asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether W. T. Charlton, Royal Naval Reserve, joined H.M.S. "Ceresia," under Articles T. 124, on 17th November, 1914; whether, after the loss of that ship, he remained in the service of the Royal Navy doing transport work for 186 days; whether his follow engineers serving under the same articles in the same ship received 8s. 6d. per day; and whether he will say why Charlton has not been paid the amount due to him?

My hon. Friend appears to have been misinformed in several particulars. Mr. W. T. Charlton actually served under an Admiralty agreement as an assistant engineer on the armed boarding steamer "Cæsarea." Mr. Charlton served in this vessel from 14th November, 1914, until 19th November, 191.5, when the vessel was transferred to cross-Channel trooping service, and not lost, as stated in the question. For the period of his Admiralty service this officer was paid as follows:—14th November, 1914, to 4th March, 1915, at £2 14s. 8d. a week.5th March, 1915, to 19th November, 1915, at £2 19s. 8d. a week,these being the rates on which he signed an Admiralty agreement. I have no information as to how ho fared after that. If he remained on the "Cæsarea," his wages would, I am advised, be paid by the owners, who received from the Ministry of Shipping an inclusive rate of hire from the 20th of that month onwards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, seeing that of the naval schoolmasters now serving about 25 per cent. have completed over eight years' service and about 18 per cent. over 10 years' service on the lower deck prior to promotion to warrant rank, why are they, on being allowed to retire, not to be placed on the same footing as regards retired pay as all other commissioned warrant and warrant officers?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. I am advised that naval schoolmasters of the old system who served for any period on the Lower Deck prior to promotion to warrant rank, on being retired, are pensioned on the ordinary scale for warrant and commissioned warrant officers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty as all naval schoolmasters now serving who joined His Majesty's Navy before October, 1911, were not required to serve six months as probationers or as schoolmaster candidates, why is it now considered necessary that these officers should be deprived of six months' seniority for purposes of pay and pension; and whether the removal of this Clause will be considered?

When the new scheme for naval schoolmasters was introduced, schoolmasters who entered under the old system were given the option of participating in the several advantages of the now scheme. But, inasmuch as this new scheme, on the other hand, involved a preliminary period of six months which would not count for pension, the option involved the acceptance of that feature of the scheme as well. All the schoolmasters to whom my hon. Friend refers accepted the option.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to offer officers in the Royal Navy who may wish to retire or to be placed on the emergency list an opportunity of doing so; if so, when a policy will be decided upon; and whether he is aware of the uncertainty and inconvenience which the lack of policy in this matter is causing to many naval officers?

As regards flag officers and captains, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on Wednesday last to the hon. and gallant Member fur Norfolk, North (Commander King). With regard to other officers, the matter is still under consideration, but it is hoped to make an announcement at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will extend to men who served in the Merchant Service during the War the scheme of grants for higher education which is available for ex-members of the naval, military and air forces?

I have recently had occasion to reconsider this matter. The limits of the maintenance and training grants scheme were originally fixed after a full review of all the relevant factors, and it was decided that it was impossible to include members of the Mercantile Marine as a class. I regret that, after the most sympathetic re-examination of the matter, I cannot see my way to recommend a modification in their favour of the previous decision. But I may say that members of the Mercantile Marine who entered into certain agreemnets with the Admiralty and were disabled during their service under such agreements, are already eligible for training under the scheme.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can take steps to secure early attention to the compensation claim of Edward Thomas Cousins; whether he is aware that Cousins met with an accident on the 26th April, 1919, in the No. 1 dock, Devonport, a plank falling from 30 feet on to his back, fracturing ribs and injuring the muscles of his heart, the man receiving hurt pay up to 18th July last, since when no payment has been made; whether he is aware that the man's papers were forwarded from the construction department of the dockyard to the Admiralty on the 16th December under the Government scheme for contracting out of the Workmen's Compensation Act; and, the man being destitute, will he take such steps as will prevent such serious delays in the adjustment of these claims?

Steps have been taken to expedite a decision on the claim. I am advised, however, that there is some doubt whether the condition of the man's heart is in any way connected with the accident, and that he has fully recovered from the injuries to his ribs. I will communicate further with my hon. Friend on the matter at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mrs. Beckett, 26, McLellan Street, Glasgow, sister and next-of-kin of the late Private W. Lothian, No. 19,473, Highland Light Infantry, has not yet received her brother's 1914–15 Star, although his estate has now been settled; and when she may expect to receive it?

In accordance with Private Lothian's will, the 1914–15 Star and other medals due to the deceased soldier became the property of his father. The father, however, died intestate, and the medals, therefore, pass by law to his (the father's) next-of-kin, who is his widow and the step-mother of Private Lothian.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who enlisted for service in the Chinese Labour Corps under Army Order No. 5, dated 12th June, 1910, under a 12 months' contract, after serving six months have been compulsorily demobilised without receiving full pay and allowances up to the date of completion of their contract?

The enlistment for one year was subject to the usual condition of their services being required for this period.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the hardships and the many individuals involved, the Army Council and the Treasury may soon be expected to come to a settlement in regard to the general question of military pensions?

If my hon. Friend refers to the question of increased pensions for officers and soldiers who did not give military service in the War, the matter is part of a large question which lies not between the Army Council and the Treasury but with the Cabinet.

asked the Minister of Pensions what facilities have been extended to the Ministry of Pensions for obtaining medical supplies from disposals boards; and why there should be any delay in obtaining them?

Facilities for obtaining medical supplies from surplus stocks have been granted to the Ministry of Pensions by the War Office, to whom requisitions are sent for transmission to the Disposals Boards. Delay has occurred and I am having enquiries made into the causes.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether Mr. Henry Wright, a discharged soldier, reference number 80,011/L6, has undergone training for agricultural work and is now in difficult circumstances, having made application for assistance from the Civil Liabilities Department of Savoy Place to purchase a small holding or farm, and is now waiting that committee's decision, although the above cannot be hold over any longer than another day or two; and, seeing that he has notice to quit from his present cottage by 11th March next, as the house is required for an estate servant, can he expedite the decision or recommend the committee to grant the loan and save this soldier from becoming homeless?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have ascertained on enquiry from the Ministry of Pensions that an application for a grant from the King's Fund has been received from Mr. Wright. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions in the matter and will communicate the result to the applicant as early as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Mr. James M'Farlane, 4, Dundas Street, Glasgow, a disabled soldier, made an application to the Civil Liabilities Commissioners for a grant to start business which was refused under NO. XD 38,100; why this application was refused; and whether it can be reconsidered?

I have been unable to make a grant in this case because the application was not presented in time. Mr. M'Farlane was discharged in November, 1917, and therefore his application to be in time under the Regulations of the scheme which the Civil Liabilities Department administers should have been presented not later than the 30th September, 1919. He did not in fact apply until the 9th December last. If Mr. M'Farlane has had to undergo treatment for his disability since his discharge and his Local War Pensions Committee were to forward a certificate stating the time or times during which he was undergoing treatment, I would consider whether the case could be re-opened.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Mr. T. Duncan, 7, Butterbiggins Road, Glasgow, a disabled soldier, made an application to the Civil Liabilities Commissioners for a grant to start business, which was refused on 28th January, under Number XD 37,846; why this application was refused; and whether it can be reconsidered?

The application was refused on the ground that it was not made in time. Under the Regulations of the scheme administered by the Civil Liabilities Department application to be in time must be made within a year of demobilisation or discharge if the applicant was demobilised after the 11th November, 1918. Mr. Duncan was discharged on the 23rd November, 1918, but did not apply until the 8th December, 1919. Sanction has been obtained for an extension of the time-limit in the cases of disabled men who have been prevented by undergoing treatment for their disability from applying within the prescribed period. Inquiry has been made with a view to ascertaining whether Mr. Duncan has been so prevented, and the case will be reopened should the facts justify this course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether George Ridley, a turner, who was employed at Devonport Dockyard, was entitled to a pension when the War broke out; whether he remained at work during the War at the request of the authorities and, while still an employé, died; and whether, under such circumstances, his dependants are entitled to a gratuity?

From the particulars given, the case referred to cannot be definitely identified. If, however, my hon. Friend's inquiry relates to the late Thomas Gardner Ridley, hired founder, who died in July last, I am advised that the deceased man was never entitled to a pension; did not attain the age of 60 until August, 1918; and, according to investigations made at the time of his death, left no dependants, his two daughters being, I am assured, self-supporting. Had there been anyone actually dependent on the deceased, a gratuity equal to one week's pay for each year's service might have been granted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether in the reduction of staff taking place at Woolwich Arsenal at the present time discharged and disabled soldiers are being paid off, while others who did not serve are still employed?

Owing to the completion of the work on which they were engaged, a number of disabled ex-service men were under notice, but as I have already announced these notices were suspended on the 18th of last month, pending the result of consultation with a Committee representing disabled men at the Arsenal. It must be obvious that there is a good deal of work at the Arsenal which, owing to its skilled character or heavy nature, cannot be performed by disabled men. Where discharges become necessary they are made in accordance with the order of priority which I gave in answer to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Alfred T. Davies) on the 12th February last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the number of bulk gallons of beer, spirits and wines sold by retail by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) in the city of Carlisle during the years 1917, 1918 and 1919, respectively; the average alcoholic strength of such liquors during each of the said years; the total sums received in respect of such retail sales of intoxicating liquors in each of the said years; and the estimated population resorting to licensed premises in the city of Carlisle during 1917, 1918 and 1919, respectively?

The compilation of the statement asked for by my hon. Friend would necessarily involve much clerical labour and expense, and so far as the Central Control Board are aware, there are no corresponding figures either for any other town or for the country as a whole, It would therefore appear that the amount of labour and expense involved would be disproportionate to the usefulness of the statement asked for by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if it is intended to remove about 50 horse vehicles suitable for agricultural purposes from Carrickfergus government and military stores, where they are now lying, to Dublin for sale by auction; and, if so, why the extra cost of removal is being incurred in view of the demand for these vehicles by the agricultural community around Carrickfergus?

It is intended to remove 32 horse vehicles from Carrickfergus to Dublin for sale there by auction. From previous experience it is anticipated that the cost of removal will be small in comparison with the greatly increased prices which are likely to be realised by the sale of these vehicles in Dublin.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the system under which offers for the disposable motor lorries in the British zone in Germany are being considered; and whether he is aware that better prices could be obtained if the ordinary methods of disposal were observed?

The system is that of considering all offers which the Board receive for the sale of the vehicles in situ and of accepting the highest offer obtainable provided that the price offered compares favourably with the average prices realised at home, regard being had to the fact that the cost of guarding and of transport would fall on the purchaser, and that the firm making the offer is of satisfactory financial standing. In view of the exceptional situation in Cologne and the condition of the German exchange, I do not consider that the ordinary methods of disposal by auction would secure better prices.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether negotiations with a M. Morel for the purchase of certain stores in France have yet been finally completed; what is the reason of the delay, if any, in the transference of British stores to the French Government; what is the present position regarding the agreement with the French Government; if it has been definitely decided that the French Government will take over all it agreed to acquire; and, if so, can the price be stated and the date of the completion of this transaction?

As my hon. and gallant Friend's question involves reference overseas, I should be glad if he would be good enough to repeat it in a week's time.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the penny cloak-room fee charged to commercial travellers for depositing their samples has been withdrawn; whether this constitutes a further charge on commercial travellers, who have already been penalised by the withdrawal of their week-end tickets and the increase in fares since 1917; and whether, under these circumstances, he is prepared to reinstate the penny fees?

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

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a resolution from the Ealing Chamber of Commerce submitting that the proposed tax for motor vehicles used for commercial purposes constitutes a direct charge upon the cost of living, and would act to discourage the development of rapid transport; and what conclusion he has arrived at upon the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am expecting very shortly to receive a report from the Departmental Committee which is considering the whole question of the taxation of mechanically propelled road vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the announcement that on and from 1st March railway companies will not accept for conveyance by passenger trains plants in pots unless they are packed in crates or wooden boxes admitting of other packages being placed on top of them; and if, having regard to the hardship and inconvenience this will inflict upon a large industry, he will take steps to have the proposed restrictions removed?

I understand that a meeting is being held on Thursday between representatives of the interested parties and the railway companies to discuss this matter, and that, meantime, the operation of the proposed new Regulation has been deferred.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the new railway rates bring the cost of carrying English timber higher than the value of the timber in some cases; that this will result in much timber being burnt while similar timber is being imported, and thus affecting exchange existing between this country and Scandinavia and the United States; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter?

The Minister of Transport has no information as to the accuracy of the statements made in this question. The recent increases in railway rates are in accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, and the Minister regrets that he does not see his way to make any exception from these general increases. As the hon. Member is probably aware, the Committee are now engaged on an enquiry as to the future basis of railway rates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether the complete statement of accounts with regard to the Gravesend Sea School, which was promised on 13th December, 1919, has been prepared; and, if so, whether copies are available for Members?

A statement of accounts, from the commencement of the school to the 31st December, 1919, is in course of preparation, and will be available in a day or so, when it will be circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the work, including night duty, performed by women employed by the Post Office in a temporary capacity during the War period and who have been discharged since the Unemployment Act ceased to operate last November, a month's salary could be granted them on their discharge in order to tide them over the period of unemployment that may be occasioned by their having left their usual occupation in order to enter the public service during the War?

I am arranging for not less than a month's notice of discharge to be given to the remaining members of the temporary war staff of the Post Office, but I regret that I am unable to grant a gratuity on discharge.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in considering the proposed increase in the postage letter rate, he will, in view of the hardships which the great bulk of the nation are now having to endure, keep to the present rate on letters, and add any increase to the postal charges for trade and propaganda circulars and literature which generally constitute a nuisance to the receivers, and the increased postage of which can well be paid by the senders?

The hon. Member's suggestion will be borne in mind, but I must point out that advertising circulars, to which I understand he is referring, do not in the aggregate form a very large proportion of the correspondence passing through the post.

asked the Postmaster-General how many women are still employed in the Post Office as temporary staff; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction aroused by the continued employment of these women when 350,000 ex-service men are still without work?

About 20,250 women are still employed by the Post Office in a temporary capacity. I am fully alive to the desirability of replacing these women by ex-service men as far as the circumstances allow, and I am taking the necessary steps to this end.

asked the Postmaster-General whether recently the last daily collection at many pillar-boxes in the South-Eastern district has been fixed at 10 p.m.; whether the hour for last collections in pre-war times was midnight and during the War it was made 11 p.m.; and whether, for the convenience of the public, he can have 11 p.m. reinstated at all these pillar-boxes now?

The facts are as stated by the hon. Member. I have received no evidence that any serious inconvenience is occasioned by the present arrangements, which are designed to provide more convenient attendances for the staff. Letters can still be posted up to 11 p.m. at any box in the South Eastern Head Office area and at certain of the more important boxes in the sub-districts.

asked the Postmaster-General the financial results of working to date the London-Paris Air Mail?

Of the 2s. 6d. per ounce collected as special Air Mail fee on each outgoing letter, 2s. is paid over to the Contractors, and 6d. is retained by the Post Office to cover its expenses. I am unable to state the financial effect of the service so far as the contractors are concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had any and, if so, what answer from the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board regarding its refusal to receive tobacco from Nyasaland?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the answer I have received from the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board on the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the delay to merchants and the trade in securing both wines and spirits from the London and other docks; whether this delay is largely caused by the shortage of Customs officials who test these articles for strength and quantities; and whether he can increase the number of these officials so as to enable the necessary duties to be paid more quickly and the goods released for their respective markets?

I cannot find that any delay, which now occurs in the delivery of wines and spirits from the docks, is due to any shortage of Customs officers. In view of the present congestion. Departmental requirements have, in fact, been specially relaxed to enable a more rapid clearance of dutiable goods to be effected, and, speaking generally, Customs officers are able to deal with such goods quite as quickly as they can be presented for examination. Additional officers will readily be provided at any dock where it can be shown that the need exists.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether Messrs. Courtaulds have any interest or shares in the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company, Limited; and if he will say by whom and for whom are the 2,800,000 7½ per cent. preference shares recently issued underwritten; (2) Whether he will see that so far as the manufacture of artificial silk is concerned, the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company, Limited, shall work independently of any combine; whether he can give any indication as to when the Company will be in a position to supply artificial silk to users of the same; and, in view of the fact that the Company has been and is still financed by the Government, will this article be sold at a price showing a reasonable profit only?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The Government are shareholders in this Company, and can only exercise a limited control over the general policy of the Company through their voting powers and the powers conferred on the two Government directors. I have no information as to who are the other shareholders, or as to when the Company will be in a position to supply artificial silk. The issue of preference shares has been underwritten by Messrs. Dunn, Fisher and Company, 41, Thread-needle Street, E.G.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the Committee on Manning to furnish him with its Reports; and whether it will be laid before the House?

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would let me know to what Committee he refers. There is no Board of Trade Committees considering the question of manning.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the pensions and allowances granted under the war risks compensation scheme for the mercantile marine have now been revised; when an announcement can be made of the alterations in accordance with the Prime Minister's statement on 22nd December, 1919; and by what method such compensation is now paid?

As I informed the hon. Member for the Victoria Division of Belfast (Mr. Donald) on February 19th, the War Risks Compensation Scheme for the mercantile marine has been revised. An announcement of the alterations was sent to the Press on February 7th. I am sending the hon. Member a print giving particulars of the scheme as revised.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage of coal cut by machinery in America and also the amount of coal cut by machinery in Britain; whether there has been any case since the setting up of the Coal Control Department of employers being prevented from introducing coal-cutting machinery; and, if so, whether such opposition to the introduction of coal-cutting machinery was prior to or since the Armistice?

I have no later figures than those given in Appendix 34 to the Report of the Coal Industry Commission, from which it appears that the percentages were about twelve for this country in 1918 and about fifty-six for the bituminous coal region of America in 1916. I am not aware of cases in which employers have been prevented from introducing coal-cutting machinery, except in so far as they may sometimes have had difficulty during the War in obtaining the necessary priority certificates from the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the shortage of coal in the manufacturing districts in the North of Ireland is very great and is having a very serious effect on industry, and that many mills and factories are so near the end of their stocks that unless coal is imported into the country in large quantities within a few days many factories must close down; and whether he will take immediate steps to provide the necessary transport for the carriage of coal to the North of Ireland and thereby avert a very serious dislocation of trade?

Arrangements have been made to supply additional quantities of coal to Ireland as soon as the necessary shipping is available. The hon. Member will, of course, be aware of the strike which at present prevails at Belfast. This considerably increases the difficulty of supplying the North of Ireland, a difficulty accentuated by the refusal of dockers at the Clyde to load boats for Ireland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of men engaged upon wood felling and cognate operations in East Sutherland, the weekly cost of the same, and when he proposes to terminate this form of expense?

The number of men employed last week was 3V, and the wage bill was £90 18s. No felling has been done since the 1st February, 1919, and the men are at present wholly employed in dressing and hauling to rail logs and pitwood. The work is now approaching completion, and the wood will probably be advertised for sale within the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, seeing that the rate limit is abolished in England and Wales by The Public Libraries Act, 1919, allowing local authorities to levy rates for their public libraries in accordance with their requirements in like manner as the rate for other branches of municipal service, similar steps will be taken in Scotland, in view of the inadequacy of the 1d. in the £ rate fixed as the statutory limitation?

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham) on the 16th February, I am awaiting the observations of the local authorities concerned in this matter before considering legislation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the local authorities for Banffshire, Bute, Caithness, Forfarshire, Inverness-shire, Kirkcudbrightshire, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherlandshire, and Wigtonshire have not adopted for their police forces either of the scales of pay recommended in the Desborough Report to be paid as from 1st April, 1919, and that the constables in these forces are only in receipt of 40s. per week and war bonus and 2s. 6d. per child of school age, and sergeants and inspectors at corresponding rates; and whether, in view of the discontent caused thereby, he will forthwith bring into operation the powers committed to him under Section 4 of The Police Act, 1919, and so compel these authorities to pay their forces at the same rates as the other authorities in Scotland who have acted on the Desborough Report and to make such payments retrospective?

The position is as stated in the first part of the question, except that the constables' scale in the forces mentioned (apart from war bonus) rises by increments to 50s. per week. The matter is at present receiving my consideration as one of urgency.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the fact that the herring fishing in North-West Shetland was ruined after whaling operations had been carried on for a short time and, despite the strongest opposition by the fishermen, it is proposed to renew the business this season?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has received a strong protest from Shetland fishermen against the recommencement of whaling operations in Shetland, especially by Norwegian workers; and what decision has been come to on the whole question of whaling?

I am aware that the herring fishing in North-West Shetland suffered a great decline in the period preceding the War, and that whatever the ultimate cause may have been the decline was coincident with the development of the whaling industry in Shetland. It has been represented to me that preparations are being made for resuming whaling operations this season and that the fishermen are strongly opposed to such resumption. The Fishery Board for Scotland, as the result of an inquiry held with my authority, have recommended that whaling operations in Shetland should no longer be permitted. The Board's recommendation is at present under my consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the present pay and allowances to resident magistrates, and in what year these rates were fixed; have any proposals been received for the increase of salaries and allowances, and has any application of this nature been placed before His Majesty's Treasury; and what has been the result of that application?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the question on this subject asked by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for York (Sir J. Butcher) on Thursday last, and to which I have nothing to add at present.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Irish prison officers are by rule obliged to be thoroughly acquainted with all circulars and standing orders relating to their duties, etc., which may from time to time be issued by the General Prisons Board; whether he is aware that generally such circulars and standing orders are not only not read by the governors to the officers, but that they are hidden away in offices which prevents the officers from consulting them; if so, will he now issue such instructions as will ensure that in future such circulars or standing orders which relate to the duties of the officers in general, and also to their pay, allowances, etc., will be placed by the governor of each prison in a conspicuous place, thereby making access to them easy when the officers desire to consult them; whether he is aware that replies given by the General Prisons Board to certain resolutions of the Prisons Officers' Representative Council, and dated 6th February, 1920, have not yet been read or made known to the staff of Mountjoy Prison: and whether he will make inquiries as to why such has not been done?

I am assured that circulars and standing orders issued by the General Prisons Board are read to the officers concerned, who have free access to them when they choose. The replies to the resolutions referred to were sent to the President of the Prisons Officers' Representative Council.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the weekly rest day and eight-hour day applies to principal and other warders permanently employed in offices and stores in the Irish prisons service; whether governors, by keeping those officers on duty or permitting them to remain on duty for any number of hours over and above a 48-hour week, are bound to compensate them for overtime; if he will now take steps to ensure that in future such officers shall have the principle of the weekly rest day and eight-hour day applied to them as in the case of their comrade officers; and whether he will state in detail the exact number of rest days, excluding Sundays, which officers employed as clerks or store warders in each of the Irish major prisons have been granted since 1st April last and the exact number of those days that they have been actually off duty during the same period?

The relaxations referred to in the first part of the question apply to all officers. Officers are entitled to an equivalent for overtime in excess of 48 hours weekly. The General Prisons Board are not aware of any officers having been deprived of the authorised relaxations.

asked the Minister of Food whether there are thousands of tons of frozen mutton at present lying in cold storage in ships at ports in this country; whether there is great congestion at these ports; whether there exists an urgent demand for these supplies; whether there is a plentiful supply in Australia and New Zealand awaiting shipment; whether the holding up of these stocks causes high prices, deterioration, and waste; and what steps he proposes to take to secure their release and proper distribution?

I have been asked to reply to this question. With regard to the first two parts of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall). There is a plentiful supply of meat in Australia and New Zealand. Stocks are not being held up, but are put into consumption as required by the Ministry of Food, and an early reduction in the price of mutton has been determined on.

asked the Minister of Food what was the c.i.f. price the Government paid on 1st October, 1919, 1st January, and 1st March, 1920, respectively, for mutton imported into this country?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Government has bought Australian and New Zealand mutton at prices ranging from 4⅝d. to 5⅜d. per lb. f.o.b., according to quality. The freight on mutton is 1 13/16d. per lb., plus 5 per cent. These prices and charges have been the same at all the three dates mentioned. In addition the Government has had to pay heavy charges for storage in New Zealand of meat awaiting shipment, and has had to raise an insurance fund against risks on shore and at sea.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the provisions of the Amended Beer Order of 1st March, 1920, which apply to sales of beer in bottle, are regarded by those who have to carry them out as impracticable and unworkable; and whether he will cause this Order to be reconsidered?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that certain traders have expressed the opinion quoted by the hon. Baronet, but I am unable to agree that difficulty will be caused by the Order referred to, which provides that the maximum price for beer in bottles for other than imperial size shall be in proportion to that permitted for bottles containing full imperial measure. The only question which arises is that of the allowance to be made by each trader for any shortage caused by the fact that his bottles are not of imperial size, and, in view of the fact that the Order is designed for the protection of the public against short measure, I am not prepared to accept the suggestion that it should be reconsidered.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is prepared to publish the cost price of all articles purchased or controlled by him so that the consumer may, in each case, have precise information as to the additional charges to cover cost of distribution and profit?

I regret that it is impossible to put into practice the suggestion made by my hon. Friend. The articles purchased or controlled by the Ministry of Food are bought in different countries at prices which vary from day to day. It has, moreover, been the practice of the Department in the case of articles actually purchased to utilise its accumulated reserves in order to prevent violent fluctuation of prices to the consumer, with the result that food supplies are frequently sold at prices below the cost of replacement. The additional charges referred to are fixed by the Costings Branch of the Ministry of Food after the most careful examination of the books of representative traders.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is intended to control the price of potatoes grown in this country; and, if so, whether this control will apply to potatoes imported from Ireland and from foreign countries?

In view of the recent serious advance in the price of potatoes it has been decided to fix a maximum growers' price for potatoes grown in Great Britain, and to limit the profits made by wholesale and retail dealers in Great Britain on all potatoes, whether home-grown or imported.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he, as Chairman of the Committee on Trusts, will issue a public contradiction of the assertion of the Sub-Committee on Tobacco to the effect that the American Tobacco Company hold two-thirds of the stock of the British-American Tobacco Company, seeing that the American Tobacco Company ceased to hold any shares in the British-American Tobacco Company about eight years ago?

The matter referred to by the hon. Member was considered by the Committee on Trusts at their meeting yesterday. The Committee decided to make further inquiries, and they will doubtless give publicity to any correction which they may find to be necessary in their Report.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when the Regulations 16/1/C of the Government Insurance Act come into operation, medical panel practitioners will be deprived of the advantage of the capital value of their practices; whether a promise was given in 1913 to the effect that such an interest would be assured to the medical practitioner; whether panel practitioners are apprehensive of the effect of these Regulations upon the disposal of their practices; and if he will take into consideration the expediency of reviewing the situation?

I am not aware that any promise has been given in 1913 or, indeed, at any time of the character indicated in the question. I am aware that some insurance practitioners are apprehensive—unnecessarily so—of the effect of the Regulations referred to, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a reply which I have caused to be addressed to representations made to me on the subject on behalf of the Conference of Panel Committees.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to his reply of 10th April, 1919, on the question of fees payable to registrars of births and deaths, and to the fact that only in some cases boards of guardians are making gratuities, and that in many cases these officials are whole-time servants, he will, with a view to uniformity, introduce legislation to deal with what, in many instances, is a hardship?

As it has been represented to me that guardians are in some cases unaware of the facilities enabling them to pay gratuities to registrars, I am taking steps to bring the matter to the notice of guardians generally. I could not, however, undertake to introduce legislation to deal immediately with the occasional cases of hardship to which the question refers, though the question of the reorganisation of the service is one which I have under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour what is now being done to utilise the machinery of the Industrial Court in settling labour disputes; and if he can give some indication of its activities during the past year?

The Industrial Court established by the Industrial Courts Act, which received the Royal Assent on November 20th, 1919, has been duly set up. The President of the Court is Sir William Mackenzie, K.B.E., and the permanent members are Mr. F. H. McLeod, C.B. (Chairman), and Mr. J. McKie Bryce, chosen to represent the point of view of the employers, and Mr. D. C Cummings, C.B.E., and Mr. F. S. Button, chosen to represent the view of employés, together with two women members, Miss Violet Markham and Miss Cecile Matheson. The services of other members are obtainable to meet exceptional pressure of work. The Court is a standing arbitration tribunal, the provision of which was one of the recommendations of the Committee on Relations between Employers and Employees, better known as the Whitley Committee. It is the desire of the Government that trade disputes should be settled as far as possible by negotiation between employers' associations and trade unions. Where, however, agreement is impossible, recourse can be had to the Industrial Court provided that the consent of both parties to the dispute is forthcoming. One of the advantages of reference to a standing court is that the experience of the members of the Court in dealing with difficulties in other trades is placed at the disposal of the parties to a particular dispute.Since November 20th, 208 differences have been referred to the Court. These cases have been heard mostly in London, but the Court has also sat in Glasgow, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and elsewhere, in its ordinary form by which three members of the Court—a chairman, a representative of employers and a representative of employés—constitute the Court; while a certain number of cases have been dealt with in different parts of the country by single members of the Court. The differences have dealt mainly with wages, but

many other industrial matters have come before the Court. The Court has settled the general wages arrangements for the following trades:—

asked the Minister of Labour whether a friendly society which has since 1911 carried on an unemployment association for the benefit of its members under Section 106 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, will be permitted to form an association under Section 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Bill, 1920, on complying with the conditions as to benefits beyond the flat rate set out in the proviso to the last-mentioned Section?

The association to which my hon. Friend refers, would be able to enter into an arrangement for the payment of State benefit under Clause 17 of the Bill, subject to the required conditions being satisfied. The chief of these conditions are that the association should provide out of its own funds, unemployment benefit of not less than a specified amount, and that it should have an effective system for notifying to its unemployed members, opportunities of employment. The latter of these conditions is applied by Regula- tions to the corresponding arrangements made under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, 1911 to 1919, and would be similarly applied under the Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the official estimate of the liability of the State under the Unemployment Insurance Bill?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As stated in the Memorandum prefixed to the Unemployment Insurance Bill, the annual cost to the Exchequer under the Bill will be from £3,000,000 to £4,000,000. For further details I would refer my hon. Friend to the Report of the Government Actuary published as Command Paper 498, on the Financial Provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Bill of last Session. Certain changes have been made in the Bill as re-introduced this Session, but these do not affect appreciably the cost to the State.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the proposed action of the Ministry in relation to the question of night baking, or when does he hope to be able to make a definite pronouncement on the subject?

The matter is now under the consideration of the Home Office and the Ministry of Labour and an announcement of the definite action to be taken will be made soon.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to consider the issue of nickel sixpences and threepenny pieces?

This question was fully considered before the Coinage Bill was introduced and it was thought best to retain silver for these coins.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has definitely discarded the idea of issuing 5s. and other notes of lower denominations?

I have every hope that there may be no necessity to issue 5s. notes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the additional annual expenditure involved if the lower grade Government pensioners were granted a special allowance sufficient to bring their cash pensions up to a minimum of 1s. per week for each year of service, i.e., a pension of 20s. a week for 20 years' service, 30s. a week for 30 years' service, and so on; and whether he will sympathetically consider measures to settle such cases of genuine hardship?

For the reasons given in the answer of my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on Monday last in reply to a question by the Member for Devonport, I regret that I am unable to provide the information desired, nor does it seem to me that a scheme on the basis suggested in the question would meet the conditions laid down in the speeches of those who have advocated special measures of relief for retired members of the public services. As regards the general question I have nothing to add to my previous statements on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, considering the period of time for repayment of War Savings Certificates has now been extended from five to ten years, he can now increase the amount which any one person can own in these certificates?

The answer is in the negative, but in accordance with the views expressed by the National Savings Assembly at their January meeting, I am considering the desirability of issuing Savings Bonds in order to offer a continued outlet for thrift.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the amount under the heading of Undeveloped Land Duty in the total of Total Inland Revenue Duties for the year ending 31st March, 1919, amounting to £59 in the case of England, nothing in Scotland, and £3 in Ireland, a total of £62 in a total net receipt of £623,673,938; and if he can say what was the expense of collecting that £62?

My attention has been drawn to the figures referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. The assessment and collection of the Undeveloped Land Duty is at present in suspense, and the sum of £62 received in respect of that Duty in the year ending 31st March, 1919, represents payments made at the instance of taxpayers, and accepted by the Inland Revenue to meet their convenience. No expense has been involved in connection with the receipt of this sum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total of loans made by the British Government to the Governments of Allied and other countries since the date of the Armistice?

The cash advances made since 11th November, 1918, are approximately, £169,500,000, but the greater part of these advances was in respect of War commitments. The amount set aside for loans for relief and reconstruction is £21,500,000, of which about £10,000,000 has actually been advanced and is included in the above total.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates would be the increase in the index figure of the cost of living compared with July, 1914, if bread were sold at its real, and not a subsidised, price?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is estimated that the removal of the subsidy on flour and bread would result in a rise of 12 points in the general "cost of living" index figure as published in the "Labour Gazette."

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if promotion is withheld from the junior officials of the Chancery Division of the Royal Courts of Justice, and if such officials are of 12 to 30 years' service as third-class clerks without any promotion; if these officials embrace men of professional status and public school men, and if work of a higher grade is performed by them without extra remuneration; and will ho have inquiries made into the matter?

The whole question of the establishment in the offices of the Chancery Division is under the consideration of a Committee appointed by the Lord Chancellor with the concurrence of the Treasury. The Committee are, it is understood, on the point of reporting, and when they have done so the whole question of the status and promotion of the third-class clerks will receive consideration. Meanwhile, I may state that there is no third-class clerk in Chancery Chambers of 30 years' standing.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the delay on the part of the Stationery Office in supplying various Government publications; whether provincial firms are finding it impossible to get orders executed, in many cases, under five or six weeks; and whether this is due largely to lack of control rather than adequacy of staff?

I am not aware of any delay, due to lack of control, on the part of the Stationery Office in supplying Government publications. If, however, the hon. Member will bring to my notice any specific instances of the kind of delay he has in mind I will cause enquiries to be made into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education why plans of the proposed secondary schools at Dursley, Gloucester, have not been returned to the Gloucestershire education authority, seeing they were sent to the Board on 23rd December and their return asked for on 2nd February, but neither plans or any acknowledgment have been received?

I regret the delay, which arose from the Board having to satisfy themselves as to the need for the school as well as to examine the plans of the proposed site and buildings. A reply is being sent to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Education why the following promise contained in paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Grant Regulations is not to be fulfilled during 1919–20, thus causing L.E.A. great trouble: A deficiency grant will be payable for the financial year beginning 1st April, 1919, which will be payable by instalments during the year, and will be finally adjusted, etc.?

I understand this question to relate to Deficiency Grants in respect of Higher Education. Deficiency Grants are being paid by instalments during the year 1919–20 to those Authorities in whose areas the returns for the most recently completed year, viz., 1918–19, afford a basis for the calculation of such instalments. In the other areas the payment will be made as soon as the expenditure of the year now current and the substantive grants payable within the year shall have been ascertained.

asked the Home Secretary whether at the Littledean, Gloucestershire, Petty Sessions, two boys, George Sargent, aged 9, and Reginald Brown, aged 10, were committed to the Cardiff Industrial School for four years for setting fire to a rick of hay whilst playing at a game called Satan; whether a school attendance officer who gave evidence said that the boys were well conducted and attended school most regularly; and whether, in view of the feeling of those resident in the locality with regard to this sentence, he will take steps to order the immediate release of these boys?

My attention had not been called to this case. I am making full inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture how many grades of inspectors of fisheries there are at present at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; what is the salary attached to

The staff of inspectors at present attached to the Fisheries Division is graded as follows:—between the Ministry and the Treasury.