asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a very considerable number of registered parcels consigned by troops in Mesopotamia and the East generally to this country go astray; and whether he can take any steps to ensure an improvement as to the safe delivery of these parcels?

I am not aware that any considerable number of parcels, insured or uninsured, sent by the troops in Mesopotamia and the East to this country go astray; but if the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, and he will furnish me with details, I shall be glad to have enquiries made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that three ex-service men, E. V. Inkster, James Pettigrew, and J. M. Dyce, all of whom have considerable records of service with the Forces prior to and during the recent War, are at present engaged as temporary men in the Edinburgh telegraph office; that they have now received notice that their services will be dispensed with on 21st instant; that the Controller has indicated they will probably be employed at the beginning of the seasonal traffic; that this will mean a break in their service, and as all of them are over 25 years of age will prejudice their claim to a permanent appointment in the Post Office; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government have agreed to reserve a proportion of all vacancies for ex-service men, these men can now be retained?

The men referred to are being discharged because there is how no work for them. They will be offered further employment as soon as work is available and the break in their service will not disqualify them for permanent posts if such posts become available. Every suitable vacancy in the Post Office is being given to ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that John William Carter, late lance-corporal, No, 8,049, 1st Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, who went to France in the first Expeditionary Force, and has been wounded several times, was demobilised in March, 1919, and although subject to fits and frequently unable to work is not in receipt of a pension; and whether he will have immediate inquiries made into this case?

At the date of Mr. Carter's demobilisation it was certified that he was suffering no disability from either of the two wounds which he had received. His claim to pension was therefore rejected on 11th April, 1919. There is no mention in Mr. Carter's discharge papers of his suffering from fits, and he made no claim for that disability. If, however, he considers that the fits are due to his military service or that his wounds now cause disablement, he should immediately make application to his Local War Pensions Committee, who will assist him to put forward a claim to pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. James McNamee, 48, Hazel Street, Blackburn (No. S.E R. 69,662) is experiencing delay in securing his draft-payment book in order that he may obtain the money due to him; and whether he will make representation to the pension issue office on this matter?

An award of pension under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant has been in payment since 17th December, 1919. Certain arrears were also awarded, but before payment of these could be authorised it was necessary to ascertain from the Local War Pensions Committee what advances had been made pending a decision upon the application for pension. The necessary information has now been received and payment of all arrears due has been made.

asked the Prime Minister whether, pending a final settlement, which owing to the number of pensions remaining to be dealt with must take some considerable time, he will consider the possibility of making some advance quarterly to those pre-War pensioners who are entitled to an increase of pension under the Warrant of September, 1919?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I am afraid the hon. Member's suggestion would not help. A quarterly advance could not be made without examination of the case, and the duplication of work involved would tend to delay matters generally. As I stated on Monday, reassessment is progressing rapidly, and everything possible will be done to avoid delay in concluding the outstanding cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received protests against the issue of Circular No. 204 by his department; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The action I have taken is to re-issue the circular in an amended form, which preserves the good qualities of the original circular, while correcting the points to which objection was properly taken. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the amended circular, which was issued to all Local War Pensions Committees on the 6th instant.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the work at the Pensions Issue Office is in arrears, involving considerable delay in issuing pensions awarded in the various regions; and whether, having regard to the great advantages which would attend the decentralisation of the pension issue branch on lines similar to those adopted in other departments of war pensions administration within recent times, he will consider the advisability of taking this step without delay so that the pensions could be fixed in the various regions as they now are and issued at the same time?

Owing to the heavy work-of re-assessing upwards of 1,000,000 pensions, consequent on the increased rates of pension authorised by the recent Warrant, the work at Pensions Issue Office fell into arrear. The arrears are being rapidly overtaken, and it is expected that the work of this office will soon be up to date. The question of decentralising the Pensions Issue Office has not escaped attention, but I do not consider that it would be a practicable step at the present moment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in many cases the Civil Liability Commissioners are now refusing grants to ex-service men whose claims are, in the opinion of local civil liabilities committees, identical with those previously sanctioned; whether this differentiation of treatment is due to the desire of the Government to economise; and if he can give instructions that these grants shall be made to men who were late in being demobilised on exactly the same terms and conditions as to those who were amongst the first to be demobilised?

The alleged differentiation of treatment of cases by the Civil Liabilities Department is probably due to misapprehension regarding the scope of the King's Fund and the Civil Liabilities Department respectively. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him yesterday in reply to a question on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether he is aware that disabled men who do not need to undergo medical treatment are precluded from obtaining resettlement grants from the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department, because they have on discharge, or at some later date following discharge, begun a course of training lasting 12 months or more, and cannot apply for such grants until the expiration of that period because of the condition that they must be spent within three weeks of receipt; and whether, in view of the hardship involved, he will consider the advisability of amending the conditions governing the case of such men either by giving local committees some discretion or otherwise?

It is not the case that an application to the Civil Liabilities Department for a grant is necessarily refused, because the purpose for which such grant is sought cannot be attained within three weeks. On the contrary, provisional grants are frequently notified to become payable on fulfilment of a condition, such as obtaining business promises or termination of a course of treatment for disability. This ground, therefore, docs not afford any reason for amending the Regulations as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member. I should, however, add that, for the reasons explained by the Lord Privy Seal in a reply to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member on the 16th February, the Department as a general rule are precluded from assisting towards starting in a business of his own a man who has already received, or who is receiving, a course of training for employment at the public expense.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that many of the teachers in Irish intermediate schools have not received any increase of salary since 1914; whether he can state when the sum of £64,000 promised for the augmentation of the salaries of teachers in Irish secondary schools will be available for distribution; and when does he expect to be in a position to publish the rules under which this grant is to be distributed?

Representations have been made to the effect indicated in the first part of the question. Pending the passing of the Irish Education Bill, it is not anticipated that any additional funds will be available for the augmentation of secondary teachers' salaries, and the third part of the question does not therefore arise at present.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware that Canadian flax is selling for a much higher price than Irish, though much inferior in quality; and, now that flax in England is not controlled, will he arrange for the control to be taken off Irish flax?

I have been asked to reply. The quantities of Canadian flax which come to the United Kingdom market are extremely small, and I have no information bearing out the statement in the first part of the question. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given the hon. Member for South Antrim on the 12th February.

asked the Minister of Food if all Irish Hide Orders have been cancelled since 31st January, 1920; and whether there is any authority for the control of hides in Ireland to-day?

All Orders made by the Army Council with regard to Irish hides were cancelled on the 31st January, 1920, when the control of hides was transferred to the Ministry of Food. The Food Controller has since that date issued the Orders necessary for the continuance of control under the Ministry of Food.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Hides Control Order for Ireland, which has caused so much annoyance and loss to the unlicensed dealers and to farmers, can now be withdrawn?

The distribution of Irish hides is controlled by means of the British Hides (Sales) Order, 1920. This procedure is an essential part of the scheme for the control of live stock and cannot be discontinued so long as guaranteed prices for cattle remain in operation. I cannot agree that the maintenance of the Order causes hardship to Irish interests, since under its provisions the Irish vendor is now obtaining the world's parity value for his hides.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will say the number of tons of butter that are at present in cold storage in Ireland; whether the inhabitants of Ireland are rationed in their consumption of butter; and at what price is the butter controlled by Government being placed on the market?

I have been asked to reply. The amount of butter at present in cold storage in Ireland is approximately 2,000 tons. As the population of Ireland is mainly agricultural, and to a large extent actual producers of butter, it has not been thought advisable to introduce a scheme of rationing such as that in operation in Great Britain. The maximum retail price of butter in Ireland is 3s. 2d. per lb.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the rules governing the Irish Prisons Officers' Representative Council admit only of that council putting forward and explaining grievances; that the council is not consulted by the authorities when arriving at their decisions on the grievances put forward nor permitted to take any part in bringing about a settlement or redress of these grievances; will he now take steps to have the rules governing the council so amended that in future all decisions on grievances will be submitted to the council before being finally decided; and whether, in the event of failure of the authorities and the representative council to arrange the differences between them by mutual agreement, he will consent to have such differences decided by the conciliation and arbitration board for Government employees?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Officers' Representative Council is afforded every facility for representing all grievances and discussing them with the prison authorities, and it cannot be agreed to submit the decisions thereon for prior criticism by the council. The functions of the Civil Service Arbitration Board are concerned with questions of remuneration only.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that at the present time there are approximately in Ireland 4,500 police pensioners drawing pensions of from 15s. to 16s. weekly, whereas in England the total number drawing under 20s. is approximately only 2,500; whether he is aware that owing to political conditions the Irish pensioner is at a grave disadvantage in obtaining or retaining employment and is therefore often in actual want, with his dependants; and can he assure the House that the Government are in full possession of the facts as stated?

The number of police pensioners in Ireland drawing under 20s. is practically as stated. I have no information as regards pensioners in England. I am fully aware of the special difficulties mentioned in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. The whole matter is now receiving my earnest consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will make a Return giving the authorities who have acquired land for allotments under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, showing in each case the acreage acquired and the number of allotment holders provided for?

A return has already been called for from each Allotment Authority in England and Wales, showing the acreage acquired for allotments, and the number of allotment holders provided for under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, and the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, and it is proposed to embody in the Ministry's Annual Report to Parliament under Section 59 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, a summary of information thus obtained. For reasons of economy, however, it will not be possible to print particulars as regards each Allotment Authority, of which there are no less than 14,000 in England and Wales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can state who is the authority for authorising the payment of claims for ploughing-out losses that were inadvertently not submitted by 31st July last, in view of the fact that the Ministry state they have no power to do this?

There is no authority which can make a payment in respect of a claim submitted after the date in question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Ministry have power to provide allotments in the case of default by a county council, borough council, and urban district council; whether there is a similar power in a case of default by the council of a county borough; and, if not, whether it is the intention of the Ministry to propose an Amendment of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, to provide such power?

In reply to the first part of the question, the Minister has power, under Section 3 (1) of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, up to the 19th August, 1922, when he is satisfied that in any county the council are not providing land to be leased to a parish council or a parish meeting for the provision of allotments to such extent as in the opinion of the Ministry is desirable, to acquire land for the purpose. In the case of a borough council, other than a council of a county borough, an urban district council, or a parish council or meeting, if the Minister is satisfied, after holding a local inquiry, that these councils and the county council have failed to fulfil their statutory obligations to provide land for allotments, he may, under Section 24 of the Smallholdings and Allotments Act, 1908, as amended by the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, transfer the powers of the county council to the Smallholdings Commissioners of the Ministry in order that the allotments required may be provided. In reply to the second part of the question, I am advised that there is no power under the Smallholdings and Allotments Act, 1908, or the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, for the Minister or a county council to act in default of the council of a county borough in regard to the provision of allotments. In reply to the last part of the question, I sec no reason, at present, to ask Parliament to amend the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, in the manner proposed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps, if any, have been taken to appoint representatives of allotment holders on the Council of Agriculture for England, the Council of Agriculture for Wales, the Agricultural Advisory Committee, and the county agricultural committees, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Act, 1919?

The details of the constitution of the Council of Agriculture for England, the Council of Agriculture for Wales, and the Agricultural Advisory Committee for England and Wales have not yet been finally settled. In the Model Scheme for the constitution of a county agricultural committee recently issued to all county councils, they are recommended to include on the committee representatives of allotment societies. If, in the case of any county, the interests of allotment holders do not appear to he sufficiently represented among the members appointed by the county council, the Minister will endeavour to secure that adequate representation is given to such interests among the members of the committee, which he himself is empowered to appoint.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can state the average price per cwt. now being paid for American hops imported into this country?

The prices paid for the American 1919 crop, range from £7 10s. to £28 per cwt. The latter price has been recently made for quite a small quantity only the bulk of the crop having been sold at between £12 and £15 per cwt.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many cwts. of foreign hops have been licensed for importation into this country during 1919 and 1920?

413,879 cwts. of foreign hops have been licensed for importation into this country during 1919 and 1920, to cover shortage owing to the reduction of the English acreage. This with the 1919 English crop, amounting to 187,193 cwts., is about sufficient for the year's requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can state the number of acres of hops grubbed by Government Order during the war; and whether, in view of the fact that the National Farmers' Union have estimated that it will cost £200 per acre to replant these hops, it is intended to grant any compensation to hop growers for the losses inflicted upon them?

Defence of the Realm Regulation 2NN required a reduction of 50 per cent. of the hop acreage of June, 1914, and the result has been that the hop acreage in England and Wales has been reduced from 36,661 acres in 1914,-to 16,745 acres in 1919. With regard to the second part of the question, the Ministry have been informed by the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Commission that they have found themselves unable to award compensation where loss has been due to an Order of General Regulation, as is the case with Regulation 2NN.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the importance of ensuring the greatest yield of wheat and other cereal crops in the next harvest and of the present world shortage of nitrogenous manures, he will secure the retention in this country, as in recent years, of an adequate supply of sulphate of ammonia at reasonable fixed prices for use in agriculture during the next few months '?

Under the existing arrangements the export of sulphate of ammonia is prohibited except under licence, and the price at which this material is sold by manufacturers in this country is fixed by agreement between manufacturers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. In regard to the future, the question is receiving the very close consideration of the Ministry with a view to securing adequate supplies of sulphate of ammonia and other fertilisers at reasonable prices after the close of the present season.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether there is any crop grown in this country which gives more employment per acre than that of hops?

The Ministry are aware that a considerable amount of labour is employed in the cultivation and harvesting of hops, but as a considerable part of this labour is casual, they do not think it possible, with the information available, to institute any useful comparison which would provide a definite answer to the question. In the opinion of the Ministry there are certain forms of market gardening which involve more labour per acre than the production of hops.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a request from the West Sussex branch of the Market Gardeners, Nurserymen, and Farmers' Association to the Statistical Bureau for information as to the imports of fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands, Belgium and France, from November, 1918, to December, 1919, which the Association requires for the information of its members for the conduct of their business, was met by the answer that the information required would be given on payment of a fee of £8 8s.; and why such a charge was made?

The request from this body was dealt with under Standing Bill of Entry Regulations, which provide that special particulars respecting imports and exports desired by merchants and others may be compiled on their behalf on payment of a fee which is calculated on the time necessary for preparation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present cost to the Exchequer of the Bread Subsidy; and what would be the cost of the four-pound loaf if the cost were based on the present price of wheat?

The cost to the Exchequer of the Bread Subsidy during the current financial year is estimated at £56,500,000. I am informed that the cost of the four-pound loaf, if the cost were based on the present price of wheat averaged over home-grown and imported, would be about Is. 3d.

asked the Minister of Food, with reference to the supplies of grain, butter, bacon, lard, cheese, poultry, eggs, etc., hoped to be obtained from Russia through the Russian union cooperative societies, if it is the intention of the Government to distribute these goods in this country through the ordinary channels of shippers and merchants by whom this trade was conducted prior to the War?

The method of distribution of the foodstuffs to be obtained from Russia is under consideration, and will be the subject of further negotiations with the societies in question. I am not, therefore, able to make any statement on the matter at the present time.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in fixing the sugar ration, any account is taken of age; and whether a larger ration could be provided in the case of children than in the case of adults?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, a supplementary ration of sugar for young children would require additional administrative machinery, and the Food Controller does not wish to embark on this liability until there is more definite evidence that the ration cannot be restored to eight ounces within a reasonable period.

asked the Minister of Food whether, having regard to the repre- sentations made to him during the recess by an influential deputation of East Coast fishermen respecting certain provisions of the Fish Prices (1919) Order, he can inform the House whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The Food Controller has already given consideration to the representations made on behalf of the East Coast fishermen, and the Amending Fish Prices Order of 30th January, 1920, provides for a maximum price, which is understood to be satisfactory.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the Irish Pig (Control) Order, 1918, restricts the importation of pigs into England to those who imported in 1916 and on the basis of trade done in that year; whether he is aware that this Order adversely affects all those in the retail pork trade who were serving in the Army at that time, that it only benefits the Irish bacon curer, and that it is enhancing the price of bacon in this country; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will have this Order revoked?

With regard to the first, second, and fourth parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on this subject on Friday, February 13th, to the hon. and gallant Member for the Walton division. With regard to the third part, I may add that the Order referred to has benefited equally all classes of traders dealing in Irish pigs, as it has prevented competition which, under existing conditions, would have resulted in excessive prices, and a probable monopoly of the existing supply of pigs by the larger traders. The price of English and Irish bacon is fixed by the Home Produced Bacon, Hams and Lard Prices Order, 1919, and would unquestionably advance if control were removed.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in the interests of children, he will increase the domestic sugar ration and allow less for confectionery and other manufacturing purposes?

The question of an increase in the domestic sugar ration is at present receiving the consideration of the Food Controller in the light of its effect upon supplies and upon the finances of the country, and the hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the taking of such a desirable course will not be unnecessarily delayed. With regard to the latter part of the question, it must be remembered that a large portion of the sugar issued for manufacturing purposes is used in the preparation of jam and sweets and is consumed by children in those forms. The sugar issued for manufacturing purposes has already been reduced to one-half the quantity used last year, and any further reduction would result in unemployment and distress, particularly among the owners of small sweetshops, large numbers of whom are soldiers' and sailors' widows, who depend upon these small businesses for their livelihood.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether a headmaster, retiring after 44 years' service and holding a first-class certificate, can be refused the retiring allowance as provided for teachers who are graduates and not merely given a reduced allowance?

Retiring allowances must be paid on the actual salary received by a teacher during the prescribed period prior to retiral, and cannot be calculated on any hypothetical basis such as the question would appear to suggest.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a representation from the Association of Poorhouse Governors in Scotland directing attention to the fact that some time ago the Ministry of Health for England issued a communication to the local authorities in England urging them to consider the advisability of increasing the salaries of their officials in terms of the increase awarded to the Civil Service; whether the Association urged the issue of a similar appeal in Scotland; and whether he is now in a position to give a decision with reference to this request?

I am aware of the terms of the representation referred to, and have received a number of letters of the same tenour from similar Associations. I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Tottenham on the 10th April last. My view is now the same as it was then.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Departments concerned have now agreed upon the price at which the land at Gretna to be acquired by the Scottish Board of Agriculture for small holdings shall be transferred to the Board; and whether the Board is now in a position to make public the details of its Gretna scheme and to consider applications from ex-service men and others?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to announce that agreement has been reached as regards the price of the land referred to. I am, however, in personal communication with the Minister of Munitions on the subject, and I shall inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the further representations made to him with regard to the hardships and inconveniences created by the reduction by 50 per cent. of the steamer services between Stornoway and the mainland; and whether he is now prepared to restore the daily service in existence for over thirty years?

It has always been the intention that there should be a daily service during the four summer months of this year—roughly speaking, June to September. The question of the facilities to be provided thereafter will be carefully reviewed before the autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Indian Army Reserve of Officers police officers are receiving due consideration in making appointments to the Indian police; and whether it is the case that few or none of such officers are being chosen, even when recommended by their own provincial Governments?

I know that some officers who served in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers are being appointed by the Government of India to the higher ranks of the police, but am inquiring into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has yet decided to apply Army Order No. 325 of 1919 to the India unattached list of departmental warrant officers; and, if not, when such decision will be given?

Proposals from the Government of India for new rates of pay for the Indian unattached list consequent on the new rates in Army Order 325 are at present under consideration, and a decision should not be long delayed. The Government of India's proposals regarding pensions are expected shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps have been taken by his Department to secure the effective administration by local education authorities of schemes adopted by them under the Education (Choice of Employment) Act, 1910; whether there is any overlapping with the Ministry of Labour in this branch of central administration; and, if so, whether he will ascertain, either by means of a committee of inquiry or by some other means, the best method of unifying the work in future under one Department or the other?

The Board maintain as close touch as is possible, in view of the depletion of their staff, with local education authorities who have adopted schemes under the Choice of Employment Act, 1910, and do all in their power to secure effective administration. The arrangements made with the Board of Trade in 1911 are designed to prevent overlapping and to secure co-operation both between the Central Departments and between the local education authorities and the local Employment Exchanges. I cannot claim that these arrangements have been altogether successful, and I concur generally in the view that a change is necessary. I am at present in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the annuities under the Teachers' Pensions Act of 1898 are paid to the dependants of the teacher soldiers killed in the War; and, if not, is it proposed that they shall be so paid?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 12th instant to the hon. Member for Cardiff East.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether soldier teachers who have been discharged or demobilised from the Army are required to undergo medical examination for the purposes of the Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1918; whether a fee is paid for such examination; what classes or grades of men are examined; how many have failed to qualify for pensions under the Act; and whether it is proposed that ex-service teachers shall be admitted to benefits under the Act in the same manner and under the same conditions as those teachers who did not serve in the Army?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Cardiff on the 18th February.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board is prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure that those teachers whose periods of training were interrupted owing to their military service shall not suffer financial loss on the scales of salary?

The hon. and gallant Member will realise that the matter is one for the consideration of the local education authorities who employ the teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board is prepared to date the certificate of a qualified ex-service teacher whose period of training was interrupted by his military service as from the date he would have become qualified had not the said military service intervened in his course of studies?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 17th instant to the hon. Member for Cardiff East.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many elementary schools under the London Education Authority have been reported on adversely as to playground accommodation and unsuitability or inadequacy of building premises; whether any attempt is being made to secure that long-standing deficiencies of this nature will be immediately made good; and what action he proposes to take?

In 1913 and 1914 the Board forwarded to the London County Council lists of 137 Non-Provided Schools in London, of which the premises were defective in varying degrees as regards the extent of playground accommodation provided and as regards the condition of the buildings, or both. The outbreak of the War prevented any extensive action; but three of the schools have now been closed; in about twenty cases detailed plans for improvement were submitted, and in many others the matter was carefully discussed between the Board and representatives of the Managers and the London County Council. As regards Provided Schools, the London County Council agreed before the War to carry out a comprehensive programme extending over a period of years and involving an expenditure of over £5,000,000. During the first three years of the operation of the programme (1912–15) the London County Council carried out the greater part of what they had set themselves, with the Board's approval, to do during that period, and the remainder of the work was in an advanced state when, in the result of a Debate in the House of Commons on 13th May, 1915, it was agreed that no now work should be undertaken. The London County Council are now systematically, though gradually, resuming work on the programme, but I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate the great difficulties which confront them.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will make a statement concerning the measures taken to bring Section 8 of the Education Act, 1918, into full operation over the whole country.

Sub-sections (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) of Section 8 are already in operation. Sub-sections (1) and (2) cannot come into operation earlier than the termination of the War.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps are being taken to increase the supply of teachers and to provide the required accommodation and equipment, especially in view of continuation classes?

These matters are receiving my constant consideration, and I hope to have an opportunity of reviewing the position when the Board's Estimates are submitted to the House. In the Memorandum relating to Schemes to be submitted by Local Education Authorities under Sections 1 to 5 of the Education Act, 1918, which was issued last year, special attention was called to the arrangements for the recruitment and training of teachers, and when these Schemes are received I shall be in a better position to judge how far the Local Education Authorities will cooperate with the Board in the solution of this most important and difficult problem.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a man who served in the Territorial Force from 3rd March, 1910, to 4th March, 1914, and re-enlisted on 5th October, 1914, for service overseas, and served until 14th December, 1918, is entitled to the medal recently authorised for Territorials?

An Army Order stating the conditions governing the award of this medal will be published at an early date. I may say, however, that in a case such as that mentioned, the man would not be eligible for the medal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the regulations governing the awarding of the Territorial long-service medal, dissatisfaction is caused amongst those men whose four years in the Territorial Force terminated early in 1914 and who rejoined in that year, but are not allowed to count their war service double in claiming for the long-service medal; and whether, as the Territorial Force is to remain part of the Army, such men will be treated as coming under Army Order 293, of 1915. paragraph 523 (b) (c), like the Volunteers and Yeomanry?

As already stated in answer to questions in this House, the matter was fully considered at the time when the changes in the conditions of the award of the medal were made and it was decided that the privilege should be limited to those men who were actually in the Territorial Force at the outbreak of war. With regard to the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, the men referred to can, of course, count a period of embodied service in any one year as the equivalent of a "training," but no departure from the rule as to continuity of service can be admitted.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether appointments to the command of Territorial brigades are to be confined to Regular or Territorial officers; and, if so, whether he will reconsider this arrangement, in view of the services rendered by the Special Reserve of Officers both in the preparation of the Armies for the field by recruiting and training officers and men and in actual command of brigades in action during the War?

In selecting the officers to command Territorial brigades, the names of all colonels, whether Regular, Territorial, or Special Reserve, are considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended in the organisation of the Territorial Force to refuse acceptance of Territorial Force battalions that have been able in the past to find the necessary recruits, which have a great tradition enhanced by service in the recent War, and which can easily be kept up to the necessary establishment; whether the War Office appreciate the fact that in Scotland the joining up of unit and unit in any scheme of reorganisation is a matter that cannot be lightly undertaken unless the traditions and historical associations of various clans and districts are given full consideration: and whether, before finally deciding upon the abolition or combination of units, a conference will be assembled where the position may be clearly stated?

I can assure my hon and gallant Friend that the local difficulties are appreciated and the proposed scheme of reorganisation of the Force has been submitted to the county associations for their remarks and suggestions before any final decision is taken. As a result of the War, it is no longer necessary to maintain all the units which existed for coast defences, and this involves the conversion of a number of battalions to other arms to meet the requirements of the reconstructed Territorial Force. I have reserved a final opportunity of reviewing the whole position of the units selected for disbandment, after receiving the various representations which are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether those barrack wardens and barrack labourers who were not allowed to join their own regiments, but were kept on duty up till the end of the War, can now be included in Army Order No. 325/19, and thereby be entitled to re-assessment of pension?

The answer is in the negative. For a full explanation I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for the Canterbury Division on the 2nd December last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a quartermaster in the Regular Army who retired before the War and rejoined at the beginning of the War, and continued to serve until the demobilisation, is permitted to count his war service with his past service in the Regular Army for fixing his rate of retired pay, in the event of his paying back all the retired pay he received whilst serving during the War; is he aware that there is very bitter feeling amongst officers and men who-joined up on the question of retired pay; and can any consideration be given to the officers and men under these circumstances?

Under the Regulations officers on retired pay re-employed during the War continued to draw their retired pay in addition to the full pay of the post, and did not count the additional service towards an increase of their retired pay. It would be quite impossible to reverse these Regulations to-day, and to require all such officers to refund the retired pay received during the War. It would be equally out of the question to deal with individual cases by themselves. All officers so re-employed receive the benefit of the Regulations recently promulgated under which their retired pay is reassessed. This reassessment as a rule amounts to a considerable increase in the rate.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of soldiers in prison or detention barracks on 1st February, 1920, who are serving sentences for military, not criminal, offences committed during the War?

I am having this information prepared.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider the advisability of following the example of the Dominions and the Allied nations in releasing soldiers undergoing sentences for military offences committed during the War?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Pontypridd on the 10th December last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private William Wilson, No. 189,752, Machine Gun Corps; whether he is aware that this lad enlisted on the 6th October, 1919, and became 17 years of age on the 17th of the same month; that the officer in charge of records for the Machine Gun Corps, York Street, S.W., wrote to the hon. Member for the Consett Division on the 18th December saying that the necessary action was being taken to expedite the lad's discharge; whether the military authorities now refuse to discharge the lad; if so, if he will state the reason for their refusal; and whether he is aware that the circumstances of this family are very urgent, the father having been injured underground, the other children being in very bad health, and this son being the only effective support of the family?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this case, but I am enquiring as to the circumstances in which the application was refused, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that information with regard to the case of Private G. Hunt, No. 030,684, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, now in India, which was promised on the 31st October, 1919, by the Royal Army Medical Corps authorities, is still not forthcoming; and will he take steps to hasten it?

I am informed that this man was demobilised on the 26th January last. The report called for from India on his case has not yet been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the present numbers and distribution of British troops; and how many are in course of demobilisation?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would ask the hon. Member to await my statement on the Army Estimates. As regards the latter part, on the 15th February, 1920, there were remaining in the Army to be demobilised 125,000 men, distributed as follows:—approximately 75,000 overseas, and 50,000 at home.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government will now allow the relatives of fallen soldiers to erect monuments of their own choosing over their graves abroad, subject to regulations as to dimensions and cost?

If the Noble Lord's proposal is that relatives should erect such headstones at their own cost, it would mean that the freedom of choice which he desires would be confined to those alone who are able to afford it. This would be entirely at variance with the principle of equality of treatment which has met with such general acceptance. If, on the other hand, the proposal is that the stones should be erected at the cost of the Imperial War Graves Commission, then that body would certainly consider any practical scheme which the Noble Lord puts forward for meeting the technical difficulties in the way of such a proposal, which are referred to in the memorandum published to explain the headstones at present on exhibition in the Tea Room. When the Noble Lord looks into the matter, I fear, that, in view of the unprecedented magnitude of the task, he will, like the Commission, find these difficulties insuperable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any official information to the effect that Corporal England and Lance-corporal Sylvester were operated upon in Russia without an anesthetic; and whether at any time during 1919 a ship or ships, carrying medical supplies for Petrograd, was warned by British warships in the Baltic not to proceed to Russia?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The information I have received does not enable me to state whether an anæsthetic was used or not. The second part of the Question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if any Yeomanry regiment had undertaken the imperial service obligation before 4th August, 1914, and was, therefore, available for overseas service pari passu with the regular cavalry as soon as War was declared; and, if so, whether this patriotic action will be rewarded by securing for that unit the right to remain a mounted unit if it so desires?

One regiment—the Northumberland Yeomanry—was an Imperial Service regiment before the War. The whole question of the future of the-Yeomanry is under consideration at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers in barracks and hospitals at Home have been required to attend lectures at which statements as to the nationalisation of women in Russia have been made; whether those statements have been made on the allegations of Paul Dukes; and whether Mr. Dukes' definite evidence on this subject will now be published?

No, Sir, I am not aware that soldiers have been required to attend lectures dealing with this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the date when discharge from the Army by purchase was suspended; and under what authority such order was made?

Discharges by purchase were suspended by Army Order 329 of 1914, published on the 24th August,. 1914.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a number of barrack wardens, and labourers employed at Hounslow Barracks have arrears of overtime pay due to them, and whether, in view of the fact that the arrears extend over a period of three months, he will have payment expedited?

Enquiries are being made, and I will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will issue a statement showing the cost to this country of intervention in Russia, including assistance to anti-Soviet armies, from November, 1918, up to the present?

I have issued two statements showing the expenditure in Russia, the first dealing with the period from the Armistice to 31st July, 1919, and the second with that from the Armistice to 31st October, 1919. I propose to issue a third in due course, showing the total expenditure to 31st March next, and in view of the labour involved in the preparation of these statements, and of the pressure under which the staff concerned are working, I cannot undertake to have intermediate statements prepared.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the strength of British Military Missions in Finland, Poland, and Rumania; and whether any military mission is still attached to General Denikin's forces?

The strength of the British Military Missions in Finland and Poland has already been given in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on Tuesday last. There is no British Military Mission in Rumania, but a Military Attache with two assistants is attached to the staff of His Majesty's Minister at Bucharest. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any orders have yet been issued to the British Fleet in the Baltic to suspend the blockade of Soviet Russia?

I would refer the hon. Member to a reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Hull, Central.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what are the Regulations at present governing the issue of passports to Russia; and whether business men will be permitted to go to Esthonia to do business there with Russian merchants or agents of the Russian Government?

In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Council, His Majesty's Government do not grant passports for Soviet Russia. Passports are issued for Esthonia in cases of established bona fide business.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of beds belonging to the Metropolitan Asylums Board still held by the War Office?

Only three Metropolitan Asylums Board institutions are not yet handed back to that Board—the Tooting Grove, the Lower Southern Hospital at Dartford, and the Orchard Hospital at Dartford. These three hospitals are empty or in process of being evacuated, and will be finally handed over on the 29th of this month. It is understood that for the purposes of accommodation for civilian infectious cases, the number of beds in these three institutions is reckoned at 1,947.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether alternative accommodation for the Army Pay Department has been now provided at Shrewsbury, as foreshadowed in his reply of the 23rd December, 1919, so that the corporation baths may be at once vacated by the military; is he aware that unless these baths are restored to the corporation immediately it will be impossible to have them ready for use this spring and summer; and is he aware that no payment whatever has been made for the use of these buildings by the War Office during four years?

With regard to the first and second parts of the question, enquiries are being made as to how the matter now stands, and I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible. As regards the last part of the question the answer is in the affirmative. I understand that when the corporation's claim was considered by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, the Commission determined that the military occu- pation did not entail direct and substantial monetary loss, apart from dilapidations, which should form the subject of a separate claim.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of German and other prisoners of war still detained by the British; and what is preventing their repatriation?

According to the latest returns the number of prisoners of war still in our hands is about 65,000, of whom the great majority are Turks. Their retention is due almost entirely to difficulties of transport.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a large number of disabled soldiers have been or are about to be discharged from Woolwich Arsenal; and whether, in view of the sacrifices these men have made, he will reconsider the question with a view to the withdrawal of these discharges or the provision of some other employment?

No disabled soldiers are being discharged from establishments under the War Department at Woolwich Arsenal. If the hon. Member has in his mind Departments under the Ministry of Munitions, I would refer him to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry in answer to the hon. Member for West Woolwich.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the firm of Balfour, Beatty and Company, who are carrying out work for the War Office at Brockton Camp, Stafford, are paying the joiners and other workmen employed at the camp 1d. per hour less than the rate of wage current in the district, and whether he will instruct the firm to pay the current rate and back pay as from September last?

I am making enquiries in this matter and will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the delay that has taken place in settling the claims of Messrs. Field for the destruction of their café at Bridlington by fire whilst in the occupation of the military authorities, and if he will give instructions for a settlement to be expedited?

Investigations into the origin of the fire in question have now been completed, and immediate steps are being taken with a view to an early settlement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he is aware of the great difficulty being experienced by local authorities in obtaining a supply of granite macadam from the Channel Islands; whether he has taken any steps to enable cargoes of granite to be conveyed from Guernsey at a reasonable rate of freightage, so that highway authorities may be permitted to carry out works of construction and maintain their highways, which are notoriously in need of repair; and if he will investigate the abnormal rates of freightage being charged by shipowners for the transport of other material, to the detriment of stone cargoes?

The points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend have been carefully considered, and the action taken has already been indicated in the replies which I gave to the right hon. Member for East Woolwich and the hon. and gallant Member for Faversham on Tuesday, 17th February.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the advisability of reinstating the special commercial rates for commercial travellers, especially the 1d. cloak-room fee and the special week-end tickets, in view of the hardship caused by the withdrawal of these privileges and the increase in railway fares?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Leith yesterday.

asked the Minister of Transport if the appointment of a Mr. Swain, of Pontypridd, Glamorgan, to be Area Commissioner for Wales, was made with his approval; if he is aware that Mr. Swain was formerly manager of a gas company; whether he can state if any applications were received from men with expert transport knowledge; and, if so, why an appointment was given to a man without particular training and experience?

The appointment referred to was made with the approval of the Minister of Transport, and it is correct that Mr. Swain was formerly manager of a gas company. He has had a valuable commercial experience, which particularly fits him for the, area to which he has been appointed, and with which he is specially conversant. He was selected from among a large number of candidates. Area Transport Commissioners have no executive functions—they have been appointed primarily for the purpose of investigating on the spot the requirements of traders, agriculturists, and the public generally, for new transport facilities in their areas and for reporting thereon to the Ministry. Where any questions requiring expert knowledge in any particular form of transport arise, they are dealt with by the technical officers of the Ministry or of the transport agencies in the area.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take such steps as are necessary to give the rural district councils representation on the roads advisory committees, inasmuch as these councils are responsible for some 100,000 miles of roads?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks on February 12th.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether engine-room artificers were excluded from the recent offer of free discharge to men of the Navy; and, if so, what is the amount which a fifth-class engine room artificer must pay to purchase his discharge?

The offers of free discharges are dictated entirely by the surpluses remaining after the War. Engine-room artificers were not excluded from the recent offers, and in each of them 2 per cent. of engine-room artificers borne were offered free discharge, and chief engine-room artificers a higher percentage. Discharge by purchase is now suspended, but when it was in operation engine-room artificers, 5th class, were required to pay a sum of £30.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps it is proposed to take in regard to adopting the recommendations contained in the Report of the Empire Cotton-Growing Committee?

The recommendations contained in the Report of the Empire Cotton-Growing Committee are at present receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government. I hope it will be possible to make an announcement on this subject at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the frequent overcrowding of cinema theatres, where the aisles are obstructed and the exits blocked, a state of things which invites disaster; and whether he will consider the advisability of giving the police power to enter such establishments and summon the managers in cases where the public safety is involved?

During the past five years the Home Office has received very few complaints as to exits and overcrowd- ing in cinema theatres. The police have full power to enter such establishments and to prosecute the manager in cases where the Regulations—which make full provision for the public safety—are not complied with.

asked the Home Secretary what action he proposes taking to compel payment of the police rate by those municipalities that have refused to pay them until the policemen dismissed for taking part in the strike are reinstated?

The payments in question became due on the 10th of this month, and 24 of the 28 London boroughs have already paid, or will pay within the next few days The Receiver is communicating with the others and I hope they will pay without compulsion. If they do not there are ample powers, and I am consulting the Law Officers as to the precise steps to be taken.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that an artificial atrocity film, called the "Auction of Souls," is being exhibited in this country; whether this film has been censored; whether he is aware that this film has caused offence to British subjects professing the Moslem faith; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Home Office to permit the exhibition of films of this nature in the future?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a film called the "Auction of Souls," reinforced by pamphlets and books on the same subject, is being exhibited in this country; and whether the attention of the Censor should be directed to the matter in view of the Peace Treaty not yet concluded with the Ottoman Empire?

My attention has been called to this film. There is no Government censorship of films; and I am informed that the film was not submitted to the voluntary censorship which has been established by the trade itself. In consequence, however, of certain representations which were made to me by Moslems in this country, that the film was I calculated to hold up the Moslem Faith t to public odium, I communicated with the owners of the film, and certain alterations were made by them in the sub-titles of the pictures in order to remove any suggestion that the persecution was of a religious character. As there is no official censorship of films, the question of the Home Office permitting the exhibition of films of this character does not arise.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the police are inquiring as to the persons that are acting as branch officers of the Agricultural Labourers' Union in Norfolk; whether he will state the reason for this action; and whether, seeing that it is being interpreted as a form of intimidation and an interference with the liberty of the subject, he will take steps to prevent a continuance of the same?

I am aware that such enquiries were made, but I am assured that no intimidation or interference with liberty was intended or implied As, however, such enquiries are liable to be misunderstood, I will see that they are-discontinued.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to allow theatres, cinemas and other places of amusement to retail chocolates and confectionery after 8 p.m. on five nights of the week and after 9 p.m. on Saturdays?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of shopowners dealing in sweets at the freedom of places of amusement to sell sweets at hours when the shops are prohibited from selling; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

It is not the case, as suggested by the hon. Member for St. Pancras, that places of amusement are free to sell sweets at hours when shops are prohibited from selling. I have been asked by representatives of the entertainments industry to permit them to sell sweets after the present closing hour for shops, but I am not yet in a position to give a decision in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware of the strong desire in the Isle of Man for more responsible government; if he will take steps to have the Act of 1866 amended with a view to meeting the present-day requirements of the island; whether he can give an early decision to the petition from the House of Keys dated 2nd June, 1914; and if he will instruct His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor that no increases in the Civil Service of the Isle of Man are to take effect until approved by the House of Keys in Tynwald;(2) Whether he has been notified of the discontent in the Isle of man owing to the rights and privileges of the House of Keys having been usurped by the newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor; whether he is aware that increases in the Civil Servants' salaries totalling over £20,000 (equal to one-fourth the total revenue of the Government before the war) have been added to the official cost of government without the knowledge or consent of the elected representatives of the taxpayers; and whether he is aware that, in consequence of this action, the members of the House of Keys decline to meet for the transaction of public business until their former rights to control the public purse have been restored?

The information of the honourable and gallant Member is not quite accurate The House of Keys has taken exception to certain expenditure which has been sanctioned by His Majesty's Government, and have refused for the present to meet with the other House in Tynwald. The expenditure was mostly for the purpose of giving the Island Police the rates of pay already adopted for all police forces in the rest of the Kingdom, and of extending to the employés of the Island Government the War bonus awarded to Government servants in the United Kingdom; and sanction was given on the recommendations of the Governor, who in most cases was the late, not the present, Governor. There has been no usurpation of the rights and privileges of the House of Keys and the action of His Majesty's Government has been perfectly constitutional. I shall be quite prepared to consider any representations that may be submitted to me from the House of Keys; none have so far been received at the Home Office.

asked the Homo Secretary if he will publish the returns relating to vivisection in the form in which they were published prior to the War?

The question of the form of this Report will be considered in due course. I hope it may be possible to give nearly the same information as was given before the War, but I must have regard to the requirements of the Select Committee of this House on Publications.

asked the Homo Secretary if his attention had been called to the inquest on a man named George Hoare who had a fit of apoplexy and, having been seen by a doctor, was sent by that doctor in charge of a policeman to the Middlesex Hospital, where two doctors examined him and refused to take him in, as they said he was drunk, and that the man was then taken to a police station and placed in a cell where he shortly died; and if he would say what steps he proposed to take?

I have made enquiry and have seen a report of the proceedings at the inquest. As the man had been carefully examined by two competent medical men, and as they found him to be drunk, the Police could not possibly refuse to take him, and there is no action which I can take in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary, whether the postal censorship has been completely abolished; and, if not, in what form it still exists?

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he is aware that letters to the Berlin correspondent of the "Daily Herald" are still being opened by the British military censor; and whether this censorship applies to all letters going to Germany or merely to correspondents of labour papers?

The postal censorship as established during the War has been entirely abolished, but I retain the power which has always belonged to the Home Secretary of directing the opening of letters, and this power has been exercised-with regard to certain correspondence to and from Germany and Soviet Russia. I cannot make any statement as to particular cases in which letters have been opened, but I can assure the hon. Members that the correspondents of labour newspapers as such are not subject to any special censorship.

asked the Home Secretary, on what principle he demands that Swiss subjects should be put to the expense and trouble of being denaturalised in Switzerland when applying for naturalisation in this country, while Russian subjects are naturalised notwithstanding their inability to be denaturalised in Russia?

The principle underlying the rule that applicants for British naturalisation shall be required where possible, to surrender their original nationality, is based on the manifold objections to the possession by one person of two nationalities, and on the view to which expression has often been given in this House and elsewhere that dual nationality should wherever possible be avoided. It is possible for a Swiss citizen to get rid of his nationality on naturalisation in the United Kingdom: it is not possible for a Russian to do so: and the practice in the two cases therefore necessarily differs.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the crimes with violence which have been recently committed, and which have resulted in grievous injuries to police constables on duty, he will consider the advisability of providing the Police Force with some- thing more effective than wooden truncheons?

The matter is under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he intends to modify the Clause in the Franchise Act which makes unmarried women over 30 years of age, in order to qualify for a vote, having to prove that they pay 5s. a week for an empty bedroom, and have then furnished the room themselves, causing, with the present great scarcity of houses, a position which is in many cases impossible?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I assume that the hon. Member has in mind Section 4 (1) (c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, though I may observe that the reference in that provision is to an annual value of not less than five pounds, and not to a rental of five shillings a week, as the Question implies. I doubt, however, whether the hon. Member's object could be secured without legislation substantially modifying the basis of the Parliamentary Franchise for women; and I cannot give any undertaking with regard to such legislation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can state the arable acreage and the quantity of wheat produced in Denmark in the years 1918 and 1D19, and the duties, if any, that are levied on the importation of agricultural products into that country?

According to information at the disposal of the Ministry the acreage of arable land in Denmark in 1918 was 5,826,000 acres; similar information for 1919 is not yet available. The quantity of wheat produced was 3,390,000 cwts. in 1918 and 3,168,000 cwts. in 1919. So far as is known, no duties are levied on the importation of cereals or feeding-stuffs into Denmark, but there is a small import duty on cheese, which appears to be the only agricultural product on which an import duty is levied.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the post of Consul-General at New York has recently been filled by a gentleman whose experience of the consular service dates only from June, 1919; whether the salary attached to the said appointment has been raised from £1,200 to £5,000 per annum; whether there is dissatisfaction in the consular service with this arrangement; and whether the long experience and capacity of other members of the service have been overlooked to the detriment of the efficiency of the service?

It is true that His Majesty's Consul-General at New-York entered the Consular Service in June last. He was appointed to New York on the ground of his special business experience in England and America, after the most careful consideration had been given to his claims in comparison with those of other possible candidates. The salary of the post has not been altered, but a special inclusive allowance of £4,000 a year has been assigned to the post to meet the very special conditions obtaining at New York. I have had very little indication of dissatisfaction in the service as the result of the appointment. I have had every indication that the business community of the United Kingdom is well pleased with the appointment. The answer to the last sentence of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the total tonnage of merchant vessels surrendered by Germany under the Peace Treaty; and what amount of this tonnage was given to Great Britain, United States, and France?

I have been asked to reply. The total gross tonnage of German vessels over 1,000 gross tons which was surrendered in accordance with the Armistice arrangements and which is now deemed to have been ceded by Germany under the Peace Treaty is 1,824,828 gross tons, and this has been allocated for temporary management between the Allies as follows:—

	Gross tonnage.
Great Britain	1,334,610
France	421,335
Italy	2,691
Belgium	22,292
Un-allocated	43,900
A total of	1,824,828

About 200,000 gross tons of passenger ships was originally allocated to the United States for the repatriation of their troops from Europe, but this was re-allocated amongst the Allies on the completion of that service and none of these vessels are now under United States management. It should be borne in mind that this temporary allocation to management is without prejudice to final ownership, the decision as to which rests with the Reparation Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Sirdar and Governor-General of the Soudan has received a number of petitions from ex-members of the Sudan civil service asking that their pensions might be increased; and, if so, whether the form of these petitions has been laid before him; and whether he is prepared to recommend that favourable consideration should be given to any cases which prove genuine hardship?

The reply to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative, and consequently the second and third parts do not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the report that His Majesty's Government, in conjunction with the Italian Government, is about to undertake military action against the Mullah; whether the objective is Gagab, in Abyssinia; and whether he can give an assurance that nothing will be done to menace the integrity of the kingdom of Abyssinia?

The report that His Majesty's Government, in conjunction with the Italian Government, are about to undertake military action against the Mullah is based upon a misconception of the facts. An account of the operations which are now concluded was given to the House by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies on Tuesday. The operations were undertaken solely by British forces on British territory, and the third and fourth parts of the question do not therefore arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the total cost per annum of King's messengers, and whether these messengers take with them documents of such importance that they could not be entrusted to the ordinary post?

It is difficult to estimate what the cost of messengers' journeys in future will be, as during the War and until recently many of them have been performed by naval and military officers, and the cost did not fall on Foreign Office funds; it is, however, anticipated that the total annual cost will be about £40,000. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether his Department authorised a certain alleged expert to attempt the restoration of one of the eight pictures in tempera by Andrea Mantegna, forming part of the Royal collection at Hampton Court Palace, on the grounds that the picture was in defective condition, and whether he will state, what precise technical qualifications or experience, if any, were possessed by that person for the successful carrying out of this work;(2) whether, as the result of the treatment of a Mantegna picture forming part of the Royal collection at Hampton Court by a so-called expert and his female assistants, the said picture has been irreparably damaged and its former beauty destroyed; whether any correspondence emanating from the president and council of the Royal Academy has been transmitted to his Department; and, if so, whether he will furnish copies of the correspondence?

These pictures, which I understand to have been already extensively restored by Laguerre in the reign of King William the III., form no part of the national collections, and the Treasury have no correspondence or responsibility with regard to them.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to cases of hardship arising under The Increase of Rent, &c. (Amendment) Act, 1919, by which men who volunteered for military service at the outbreak of war and found themselves compelled to part with their houses, and who on release from military service purchased other houses, are now unable to obtain possession owing to the restrictions under Clause 1 (1) (c) of the Act; and whether he will consider introducing amending legislation to meet such cases, which are necessarily limited in number and appear deserving of special consideration?

A few such cases have been brought to my notice. The suggestion in my hon. and gallant Friend's question shall be brought to the notice of the Committee which, as the Prime Minister announced in the House on Thursday last, it is proposed to set up to enquire into the working of the Rent Restriction Acts.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of pending proceedings for the eviction of some 70 tenants residing at Vernon Chambers, Southampton Row, London, for the purpose of enabling the buildings to be used as offices; whether he will institute an immediate inquiry into the circumstances of this case; and, in the meantime, whether he will help the tenants by giving legal assistance, or otherwise, to resist this attempt to turn them into the street, as they are unable in the prevailing conditions to obtain suitable accommodation elsewhere?

My Department have already been in communication with the London County Council on this question, and have received a deputation from the tenants. Before these premises can be converted into offices the permission of the London County Council will have to be obtained under Section 6 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, and in this connection my Department have informed the London County Council that, without prejudging the case, it appears to them that the tenants have made out a prima facie case for consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that an employer has been fined under the Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act for employing disabled ex-service men at wages above the trades union district rate; and whether His Majesty's Government will consider the necessity for amending the Act as requisite in order to prevent such an injustice to those who have served their country.

The Act referred to was passed in fulfilment of pledges given by successive Ministers to the trade unions, who, at the request of the Government, gave up certain of their restrictive rules during the War. Under these circumstances it is impossible for the Government to propose any amendment of the Statute, especially as the penal provisions of the Act, generally speaking, will not in practice be operative after October next. It is hoped that in the, meantime the trade unions of the country will not take up a similar attitude to that described in the question with regard to men who have been disabled in the country's service.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that clerks to old age pension committees have re-received no bonus during the War, but are still being paid at the pre-War rate; and whether, in view of the work done by these clerks, who, in addition, give much of their time advising claimants, he will consider the possibility of augmenting their fees?

I am aware that the fees paid to clerks to old age pensions committees have not been increased during the War. The original fees were fixed on a generous basis, and the produce of the fees will probably be considerably augmented by the increase in the number of pensioners consequent on the operation of the new Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to introduce legislation during the present Session of Parliament for the purpose of carrying out the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Dentists Act, 1878.

It is hoped to introduce legislation during this Session, but I am not yet in a position to make a definite statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the matter of the Stoke borough boundary inquiry no counsel have been engaged, and that, in this predicament, the opposing authorities have decided to put in no appearance; and will he, therefore, now have the inquiry postponed to a date convenient to all concerned?

An inspector is meeting representatives of the local authorities on Friday next to discuss with them the suggestion that this inquiry should be postponed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes at an early date to make an Order bringing into operation the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Southwark on Monday.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Bramley board of guardians have given notice to terminate the appointments of two married couples in their service in consequence of their refusal to comply with the guardians' request to arrange for the maintenance of their children apart from their parents and outside the institution, these children being aged three years and seven weeks, respectively; and, if so, what action does he propose taking in the matter?

May I refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for the Wellingborough Division.

asked the Minister of Health if it is proposed to introduce a measure this Session for the reform or abolition of the Poor Law system?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement upon this subject.