asked the Prime Minister whether a speech made by Tchitcherin was transmitted from Moscow by wireless and was reported in the French press on 10th February or 11th February, but had not been allowed to reach the British press by 12th February; who was responsible for holding back this message; and whether it is proposed to continue this form of censorship?

There is no foundation for the suggestion in this question that the message was held back, as I am informed that the records of the Marconi Company show that no speech made by Tchitcherin was transmitted by wireless from Moscow on the 10th or 11th February. A fragment of a message was received on the 7th February and communicated as usual to all newspapers on that day.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-soldiers are at present unemployed, and what steps are being taken by the Ministry in regard to this matter?

The number of ex-Service men claiming donation at the employment exchanges at 6th February was 339,000, a decrease of over 52,000 as compared with the corresponding total for 16th January, which was the highest recorded since the previous May. There is reason to believe that there has been a further decrease since 6th February, but complete figures are not yet available for a later date. This substantial reduction which, it will be observed, has taken place in the period since the settlement of the ironmoulders' dispute, gives reason for hoping that the number will be considerably less in a few weeks' time. The Department are continuing their efforts to find employment for ex-Service men with the assistance of Local Employment Committees and others, and in particular special attention is being paid to the National Scheme for the Employment of Disabled Men.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to introduce a Bill during the present Session of Parliament to prohibit night-work on the baking trade, in accordance with the promise given by the Ministry in the recent dispute?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement as to the incidence of influenza in this country; and what preparations have been made by the Ministry of Health for dealing with an epidemic should it occur?

There has been a slight increase in the number of deaths from influenza during recent weeks and a few significant outbreaks in schools and other institutions, but otherwise there is no evidence at present of unusual prevalence of the disease in this country comparable to the definite new waves of influenza which are occurring in American cities and on the Continent.The Ministry keep a constant watch on the occurrence of influenza at home and abroad, and have put themselves in a position to observe closely the progress of any epidemic, wherever it may occur. Information is derived from returns as to epidemics obtained from Consular Agents and from other official sources all over the world. As regards the prevalence of the disease at home, information is obtained from the weekly returns of influenza mortality in the 96 great towns issued by the Registrar-General, and from returns of cases of acute influenzalpneumonia, the notification of which is now obligatory on all medical practitioners in England and Wales. Returns of cases of influenza are also furnished voluntarily every week by a number of schools, institutions and representative industrial firms throughout the country. All data on the subject, statistical as well as scientific, come before an Influenza Committee, which is a Medical Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health, holding frequent meetings, and on which sit medical representatives of various Government Departments.A vaccine against influenza has been prepared by the Ministry and is now being issued on demand to Medical Officers of Health for distribution free of charge among medical practitioners within their districts. Careful consideration has been given to all practicable means of protecting the country from the introduction of influenza through the ports.The knowledge and experience accumulated during recent epidemics have been collected and issued to local authorities at various times in the last twelve months.A Memorandum has been issued to local authorities explaining the measures (both administrative and personal) which, with our present knowledge, are deemed best calculated to prevent the spread of influenza, and to lessen mortality from the disease;.A popular leaflet has also been issued and widely circulated through local authorities setting out the best measures of guarding against infection, together with advice to patients as to the best known means of securing a speedy return of convalescence and the avoidance of those complications which constitute the special danger of influenza.Meanwhile, much active investigation continues by the medical officers of the Ministry into the causes of epidemics of influenza. Special enquiry is being made by them in selected districts into such questions as immunity, the effects of overcrowding, incidence according to age, and so on. In certain of these areas arrangements have been made, in consultation with the Medical Research Committee, for the co-operation of medical officers of the Ministry, Medical Officers of Health and bacteriologists, in the investigation of the origin, the spread and best means of combating the disease.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that during the past four weeks some hundreds of waiters in the City of London have been in dispute with their employers regarding wages, causing serious public inconvenience; and whether the good offices of his Department have been used in the direction of endeavouring to bring the parties together in conference?

I am aware of the dispute to which the right hon. Member refers. Officers of my Department have made frequent attempts since before Christmas to obtain a settlement and are in close touch with all parties, but hitherto they have not succeeded in arranging: a conference.

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled officers and men have received training, respectively, as lawyers, doctors, or chartered accountants; how many are practising as such; how many are in training; what are the facilities; and to what Department must applications be made to procure such training?

I regret that there are no figures available which will enable me to reply fully to the first part of the hon. Member's Question. Assistance in training for the professions is given to disabled and able-bodied ex-service men by the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour, in conjunction with the Board of Education and the Agricultural Departments, according to the nature of the profession and form of training which it is sought to enter. Such assistance takes the form of advice as to appropriate training vacancies or classes and the payment of maintenance grants to suitable candidates. Grants have been made by my Department to 1,138 men training as solicitor and to 1,920 men training as accountants. I have no information as to how many of these men are disabled or are now in practice. I understand from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education that he has sanctioned grants to some 2,408 men training in the medical and dental professions.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Freiston Aerodrome, Lincolnshire, occupies 90 acres of the most highly productive agricultural land in the country; that seven tenants of this land are dispossessed of their respective holdings to their great financial loss; that the buildings, hangars, and other erections at the aerodrome have been greatly damaged by recent gales, and now lie in ruins; that, though there has been no recent flying from this station, considerable expenses are still incurred; that heavy lorries are continually coming and going, doing serious damage to the roads; and whether it is in the national interest that this station be closed and the land handed back to the former tenants?

The reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is that the Frieston Aerodrome occupies approximately 90 acres of productive agricultural land, though I am not in a position to compare it with other land in the country as regards productivity; to the second part, that the tenants referred to are receiving compensation on a basis agreed with them in 1916; to the third part, that the recent gales caused damage to the Bessonneaux hangars only and not as stated by him; and to the fourth part that expenses have been incurred owing to the change over from a war to a peace basis, and a small staff has necessarily been employed there in connection with this work. The heavy traffic referred to in the fifth part has been caused by the change over and the consequent removal of stores, etc. Any damage to the roads resulting therefrom will be dealt with by the Joint Roads Board. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative, as this is one of the aerodromes selected as a permanent station for the Royal Air Force on account of the exceptional facilities it provides for certain branches of training, facilities which I am advised it is difficult to obtain elsewhere in the British Isles.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air the total cost to the nation of the Royal Air Force School of Music since its institution to the latest convenient date; when did it commence operations; what is its present personnel; does it serve any useful purpose; and whether he will consider the desirability, in the public interest, of forthwith closing it?

I regret that, in the time available, I am not able to reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question. As soon as I receive the information I will communicate with him. The reply to the second part of his question is July, 1918; to the third, two officers and forty-five other ranks; to the fourth, in the affirmative; and to the fifth, that I see no reason why the Royal Air Force should be deprived of advantages enjoyed by other branches of His Majesty s Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers of the Royal Air Force have been charged compulsorily the sum of one-third of a day's pay monthly towards the Central Mess Fund of that corps; under what authority this charge against officers has been made; and what are the purposes to which, and under whose control, these funds are being put?

The statement in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is substantially correct, in that a deduction of one day's pay a quarter, subsequently reduced to one day's pay a year, has in many cases been made from officers' pay in respect of the Royal Flying Corps Central Mess Fund (now the Royal Air Force Officers' Sports Fund). In regard to the second part, this fund was founded as a voluntary association by officers of the late Royal Flying Corps, primarily for the encouragement of sport, and what was originally a voluntary subscription became by custom a deduction from officers' accounts, subject to the right of officers to reclaim any moneys so deducted if they wished. Deductions ceased to be made from March, 1919. In regard to the last part of the question, the fund is now administered by an elected committee of five officers of the Royal Air Force, and will in future be utilised for the purpose of assisting and encouraging sport in the Royal Air Force.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Private T. P. Cahill, Royal Army Service Corps, No. S4/070,755, was medically classified on enlistment as an Al man; that in 1916, at St. Omer, he. sustained an injury in his arm, and, as a result, was re-classified B2 by a medical board at Havre in August, 1917; that he sustained an injury to his head on 28th December, 1917; that the authorities admit liability for the second injury, but repudiate the first; and that Private Cahill has been awarded a pension of 8s. 8d. per week for 52 weeks, 5s. 6d. for himself and 3s. 2d. for three children, his wife being excluded from benefit; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to an increase of pension in this case, and to the back-dating of the payments to the date of demobilisation?

I am not aware of the facts stated in the first two parts of the question. Private Cahill claimed on demobilisation to be suffering from an injury received during service to his left hand, and from an injury received during service to his head. The certifying medical officer assessed disablement at nil, and Private Cahill's claim to pension was therefore rejected. On appeal against this decision exhaustive enquiries were made regarding the accidents alleged to have caused the injuries. Partial verification having been obtained of the head injury Mr. Cahill was examined by a Medical Board, as a result of which he was awarded a final weekly allowance of 8s. 8d. for 52 weeks The date of the award has now been amended to 16th June, 1919, the day following the date of demobilisation. Despite the most careful enquiry, no corroboration whatever can be obtained of the alleged accident to Mr. Cahill's left hand, but it has been ascertained that he was medically treated for weakness of that hand prior to the War. In these circumstances the disability cannot be regarded as due to or aggravated by service, and a pension cannot, therefore, be awarded: but if Mr. Cahill is dissatisfied with this decision he has a right of appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mrs. D. B. Find lay, 43, Station Road, Springburn, Glasgow, wife of David Baxter Findlay, No. 275,452, who enlisted on 13th October, 1919, under the name of David Baxter for six years with the colours and six years with the reserves, has been refused any separation allowance which is required for the support of herself and the infant child of the marriage; and on what ground is such allowance withheld?

The regulations under which this man enlisted provide that separation allowance will not be issuable unless and until he is admitted to the married establishment. The soldier on enlistment signed a form acknowledging that he fully realized the terms of his engagement in this respect. He further stated that he was a single man.

asked the Minister of Pensions the remuneration of part-time and whole-time medical officers employed in the London area?

Part-time medical officers are paid by a fee per session of two and a half hours. The fee varies from 1¼ guineas to 2 guineas, according to the class of work required. Whole-time medical officers in the London area are paid annual salaries ranging from £750 to £1,200.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a chief engine-room artificer, 1st class, on promotion to the rank of artificer engineer suffers a diminution in actual pay instead of an increase; that the pay is insufficient for him to live in a manner compatible with the status and dignity of an officer; that dissatisfaction exists among chief and artificer engineers at what is regarded by them as unfair treatment of men who have led so strenuous a life in the War; and will he consider the possibility of awarding each engineer officer promoted from engine-room artificers the sum of 3s. a day as specialist allowance or, as an alternative on promotion, that the allowance granted to chief engine-room artificers on account of certificates, 2s. per day, be not stopped as is done at present, and an extra 1s. per day be allowed on account of the passing certificate to artificer engineers?

The matter raised in my hon. Friend's question is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the discharges at the dockyards involve any corresponding reduction in the list of establishment?

No decision has yet been taken to reduce the number of Established workmen on account of the reductions in the total number of workpeople employed. For the present vacancies are being filled us they occur within the total authorised numbers; but, of course, the figure at which the Established numbers are to stand in the future is a matter for future consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that when the Grand Fleet encountered the mine field which sank H.M.S. "Audacious" the "Olympic," with women and children on board, lowered 14 boats and rescued nearly the whole of the crew of H.M.S. "Audacious"; and whether any medals, rewards, or public expression of thanks were given to the crew of the "Olympic"; and, if so, when and in what form?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The following expression of thanks was addressed to the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, Limited, on 2nd December, 1918:—"I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to state that, now that the loss of H.M.S. 'Audacious' has been announced, they are desirous of officially recognising the great assistance rendered on that occasion by the White Star Liner R.M.S. 'Olympic' under the command of Commodore Herbert, T. Haddock, C.B., R.D., R.N.R. In response to distress signals the ship closed and attempted on several occasions to take the 'Audacious' in tow, at great risk to herself from mines and possible submarine attacks. She was handled with the greatest skill and enterprise, and remained until it was found that the 'Audacious' could not be towed. The Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleets, reported in high terms on the valuable services rendered, and my Lords now desire to express their appreciation to the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, Limited, and to Commodore Haddock and all concerned."The Company in acknowledging the Admiralty letter stated that a copy of the letter would be sent to Commodore Haddock, and also to the present captain of the "Olympic," in order that it might be publicly read on board the ship.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any information regarding the whereabouts of Private T. Blakeborough, No. 302,595, Royal Army Service Corps, who was last hoard of from Roston-on-Don, Russia, by letter dated 1st December, 1919; and if he will institute immediate inquiries as to the fate of this man?

No recent casualty to this man has Keen reported. Considering the state of affairs in South Russia, the interval during which no letters have been received does not appear very long, but I am making special inquiries in this case, and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been decided to place the ex-soldier clerks employed in the War Office on the established list and make their employment a pensionable one; and, if so, what are the terms of this proposal?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has yet been come to with regard to putting ex-soldier (War Office) clerks on a pensionable basis?

This question is still under consideration by the Treasury.

asked the Prime Minister when the repatriation of the German prisoners of war in French hands will be completed, and whether, in view of the fact that Great Britain is one of the signatories to the Peace Treaty, he will make representations to the French Government urging the speedy repatriation of all prisoners of war?

This is entirely a matter for the French Government. His Majesty's Government have no reason to suppose that these prisoners will not be repatriated at as early a date as conditions of transport permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that ex-service men in the Lewis have raided land belonging to Lord Leverhulme, who recently bought the island, and have planted potato patches and are erecting cottages; whether he is aware that these men were promised land by recruiting agents if they would enlist; and can he state whether any steps are being taken to fulfil this promise, seing that the men have offered to pay fair rents under the Small Landholders Act for Scotland?

I am making en quiries and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that some of the ex-service men of the Island of Lewis, which has been bought by Lord Leverhulme, have secured passages to Australia, but are unable to emigrate because they have no money with which to purchase an outfit; and will he say whether any fund exists to which these men can apply for assistance?

The Committee of the National Relief Fund have allocated a grant for assisting British subjects who have suffered hardship through the war, and desire to settle within the Empire overseas or, in certain cases, to emigrate to foreign countries, and would be benefitted by so doing. The grant is being administered by a Joint Committee of the Oversea Settlement Committee and the National Relief Fund, and applications for assistance from the grant must be submitted through the Civil Liabilities Department (Local Commissioners), Local War Pensions Committees, Local Employment Committees, or some responsible voluntary society or organisation, and must be accompanied by recommendations, based upon adequate inquiry, from the bodies in question. No grants are made to persons proceeding to destinations within the Empire unless the recipients are approved as settlers by the Government of that part of the Empire to which they intend to proceed. The Joint Committee would be prepared to consider applications on behalf of the ex-service men referred to in the hon. and gallant Member's question, and to make grants in suitable cases.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons, contractors at Stornaway for Lord Leverhulme, have on his instructions discharged 60 men because they have come from the district in which ex-Service men have raided Lord Leverhulme's land; and whether any steps are being taken to alleviate the distress caused by these discharges?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have had no representations as to any distress arising out of these discharges, but the position in the Lewis is receiving my close attention.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will consider the position of the officers of all the local authorities in Scotland with a view of their being placed on an equality with those in England and Wales?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the question of salary which was the subject of a question on Thursday last by the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham). I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer on that occasion.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the numbers of convictions for drunkenness in Glasgow during the most recent month for which figures are available, during the corresponding month in the previous year, and during the corresponding month in 1913?

The figures are as follow:

asked the Secretary for Scotland under what Regulation two Swedish sailors were recently committed to prison at Leith, and what was the nature of the offence with which they were charged?

The sailors in question were brought to trial on a charge of contravening Regulation 27 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations by having in their possession documents containing false reports and false statements, statements intended and likely to cause disaffection to His Majesty and statements intended and likely to prejudice the recruiting of persons to serve in any of His Majesty's Forces or in any Police Force. They were found guilty and sentenced to six months' imprisonment each.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can say if the Board of National Education in Ireland have not appointed a successor to the professor of English, resigned, but have instead appointed a lecturer on that important subject; and if this is an indication that English is now delegated to a secondary place and on a level with Irish?

Prior to last summer the teaching of English in the Marlborough Street Training College was not in charge of a special member of the staff—one professor taking English Composition and Grammar, and another English Literature and History. Certain changes in the staff of the College took place at the close of the last Session, and the Commissioners of National Education, who are fully alive to the importance of giving a good training in English to the students of the College, decided that in the re-arrangement necessitated by the changes provision should be made by which English in all its branches would in future be in charge of a single professor or teacher. Accordingly, they advertised for a teacher in English Literature, English Grammar and Composition, and History, and a distinguished graduate (M.A.), who specialised in these branches during her University career, has been appointed to this position. The change in title of the officer now responsible for the teaching of these branches does not in any way indicate that English occupies a less important position in the College curriculum than formerly.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the approximate number of British troops now in Ireland?

The number of troops at present employed in Ireland is 40,750, of which 35,600 are effectives.

asked the Prime Minister whether the responsibility for conduct of troops in Ireland lies with the military or the civil authority?

The troops in Ireland are subject to the Army Act and are under the command of the Commander-in-Chief who is responsible for their conduct.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Board of Works in Ireland is prepared to grant loans to managers of schools for the erection of teachers' residences; and, if so, at what date and on what terms?

Yes, Sir; the Board of Works are prepared to consider the recommendations of the Commissioners of National Education for the issue of loans to managers of schools for this purpose. Under the statutes governing the issue of these loans, loans may be made up to a maximum of £250 repayable by annuity over a period of not more than 35 years. The repayment annuity is based on the rates of interest applicable to loans issued from the Local Loans Fund as fixed from time to time by the Treasury. At the present time the repayment annuity required for a 35 years' loan is '£7 9s. 8d. per cent.

asked the Secretary for India what steps are being taken for the formation of an Indian Navy out of the present Royal Indian Marine?

Lord Jellicoe visited India to consider this among other questions, and his report is now under consideration, but it involves very serious consequences.

asked the Secretary of State for India when the now rates of furlough pay for officers of the Indian Army are to be published?

Revised rates of leave pay for Indian Army officers are under consideration and will be announced as early as possible. In the meantime Army of Occupation bonus is being paid in addition to the existing rates.

asked the Secretary of State for India what were the number of casualties incurred about Fort Sandeman in the operations during the present year; and what were the reasons why such small bodies of troops were sent up in relief so as to expose them to the risk of being overwhelmed on the way?

I am afraid I cannot give the total casualties about Fort Sandeman during the whole of the operations without references to India, as the exact locality of casualties, especially in the case of Indian ranks, is not always reported to this country. The hon. Member is no doubt referring to two attacks made on convoys of supplies pro ceeding to Fort Sandeman, on the 7th June and on the 14th–17th July last. The total casualties reported in these two attacks were:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if the British Empire only grows 24 per cent. of the total cotton of the world; and if he will give the percentage of the cotton output now grown in British Colonies and indicate its gradual growth since 1910, at the same time stating what special steps are being taken to increase this cultivation to the fullest possible extent?

The figure of 24 per cent. is for the whole Empire, including India, Egypt, and the Sudan. The percentage for the Colonies and Protectorates with which the Colonial Office is responsible is about one-quarter of one per cent. Apart from the small but valuable West Indian crop the production is almost entirely in tropical Africa. The figures range from about 38,000 bales of 400 lbs. in 1910 to 75,000 bales in 1914 and 47,000 bales in 1918. The recent falling off is largely due to the decreased output of Uganda during the war period, but a largely increased Uganda crop is now expected. These figures do not include the large amount of cotton grown in Nigeria for the local market, which does not pass through European hands. The possibilities of increased production will in certain cases be limited by the competition of other crops or the sparseness of the local population, but every effort is made to encourage cotton growing, and special attention has been given to the improvement of Colonial Agricultural Departments. The Colonial Office is in close touch with the Empire Cotton Growing Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is taking steps to ensure that all orders for rolling stock, bridge and harbour work, and the like, which may be needed by any of the Crown Colonies, are placed in this country unless the quotations prove absolutely prohibitive?

The Crown Agents for the Colonies have been instructed to give an effective preference to the products and manufactures of the Empire in connection with contracts executed by them on behalf of Colonial Governments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state, in respect of the sum of £650,000 advanced to the Board of Trade under the Treasury Minute of 3rd January, 1920, for the purchase of zinc concentrates, for what purpose the zinc concentrates are required; where the stocks will be held; in whose charge they will be: whether they will be passed through any further manufacturing processes; and, if so, where and by whom?

A contract was entered into during the War between His Majesty's Government and an Association of all Australian producers of zinc concentrates, which provided for the purchase by the former of a certain quantity of Australian concentrates per annum for a period ending ten years after the conclusion of the War. The objects of the agreement were to provide a market for the Australian output which before the War had been controlled by German metal interests under long period contracts, and to promote zinc smelting and important allied industries in the United Kingdom by securing an assured supply of raw material. Owing to the prolonged strike at Broken Hill the concentrates so far required by His Majesty's Government are stocked there, but so soon as it becomes possible to move them the stocks will be, held in this country, and will be in the hands of such agents as may be appointed for the purpose until actually sold to smelters. The concentrates will, of course, require to be first roasted and then smelted, in order to produce spelter which is required by the galvanising and brass industries. The Government is at present considering the terms on which the concentrates will be sold to British smelters and any surplus to foreign smelters.

asked the Under Secretary for State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the suggestion that taxation should be varied in British East Africa according to the capability of natives to labour for settlers; and whether he will inform Sir Edward Northey that His Majesty's Government is not prepared to permit taxation imposed with the object of forcing, labour in the interests of a particular class?

The whole question of native labour and taxation is receiving careful consideration and will be further discussed with Sir E. Northey by the Secretary of State on his return.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state at what date Sir Stuart Samuel's Commission to inquire into the condition of the Jews in Poland returned from Poland; whether any Report or Reports have been sent by the Commission to His Majesty's representatives abroad or to the Foreign Office; and, if so, whether he will publish them at once?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's ques-

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, giving the number in each county, separately, during the year ended 31st December, 1919; and, in the same way, will he give the number of outbreaks up to the present date, the number of stock affected which were slaughtered, and those in contact with diseased animals which were slaughtered?

The attached table give the information required by my hon. Friend I regret that there are no figures available distinguishing between the number of animals diseased and those slaughtered as contacts.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the repairing of the public highways is being delayed by the inability of contractors to secure freight room for granite from the Channel Islands; and what steps are being taken to overcome this difficulty?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 17th February by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller to the right hon. Member for Woolwich (Mr. W. Crooks).

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give his grounds for stating that no capital valuation of the railways arises out of the provisions of the Ministry of Transport Act?

It is very difficult to deal fully and usefully with such a matter by way of question and answer. In reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member on the 16th February I gave my reason, but sought his assistance if I had missed or failed to appreciate the point of importance which he raises. I regret that he has not seen fit to accept the suggestion of a personal discussion which was then made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increasing cost of maintenance and repair of roads owing to the damage caused to them by the use of the roads by private motor-omnibus proprietors, legislative or other steps will be taken to provide for the payment by such owners of a fair mileage rate to the highway authority?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Burslem (Mr. Finney) on February 16th.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a petition of the Manchester branch of the United Kingdom Commercial Travellers' Association with regard to the withdrawal of the commercial travellers' cloak-room fee and week-end tickets, and whether he will consider the equity of acceding thereto?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer to a similar question by the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Sir J. D. Roes) on February 18th.

asked the Minister of Transport what special travelling facilities will be granted for Easter and Whitsuntide?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to-day to a similar question asked by the hon and gallant Member for Torquay (Col. Burn) with regard to the Easter Holidays.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the London County Council have recently notified the Tottenham Urban District Council that difficulty in obtaining materials to equip the requisite number of cars to run on the overhead system and to construct a necessary lay-by and change point at Stamford Hill is delaying the institution of a through service via that point; and if, in view of the urgent need for improving the travelling facilities to and from the City viâ Stamford Hill, the Ministry can assist the London County Council in obtaining the materials referred to?

My attention had not previously been called to the difficulty referred to, but if the London County Council require any assistance which I am in a position to give I shall be glad to do so on hearing from them.

asked the Postmaster General whether he is aware that official telephone directories are printed with the notice that a list of subscribers for any other district will be supplied gratis to any subscriber who makes reasonable use of the trunk circuits concerned; what is his definition of reasonable use; and on what grounds the General Post Office insist on charging a subscriber (reference 125,127/19), whose trunk calls cost £20 17s. 4d. for eight months, for such lists?

The subscriber in question has been supplied with 20 out of the 45 Sections into which the Telephone Directory is divided. Examination of his trunk calls shows that he does not communicate frequently with subscribers appearing in the remaining Sections. In view of the expense involved in the issue of the Directory it is necessary to exercise discrimination in distributing it free of charge.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the practice of the Department to open parcels of books and pamphlets transmitted through the post; if so, will he state the reason for this action; whether he is aware that every parcel of literature posted during the past year to the Literature Secretary of the Greenwich Labour party has been torn open before delivery; and whether he will make inquiry into this matter.

There is no such practice. If the covers of the parcels referred to are sent to me, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster General under what circumstances several vacancies in the supervising classes on the postal side of the establishment at Belfast are still allowed to remain vacant, though one of the vacancies was created over seven months ago; and if it is proposed to make a pronouncement upon the subject at an early date?

The filling of these vacancies was dependent on a scheme of revision which has been under discussion with representatives of the supervising staff, and has only recently been settled. The selection of officers to fill the vacancies is being proceeded with, and an announcement will be made shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state why no increase of pension under the re-assessment of pensions has been granted to Company Sergeant-Major T. Quinn, No. 12,395, late Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, No. 513,767, Labour Corps, this soldier having twenty-one years' service previous to 1914, a pension of twenty-seven pence per day, volunteered for service in September 1914, served through the Great War, and was demobilised February, 1919; and whether, seeing that this soldier is now eligible for re-assessed pension, he will explain why he has not received the same?

The re-assessment gives no increase, the rates under both Warrants in this case being identical.

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of owners of house property in Great Britain; what is the amount of capital invested in this form of property and what is the gross and the net average percentage earned by it; and whether, in view of the fact that the owners of house property have, like other persons, to meet the increased cost of living due to the War and, in addition, greatly augmented charges for keeping their property in repair, he can give any assurance that further redress will be granted to owners of house property, now placed under disadvantages not shared by other investors and, in the case of the smaller owners, exposed to severe hardships on the scale and according to the principle accepted in conceding increased wages to workers in leading industries to enable them to meet the enhanced cost of living?

I regret that the statistical information asked for in the first part of my right hon. Friend's question is not available. I have no doubt that the considerations to which he refers will receive the, attention of the Committee which has been set up to examine the operation of the Rent Restriction Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Education when the obligation to establish special schools, other than boarding schools, for physically defective and epileptic children becomes operative?

Section 20 of the Education Act, 1918, comes into operation on the 1st April next.

asked the President of the Board of Education if the House will have the opportunity of discussing the findings of the Burnham Committee; and whether he will, in the case of the teachers, submit to the vote of the House the principle of equal pay for men and women teachers of the same professional status?

I imagine that a discussion of the effect of the adoption of the scales of salaries recommended by the Burnham Committee, and of the relation of the pay of men and women teachers, would be relevant to the Board's Estimates, and there are other ways in which the latter issue can be raised. I am not prepared to take the course suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any properties held in connection with the production of flax and acquired out of public moneys for that purpose have been disposed of, and, if so, what was their original cost; what sum has been received for them; what was the reason for their disposal; and by whom have they been acquired?

The Flax Production undertaking carried on by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Peterborough, Selby and Long Mel-ford (Suffolk) districts has been sold as a going concern to Messrs. Beverley, Peace & Partners, 83, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, who, it is understood, were acting on behalf of persons already interested in the industry. The purchase price is £535,000, subject on the one hand to deductions in respect of constructional work not completed at the date of the sale and, on the other hand, to the addition of a sum representing the costs of administration between the date of tender (8th December, 1919) and the date on which possession was given (1st February, 1920). The price covers not only land, buildings and equipment, but also stocks of flax straw in hand, and cannot at present be precisely allocated to these different items. The cost to the State of the land, buildings and equipment was approximately £425,000. A complete financial statement, which must necessarily take some time to prepare, will be published as soon as possible. The revival of flax production in Great Britain was originally undertaken by the Government experimentally in 1911 under the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, but the work was greatly extended during the War under the stress of national emergency. The Bale of the undertaking at the present time is in pursuance of the Government's intention from the outset, namely, to transfer it to private commercial enterprise at the earliest possible moment. The factories in the Yeovil area have also been sold to Messrs. A. Mitchelson & Co., Ltd., Pinners Hall, Austin Friars, London, E.C., for £180,000, subject to a similar adjustment in respect of uncompleted work. The cost to the State of the land, buildings and equipment in this case is approximately £190,000. In each casa the purchasers have bound themselves to continue the use of the factories for the purposes of flax production for a period of not less than five years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tons of coal raised in the Durham coalfield in the last ascertained quarter; what was the selling price per ton; whether this represented an increase over the selling price in the previous quarter; and, if so, how much?

The estimated number of tons of coal raised in the Durham coalfield in the third quarter of the year 1910, the latest for which the particulars asked for are available, was 7,672,000 tons. The average selling value based upon rather more than two-thirds of the tonnage raised during the quarter was 34s. 4¾d. per ton; compared with an average selling value of 29s. 1½d. per ton in the previous quarter based upon the total quantity of coal sold.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any complaints regarding the shortage of supplies of household coal in the Cleveland district; whether he is aware that recently the supply and quality of the coal in this district has been reduced, although there is evidence of large stocks of coal at many pits in the county of Durham; and whether he will take action to secure adequate supplies?

Complaints have been received from the Cleveland district. The shortage of household coal in certain areas is not the result of shortage of coal at the pits but of difficulties of transport.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the principle of the datum period as it affects retailers of coal is unsatisfactory; can he state when such is to be abolished; and, if not, is he prepared to arrange for retailers to have supplies according to the number of consumers that are now registered with them?

Every effort is being made to adjust the allocation of coal supplies to merchants so that they may be in a position to meet the needs of the consumers registered with them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the Value of our imports from the United States of America in January; and what estimated cost was entailed by the adverse exchange?

The landed value of the imports into the United Kingdom from the United States in January, 1920, was £68,568,520. As neither the conditions under which the various consignments were purchased nor the sterling amounts included for insurance and freight are known it is not possible to say what part of the cost was due to the adverse exchange.

asked the President of the Board of Trade 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 have a statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of potash compounds, distinguishing those used for agricultural from those used for other industrial purposes, imported from Germany and Alsace since the armistice; the ruling price of potash in Germany; and at what prices German potash compounds have been sold to the English public for industrial purposes?

As the answer to this question involves a statistical table I will have a statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to restore full power to the warrant cards of the members of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary Reserve, in view of the wave of crime now prevalent in the Metropolis.

The members of the Special Constabulary Reserve have not lost their full powers, and will be called upon to act as and when required.

asked the Home Secretary the numbers of convictions for drunkenness in the United Kingdom for men and for women respectively during the last three months of 1919, and during the corresponding three months of 1918.

I can give figures only for England and Wales: and I cannot give the monthly figures for men and women separately without enquiry which would take time. But it is possible to estimate from the figures for the whole year the proportion they bear to one another, and the following figures will, I hope, meet the hon. Member's purpose: The convictions for drunkenness in England and Wales in the months of October, November, and December, 1918, numbered 2,124, 2,053 and 2,088 respectively, and of these about 75 per cent. related to men. The corresponding figures for the same months in 1919 are still subject to correction, but may be given as 5,900, 6,504 and 8,732, of which about 81 per cent. relate to men.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in arriving at the decision to reintroduce summer time this year, regard has been had to difficulties imposed by it on agriculture; and whether, if the decision to introduce it is final, he will consider the desirability of reducing the period for which summer time will be in operation?

The effect of the adoption of summer time on agricultural operations has again been carefully considered, but I have not been able to find sufficient reason for making any substantial change in the period.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions why an official of the Ministry was on the Profiteering Committee; if this official has been withholding information from that Committee; and whether all files and documents appertaining to quinine in the Foreign Office, Ministry of Munitions, and the War Office (Contracts Branch) were submitted to the Committee?

An official of the Ministry conversant with the dealings in quinine was asked by the Board of Trade to serve on the Committee of Enquiry. So far as the Ministry of Munitions (War Office Contracts Section) is concerned, no information was withheld.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he has any statement to make as to the quinine transaction conducted by his Department with the British Quinine Corporation, which transaction is adversely criticised in the Board of Trade Profiteering Report?

The Report to which my hon. Friend refers has been published, and I do not think it calls for any statement.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether Mr. Abrahamson rendered valuable services to' the associated Governments during the War in connection with obtaining quinine supplies at a time when they were urgently needed for tropical campaigns; and whether His Majesty's Government has awarded Mr. Abrahamson any recognition for those services which were rendered by him in the capacity of a second lieutenant?

Mr. Abrahamson was attached to the Contracts Branch of the War Office from September, 1917, to April, 1918, and rendered good service in connection with the supply of quinine for the Army. Whilst so employed, he held the rank and drew the pay of a second lieutenant. His services were of considerable value to the Army, but, as was the case with many other officers, no special recognition was awarded him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the grant to the Cheshunt Urban District Council of £1,408 for extraordinary military damage to Eleanor Cross Road was. reduced to £935; and whether he will state the reason for this reduction in the grant?

The statement that "the grant" to the Cheshunt Urban District Council was reduced is incorrect. A claim of £1,408 was made in respect of extraordinary road damage due to Ministry of Munitions traffic. This claim represented the difference between the actual cost of upkeep and average cost of upkeep in an earlier period, with an allowance for increased expense due to increased cost of materials and labour. It was considered that insufficient allowance had been made in the Council's estimate for the increased cost of normal upkeep of the roads, and that a contribution of £935 from the Ministry represented an adequate grant for the Ministry traffic. An ex gratia payment was made accordingly, no legal liability being admitted

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the reason for the delay in the sale of British war stores in France; and whether he can give any estimate of the extent of the consequent immense losses by theft, illicit sale, and exposure to weather, floods, and fire?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the answer given on the 16th instant he will see that stores to the value of £50,000,000 have been sold in France, £15,000,000 worth have been removed to this country and sold, whilst £80,000,000 worth have been brought back by the War Office to supplement Army reserves. I cannot therefore agree that there has been any avoidable delay in the sale of British War stores in France and Belgium The whole of the stores in Belgium have been disposed of. In France, all animals, all the hutments, which of course could not be removed, the broad gauge railways, rolling stock, locomotives, dock plant, barges and water craft, which were not required in this country, have also been sold. In addition, the stores in the forward areas, including some 500 dumps and accumulated stores at Calais and Dunkirk, have been disposed of in spite of the great difficulties, especially with regard to transport and labour, which have been experienced throughout by our representatives in France. Some loss from theft and exposure was unavoidable, but all possible precautions have been taken. Until the beginning of this month the responsibility for the custody of surplus stores rested with the Military authorities up till the time that they were handed over to the purchasers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as regards men of under 21 years of age who have been killed in the defence of their country, his attention has been called to the effect of the statutory Regulation whereby insurance companies are only required, on the death of an insured person under 21, to return the premium that has been paid: and whether he can see his way to introduce legislation to exempt the estate of those under 21 who have been killed in action from the operation of this Regulation, in view of the fact that it, was designed to meet totally different circumstances?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware of any statutory Regulation of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend, and shall be glad if he will send particulars of some of the cases which he has in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can furnish any accounts of the amounts received by the various departments of the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Ministry of Munitions, of surplus stores, lands, and effects sold; under what heading the receipts appear in the financial returns of the Exchequer; and if the amounts are placed on special deposits or used in relief of the general expenditure?

Surplus war stores, land, etc., are dealt with by the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board whose receipts form part of the appropriations in aid of the Ministry of Munitions Vote, 1919–20, as shown in Sub-head L of that Vote. Any amounts realised above the total thus authorised by Parliament to be appropriated in reduction of the Supply Grant for Munitions are paid to the Exchequer under the heading Miscellaneous Revenue. The cash receipts of the Disposal Board in the year 1919–20 to date are approximately £85,000,000. Proceeds of the sale of ships' stores, trawlers, drifters, etc., are appropriated in aid of Navy Votes, and have realised approximately £3,200,000 this year. The above system of accounting for receipts from surplus property is being reconsidered for the forthcoming financial year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the future, Returns of public expenditure under various Acts, which he has promised to issue annually in continuance of Parliamentary Paper, No. 218, of 1919, he will give directions that administrative expenditure should be stated separately, so that, for instance, comparisons may be instituted between different areas and that capital and current expenditure may be shown separately, so that, for instance, the proportion of salaries to upkeep may be made clear?

I will consult the Departments concerned as to the practicability of this suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total value of American hops licensed for importation into this country during 1919 and 1920, the approximate cargo space that they will occupy, and whether the continuation of imports on this scale is likely to benefit the British exchange in America?

I have been asked to reply to this question. 413,879 cwts. of hops were licensed for import during the years 1919 and 1920, but it is not known what proportion of these were American. The average price was between £12 and £15 per cwt. I am unable to state the approximate cargo space the hops will occupy, but I am informed that an American bale occupies 17–18 cubic feet and weighs about 1½ cwt. The Chancellor of the Exchequer considers that the effect of these imports on the exchange is not important.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether in the coming Budget he will consider the advisability of putting a graduated tax on the employment of domestic servants, especially male servants;(2) Whether in the coming Budget he will consider the advisability of putting a graduated tax on all meals above a certain amount in hotels, clubs and restaurants?

I must reserve for the Budget statement any announcement as to changes in taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether soldiers who were permanent postal employés and who were compulsorily transferred to Agricultural Companies of the Labour Corps count their time in those companies towards pension?

Yes, Sir. I propose to issue instructions in this sense.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Superintending Inspector of Taxes of the City 3 District submitted to Somerset House last month a certificate for the repayment of £12,415, payable to the liquidator of R. Martens and Company, Limited; and what is the reason for the delay in payment?

The reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The case is one in which some enquiry was found to be necessary. That enquiry has, however, now been completed and repayment has been authorised.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can see his way to impose strict protection for the peewit in view of the benefits that this bird confers on agriculture?

I have no power to make Orders under the Wild Birds Protection Acts, except on the application of the county or county borough council. It is, therefore, for the councils to take action in the first instance. Orders are already in force in a number of counties and county boroughs for the protection of the bird and of its eggs, and I understand that the Board of Agriculture are considering the desirability of approaching the other local authorities which have not yet made orders, with a view to their taking similar action.