asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Petty Officer H. T. Beavis, No. 2,088, H.M.S. "Princess," who was discharged on the 1st November, 1917; whether his disability is regarded as non-attributable to service; whether the Admiralty refuse to accept liability as the man was in the Mercantile Marine; whether his application for compensation under the Injuries and War Compensation Scheme has been refused, although he is unable to follow his employment owing to ill-health and failing eyesight brought on by service in tropical regions; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case?

I have been asked to answer this question. The man is ineligible for any allowance under the Injuries in War Compensation Scheme administered by the Admiralty, but consideration is being given by the Ministry of Pensions to the practicability of making an award to him. I am asking if decision can be hastened.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the widows of officers and men are individually, informed as to the possibility of their being awarded an alternative pension in lieu of the ordinary flat-rate pension; and, if not, whether he will ensure that this possibility is made known at the time a pension to a widow is under consideration?

With regard to the widows of officers, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In the case of widows of men of non-commissioned rank, the previous leaflets and handbooks advertising alternative pensions have been rendered obsolete by the new Warrant. A revised leaflet is now being printed, and steps will be taken, so far as is practicable, to issue it to all those widows to whom flat-rate pensions are already in payment.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in the reduction of the female clerical staff of the Ministry at Manchester single girls, totally dependent upon their own exertions, are being discharged before married women with husbands in comfortable circumstances; and whether he will give instructions that female clerks, solely dependent upon then earnings, are to be retained in preference to those not so dependent?

In the substitution of disabled and ex-service men for women, my right hon. Friend has already given directions that the services of women who are not dependent on their earnings should be terminated before those who are solely dependent, but some regard has to be paid to the efficiency and experience of the women in determining the order of their discharge. In carrying out this policy in Manchester a few unmarried women with short service have been discharged at an earlier date than married women of greater experience or efficiency.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether permission to join any trade union other than the National Union of Scientific Workers has been refused to members of the Royal Navy; and, if not, why a distinction in this matter is made between the National Union of Scientific Workers and other trade unions?

So far as can be traced, no application (other than the one from the National Union of Scientific Workers) to permit officers and ratings of the Royal Navy to join a trade union has ever been received The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a large shipbuilding contact has been placed in the United States of America; that the reason stated for taking this course is that the owners were unable to give the order to any shipbuilding firm in this country by reason of the great congestion prevailing in the private yards; and whether, in the event of a similar difficulty occurring, he will consider the possibility of offering the facilities of Devonport dockyard and thereby prevent the necessity of placing contracts for merchant shipbuilding in foreign countries?

I am afraid I have no information which would enable me to say why the owners in this case did not place their order with the shipbuilding firms in this country. But, of course, in pursuance of the recommendations of the Colwyn Committee, we shall lose no opportunity to secure work for which we have facilities in the Royal Dockyards.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has now had the opportunity of considering the petition submitted on behalf of the chargemen of trades in His Majesty's dockyards in December last; and whether he can now say what decision the Admiralty has arrived at on the points put forward?

The petition referred to in my hon. Friend's' question is now under consideration, but no decision has been reached.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether over 60 per cent. of the total employés in His Majesty's dockyard at Gibraltar are not British subjects; whether, in view of the present discharges from His Majesty's dockyards in the United Kingdom and the desirability of employing British subjects in all His Majesty's dockyards as far as practicable, he is prepared to consider the desirability of employing a larger percentage of British subjects at Gibraltar?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. A. Short) on Wednesday last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as War Office telegram 5,353 Mob 2 of 3rd March, 1919, fixed that date as the date of general demobilisation, Acting-Sergeant W. Brown, No. 95,155, Royal Army Medical Corps, may claim that paragraph 2 of Army Order XVIII. of 1918 became operative on 3rd March, 1919, and held good until cancelled on 13th May, 1919, by Army Order 197 for the purposes of acting rank and pay?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the right of purchase from the Army is to be re-established?

Purchase of discharge from the Army will be re-opened as from the 30th April next.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of demobilised officers who have expressed a wish to obtain permanent commissions in the Army; and whether he can say what percentage of the number are likely to obtain them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the oral reply which I gave to-day to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Clackmannan and Eastern (Major Glyn). The majority of the applicants for permanent regular commissions have been demobilised, but it would entail much research to give accurate figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any, and, if so, what Regulations with regard to the enlistment, without his parents' consent, of a boy under the age of 18 years and with regard to the discharge of such a boy on his own and his parents' application?

A boy under the age of 18 can only be enlisted as a boy into the Army with the consent of a parent or guardian. Discharge of a boy can only be authorised on exceptional compassionate grounds or by purchase when discharge by purchase is re-opened. The discharge of a recruit between the age of 17 and 18 who mis-stated his age on enlistment is not authorised except in exceptional circumstances, or by purchase when discharge by purchase is re-opened.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any prospect of the wives and families of non-commissioned officers and men, many of whom have been parted front their families since 1914, being sent out to Palestine; if so, whether they will be put into tents or whether hutments will be-provided; and whether permanent cantonments, with reasonable comfort, are being built for the troops in Palestine, and, if so when?

The question whether the families of non-commissioned officers and men could be sent to Palestine during this trooping season was considered early in 1919, and it was decided that, owing to lack of accommodation, no families should accompany their units. The General Officer Commanding, Egypt, recommended that the families should wait until the husbands had had an opportunity of investigating local conditions, and of deciding whether they wished their families to join them in Palestine. Pending the erection of permanent accommodation, arrangements are being made for the provision of temporary quarters for single officers and men, but until progress has been made with this, it will not be possible to take in hand the provision of married quarters for officers and men. Sites for permanent cantonments with reasonable comforts are now being selected. There has, inevitably, been some delay in this matter, as exact sites could not be selected and purchased until the definite future of the territory to be administered by the British were defined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the British troops in Palestine are still under canvas during the wet season; and whether young soldiers under 19 or even under 18 are being sent to Palestine under these conditions?

No other accommodation at present exists in Palestine for troops, and there is, therefore, no other alternative than to use canvas. With regard to the second part of the question, soldiers who have attained the age of 18 years at the date of embarkation, are eligible to be sent, and also bandsmen or band boys who have attained the age of 15 years and have completed three months' service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken to establish a branch for the new Territorial Force of the proposed Signal Corps?

Each Division of the new Territorial Force will have its own signal organisation, three Signal Companies being allotted to a Division. A suitable quota of Signal units will also be allotted to the Array Troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has ordered home for use in this country, and not for disposal, the A.E.C., Dennis, Daimler, ambulance and Daimler box cars now in the park at Aachener Strasse, and in the Bickendorf aerodrome, Cologne?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. A number of vehicles of the types and makes mentioned were retained by the Rhine Army in view of possible requirements, but they are now being handed over for disposal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether a large ammunition dump blew up in France on or about the 25th February; if so, is anything known of the cause of the explosion; what Allied Government owns the lump; were any British subjects killed or injured; and why has no information seen issued to the newspapers?

I regret that I am not yet able to make a statement, as it has been necessary to make inquiries of the Disposal Board in France.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the system at present adopted for the disposal on behalf of the British military authorities in Germany of surplus lorry stock; whether private British firms have an equal chance in obtaining the cars; and whether, in view of public feeling on the subject, he will have inquiries made into the whole matter?

Motor lorries in Germany are notified to the Disposal Board for sale from time to time as and when they become surplus to requirements. They are sold in accordance with the general policy of the Board for the highest price obtainable. All the lorries disposed of up to the present time have been sold to British firms, and an equal opportunity of purchasing the vehicles is afforded to all British private firms of financial standing. I am not aware of any public feeling with regard to this matter, neither have I received any complaints in connection therewith.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he will give the total number of motor lorries in the motor transport park in the Aachener Strasse, the Veleor Strasse, and in the Bickendorf aerodrome at Cologne on 1st February; how many of them have been sold; to whom they have been sold; and for how much they have been sold?

I am informed that the total number of lorries in the motor transport parks at Aachener and Bickendorf aerodrome on the 1st February was 3,300, of which 2,550 have been notified to the Disposal Board by the War Office as surplus to requirements. I understand that there were no lorries in Veleor Strasse. Of the 2,550 surplus lorries, 716 have been sold to Messrs. Maudslay Motor Company and 200 to Messrs the Albion Company. The total sum realised therefor was £354,400. A further 562 of the surplus lorries have been despatched to this country for repair.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what steps are taken to check the number of lorries delivered to purchasers of these vehicles now in the parks at Cologne; and what is the average price per lorry received hitherto on those sold?

The Disposal Board's representatives in Cologne can only deliver vehicles to purchasers against issue warrants, and deliveries are all signed for. The Disposal Board's accounts are subject to audit and the issue of vehicles will, of course, be checked with the numbers originally notified for disposal. The average price obtained for vehicles sold in situ in Cologne is £387 per lorry, the purchaser bearing all expenses in connection with removal, custody, transport, etc.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he has sold 665 Thorneycroft lorries recently in the parks at Cologne; and, if so, the name or names of the vendor or vendors and the average price obtained per vehicle?

666 Thorneycroft lorries were recently sold in Cologne by the Disposal Board. They were purchased by Messrs. Maudsley Motor Company at an average price of £400. The lorries were sold in situ, the purchasers bearing all expenses in connection with removal, custody, transport, etc.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what arrangements have been made concerning the contemplated discharges of disabled men at Woolwich Arsenal, including also those of men who have previously served in His Majesty's forces and are now also engaged at the Arsenal?

A Committee representing the disabled ex-service men in the Ministry Establishments at Woolwich Arsenal has been formed, and it is intended that when discharges of such men appear to be necessary that officials of the Ministry at Woolwich will consult the disabled ex-service men's Committee before any action is taken. The Prime Minister has given instructions that officials responsible for the War Office and Admiralty portions of the Arsenal shall be associated with the Ministry of Munitions' officials, so that uniformity of action may be secured.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether full use is being made of the facilities at Woolwich Arsenal for the production of many articles necessary in the requisites of the various branches of His Majesty's Forces and the amount of other forms of production than war requisites that have been arranged for the Arsenal?

Use is made of the facilities at Woolwich Arsenal for the production of the military stores required by His Majesty's Forces, so far as this is compatible with economical manufacture. A considerable number of orders for other forms of production than war requisites have been arranged for the Arsenal, including the manufacture and repair of railway wagons, the repair of motor lorries, the construction of 300 locomotives, hand carts and certain other stores for the Post Office; War medals; bronze blanks for the Royal Mint. These special orders at present provide employment for upwards of 2,000 men; the number will be increased when production work on these orders is in full swing.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, since Monday last, the delivery of telegrams from the Dublin central telegraph office has ceased at 11 p.m., and from that hour till 5 a.m. no telegrams have been delivered; whether the postal authorities in Dublin allege that this is due to the refusal of night messengers to deliver telegrams under the new military regulations; and whether it is intended that the citizens of Dublin, and particularly the Dublin newspapers, should be left without telegraphic communication during the hours named?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday in the House to a question on the same subject by the hon. Member for Waterford (Captain Redmond).

asked the Postmaster-General if the telegraph cable between Westray and Sanday has been broken since 13th November last; and if he will take immediate steps to have it repaired at once.

Owing to the Post Office cable ships having had to be docked in turn, one ship only is at present available for work of this character and it is engaged upon the repair of important continental cables. A large programme of repairs is outstanding and some time may elapse before the cable between Westray and Sanday can be restored; but I can assure the hon. Member that every effort will be made to carry out the work as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps have been or are being taken by him to cause the afforestation of any part of the county of Sutherland?

By arrangement with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, the Forestry Commission are proceeding with the necessary preparations for the afforestation of the plantable area at Borgie. Planting will begin during the present season.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that seed oats in the North of Scotland have reached the price of roughly £5 per quarter; and, in view of the hardship upon the small holders entailed by this price, whether he can see his way to cause inquiry as to the practicability of steps being taken by him to influence a reduction in this price?

As the result of enquiries, I understand that the highest price recorded in the Northern Counties for seed oats of the best quality is 80s. per quarter, while good seed can be obtained at prices ranging from 68s. upwards. It does not, therefore, appear to be necessary to take action as suggested in the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Minister for Health has issued a communication to local authorities in England urging upon them the advisability of increasing the salaries of Poor Law officers in terms of the increase awarded to the Civil Service; and whether he is prepared to take similar action in regard to Scotland?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham) on this subject on the 19th ultimo.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if in Sussex and in the South generally the keeping of goats by cottagers and smallholders is on the increase; and, in view of the fact that the industry is of value to the country in so much as it increases the available milk supply, he will consider making small grants to goat associations and milk-recording societies that have been established in the last few years in Sussex and the South generally?

The Ministry have no official information as to the growth of goat-keeping in the South of England, and no funds are available out of which special grants could be made to goat-keeping associations. Grants are given by the Ministry to milk-recording societies, and it is open to goat-keepers to join such societies and to share in the grants. Two such societies already exist in Sussex, and application for membership should be made to the Secretaries, Mr. F. B. Jarvis, Onstead Farm, Bux-tead, Uckfield, and Mr. C. F. Cotching, 26, Chapel Road, Worthing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what weight of sugar, both refined and unrefined was imported for home consumtion in the years 1913, 1914, and 1919, respectively?

The quantity of sugar imported for home consumption in each of the years specified was as under:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that before the last schedule of maximum prices for fish was fixed the Glasgow Wholesale Fish Traders' Association was not consulted; why this association was ignored; and whether he wilt undertake to consult it on all such occasions in future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Ministry of Food consulted one representative of the wholesale and one of the retail side of the Scottish trade with regard to the prices referred to. As the retail representative was a member of the Glasgow and District Fish Traders' Association, it was considered advisable to select the wholesale representative from another town in Scotland. With reference to the last part of the question, while it is the desire of the Food Controller that Scottish interests shall continue to receive every consideration, he cannot bind himself in advance to consult any particular body of traders on all such occasions.

asked the Minister of Food whether any stocks of meat or other food Under his control are being held back from distribution in the ordinary course in order to avoid a sale at a loss or at a lower profit than he hopes to obtain by holding off?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Food in view of the great accumulations of bacon in cold storage and at the docks, and the fact that much of it has seriously deteriorated with keeping, what steps he intends to take to release it and thus bring about a reduction in price?

I am informed that the stocks referred to are not abnormal for this period of the year, since the manufacture of bacon in America reaches, its highest point in December and January, and the winter months are most suitable for shipment to Great Britain. The period of heavy shipments is now at an end, and for some time to come arrivals will be considerably below consumption. Bacon is now being released by the Ministry of Food at prices considerably below the cost of replacement, and in view of this fact and of the position of the American exchange, I regret that I can hold out no prospect of a general reduction in price.

asked the Minister of Food why the free export of bacon and butter from Ireland to Great Britain is still prohibited; why the Sinn Fein population in Ireland should not consume their fair share of American bacon and allow the population of Great Britain to have-their proper share of home-grown supplies; and when the present restrictions will be removed?

The Government have decided that existing restrictions on the export of bacon and butter from Ireland shall be withdrawn after the 31st March.

asked the Minister of Food what is the estimated proportion of the bread subsidy paid for flour used in the making of cakes, pastries, and for purposes other than bread making?

The annual consumption of flour for the purpose of human food other than bread is estimated at rather less than one-fourth of the total consumption of subsidised flour. It is not thought to be administratively practicable to differentiate between the several uses of flour for the purpose of reducing the amount of the subsidy.

asked the Minister of Food what is the amount of imported meat now in cold storage in this country; what is the approximate quantity which is awaiting discharge from vessels which are unable to obtain dock accommodation; and if, with a view to avoiding a serious wastage from the necessity of condemning the large surplus supplies available owing to their unfitness for consumption, the Government will consider the advisability of reducing the present prices of imported meat?

I have been asked to reply. The quantity of imported meat in cold stores of the United Kingdom on the 21st February was 131,730 tons, of which 93,303 tons were mutton and lamb. On the 24th February nine vessels, with 24,323 tons of meat, were actually in process of unloading in United Kingdom ports, and a further twelve vessels, with 28,393 tons of meat, were waiting for berths to begin unloading; nine other meat ships, with approximately 18,500 tons of meat, arrived in United Kingdom ports between the 24th February and the 29th February. Any loss arising from the deterioration of this meat is negligible. The Government are considering the advisability of further reductions in the price of imported mutton.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction of ex-service men in the Romney Marsh district owing to the failure of the Kent County Council in providing small holdings as promised in July, 1919; that many of these men have been waiting for holdings over twelve months; that there is a considerable area of land in this dis- Trict which could be procured for small holdings; and whether he will make inquiries into the cause of this delay?

The Kent County Council have inspected some 700 acres in Romney Marsh with a view to acquiring land to meet the approved demand from twenty-one ex-service men who require 366 acres. As a result of these inspections, the council, with the approval of the Ministry, attempted to purchase 180 acres which were offered for auction in September last, but the property realised a higher price than the Ministry were able to sanction. The council are at present negotiating for the acquisition of 27¼ acres, and have assured the Ministry that they are not neglecting any opportunities to acquire suitable land in the district referred to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what steps are taken by the Agricultural Organisation Society, which is in receipt of a Government subsidy of £45,000 this year, to obtain regular contributions from its members, who have a reputed annual trade turnover exceeding £8,000,000; whether such trade turnover points to the fact that the members are able to pay for the maintenance of this society; whether he will state the reasons why only 151 farmers' societies and 190 allotment societies paid affiliation fees last year to the Agricultural Organisation Society, considering that it claimed to have over 1,100 affiliated societies at the end of 1918; and what steps, if any, have been taken by the Agricultural Organisation Society or the Ministry of Agriculture to bring to the attention of societies affiliated to the Agricultural Organisation Society the full conditions on which the subsidy is granted?

I am informed that the Agricultural Organisation Society has called the special attention of all its affiliated societies to their obligation to make the prescribed contribution to the society for the current year, and that the collection of these contributions is being actively carried out by the fifteen branch committees which are elected by the local societies.

asked the Attorney-General what is for business contracts and business purposes the date of the end of the War?

The date to be fixed by Order in Council under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, 1918, as the date of the termination of the present War is, except where the context otherwise requires, to be treated as the date of the end of the war for purposes of any provision in any contract referring to the present War or to the present hostilities. It is not possible to express an opinion as to what is the date of the end of the war for business contracts and business purposes generally.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware of the feeling among members of the Market Gardeners, Nurserymen, and Farmers' Association that the importance of the tomato-growing industry in this country is overlooked by the Board of Agriculture; and whether, in view of the desirability of stimulating this home interest, he can see his way to have statistics kept so that the annual quantity of tomatoes grown in this country can be ascertained, the approximate value of same, the amount of capital, labour, and wages expended on the industry, the largest centres of consumption, and the quantity of tomatoes imported weekly from abroad, seeing that such information would be of advantage to the industry?

I cannot agree that the tomato-growing industry is in any way overlooked by my Department. A grant is made to the Lea Valley Research Station, where many matters concerning the production of tomatoes are dealt with. The technical officers of the Department are fully qualified to deal with questions of culture, packing, grading and marketing, and their advice on these matters is often sought. The question of obtaining statistics concerning the home-production of tomatoes is engaging the attention of the Ministry, but the difficulties of obtaining data are very great. I understand that weekly returns of the imports of tomatoes can be obtained on application to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether his attention has been drawn to the meeting of the Tincroft Mining Company of Cornwall, and the statement thereat by the chairman that an arrangement was made during the War with America concerning the supplies of tin and copper in which sacrifices were imposed upon the local mining industry while the Government took the whole of the advantage; and the further statement that employers in this industry considered themselves entitled to compensation for their treatment at the Government's hands during the War, and whether he will give briefly the terms of this agreement with America as to tin and copper and indicate if it was onerous to production in Cornwall?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." About the middle of 1918 an agreement was made with certain of the Allied Powers, including this country and America, to form an Inter-Allied Tin Executive. This body, by eliminating competition, undoubtedly prevented a general rise in the market price of supplies urgently required for War purposes. No such arrangement was made for copper, which was purchased through the usual channels set up for contracting in America.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether use has been made of the Government's export credit scheme, announced by the Board of Trade on 5th September, 1919; whether the scheme is still in force; if so, to what countries it relates; what is the extent of the Treasury liability in respect of the scheme; and whether any loss has been sustained up to the present?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The countries to which the scheme applies are as follow:

• Finland,
• The Baltic Provinces (Latvia, Esthonia, and Lithuania),
• Poland,
• Roumania,
• Czechoslovakia,
• Jugo-Slavia,
• The areas in Russia to which the scheme for insurance against abnormal commercial risks applies.

Sanction has so far been given to applications for advances for £299,578, of which the amount actually taken 1s £13,334, and the amount which has lapsed, and in respect of which there is therefore no longer any liability, is £168,901. In addition to this, provisional sanction has been given to applications for £1,333,000, but it is not yet known whether the applicants have secured the necessary contracts. No losses have been incurred up to the present time.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that rural district councils are responsible for a large mileage of public roads, he cansee his way to appoint a representative of the councils on the Roads Committee set up under the Ministry of Transport Act?

Lieut.-Colonel Seymour Williams has been nominated as representative of the rural district councils on the Roads Advisory Committee, and has intimated his willingness to serve in that capacity.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the importance of county councils being informed of what grants they are likely to-receive from the Government during the coming year for maintenance of main roads, he will state when this information will be available?

Highway authorities will receive during the coming financial year the unexpended balances of the grants made to them out of the special appropriation in aid of the Road Improvement Fund made in the last Finance Act. County councils have also been informed that the remaining balance of this fund, amounting to about £250,000, will be allocated to grants in aid of surface tarring Work during the coming summer. No other funds for road maintenance and improvement are available for distribution until further provision has been made by Parliament.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping if a steamer has been kept lying at Garston for several days, waiting to be laden with coal for the Co-operative Society, Belfast; and whether, seeing that poor people have not had any coals for domestic purposes in Belfast for weeks, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

If the hon. Member will give the name of the steamer, enquiries will be made, but I am bound to remind him that there is a strike at Belfast, and it may be that the owner is unwilling to send the steamer there without some guarantee from the receivers at Belfast that the vessel can be discharged.

asked the Parliamentary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he is aware of the great difficulty experienced by the Hackney Borough Council in obtaining supplies of Guernsey broken granite and granite setts, with the consequent result that it has been impossible to carry out the necessary repairs to, and maintenance of, macadamised roads in the borough; and whether he can intervene in the matter, with a view to setting apart sufficient tonnage for the purpose indicated?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Islington, East (Mr. Raper) on the subject of the transport of granite from Guernsey.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether the Government of Western Australia has signified its willingness to accept as immigrants several hundred war orphans between 8 and 16 years of age, and that the Oversea Settlement Committee of the Colonial Office will give free passages; and whether he can hold out hopes that the shipping facilities necessary for the

Country.		Percentage increase on 1913 average.			Source of Information.
		Averages of monthly figures for 1919.	Latest figures * available.
			Rise.	Date.
United Kingdom	…	154·3	205·8	Jan., 1920	Board of Trade Index.
United Kingdom	…	135·2	188·5	Jan. 31, 1920	"Economist" Index.
United Kingdom	…	141·9	188·6	Jan. 31, 1920;	"Statis" Index.
France	…	258·3	324·9	Dec., 1919	"Statistique Generale de la France."
Italy	…	(Jan.-Oct.) 248·0	286·5	Oct. 31, 1919	"Riecardo Bachi" Index.
United States	…	114	138	Dec., 1919	"Bureau of Labour" Index.
united States	…	102·7	121·2	Jan. 1, 1920	"Bradstreet's" Index.
Japan	…	(Jan.-Nov.) 135·0	180·0	Nov., 1919	"Bank of Japan's" Index.
* Some of the figures given represent averages for the month, while others relate to the prices of a specified day.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware of the intention of the appropriate authority to resume consideration of the proposal to erect a new structure in place of the present Lambeth Bridge; whether his Department has any right to be heard in the matter; and, if so, will such right be exercised with the view to ensuring that the approved design for the new bridge carrying out of the project will be provided?

I am aware of the circumstances stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part there should be no difficulty in providing shipping facilities for any war orphans whose best interests would be served by starting them in life overseas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the average rise per cent. in the prices of commodities in the principal allied countries since the beginning of the War?

The following statement shows the rise since 1913 in the average level of wholesale prices in the countries specified, as measured by index numbers compiled in the countries concerned. In the middle of 1914 the average level of prices differed little from that of the previous year.shall embody adequate provision for all possible future developments of the districts it will serve, and that the structure itself shall be dignified and of noble proportions, having regard to its proximity to the Houses of Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My Department would only be concerned if the construction of the new bridge affected the amenities of the Houses of Parliament or entailed encroachment on the adjoining land forming part of the Victoria Tower Gardens. If, and when, the proposal to reconstruct the bridge matures, steps will, of course, be taker to protect the Crown interests under my charge.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if the Ministry of Health is in occupation of a portion of the premises of Nos. 1 to 4, Thurloe Place; if the Air Ministry intends to vacate these premises shortly; and what arrangements he proposes to make for the removal of the Ministry of Health, which is occupying a small portion only of valuable business premises to the detriment of the whole for business purposes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Certain of the Air Ministry staff will shortly be housed elsewhere, and every endeavour will then be made to surrender those portions of the premises which the owners urgently require. I am also endeavouring to find other accommodation to which the staff of the Ministry of Health can be removed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the great increase of work in the Colonial Office due to reconstruction measures necessitated by the War, and to the larger amount of activity now proceeding in the development and opening up of the Crown Colonies and Protectorates, he will, in order to relieve the pressure and to expedite business, make arrangements in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide in the next Budget for the employment of a limited number of additional chief clerks in the principal sub-departments of the Colonial Office?

Proposals for augmenting the administrative staff of the Colonial Office have already been assented to by the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. Hercules, director of the African League, was recently refused permission to land on his native island by the Governor of Trinidad; whether this was on account of his efforts to promote trade unions among the native workers of the West Indies; and, if not, what were the grounds of this refusal to land?

I understand that Mr. Hercules is a native of British Guiana. The Governor of Trinidad refused to allow him to land in that colony because he considered that, in view of the excitement prevailing, Mr. Hercules' presence might endanger the public safety

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information as to the estimated percentage increase in the cost of living in South Africa above the 1914 prices and as to whether the native miners on the Rand were granted a bonus of 2d. a day to meet this increase?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether the South African Government intends taking any steps to set up an impartial court of inquiry into the conditions, hours of work, and wages of the native workers in the Rand mines, with a view to reform in industrial legislation with regard to the native workers;(2) if he has any information as to how many native workers are involved in the strike on the Rand; and if he has been informed whether any attempt has been made to settle the strike by arbitration?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information showing that the South African Government is sending large bodies of police and troops to protect voluntary workers in connection with the Rand strike; whether such bodies of police and military are being used to disperse meetings of the strikers; and whether the strikers have been forbidden the right of picketing?

The answer to this question and to the questions of the hon. Members for Bedwellty and Chester-le-Street is that I have practically no information on the subject beyond what has appeared in the Press. These questions, I should add, deal with matters entirely within the competence of the Parliament and Government of the Union of South Africa.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the average number of hours worked per day by the native underground workers in the Rand mines, their rates of wages, and the rate of wages in 1914 for underground workers?

The number of hours during which a person can work underground was limited by the Union Mines and Works Act, 1911, to eight hours during any consecutive period of twenty-four hours, save in certain special cases. I understand the average pay of the native underground work was in 1913 58s. 9d. per thirty shifts: but I have no information as to what the present wages are.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will reconsider his decision to withdraw the pensionable amount of £l0 per annum paid to the officers at Maryborough convict prison; whether he is aware that a similar pensionable amount is paid to officers in convict prisons in England and Wales as a compensation for the peculiar nature of the duties and situations of those prisons as compared with other prisons; and whether he is prepared to fully assimilate the pay and conditions of service of Irish warders with those obtaining in England and Wales?

The introduction of the new English prison scales of salaries to Irish prison officers was made conditional by the Treasury on the withdrawal of the pensionable allowances of £15 for the chief warder, and £10 for warders hitherto paid to these officers of Maryborough convict prison. Certain officers employed at the English convict prisons are granted a special allowance of 3s. a week in view of the situation of these prisons. The Treasury have decided that they are not satisfied that the conditions obtaining at Maryborough prison are such as to justify the grant of the allowance there. Further representations in regard to the matter have been received and are at present under the consideration of the Irish Government.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in consequence of the recent order of Dublin Castle to enforce martial law between the hours of 12 midnight and 5 a.m. railwaymen complain of the insecurity of life; that even those in possession of permits who complete their turns of duty between the hours mentioned and have to travel considerable distances to their homes are in fear of being shot by the military; and whether he proposes to take any steps to put an end to this position?

No complaints have been received by me in this matter whether from railwaymen or from any other persons. Railwaymen holding permits suffer no inconvenience beyond that occasioned by the darkness of the streets, owing to the action of the Corporation in extinguishing all street lamps from 11.30 p.m.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount coined since 4th August, 1914, of the various denominations of silver coinage: three pence, six pence, one shilling, two shillings, half-a-crown, four shilling piece, and five shilling piece?

Since 4th August, 1914, the following British silver has been coined and issued by the Mint:—

3d. pieces to the value of	£1,126,060
6d. pieces to the value of	£2,641,325
1s. pieces to the value of	£8,156,668
2s. pieces to the value of	£10,114,605
2s. 6d. pieces to the value of	£16,187,722
	£38,226,380

No 4s. pieces have been coined since 1880 and no 5s. pieces since 1902.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a pre-war Army pensioner has to pay Income Tax on his pension and wages which amount to over the limit of £120 or whether the amount of pension is not included in the assessment?

Under the provisions of Section 16 of the Finance Act, 1919, exemption from Income Tax is granted in respect o; wounds and disability pensions as described in the Section. These pensions are not required to be reckoned in computing income for Income Tax purposes. As regards other pensions, whether military or civil, the position is that where the taxpayer's total income from all sources exceeds the exemption limit, the full amount of the income is necessarily taken into account in assessing the Income Tax liability. The pension is, in these circumstances, regarded for Income Tax purposes as "earned income," and is charged to tax at the reduced rate applicable to such income.

asked the Minister of Health if, in many cases, boards of guardians, contrary to the expressed desire of his Ministry, are refusing to give statutory relieving officers the benefit of the war bonus awards issued from time to time by the arbitration and conciliation boards; and if, in such cases, he will insist upon this injustice being remedied?

I have communicated to all local authorities the terms of the various awards of War bonus authorised for permanent civil servants, and I have intimated that where an increase of remuneration requires sanction, that sanction may be assumed. I cannot interfere further with the discretion of the elected local authorities in this matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether approved societies under the National Health Insurance Acts are concerned at the absence of any indication of the Governments intention with regard to an increase of the Stale sickness benefits to insured persons, and also as to an increase in the administration allowance which is to-day inadequate and leaves many societies with deficits; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the Government's intention on these questions?

The Bill which I introduced yesterday provides for an increase in the health insurance contributions and cash benefits which will render possible an increase in the amount allowed for administration.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he is now in a position to give a ruling as to whether it is part of the educational duties of a headmaster, under Article 15 of the Code, to undertake the supervision, accounting, and payment of permanent and/or casual labour employed at any time upon school premises?

It would not, I think, be proper for me to attempt to give a general ruling, and I am sure it would be imprudent. Any specific case in which it is alleged that Article 15 of the Code is being contravened must be considered on its merits, and I could not decide it without hearing what the Local Education Authority have to say. In the only actual case which has come under my notice, the teacher who complained was informed by the Local Education Authority that, if he wished, he would be relieved of certain work to which he objected.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether any remuneration and, if so, what has been determined by the Treasury to be paid to official arbitrators under the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919; and whether any appointments have yet been made under the Act?

An official arbitrator for England and Wales has been appointed at a salary of £2,500 per annum to cover clerical assistance and office expenses and an appointment has been made in Scotland at a salary of £1,500 per annum on similar terms. The precise terms of the corresponding Irish appointment are, I understand, still under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what scale of fees, if any, has been fixed by the Treasury in respect of proceedings before official arbitrators under the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919?

Two fees have been prescribed: one in respect of applications at a flat rate of £1 and the other in respect of the Arbitration award graduated according to the amount of the award and the length of the hearing. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the scale which has been published.