asked the Minister of Pensions whether Private A. Walker, No. S/9,835, Gordon Highlanders, at present an inmate of Hawk-head Asylum, was awarded a pension in October, 1919; whether no money has as yet been paid either to the asylum authorities or his father, Mr. James Walker, 258, Paisley Road, Glasgow; and when the pension will be issued?

I regret the delay in this case. Authority for the payment of a dependant's allowance to Mrs. Walker, with effect from 30th August last, has now been issued. Payments to asylums by the Ministry for the maintenance of patients are made quarterly. At present it does not appear that a claim has been sent in by the asylum authorities in respect of Private Walker, but when it is received payment will be made.

asked the Minister of Pensions if persons granted to widows of deceased soldiers are based on the soldier's pre-war earnings; if so, seeing that it was possible for a soldier to have experienced illness during that period or not have worked full time for varying causes, he will consider the question of granting to such widows a minimum pension according to the soldier's pre-War weekly fixed wage?

A widow's flat-rate pension is given irrespective of the deceased soldier's pre-War earnings, but if it is more favourable to her she can claim an alternative pension based on such earnings. By the terms of the Warrant the pre-War earnings are to be computed generally in accordance with the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906. Following the practice under that Act, exceptional interruptions, such as sickness, are disregarded in estimating the average earnings during the pre-War year, while account is taken of such interruptions as were normal and recognised incidents of the man's employment.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the total amount received by the King's Fund at the time of its closing; how many cases were actually relieved; how many will remain to be dealt with; and how much money there is on hand to deal with them?

Up to the 31st January, the date of the closing of the fund, the total amount received was £1,247,911 11s. 6d., and up to that date 34,972 cases had been relieved. It is estimated that there were 3,750 cases remaining to be dealt with at the closing of the fund, and the balance then in hand was £151,646 19s. 1d.

asked the Prime Minister whether anything can be done to put members of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, Women's Royal Naval Service, Women's Royal Air Force, and the nursing staffs of the Navy and Army injured by enemy action during the War on the same basis as the Royal Navy, Army, and the Air Force as far as compensation for injury is concerned?

As regards the position of members of Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, the Women's Royal Naval Service, and the Women's Royal Air Force in this matter, I would in the first instance refer my hon. Friend to the very full answer which I gave on 19th ultimo to the hon. and gallant Member for Bradford East (Captain Loseby) on the same subject. In accordance with the intention expressed in that answer, an official announcement is this day being issued to the public Press, which will make quite clear the procedure for establishing claims or submission of appeals on such cases by members of the three women's corps in question. I may add that I have further arranged for a conference to be held this week between representatives of the various Departments concerned with a view to ensuring that claims, especially for medical treatment, by members of these three women's corps shall be dealt with in a prompt, practical and sympathetic manner, having due regard to the special conditions and circumstances of their service. Cases in which members of these corps have been injured by enemy action are exceedingly rare. Members of the nursing staffs are engaged and have, in fact, been employed under conditions fundamentally different from those of the three women's corps in question; and their claims will be dealt with under the ordinary conditions of the appropriate Royal Warrants.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a recent resolution of the York war pensions committee protesting against the ruling of the Civil Liabilities Department, which precludes discharged soldiers from making applications for grants if they were discharged prior to 11th November, 1918, and did not make application before 30th September, 1919; whether he is aware that this ruling inflicts serious hardship on ex-service men, particularly in cases where they have been undergoing training and have applied for grants to set up businesses as a result of that training; and whether he will give directions that each case shall be considered on its merits and not be subject to strict time limits as at present?

The restriction to which my hon. and learned Friend refers is not a departmental one, but is laid down by the Treasury Regulations governing the administration of the Civil Liabilitier Fund. I have, however, already announced in answer to previous questions in the House that the time limit fixed by this Regulation has been extended so far as the case of disabled men under treatment for their disability is concerned, and I would refer my hon. and learned Friend in this connection, particularly to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk, N., on 12th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mr. Ernest A. Tyler, architect and civil engineer, voluntarily joined up in August, 1915, and was given a commission on the staff of the Royal Engineering Service and for two years of his service carried out major's duties without either major's pay or rank; whether immediately after the Armistice he applied for demobilisation on the ground that he was urgently required for civil life for reconstructional purposes, but was told that he could not be spared until after the 3th April, 1919, when he was gazetted out as from the date, and has not received any gratuity; whether he will state what is the reason for the gratuity being withheld in this case, especially in view of the injustice already done to Mr. Tyler in depriving him of rank and pay suitable to the duties which he was discharging; whether early in January last the War Office informed Mr. Tyler that if he gave particulars and applied to the Command Paymaster, Southern Command, under Army Order 437, 1919, his gratuity would be paid; whether, upon his doing so, the paymaster informed him that, as he asked to be demobilised, he could not admit the claim; and whether, in the interests of the service, he will inquire into this case and see that justice is done to this ex-officer who has already suffered much damage owing to his patriotic action in joining up without waiting for conscription?

I will have this case investigated, and see that any gratuity due is issued without delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an officer of the Special Reserve of Officers, who rendered valuable services during the War for which he has been thanked by the Army Council, and who has been asked by the Army Council to resign his commission on the ground that the number of officers in the Special Reserve is largely in excess of establishment, is entitled to receive a gratuity on his retirement?

Officers of the Special Reserve in such cases as that referred to have already received gratuities under Article 497 of the Royal Warrant. No further gratuity is payable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private H. Linnett, No. 553,337, joined up on 1st September, 1914, in the Northants Regiment, and that, after being seriously wounded several times, was sent to Purfleet for demobilisation in March, 1919; that he was, at some time unknown to himself, placed under the authority of the Labour Corps, but was prior to that in the Royal Air Force; that he cannot get his discharge papers and medal ribbons, although both the Royal Air Force and the Labour Corps have been written to; and, seeing that the man has no discharge, will Army pay be granted until he is released, and such to be retrospective?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative; to the second, that this man was transferred to the Labour Corps from the Northants Regiment in 1917, and was afterwards attached to the Royal Flying Corps, and subsequently the Royal Air Force, for sanitary duties, until he was demobilised on 29th March, 1919; to the third part, that delay occurred owing to an irregularity in the papers concerning him, which has necessitated extensive inquiries. His certificate of Transfer to Reserve on Demobilisation (Army Form Z. 21) has been sent to him, and his claims to disability pension and to medal ribbons are being dealt with. In regard to the fourth part, Army Form Z. 11, which he received on demobilisation, is tantamount to his discharge paper, he has received one month's furlough on full pay, and he is not entitled to any further Air Force or Army pay.

asked the Secretary of State for War when a decision may be expected as regards the new scale of pay for Army chaplains?

I hope there will be a decision within a few days. The matter is waiting Treasury sanction.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the many allegations regarding the treatment of service men in hospitals and asylums, he is prepared to set up a committee of inquiry to ascertain the facts and recommend whatever steps are necessary to secure proper conditions and treatment for these men?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 18th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Ashford (Major Steel) and to-the statement which my right hon. Friend made on the 23rd February during the Debate on the Army Vote on Account.

asked the Secretary of State for War when men in Class Z Reserve are to be finally discharged; and whether men now being demobilised are placed in this same class?

Men in Class Z Reserve will be discharged on the 31st March. The answer to the latter part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the reason for the delay in the demobilisation of Sapper A. W. Carpenter, W.R. 263,078, at Longman dispersal camp, he being a married man with children and having work awaiting him on discharge?

Inquiries are already being made in this case, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the specific reason which has actuated the War Office in granting the new Territorial medal?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply on the 26th February to the right hon. Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Crooks).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions to extend Award 880 of the Interim Court of Arbitration to wheelwrights, smiths, and carpenters and joiners employed in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps depôt, His Majesty's gunwharf, Devonport?

Instructions were issued in January last extending award 880 to the blacksmiths referred to; and further instructions have since been issued extending the award to the other classes of tradesmen mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether Ordinary-Seaman James E. Cole was discharged from the Mercantile Marine Reserve on 6th January, 1920, without his mercantile marine discharge book, without which he cannot get a berth on any ship; and whether he will have the book forwarded to Mr. Cole at Ecklinville, Tinker's Drove, Wisbech, without delay?

I am assured that every effort has been made to trace this man's mercantile discharge book, but without success. Steps have been taken to provide a duplicate, which it is hoped will be sent to the man in a day or two.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the acreage in the United Kingdom under wheat, barley, and oats, respectively, in 1919; what additional acreage would be required, assuming average crops, to render the United Kingdom self-supporting in cereals; the number of cattle, sheep and pigs in the United Kingdom in 1919; and what additional numbers would be required to make the United Kingdom self-supporting in beef and veal, mutton and lamb, bacon and hams, butter and cheese?

The acreage in the United Kingdom under wheat, barley and oats respectively in 1919 was:

				Acres
Wheat	…	…	…	2,370,000
Barley	…	…	…	1,870,000
Oats	…	…	…	5,117,000

To render the United Kingdom self supporting in cereals (excluding maize and other cereals not usually grown in this country) it is estimated that the area under the above cereals would have to be increased by about 10,700,000 acres, assuming average crops and a consumption (including seed and tail corn) at the level reached in 1919.The number of cattle, sheep and pigs in the United Kingdom in 1919 was:

Cattle	…	…	…	12,454,000
Sheep	…	…	…	25,048,000
Pigs	…	…	…	2,914,000

On the basis of the consumption in 1919, it is estimated that these numbers would have to be increased to the following extent in order to make the United Kingdom self-supporting in beef, veal, mutton, lamb, bacon and hams:

Cattle	…	…	…	6,400,000
Sheep	…	…	…	18,900,000
Pigs	…	…	…	6,700,000

The estimated increase in the number of cattle includes an increase in cows and heifers sufficient to produce the milk required to make the country self-supporting as regards butter and cheese on the basis of the consumption in 1919.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if, since the price of the 1920 crop of wheat was settled at 76s., the cost of growing and marketing has gone up to between 95s. and 100s.; and what action he proposes to take to prevent land being laid down to grass again?

As already stated in the official announcement, it is estimated that the fair equivalent of the 76s. wheat price in 1918 would be about 95s. to-day, and the increased prices authorised for the 1921 crop were intended to stimulate wheat growing to discourage the conversion of arable into grass.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether Friesian cattle are shortly to be imported from Canada to this country; and, if so, under what Regulation?

In the early part of last year an application was received from the British Friesian Cattle Society for authority to land some Holstein Friesian cattle to be brought from Canada. The Board having satisfied themselves that the exceptional circumstances rendered the importation of a limited number of such animals desirable, and that such importation was authorised by Sections 24 and 27 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, as amended by the Diseases of Animals Act, 1896, expressed their assent to the importation subject to stringent quarantine provisions, which would avoid any risk of the introduction of disease. No animals have yet been imported under this arrangement, and the Ministry have no definite information as to whether it is proposed to import any.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if the offer made by the Lancashire farmers that non-immune varieties of potatoes against wart disease can be planted on condition that they do not go out of the county has been accepted; and, if so, can they be informed at once?

The Ministry have received two resolutions from Lancashire and South Westmorland farmers on the subject referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. They have given the matter their serious consideration, and they regret, in view of all the circumstances, that they are unable to make any alteration in the existing Regulations for the coming season.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that heavy loads of fish are frequently returned from Billingsgate to King's Cross and other railway centres without having been unloaded, on account of a glut of fish in the market, and are returned to the fishing ports; what becomes of this fish; and whether arrangements could be made for this fish to be available for the many people who would be willing to buy the fish at reasonable prices, particularly in view of the present high cost and scarcity of food?

I am informed that surplus supplies of herrings have, in the past, been occasionally returned from Billingsgate to fish curers at Lowestoft, Yarmouth, or Hull, but that there has been no recent instance of this procedure. There has been no other transfer of supplies of fish suitable for human food. The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore, arise. As the hon. Member is probably aware, the question of the food markets of London is now under close investigation by a Departmental Committee, whose first Report will be ready in a few days.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is prepared to set up a special Scottish Committee to advise on the control price of fish and to matters relating to State interference with the fish trade in Scotland?

asked the Minister of Food a question in the name terms.

In view of the fact that a very large proportion of the fish caught by Scottish boats is sold in England, and also that at certain seasons of the year considerable numbers of Scottish boats work from British ports, I do not think it convenient to set up a special Scottish Committee for the purpose stated in the question. I will, however, take steps to ensure that the Scottish fishing industry is adequately represented on any Committee that may be set up.

asked the Minister of Food whether, since the expiry of the Milk Maximum Order, the power of Food Committees to prosecute milk retailers for short measure has ceased; whether he is aware of the fact that the Islington Food Committee have found as a result of their various tests that, whereas the number of cases of short measure was reduced from 100 per cent. to 11 per cent. under the old Order, they have since the expiry of the said Milk Order again increased to 50 per cent. of the cases tested; whether his attention has been called to paragraph two of the Milk Order, 1920 (No. 116), and the recent magisterial decision declining to convict for short measure where the milk had actually been served by means of an imperial measure, irrespective of the amount of milk in that imperial measure; and whether the Ministry will take steps to strengthen the Order to enable the Food Committee to prosecute for short measure on the part of the retailers of milk?

Food Control Committees were only enabled to prosecute milk vendors who gave short measure in cases where they were charging the maximum price for milk, as in such cases the maximum was actually exceeded. Now that the price of milk is no longer controlled this power has disappeared. I have received a report from the Islington Food Control Committee giving the result of their tests for short measure, but I have as yet no information as to the magisterial decision referred to. As I have already stated, it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation for the purpose of dealing with the question of short measure generally.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Ilford Food Control Committee recently reported a milk dealer for having supplied on two occasions short measure; whether the committee recommended prosecution: and, if so, whether prosecution is to take place?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. After careful consideration it was decided that there was not sufficient ground for the institution of a prosecution in the case referred to. Under the Milk Winter Prices Order the giving of short weight was not in itself an offence, but where short weight was given and the maximum price was charged the price charged was in excess of the maximum and the Order was thereby infringed. In the case referred to the maximum price has not been charged.

asked the Minister of Food why he has not consulted the local food control committees when considering the advisability of the continuance of food control; does he fail to appreciate the services freely rendered by food control committees during the past 2½ years and how closely they are in touch with both trader and consumer; and will he in future see that these food control committees throughout the country are consulted upon this matter?

In considering the question of the continuance of food control, the Food Controller has been in close touch with the Divisional Food Commissioners who form the link between the Ministry of Food and the Food Control Committees. I am confident that the Food Commissioners are well aware of the views of the Food Committees in their respective divisions on the matter in question, and in many cases I have received evidence showing that Committees have been specifically consulted.

asked the Minister of Food the articles of food which have been decontrolled and the immediate effect on prices of such decontrol; and the amount of increase or reduction which took place?

The principal articles of food which have been decontrolled are fresh milk, home produced butter and cheese, veal, margarine and its constituent materials, condensed milk, barley, oats and oatmeal, beans, peas and lentils, potatoes, tea and coffee. The most marked cases of changes of price following immediately upon decontrol are the following:—Cotton seed rose from £19 to £35 per ton, and palm kernels from £26 to £43 per ton within a month, with a corresponding rise in the other raw materials for the production of edible oils, while margarine itself, after a short period of price cutting, rose from 1s. to 1s. l½d. per lb. on the average. Within a month or two of decontrol barley rose from 67s. to 95s. 2d. per quarter, and oats from 52s. to 62s. 4d. per quarter. Veal, for which the controlled price was l0½d. per lb., was sold at anything up to 3s. per lb. Condensed milk has risen from 1s. 3d. to 1s. 6d., and home produced butter from 2s. 8d. to anything between 3s. 6d. and 5s. per lb.Milk, on the other hand, showed a fall of 1d. per quart following on decontrol, and there was a decrease of approximately 1d. per lb. in the group of peas, beans, and lentils.As regards other foodstuffs there were no marked changes in price following immediately on decontrol. The hon. Member must bear in mind that in order to arrive at a judgment as to the general effects of control or decontrol, the study of prices over a comparatively long period would be necessary.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of any organisation or trust which is seeking power to control importations of, and prices for, butter and cheese brought into Great Britain from foreign countries and the Dominions, and, while conceding a free market in these articles to England, Scotland and Wales, seeks power to control prices of Irish produce and to specifically exclude Ireland from any share in its operations while granting same to the Dominions; if he is a party to proposals which treat Ireland as outside the United Kingdom and inferior to the Dominions; and if he will take the opinion of Parliament upon them?

I assume that the question refers to tentative proposals for bridging the gap between the termination of food control, which it was anticipated would take place this autumn, and the restoration of a state of supply adequate to the demand. Proposals designed to this end have been under consideration, but in view of the altered circumstances the exploration of the subject has not advanced beyond the preliminary stage. The proposals formulated related only to imports and not to home production, and it was contemplated that, except in so far as some modification might be thought necessary by the Irish Authorities for the protection of the Irish producers, all producers in the United Kingdom should be treated alike.

asked the Minister of Food the causes of the present dearth of sugar in the United Kingdom in view of the fact that the importation of sugar for home consumption in 1919 was only 7 per cent. less than in 1913 and 1914, i.e., an amount of 31,000,000 cwts., as against an average of 33,000,000 cwts. in 1913 and 1914?

The present dearth of sugar, as explained in previous replies to questions, is due to a decrease in the world's production of some 3,000,000 tons, coupled with an increased demand for consumption, particularly in the United States of America. For these reasons the amounts available for importation this year are considerably below the normal figure. The sugar imported into this country during the year 1919 was for the most part passed immediately into consumption.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is in a position to state that the amount of sugar being now used in the manufacture of sweetmeats and chocolates, etc., will not detrimentally affect the supply of sugar required for the manufacture of jam; whether, in view of the butter restrictions at present in force jam is an essential article of food for the people; and whether he is aware that a large amount of fruit will be wasted unless adequate supplies of sugar are available for household and trade purposes for the preservation of fresh fruit?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The value of jam as a food is fully recognised, and an adequate supply of sugar will be allotted for its manufacture. As regards the third part of the question I may remind the hon. and gallant Member that the manufacture of jam is not the only use to which fresh fruit is put, and that the prospects of the coming fruit crop cannot at present be estimated.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Tipton Urban District Council placed a, contract for the erection of 40 houses on the 29th January, 1920; whether the contractor is unable to proceed with the work owing to the delay in the delivery of necessary materials; whether such delay is the fault of the Ministry; and, if so, whether he will expedite delivery?

I have received no complaint from the Tipton Urban District Council, but I had seen an intimation of difficulties in the Press and had brought the matter to the notice of the Director of Building Materials Supply, and he is endeavouring to expedite supply.

asked the Minister for Labour whether he is aware of the fact that fully qualified coach-makers and wheelrights, members of the National Union of Vehicle Builders, are being refused employment at the Motor Repair Depôt, Slough, and that members of the Carpenters' and Joiners' Union are being started by the manager, instead of their services being utilised for the building of houses; and whether, in view of the demand for operatives in the house-building industry, instructions will be issued providing employment at the depôt for coach-makers only?

The employés at the Motor Repair Depôt, are recruited direct from the local Labour Exchange, and there has been no refusal by the management at Slough to employ members of the National Union of Vehicle Builders. It is not possible to issue the instructions suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether, now that his Ministry is in working order, he intends to suggest any, and what, steps to re-organise the local health services?

Yes, Sir, the matter is engaging my earnest attention, but I am expecting to receive shortly the recommendations of the statutory Consultative Council on Medical and Allied Services, which I have undertaken to publish when available, and which must, of course, be carefully considered before the steps referred to in the question are decided upon.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a sample of calf lymph submitted to the Wasserman test gave a strong syphilitic reaction; whether medical experts at the Ministry have submitted samples of Government lymph to a similar test; and, if not, whether he will give instructions for this to be done and for the results to be recorded in the chief medical officer's annual Report?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I should be glad if the hon. Member would supply me with full particulars of the case: to which he refers.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to make any statement as to the shortening of the time elapsing between the polling of the votes and the declaration of the result in a bye-election?

The matter is still under consideration, but I will communicate the result to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends during this year to take any steps toward the promised completion of the reform of the Poor Law.

This matter is receiving my careful consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any official Report will be issued of the conferences which are now in progress between the representatives of the Miners' Federation and Messrs. Alfred Tongue and Company, the auditors appointed by the Government to examine the finances of the coal mining industry?

At the request of the Prime Minister, Messrs. Alfred Tongue and Company, the independent accountants who reported on the finances of the coal industry, met Mr. Frank Hodges and Mr. Vernon Hartshorn, of the Miners' Federation, on the 23rd February, and following on this conference a Report was furnished to the Prime Minister in the form of a letter from the independent accountants. I shall be glad to arrange for a copy of this letter to be Circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the supplies of coal to the South Staffordshire Mond Gas Company are not equal to the needs of the company; whether many individual concerns are in danger of closing down, involving unemployment of their workpeople, owing to the supplies of gas being reduced or cut off; whether such shortage of coal is due to faulty transport facilities; and, if so, will he take immediate steps to improve the existing transport arrangements?

As regards the South Staffordshire Mond Gas Company, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade to the hon. and gallant Member for Walsall (Sir R. Cooper) on the 1st March. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that priority of transit is being given to coal for public utility and domestic purposes to relieve the present shortage. I am informed that the methods adopted are working satisfactorily.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has information to the effect that the conditions on many American ships with regard to baths, provision of bedding, and the messing arrangements for seamen are much better on American tramp steamers than on many British tramp steamers; and whether he will consider inquiring into the conditions on British tramp steamers, with a view to their improvement.

I am not in a position to make a satisfactory comparison between the conditions prevailing on British and on American ships, but the question of the accommodation for officers and seamen on British ships was recently brought before the Board of Trade by a deputation from the Trades Union Congress, and it is now under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are sufficient funds accruing from the sale of German assets in this country to liquidate the whole of the claims made for British property in Germany; and, if not, whether the claims made through the Clearing House and those to be decided by the mixed Arbitral Tribunal, will be settled on the same financial basis.

I have been asked to reply. The returns made to the Public Trustee indicate that sufficient funds may be expected from property in this country belonging to German nationals to meet the whole of the claims by British nationals in respect of their property rights and interests in Germany. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Board of Trade has omitted, both during the War and since the Armistice, to give a preference to ex-soldiers who have served in the War, in appointing to clerkships and other positions in Dublin, and that civilians of military age have been given employment in Dublin during the War and since the Armistice when large numbers of ex-soldiers were available for such employment; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Board of Trade have not omitted to give preference to the employment of ex-soldiers in Dublin. Of the six men appointed to Board of Trade offices in Dublin since the end of 1918, five are ex-service men.

asked the President of the Board of Education if a large number of young men are being invited to prepare for the Board of Education's certificate examination, while 44,000 uncertificated teachers of many years' service are denied this opportunity; and will he extend to the uncertificated teachers an equal opportunity.

I presume the hon. Member refers to the arrangements under which ex-Service students of suitable educational qualifications are assisted by special grants to pursue courses of higher education, including courses of training for teaching. These special grants are confined to men who have served in the Forces, and uncertificated men teachers are not excluded. Uncertificated men teachers who did not serve in the Forces and uncertificated women teachers, if they possess the prescribed qualifications, are eligible for such assistance as is provided by the Board's Regulations for the Training of Teachers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the Leicestershire County Council have recently purchased land for small holdings in the parish of Kilby, near Leicester, and have given all the smallholders there notice to quit in order to replace them by discharged soldiers; and, in view of the fact that there are many large farms in Leicestershire portions of which could be acquired as small holdings for ex-soldiers, will he consider the question of protecting the smallholders at present tenanting their holdings from being turned out to be replaced by others who would not be so likely to understand the ground and consequently decrease production, as the only protection which the present tenants now have is the assurance that their case will receive sympathetic consideration?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The matter is one over which the Ministry has no direct control, but I may explain that it is not the intention of the Act, or the usual practice of county councils, to disturb existing smallholders in order to place ex-service men on the land, except in cases in which the holdings can with advantage be sub-divided so as to provide for two or three new tenants. I have already taken steps to make representations to the Leicester County Council on the lines desired by my hon. Friend. I cannot, however, sec my way to accept his suggestion that councils should restrict themselves to the acquisition of parts of farms involving heavy claims for compensation for severance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the cases of W. H. Rogers, late private, No. 2,331, l/7th Hants, and S. Challis, late lance-corporal, No. 45,793, 9th North Hants; whether he is aware that these two men started a six months' course of training in electrical engineering last June; that at the end of the period they received an extension of six months; that the Ministry of Labour then took over the training and they signed an agreement for a three years' course, but were discharged in December, 1919; and whether, in view of the fact that these two men are totally unfit for work as electrical engineers, he will state what action he proposes to take?

The reply to the first part of this question is in the affirmative; to the second, that these men started a six months' course of training in the Hartley University College, Southampton, on January 1st and 8th respectively, and not, as stated, in June; to the third, that the length of the prescribed course of training for electrical engineering, as regards which no agreement is signed by the men, is three years, of which 2½ years are to be spent in a workshop and only six months in a technical school, so that the training of these men was not terminated until December, when they had already received double the period laid down for the latter; and to the fourth, that they were passed as suitable for the trade by the Local Technical Advisory Committee representing employers and workmen. Efforts are now being made to find them improvers' vacancies, in order to enable them to complete the 2½ years' workshop training which is necessary in electrical engineering. The difficulty in finding workshop vacancies is connected with the temporary depression in the engineering trades caused by the moulders' strike. It is hoped that the situation will shortly permit of the placing of these men, but in the meantime, their retention in the technical school would only have resulted in the exclusion of other trainees, with no corresponding benefit to themselves.

asked the Minister of Labour whether many ex-service men still unemployed have exhausted their unemployment allowance; whether the grant expires altogether in a few weeks; and what steps the Government propose to take in order to prevent these men suffering undue hardship?

The number of ex-service men who had exhausted their donation allowance (exclusive of those whose donation was stopped by the Local Employment Committees before reaching the maximum) was about 18,700 at the middle of February, but I cannot say how many of these remain unemployed. The special extension of donation approved by this House in November last expires at the end of March, but this does not affect the donation under the ordinary scheme, which will remain payable during the 12 months after the date of personal demobilisation in each case. With regard to the last part of the question, I am considering whether any, and what, steps may require to be taken.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the feeling amongst farmers on the subject, he will consider the advisability of abolishing the present system of compulsory prepayment on carriage of live stock?

So far as I am aware, there is no general system of compulsory pre-payment of carriage charges on live stock sent by freight train. If the hon. Member refers to carriage by passenger train, pre-payment is the rule in respect of all traffic. I am informed that very little live stock is so forwarded by the farmers. I shall be glad, however, to look into any particular case which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to relieve the congestion at the Port of London and to facilitate the discharge of cargoes?

The various causes of the congestion at the ports, and the steps which are being taken to meet them are too complex to be satisfactorily dealt with in the scope of an answer. As my Noble Friend is aware, many causes apart from transport contribute to the congestion, and I hope the House may have an opportunity of discussing them on the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Chippenham—To call attention to the congestion in the Ports of London and Liverpool, and to move a Resolution.—[

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the date on which Mr. Bevis, the first inspector and head organiser of drawing and hand-and-eye training to the Commissioners of National Education, was called to the Education Office to answer the charges of having joined the committee of the South American Missionary Society and of having family prayer when his sub-organisers were present; what Commissioner and what officials were present when he was brought to the Education Office; who questioned him regarding these offences; and on what date did the Commissioners dispense with his services?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to his similar question on 4th July, 1912, on this subject, and to which there is nothing to add.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total cost during the current financial year of the Imperial liabilities and expenditure mentioned in the Third Schedule to the Government of Ireland Bill?

As the items to be included in Imperial liabilities and expenditure for any particular year would depend upon rulings of the Joint Exchequer Board, the following figures (which are approximate only) must not be regarded as exhaustive:

	£
Debt Charges	345,000,000
Army, Navy and Air Services	616,000,000
Ministry of Pensions	105,000,000
Loans to Allies and Dominions	147,000,000
Resettlement and Training of ex-Soldiers	8,000,000
Colonial, Diplomatic and Consular and Miscellaneous War Services	23,000,000
Other Services	10,000,000
	£1,254,000,000

The Imperial receipts, otherwise than by way of taxation, to be set off against this gross sum would be determined by the Joint Exchequer Board.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the National Advisory Committee on Education for Scotland has been constituted recently and that the Committee consists of 12 persons, only two of whom are women; that there are no primary teachers on the Committee; and if, in the interests of Scottish education, more women and a certain proportion of primary teachers could be appointed on the Committee?

It is the case that the Advisory Council consists of 12 persons, of whom two are women. In accordance with Scottish tradition, no attempt has been made to draw a distinction between primary and secondary education as regards representation on the Council, and I do not think it desirable that this should be done. The practical work of the Council will be done very largely through Sub-Committees appointed in terms of Paragraph 6 of the Order in Council, dated 22nd January, 1920, establishing the Advisory Council. These Sub-Committees will be composed largely of persons with special knowledge of the subjects under discussion, and in these circumstances it seems neither necessary nor desirable that the main body should be enlarged.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the agreement now arrived at between the parties mainly affected, he proposes introducing legislation at an early date dealing with fiars prices and teinds?

My information is that agreement has been reached on most of the points at issue, but not on all. I have not yet received any details of the proposed settlement. There will be no avoidable delay in considering the question of legislation when an agreed scheme is submitted.

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

I have now received a Report that an explosion occurred on the 25th February at a factory at Conteville where ammunition is being broken down. One French soldier and one civilian were killed. No British subjects were either killed or injured. The factory is under private control.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if a charge on the undertaking and property, including the uncalled capital, of the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company, Ltd., was registered to the amount of £1,950,000 in favour of the Minister of Munitions on the 5th February, 1919; has the Minister of Munitions agreed to accept payment of £1,450,000 of this registered secured debt in the profit-sharing preference shares of a different company, viz., the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing (Parent) Company, Ltd.: has the balance of his claim, viz., £500,000, been paid off or how this claim was dealt with otherwise than by payment; what is the date of and who are the parties to the agreement for satisfaction of the claim, as to £1,450,000, against the one company by acceptance of profit-sharing shares in the other company; and if there is any limit imposed by the Government on the fees or number of directors?

With regard to the first part of the question, a debenture, charging the undertaking and property, including the uncalled capital, of the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company, Limited, was executed on the 5th February, 1919, by the company in favour of the Ministry. This debenture, which was for £1,950,000, was in respect of £1,250,000 advanced by the Ministry and £700,000 advanced by independent parties for whom the Ministry thereby became trustee. This debenture was registered with the Registrar-General of Joint Stock Companies on the 12th February, 1919. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on the 1st March. The total charges held by the Ministry on its own behalf was £1,450,000 (£200,000 being, as stated, a separate charge on the power plant), and not £1,950,000. From this it will be seen no balance of £500,000, or any other amount, remains due to the Government.It was agreed to accept shares in the parent company because the other company is being voluntarily wound up, and its assets will be taken over by the parent company, which owns the whole of the shares. It was provided that the agreement to take shares was not to take effect until a liquidator of the other company was appointed. With regard to the fourth part of the question, the date of the relative agreement is 28th Febraury, 1920, and the parties to it are the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing (Parent) Company, Limited, and the Ministry of Munitions. The question of the number of directors and their fees is provided for by the Articles of Association. As stated before, the fees received by the two Government directors will be paid by them into the Exchequer, and they will each receive remunerations from the Government at the rate of £500 per annum.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions in what proportions the proceeds of the new issue of the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing (Parent) Company, Limited, will be applied, respectively, to payments of liabilities, to provision of new plant, and to cash working capital; do the amounts so available for provision of new plant provide for the entire equipment for manufacture of the nine tons of artificial silk per day referred to in the prospectus; can the Minister say if the directors can engage in the manufacture of any class of goods; and, if so, are they at liberty to apply to the public for further increases of capital?

With regard to the first three parts of the question, I have no information beyond what is contained in the prospectus and Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company. With regard to the last part of the question, I have already stated that no debentures or further issues of the existing preference shares can be issued without the consent of the Government. I may add that no ordinary shares can be issued except for cash.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions to what extent, if any, the vendors to the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing (Parent) Company, Limited, will be out of pocket as the result of the financial operations ending with the appropriation of the proceeds of the pending share issue, and the receipt by such vendors of 2,300,000 ordinary shares; will these 2,300,000 shares represent any bona fide case investment; and, if so, how much, after allowing for all amounts repaid or repayable by the company and all amounts, if any, represented by profits or commissions made in connection with the financing of the two companies involved?

The hon. Member is evidently under some misapprehension with regard to this question. The whole of the shares of the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company, Limited, are owned, either directly or through its nominees, by the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing (Parent) Company, Limited, and therefore, there can be no vendors to the Parent Company in respect of this issue; moreover, there has been no recent issue of ordinary shares. The remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise; but for a full statement of the Company's financial history I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the British Cellulose Enquiry Committee, dated 31st July, 1919.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his attention has been drawn to the waste that is taking place at Chilwell, and to the statement that vehicles of all descriptions are rotting away in all weathers, and that blankets and stores of every kind are lying there unused and eaten by rats; and whether he is prepared to consider the advisability of appointing a resident auctioneer at Chilwell to dispose of surplus stores as they arrive?

I have been asked to reply. Chilwell is now an Army Store Depôt, where stores of all descriptions are held for present and future use. Vehicles are in the open, because it has been considered uneconomical and impossible to build cover for them. They are properly cared for, and though some may require repairs after four years of war, they are not rotting. I have no information of any abnormal loss of stores due to the action of rats. As regards the last part of the question, stores surplus to Army requirements are handed over to the Disposal Board of the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Postmaster-General the present rates for press telegrams; and what is the approximate loss on press telegrams for a single year?

The charge for Press telegrams since 1st January last has been 1s. for every 60 words transmitted between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and for every 80 words transmitted between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m., plus threepence in each case for each copy beyond the first. The loss on Press telegrams during a normal year before the "War was estimated at about £200,000. The new rates are expected to bring in an additional revenue of £40,000 a year, but the increased cost of working will more than counterbalance this.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will issue a complete list of the different kinds of qualifying service which, since the passing of The School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, have been declared as such by the Treasury; whether teachers and others who have rendered qualifying service are in all cases required to have served for at least 10 years in a grant-aided school or to have given 10 years' service in some other form of recognised service, as defined in the Act, in order to be eligible for a pension; and whether each application to the Board for a pension has to be considered on its merits, with a view to ascertaining whether it comes within the Clauses of the Act or can be recommended as a fresh form of qualifying service?

Statements have already been issued to' the Press as to service which has been declared to be qualifying service, but I will issue a complete list. The answer to the second and last parts of the question are in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the position of Thomas Turner, of the Finchley County School, in regard to the School Teachers' (Superannuation) Act; whether Mr. Turner enlisted in 1914, being placed in category Al, was wounded in 1917 and again in 1918, and was demobilised in 1919, with the Military Cross, after 4½ years' service, being placed on demobilisation in category C1, and is at present stated to be ineligible for death benefit under the Act; whether there are any other teachers at the same school who were exempted from military service on account of their category being C3; whether any of those men are now eligible for death benefit under the Act; and whether his attention has been called to other similar acts of injustice under the provisions of the Act?

My attention has been called to the case of Mr. Thomas Turner. He has not been declared ineligible for a death gratuity, but he has been informed that, in order to consider the question of his eligibility, the Board require to be furnished with a medical certificate.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received a protest against the proposed closing of the Fore Street Council School, Ilfracombe; whether such school is computed to be a necessary school under the Education Act of 1902, Clause 9, which provides that a school for the time being recognised as a public elementary school shall not be considered unnecessary in which the number of scholars in average attendance, as computed by the Board of Education, is not less than 30; and whether he is prepared to withhold his consent to the closing of such school?

I have not been able at short notice to identify the Fore Street Council School. The Board have received a protest from some inhabitants of Ilfracombe against proposals to convert one public elementary council school into a central school and another into a secondary school, on the ground that younger children displaced may have to attend voluntary schools. The Board are informing the local education authority that the latter proposal does not commend itself to them, and the former proposal is still under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is putting the Burnham Report into operation without allowing this House an opportunity of expressing its opinion?

The adoption of the recommendations of the Burnham Committee is a matter, in the first instance, for the Local Education Authorities. I have been careful to inform the House by presenting the Committee's Report, but occasion has not arisen for further action in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education when the findings of the Burnham Committee on the salaries of teachers will be applied, seeing that there is dissatisfaction among the teachers at the delay in bringing a reasonable scheme into operation.

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 9 and 12 of the Burnham Committee's Report, which contain recommendations as to the manner and dates for bringing the provisional minimum scale into operation. A large number of Local Education Authorities have, I believe, already adopted the recommendations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture who appoints the officers of the Agricultural Organisation Society and who controls them; what salaries are being paid: and who are the responsible officers?

The governing body, which is elected by the affiliated societies, appoints, controls, and fixes the remuneration of the officers of the Agricultural Organisation Society. If the hon. Member desires information as to the persons appointed or the salaries paid I suggest that he should communicate with the society direct.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the Argentine Government have asked for a representative of this country to join their Committee of Inquiry into foot-and-mouth disease; and, if so, do they propose to accept the offer, and who will go out?

No official request has been received from the Argentine Government to send a representative of this country to join their Committee of Inquiry into foot-and-mouth disease. No answer can be given to the last part of the question until such an invitation has been received.

asked the Home Secretary whether the new Regulations for the lighting of motor vehicles will be embodied in a Bill to amend the existing Acts, or issued under the Defence of the Realm Act Regulations; and whether, in view of the fact that the question of lighting of motor vehicles has now been under consideration for 16 months since the Armistice, a definite decision may now be arrived at owing to the expense of constant alterations to owners of vehicles?

Fresh legislation to amend the existing Acts will probably be required in the near future. As I stated on March 1st, in reply to a question from the Noble Lord, the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon), I am expecting shortly to receive a further Interim Report from the Committee on Lights on Vehicles, when the desirability of publishing both that and the previous Report will be considered.

asked the Home Secretary the reasons which led him to withdraw last year the Order requiring the carrying of rear lights on bicycles; and why similar reasons for its discontinuance do not hold good now?

The Order was revoked because the Home Secretary did not consider that the circumstances at the time justified the retention of the Order made under emergency powers, but, as my right hon. Friend explained in reply to a question by the hon. Member on the 18th November, he has since received representations from the Minister of Transport which show that this Order is now necessary on account of the restrictions in street lighting in many places consequent on the shortage of coal.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the activities in this country of emissaries of the Anti-Saloon League of the United States of America; will he take steps to prevent these foreigners interfering with the domestic affairs of this country in a way which may bring about a breach of the peace; and will he take steps to deport these foreigners who are here for the deliberate purpose of creating a political agitation?

I have nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to a similar question by the hon. Baronet the Member for Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) on the 16th February last, in which he said that the Government did not contemplate any special measures in the direction suggested.

asked the Home Secretary when it is proposed to summon women jurors; and whether they will be empanelled for any special cases?

In boroughs where the panel of jurors is drawn from the burgess list women whose names appear on those lists are now qualified and liable to be summoned to serve on juries in the same way as men. Elsewhere the jury lists which are made this year for every parish will include women and will come into force next year, and women whose names appear on those lists will then be liable to service on juries. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of Section (1), proviso (b), of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act.

asked the Home Secretary whether any decision has yet been reached as to the further protection of the police from armed criminals?

My right hon. Friend docs not think any alteration is required in the existing Regulations under which police officers who have been sufficiently trained can be equipped with pistols or revolvers if desired when engaged on duty in which they are exposed to danger.

asked the Home Secretary if any of the 110 aliens stated to have been prosecuted in London for entering this country without permission have been deported; and, if so, how many of them?

Fifteen of the persons concerned have been deported. The rest of the cases are either noted for deportation when an, opportunity occurs or are the subject of further consideration as stated in my reply on Tuesday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state for the years 1900, 1910, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, and 1919 the amount of British currency and its nature, the aggregate of bank deposits, the amount of cheques and bills cleared by the London Bankers' Clearing House, the amount of the National Debt, the world's gold production and estimated stock of gold, the British gold reserves, and the Board of Trade price index number for wholesale commodities?

The particulars are as follow:—

—	Paper Currency.			United Kingdom Bank Deposits (including Bank of England).	London Clearings.	U.K. National Debt.			World's Gold production.	Estimate World's Gold Stock.	U.K. Gold Reserves.			Board of Trade Index No. of Wholesale Prices.
	Bank of England (active circulation).	Currency Notes.	Total.			Deadweight Debt.	Other Capital Liabilities.	Aggregate Gross Liabilities.			Bank of England.	Gold against Currency Notes.	Total.
	31st December in each year.			31st December in each year.	Calendar year.	1st A pril in each year.			Calendar year.	No figures available.	December in each year.			Average for year
	£m.	£m.	£m.	£m.	£m.	£m.	£m.	£m.	£m.		£m.	£m.	£m.
1900	30·2	—	30·2	825	8,960	629	10	639	54		27·1	—	27·1	100
1910	28·6	—	28·6	982	14,659	713	49	762	94		30·5	—	30·5	108·8
1913	29·6	—	29·6	1,142	16,436	661	55	716	95		33·9	—	33·9	116·5
1914	36·1	38·5	74·6	1,322	14,665	651	56	707	91		69·0	18·5	87·5	117·2
1915	35·3	103·1	138·4	1,433	13,408	1,109	57	1,166	97		51·3	28·5	79·8	143·9
1916	39·9	150·1	190·0	1,658	15,275	2,141	57	2,198	93		53·5	28·5	82·0	186·5
1917	46·6	212·8	259·4	1,909	19,121	4,011	52	4,063	87		58·0	28·5	86·5	243·0
1918	70·2	323 2	393·4	2,275	21,198	5,872	49	5,921	79		79·4	28·5	107·9	267·4
1919	87·3	356·2	443·5*	2,687†	28,415	7,435	46	7,481	75†		90·3	28·5	118·8	296·3‡
* It is not possible to supply reliable estimates of the coin in circulation year by year, but the Committee on Currency and Foreign Exchanges after the War, in their Interim Report, estimated the amount of Gold Coin held by Banks (excluding Gold Coin held in the Issue Department of the Bank of England) and in public circulation on 80th June, 1914, at £123,000.000. The estimated amount of Silver and Bronze Coin in 1914 was about £35,000,000, and is now about £70,000,000. Silver and Bronze coins are of course limited legal tender only.
† Estimated.
‡ Provisional.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the loss which would be caused to the revenue by the raising of the income tax level of exemption to £250; and whether he will give the cost per cent. of the collection of the income tax below and above this amount?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for the Penistone Division (Mr. Arnold) on the 20th May, 1919, of which I am sending him a copy. As I then indicated, the machinery of assessment and collection of the income tax constitutes an organised whole, and it is almost impossible to identify any part of the total cost with any particular class of taxpayer. It is calculated that for the year 1919–20 the total cost of the assessment and collection of the income tax and super-tax, including the cost of the services rendered by Departments other than the Inland Revenue, will be about £4,200,000 or 1·2 per cent. of the total sum collected. Prom such data as are available, it is roughly estimated that of this amount some £700,000 may be attributed to taxpayers in receipt of incomes under £250. The estimate of £8,000,000, given in the reply to the hon. Member for the Penistone Division as the amount of tax to be collected in the current financial year from taxpayers in receipt of incomes below £250, requires revision in view of the increased allowances for wife, children, etc. introduced by the Finance Act, 1919; the amount is now estimated at about £7,000,000. The cost of collection and assessment in the case of this class of taxpayer is therefore, on the foregoing estimates, 10 per cent. of the tax collected.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an agitation has been started in the country in order to lay the blame for the continuance of high prices upon Government extravagance; and whether he proposes to take any steps, such as the issue of a White Paper, to persuade people that the Treasury has been an efficient guardian of the public funds?

I am well aware of the tendency to treat the Government as responsible for all the ills which flesh is heir to, but I cannot undertake to deal with every ignorant or malicious rumour by the issue of White Papers.

"Who makes the quartern loaf and Luddites rise?

Who fills the butchers' shops with large blue flies?"

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will consider the desirability of moving for a Return or publishing a list of all the pictures, engravings, and photographs in the House of Commons, together with a list of all the gifts, bequests, and various objects of interest and value now on view in the Palace of Westminster; and can he number such pictures and articles so that the position of the same may be identified in the catalogue?

A card index catalogue of the pictures and photographs in the House of Commons is kept in the library, and a record is also kept by Mr. Wilson, the Clerk of Works. To furnish such a Return as the hon. Member suggests would involve a considerable outlay which I should not feel justified in incurring at the present time.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can make arrangements whereby the Press Gallery can perform their duties under proper conditions by extending the accommodation either to the Members' Gallery or the Ladies' Gallery?

I have not received any request from the Press Gallery Committee for the extension of the accommodation in question, and I doubt whether such extension is practicable. I have, however, received a request from the Committee for more Writing Room accommodation, and I will endeavour to meet their wishes in this respect when the next re-arrangement of accommodation in the House takes place.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many hotels and other buildings in London are still occupied by Departments set up during the War; and when it is proposed that the Grand Hotel, the Hotel Metro-polo, De Keyser's Hotel, and similar places will be vacated?

Six hotels (of which three have been taken on lease and one is in course of vacation) and 348 other buildings are still occupied by Departments set up during the War. The Grand Hotel has been vacated; the Hotel Metropole has been practically cleared; and both hotels will shortly be surrendered to the owners. De Keyser's Hotel has already been vacated and surrendered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty acquired No. 10, Caroline Place, Birkenhead, in 1918; if so, the weekly rent they are receiving from the tenants installed by them; whether they have paid anything to the representatives of the late owner of the house; and, in view of the fact that some members of the family of the late owner have had their house sold over their heads and, being unable to get into their family house, have been put to considerable expense, will the Admiralty state what they propose to do in the matter?

I am advised that this house was requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1918, under the Defence of the Realm Act, and that the house had been empty since 1902. The Admiralty is receiving from the present occupants of these premises a weekly rent of about £4. Full particulars were supplied to the owner's agents in April of last year to enable them to submit a claim to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission. This they have not done, and consequently no payment has yet been made. I might add that the Admiralty are quite willing to surrender the property, provided suitable accommodation can be found for their present tenants.