary for Scotland as to the appointment of a Scottish representative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the increase in cloak-room fees for deposits made by commercial travellers, and what the increased charge yields; and what is the estimated gain to the railways accruing from the withdrawal of favourable fare rates to commercial travellers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has seen a resolution by the Nottingham branch of the United Commercial Travellers' Association protesting against the withdrawal of the 1d. cloak fee charged to commercial travellers depositing their samples and business luggage in the railway cloak rooms; and whether he is aware that this action imposes a further charge upon commercial travellers, who have been and still are very seriously penalised by the withdrawal of their week-end tickets and the increase in the fares put into operation in January, 1917, and praying for the reconsideration of this matter and for the reinstatement of a special rate go as to give to those constantly travelling on business the consideration to which they are equitably entitled, having regard to their constant use of the railways exclusively for business purposes?

Resolutions have been received from several branches of the United Kingdom Commercial Travellers' Association on this subject. The withdrawal of the 1d. cloak room fee is not confined to commercial travellers, but applies to all classes of travellers and the minimum charge of 2d. was imposed on the recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee. At the present time, owing to the working conditions and financial position of the railways, it is not practicable to restore the issue of special week-end tickets to commercial travellers, but, as soon as circumstances admit, special cases in which facilities have been withdrawn will receive consideration. No figures are available as to the amounts paid in the shape of these increased charges and fares.

asked the Minister of Transport, whether the railway companies, in consideration of his authorising the increases in railway rates now being imposed, have agreed to relieve the Treasury of the guarantee it gave the railways in 1914?

The answer is in the negative. If the additional increase in railway rates results in a surplus over the amount due to the companies under the guarantee, the difference will be retained by the Government.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any representative of rural district councils is included on the Roads Advisory Committee; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that the rural district councils are responsible for the maintenance of nearly 100,000 miles of roads throughout the country, he will appoint to the Advisory Committee a representative of such councils?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks on February 12th, in which I stated that a representative of the rural district councils would be appointed on the Roads Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the period for which return tickets between Dublin and London were available has been reduced from six to two months; and if he will state the reasons for the change?

The alteration to which the hon. and gallant Member refers took effect in September, 1918, when the maximum period for which return tickets are available was reduced generally to two months. This change was made to render it easier for the railway companies to cheek abuses of the privilege,

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to the inhabitants of Cole-ford and district, Gloucestershire, by the removal of the railway between Cole-ford and Monmouth for war purposes; and if he will take steps to restore the railway to its pre-war state as early as possible, and thus provide railway facilities in this area as existed in prewar times?

As soon as conditions allow, the re-opening of this line will be considered, but owing to the shortage of materials to replace those removed in connection with the War, the maintenance of main lines fell in arrear, and as materials become available this work must have precedence.

asked the Minister of Transport if provision will be made for a representative of the different associations of railway passengers and season-ticket holders throughout the country to sit on the local railway wages boards under the new scheme?

The local bodies referred to will deal only with questions arising locally as regards the wages and conditions of service of railwaymen in a particular locality, and I do not think that associations such as those referred to in the Noble Lord's question could render useful assistance in such matters.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he is aware of the inability to carry out road maintenance work in the borough of Wimbledon owing to the impossibility of obtaining granite from Guernsey, because steamers which habitually carried stone cargoes, after discharging coal at Guernsey, now return in ballast for coal ports, and whether he will make arrangements for the conveyance of the granite to English ports at a reasonable rate of freight?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave yesterday to the right hon. Member for East Woolwich and the hon. and gallant Member for Faversham, on the subject of the conveyance of granite from the Channel Islands.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what steps have been taken as to the distribution of the German trawlers surrendered under the terms of the Peace Treaty?

No trawlers have yet been delivered by Germany to the Reparation Commission. The distribution of trawlers as well as of other vessels to be surrendered under the Peace Treaty rests with that Commission which has set up a maritime service to deal with the question.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that British owners of works, in Lille destroyed during the German occupation have been refused assistance by the French Government in the work of reconstruction, as provided for in the Peace Treaty, on the ground of their British nationality; why, under such circumstances, the British Government have refused assistance; and whether he will take such steps to see that justice is done in these cases?

I understand that the French Government have made legislative provision for advances in aid of the reconstruction of industry in the devastated areas in France. This is quite independent of any provisions of the Treaty, which does not impose upon them any such obligation as is suggested in the first part of the Question. On the second and third parts of the Question I must refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to similar questions on the 20th November and 18th December to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Rye Division of Sussex. Particulars of losses suffered by the British owners of works in France and Belgium destroyed by the Germans—if not already furnished—should be sent at once to the Board of Trade, which will be responsible for putting forward the British Government's claim for reparation in respect of them to the British Reparation Commission for submission to the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for India, if he is aware how many regular British officers of the Indian Army have sent in their resignations; and how many resignations have been accepted since the Armistice?

The Secretary of State is unable to furnish the information required in the first part of the question without reference to India. The information asked for in the second part can be given in a day or two, if the hon. and gallant Member will be kind enough to repeat his question.

asked the Secretary of State for India, whether he will endeavour to arrange for officers of the Indian Army who have been serving in Russia or other places beyond the limits of India and Mesopotamia for facilities to be afforded them of taking their gratuity in rupees in India irrespective of where they happened to be on 4th August, 1919?

The question of what categories of officers should be allowed to draw the sterling gratuity at the specially favourable rate of exchange was most carefully considered, and the Secretary of State regrets that it is not possible to enlarge them.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that officers were encouraged by the Indian Government to study the Russian language, being promised a monetary reward of £125 on passing first-class interpretership and a second sum of £75 on requalifying after five years, and, further, that officers who have applied under these rules to requalify have been informed that the regulations have been altered, and that therefore the definite undertaking on which they proceeded to Russia has been cancelled; and if he will state what the intentions of the Indian Government are in regard to this?

The matter has been referred to the Government of India for consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the discrepancy between the wages paid to the covenanted subordinate staff of the railways in India as compared with the awards granted to all trades in England; whether he is aware that petitions were submitted to the Railway Board for the improvement of these conditions; that no official acknowledgment or consideration was given for almost two years; and that the appeal for the hardships of these conditions to be removed or alleviated and for the granting of benefits enjoyed by other Government Departments in India has been totally rejected by the Indian Railway Board; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction prevalent as a result of this decision, he will take steps to have the whole case reconsidered?

The Government of India inform me that the pay of covenanted and other subordinates on the Indian railways has recently been substantially increased, and that, while they do not consider a further general increase to be required at the present time, the constantly changing conditions are receiving their close attention. As I am informing the hon. Member in reply to another question, I am awaiting further particulars from the Government of India before considering whether any further action is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will grant free or assisted passages (on leave) to covenanted civil employés on railways in India on a system similar to that applied to the military and other Government Departments there; and, if not, will he explain the reasons for making this differentiation?

I will consider the question of granting free passages to covenanted employés on Indian railways coming home on leave.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that covenanted railway employés, when home on leave from India, are still paid the same allowance and rate of pay as before the War, in spite of the greatly increased cost of living and of the big advance in all wages in this country; whether he is aware that it is only the financial advantage gained from the present rate of exchange which at all makes it possible for these men to come homo on leave; and whether he will take steps to increase the leave allowance of these men forthwith?

The rise in the rate of exchange has had the effect of very considerably increasing the amounts drawn by railway employés who come to this country on leave, as compared with those drawn before the War. I am about to consider the question of applying to these employés rules recently adopted for other officers of the Government of India under which furlough on half-pay may be exchanged for a shorter period of leave on full pay.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that only recently have the Railway Board approved of a scale of increases of salaries in India to men covenanted from England to cater for the increased cost of clothing and living; that only 16·66 per cent. to 21·42 per cent. on prewar wages is given now; that the remainder is to be given in yearly instalments; and that this will extend to 1922 or 1924 before the maximum, which is 33·33 per cent. to 44·44 per cent. is reached; and whether he will take any, and, if so, what, steps to enlarge and to hasten the full payment of this increment?

I have ascertained from the Government of India that revised scales of pay have recently been sanctioned for workshop employés of the subordinate supervising class on the Indian State Railways and most of the Companies' lines. The application of these scales has been so regulated on the State Railways that every man in this class receives an immediate increase of about Rs. 50 monthly. A general revision of the pay of the staff in other classes has been carried out, and the mileage and overtime allowances for the running staff have been increased. I am asking the Government of India for further particulars, on receipt of which I will consider whether any further action is called for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he can make any statement as to the discharges from Woolwich Arsenal; and whether any disabled ex-soldiers or sailors are now being discharged?

In answer to the first part of the question, so far as the Ministry of Munitions is concerned, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wednesbury on the 12th February. With regard to the latter part of the question, a number of disabled ex-service men were under notice of discharge, but as a result of representations on their behalf it has been decided to suspend these notices for one fortnight pending a final decision.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether an offer recently submitted by the Corporation of Bradford for a quantity of suits and overcoats advertised by the Disposal Board for public tender has been declined; if so, will he state the reason for such refusal; if he can see his way to indicate the grounds upon which tenders are generally determined; and whether it is the considered policy of the Disposal Board to protect the interests of private traders or does it endeavour to secure a price for goods in excess of that at which they can be efficiently and speedily disposed of through public authorities without loss to the State?

Offers were recently submitted by the Corporation of Bradford for a quantity of suits and overcoats, the first of which tenders (for 2,000 suits and 1,000 overcoats) was accepted. Two subsequent offers at lower prices were made by the Bradford Corporation and were declined as the prices quoted were too low and would have resulted in considerable loss to the public. As I have repeatedly stated, the policy of the Disposal Board is to dispose of surplus Government stores at the best market price, this being the only way in which the interests of the whole body of taxpayers can be safeguarded.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many firms are employed in the production of war medals; what is the average weekly output; and how long it will take to complete the production and issue of all the medals required?

At present all War medals are being produced at Woolwich Arsenal. The average weekly output is now 90,000, but it is hoped to increase this to 120,000. The production will be complete by about August, 1921. I may add that the responsibility for issue rests with the War Office.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give figures showing the receipts and expenditure for the past year under the National Health Insurance Act; whether he is aware of the inedequacy, felt in many instances, of the maximum benefit of 5s. per week; and whether there is any possibility of an increase of this amount being granted, with or without an increase in the rates of contribution?

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS OP THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE FUNDS (ENGLAND AND WALES) IN THE YEAR 1919.
Receipts.		Payments.
	£			£
Balance at 31st December, 1918	801,880	Issues to meet cost of benefits and expenses of administration:—
Sale of Stamps	14,386,098
Contributions paid in Cash	1,730,275		£
Exchequer Grants	6,609,226	Approved Societies	8,695,898
Interest un In vestments in securities half of Secieties by Societies held on betees, be half of Societies	247,213	Insurance Commitees, etc.	7,068,017
Sums withdraw investment	415,000	Deposit Contributors and Navy and Army Insurance Fund, etc.	184,009
				15,947,924
		National Debt Commissioners: Investments on behalf of Approved Societies (Officers) Guarantee Funds		2,800
		Miscellaneous		1,329
		Balance at 31st December, 1919		427,450
	£24,190,492			£24,190,492

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an ex-service man, Mr. N. G. Mates, of Dublin, who was employed on work for the Royal Dublin Society and who was discharged a week before Christmas, has not yet received any out-of-work donation, although he registered his claim immediately upon discharge; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case?

I have caused enquiry to be made into this case and will report the result to the hon. Member. It would facilitate the enquiry if I could be furnished with Mr. Mates' private address, the name of the local office of the Minister of Labour at which he made his claim, and the date of the application.

As regards the first part of the question, the only figures at present available are those of receipts and payments of the National Health Insurance Funds, a summary of which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the revision of health insurance contributions and benefits has been under consideration for some time, and I hope to be in a position to introduce a Bill to amend the existing provisions at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour how many names have been added to the national roll of honour during the months of December and January; and what was the total number of names on the list at the end of January?

The number of names added to the National Roll of Honour during the months of December and January was 2,212, and the total number of names on the list at the end of January was 9,654.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the desirability of placing upon the National Roll of Honour not only the names of firms who agree to find employment for a certain percentage of disabled ex-Service men, but also the names of the trade unions which agree to co-operate in the direction of assisting these disabled ex-Service men to become fitted for, and to obtain, employment?

I do not think it would be practicable to adopt the suggestion made by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour what explanation can be offered for the difference between the London Metal Exchange values for lead and the value of ore at the mines and quarries, as shown in Part III. of the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines; whether in 1918 14,784 tons of dressed lead ore were mined valued at £273,462 at the mines, and this represented 10,909 tons of lead worth £328,725 at London Metal Exchange values, and 77,798 ozs. of silver worth £15,417; whether the average price of lead was £32 per ton for 1918, but has now advanced to £48, while silver, which was about 4s. an ounce in 1918, is now 7s. 4d.; whether, despite these abnormal profits, employers refuse to give lead miners the Sankey award, and in some places have threatened a reduction, though in many places the men are only earning 9s. a shift; and whether he will publish monthly returns in the Labour Gazette from lead, tin, and zinc mining districts showing the earnings of the workers, as is done in the case of the textile trades?

The Sankey Commission heard no evidence from lead, tin and zinc miners, and the award does not apply to them. The wages payable to lead miners are a subject for negotiation between employers and workpeople's organisations. The considerations mentioned in the earlier part of the question would doubtless be put forward in the arguments of the workpeople in any such negotiations. I am complying with the request in the last part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a request has been made to him on behalf of a section of the tin miners of Cornwall to establish a court of inquiry under Part II. of the Industrial Courts Act into their conditions of work and remuneration; whether he is aware that the wages of these men range between £7 and £l0 per month with the majority at the lower figure; whether, since 21st November last, the London Metal Exchange price for tin has advanced from £284 per ton to £392 per ton, and as the Cornwall output is 70 to 80 tons of metal weekly this advance of price represents a fund of not less than £350,000 annual increased dividend available for the various factors of the industry, and as only 5,000 persons are employed in tin mining, each of these could be paid £l a week extra and still leave £100,000 for employers and other factors in the industry; and, in view of the conditions in which these miners are living, will he give a date at which the inquiry can be commenced?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A request for the appointment of a Court of Inquiry under the Industrial Courts Act has been received from the Metalliferous Miners' and Quarrymen's Union of Great Britain. The interests of this union are covered by the Joint Industrial Council of the Tin Mining Industry, although it has not yet joined this body, which, however, represents the great majority of the industry. The Joint Industrial Council recently concurred with other non-ferrous industries in the appointment by the Board of Trade of a Committee to examine the whole economic position of the non-ferrous mining industry, and, pending the report of this Committee, it would appear to be unnecessary to hold another inquiry, I accordingly informed the Metalliferous Miners' and Quarrymen's Union that before considering the appointment of a court I should desire that the suggestion should proceed with the support of the Joint Industrial Council.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Messrs. Halford and Company, timber merchants, Blaby, Leicestershire, told the men when they presented themselves for work on Monday morning, 9th February, that no advance in wages would be given to them unless they withdrew from the union; if he is aware that one of the organisers of the trade union to which the men belong interviewed the firm, and was informed that they were not prepared to recognise negotiations through any trade union, and that the men can only return providing they were prepared to leave the society; if he is aware that the firm in question are Government contractors; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am having enquiry made into this matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the claims put forward by Messrs. Jennings and Company, of Bristol, have not yet been settled; and whether he will have this matter, which has been under consideration for some time, disposed of without delay?

Although it has not yet been found possible to settle the claims finally, a further sum of £760 due to Messrs, Jennings has been paid within the last few weeks, leaving a very small amount outstanding.

asked the Prime Minister whether compensations for disturbance allotted by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission are in any way subject to the authority of the House of Commons or of His Majesty's Ministers?

The terms of reference to the Defence of the Realm Losses Royal Commission are "to inquire and determine and to report what sums (in cases not otherwise provided for) ought in reason and fairness to be paid out of public funds to applicants (not being subjects of an enemy State) in respect of direct and substantial loss incurred and damage sustained by them by reason of interference with their property or business in the United Kingdom through the exercise by the Crown of its rights and duties in the defence of the realm." The Commission acts under these terms in a semi-judicial capacity, and His Majesty's Government accept their recommendations and act upon them. I accept on behalf of His Majesty's Government full responsibility for this procedure. In this, as in other matters, His Majesty's Government are, of course, subject to Parliamentary control.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the respective totals of the loans of the British Government for war purposes to Russia, France, Belgium, and other allies?

The obligations of the Allies for advances for War purposes are approximately:

Russia	…	£568,000,000
France	…	£470,500,000
Italy	…	£470,000,000
Belgium	…	£86,500,000
Other Allies	…	£71,000,000

These figures are exclusive of advances for reconstruction purposes, whether to Allies or others, for which £21,500,000 is provided this year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the pensions of widows whose husbands were killed in the War are liable to Income Tax; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of exempting them from the same, as is the case with other War pensions?

The pensions to which the hon. Member refers are by law chargeable to Income Tax at the reduced rates of tax applicable to earned incomes, subject, of course, to the general allowances and reliefs in favour of small incomes. The statutory exemption to which the hon. Member refers is not general, but restricted to so much of the pension as is attributable to the disablement or disability of the pensioner. But the case of widows' pensions has been the subject of a recommendation by the Select Committee on Pensions in their Second Special Report and is, of course, included within the scope of the Reference to the Royal Commission on Income Tax, who may be expected to make recommendations on the general scheme of reliefs and abatements. I must await their Report before adding anything to my previous replies on the subject.