asked the Minister of Food whether the views of the Consumers' Council upon the abolition of control over the various articles of food now controlled have been formally sought and recorded; whether he will in that event state what recommendation was given in each case; and whether it was followed?

It is the general practice of the Food Controller to consult the Consumers' Council with regard to any contemplated abolition or modification of control over articles of food. The various recommendations which have been made are too numerous and too lengthy to be included in the scope of a Parliamentary answer, but I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a Report issued by the Consumers' Council on the 31st December, 1919, in which he will find the information for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Food what credit or debit was shown on account of the administration charges on the sale of cattle under the control system at the date when the charge was raised from 2s. to 4s. a cwt. on the live weight?

I regret that I am unable to trace any period during which the charge made by the Ministry of Food on cattle sold by live weight was 2s. per cwt. or any date at which that charge was raised to 4s. a cwt. If the hon. and gallant Member will be good enough to give me further guidance as to the information which he desires, I shall be happy to supply it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give particulars of the liability which has been incurred by the Government on the guarantee of prices of meat to farmers for the years 1919 and 1920; and how it is proposed to make it up?

I have been asked to reply. The accounting periods of the Ministry of Food do not correspond with calendar years. The first guarantee of prices to farmers expired on the 13th September, 1919, and the second guarantee runs from the 1st October, 1919, to 4th July, 1920. Both guarantees were originally covered by the flat-rate prices charged to the butchers for meat so that the deficit at periods of high prices to farmers was met by the surplus at periods of lower prices. It is not anticipated that the current guarantee will involve the Department in any material loss. The financial result for the period covered by the earlier guarantee was affected by the sale of meat below cost last summer, but it is anticipated that the reserves of the Department will just suffice to meet this loss so that no liability will be incurred by the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Food (1) whether he is aware that consternation exists among growers of early potatoes at the fixing of the controlled price of £14 per ton, and that, in view of the fact that many growers have paid more than this per ton for seed alone of the early varieties, plus heavy charges for delivery, have the extra work, and take the extra risk of frost to which early potatoes are exposed, it is impossible to grow them at this price without loss; and, seeing that the price in 1918 for earlies was £24 per ton, which did not leave any undue profit, he will consider the advisability of reconsidering the price fixed if he wishes to get supplies grown; (2) whether the controlled price of £14 per ton for the 1920 potato crop includes early potatoes?

The scale of maximum prices which will come into operation on the 15th instant applies only to the 1919 crop. The question of the necessity of fixing prices for the 1920 crop has not yet been considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he can take steps to urge the allotment holders to plant as large an acreage of potatoes as possible this spring, having regard to the shortage of supplies and the probable increase in the price of bread; and if they can be asked to give up sowing crops this year which are not of the same high food value as potatoes, which should be substituted for them?

The Ministry are not aware that there is likely to be a shortage of potatoes of the 1920 crop. They have recently issued a model scheme for the cropping of an allotment which allows over one-third of a 10-rod plot to be planted with potatoes, and they are of opinion, having regard to the difficulties which are experienced by many allotment holders in providing suitable storage for potatoes and the food value of other crops, that this is the maximum area that should be given to potatoes.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction caused in certain areas by the failure of acting Government selling agents, on behalf of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, to secure an equitable allocation of business in connection with the importation of wheat to all brokers holding licences in such areas; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance?

I have no knowledge of the existence of any dissatisfaction of the nature suggested, but if the hon. and gallant Member will supply me with more detailed information, the matter will be investigated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the Ministry have been receiving many representations that a maximum price of 76s. per quarter for wheat of the 1920 crop, which is admittedly much below the cost of production and much below the price paid to the foreign grower of wheat, will have a disastrous effect on wheat-growing in the United Kingdom, both as regards the sowing of spring wheat now and the fallowing of land this summer for next year's wheat crop; and whether, under the circumstances, he can modify the present scheme and extend the provisions as to the maximum price of wheat of the 1921 crop to the 1920 crop as well?

Numerous representations have been received to the effect stated in my hon. Friend's question, but I cannot at present add anything to the announcement which has been made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether there is anything to prevent farmers keeping last year's wheat until they can obtain the benefit of the 1921 wheat prices?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the failure of importers and suppliers of feeding stuffs to comply with the provisions of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act in the matter of giving a separate guarantee with regard to oil and albuminoids contained in feeding stuffs imported or supplied for use in this country; and whether he can take any action to secure such compliance?

The administration of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906, rests primarily with local authorities. Any proceedings for securing compliance with the provisions of the Act must be initiated either by the person aggrieved, or by the local authority, or any body or association authorised on their behalf, such proceedings being subject to the consent of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Since January, 1919, five applications for consent to prosecutions for failure to give the prescribed invoice with feeding stuffs have been received by the Ministry. Any failure to comply with the provisions of the Act, to which the attention of the Ministry may be drawn, will be brought to the notice of the local authority for the district in which the offence was committed, in order that the question of instituting proceedings may be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the date when barley was decontrolled, the price per quarter at the date of decontrol, the average price for each succeeding month, and the ruling market price of to-day?

British barley of the 1918 crop was decontrolled on 14th August, 1919. The maximum price subject to certain allowances of the 1918 crop was 67s. per quarter of 448 lbs. (59s. 10d. per quarter of 400 lbs.). The average price of British barley as computed upon the Corn Returns Act, 1882, in each succeeding month was as follows:—

Month of—		Per qr. Of400lbs.
September, 1919	…	92s.	10d.
October, 1919	…	94s.	8d.
November, 1919	…	101s.	5d.
December, 1919	…	105s.	10d.
January, 1920	…	108s.	5d.
February, 1920	…	101s.	1d.

The present price on the same basis is approximately 96s. per quarter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the reluctance of the Crown authorities to carry out the works needed in the Forest of Dean, i.e., the improving of surface drainage and the making of new roads, is viewed with anxiety not only by the many ex-soldiers who have recently been discharged by His Majesty's Office of Woods representative to allow of pupils or students being trained in forestry, but by the residents generally; that the improving of surface drainage and the starting of making new roads are an urgent necessity; that the number of men who were employed in prewar time are not now so employed; and whether he will take such steps as are required to put these works in hand?

The Commissioners of Woods cannot admit any obligation to construct public roads through the Forest of Dean which are not required for Crown purposes. Service drainage work for the benefit of the mines would normally be carried out by the owners of the collieries affected. An application from the West Dean Rural District Council for a grant from the Land Revenues of the Crown towards the cost of the new water supply is at present before the Treasury, and an application has been received asking that the Crown should construct certain new roads in this district. I understand that in order to provide work for the forestry students, it has been necessary to discharge some temporary employés, but only one ex-soldier who was employed temporarily before the War has been discharged. A number of men who were temporarily employed in forming a new nursery last autumn had to be discharged when the work was finished.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he has received any resolutions from the National Fruit Growers' Federation, urging that, in view of the success that has resulted from the work of the Horticultural Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, if any changes in the personnel of the Department are made, its head official should be a man thoroughly experienced in commercial horticulture; and whether he can make any statement?

In answer to the first part of the question, I have seen the resolution referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, but it does not appear to have been sent officially to my Department. Speaking generally, it is contrary to the principle of the public service that a technical expert should take charge of administrative matters. So far as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is concerned, each of its divisions and branches is equipped with the necessary staff for dealing with technical and commercial matters, and full advantage is always taken of the advice and experience of these experts. In this respect, the Horticultural Branch of the Ministry is no exception to the rule. I may add that I have been approached by the President of the Chamber of Horticulture on this subject, and have arranged to receive a deputation during the course of the next week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the control of the mussel-cleansing tanks at Conway has been acquired by the Ministry of Agriculture from the Conway Corporation under the Defence of the Realm Regulations; whether, when the Defence of the Realm Regulations come to an end, the control of these tanks will revert to the Corporation of Conway; and, if not, under what statutory authority the Corporation of Conway have transferred the rights they acquired under Section 3 of the Schedule attached to the Sea Fisheries (Conway) Provisional Order Confirmation Act of 1912?

The Ministry, with the full concurrence of the Corporation, took possession of the tanks referred to under the Defence of the Realm Regulations and have since purchased them. Their control will not revert to the Corporation when the Regulations come to an end. The rights acquired by the Corporation under the section referred to have not been transferred by the Corporation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he has had the Regulations to be observed by the users of the Conway mussel purification tanks translated into the Welsh language; and, if not, whether instructions will be given for these Regulations to be translated into Welsh and circulated forthwith, seeing that the majority of the fishermen are very imperfectly acquainted with the English language?

The Regulations have not hitherto been published in Welsh, but there is no reason to doubt that they have been well understood. I have, nevertheless, given instructions for a Welsh translation of them to be prepared and circulated among the fishermen concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that two of the fishermen who have been debarred from the use of the mussel-cleansing tanks at Conway for alleged breach of the Regulations strongly deny that they were guilty of such alleged breach of the Rules; and, in view of the fact that these men are deprived of their means of earning a livelihood unheard, will he state what control the Ministry exercises over their subordinate officials at Conway and whether any, and, if so, what right of appeal to the Ministry is open to the fishermen accused of breaches of the Regulations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the evidence against the men is conclusive. In reply to the second part of the question, every fisherman excluded from the tanks can appeal, directly or through the Fishermen's Society, to the Ministry, and the cases in question were all reviewed by the Ministry. I may add, for the information of the hon. Member, that the four fishermen referred to will be re-admitted to the use of the tanks as from the 11th inst., having been excluded for one month. They have been warned that any further breach of the Regulations will involve more serious consequences.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he is aware that agricultural societies in various parts of the country are being obliged to abandon holding their annual shows for fear of serious financial loss, owing to the high cost of labour and materials; and whether, in view of the great benefit that the agricultural industry derives from the holding of such shows, he will endeavour to induce the Treasury to remit the Entertainment Tax in respect of these gatherings?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With reference to the second part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer that I gave to a similar question on the 3rd March, 1919, in answer to the hon. Member for Richmond, a copy of which has been sent to him. A concession such as that proposed by the hon. and gallant Member would require an amendment of the law.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether it is the intention to charge tenants under The Land Settlement Act, 1919, placed in possession of their holdings this Lady Day, with full rent dating back to Michaelmas last, and due for payment Michaelmas next; and, if so, whether, in view of the foul condition of the land in many cases upon possession being granted, and the fact that tenants placed in possession last Michaelmas have had six months to get their land in order, he will consider the advisability of granting some remission of rent to Lady Day tenants this year?

I am not aware of any cases where councils propose to charge their small holding tenants rent as from Michaelmas last although such tenants will not obtain possession of the land until Lady Day. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of any cases known to him I will have inquiries made into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the decision to close the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, is based upon a recommendation of any committee; and, if so, whether he will publish this committee's Report?

The answer to the first part of the question is, Yes, Sir, and to the second part that it is proposed to publish the recommendations of the committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he will publish the interim Report of the Committee of Inquiry into a contributory pensions fund scheme for workmen in the Royal Ordnance Factories; and whether he will publish the terms of the Treasury letter with regard to the scope of the Committee's inquiry?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the estimated monthly cost of maintenance of those sections of the Gretna factory which are not in use?

The present estimated monthly cost of the care and maintenance in proper condition of those sections of the Gretna factory which are not in use, and which it is proposed to retain, is £2,980.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether hundreds of officials in the Ministry of Munitions have recently received a month's notice to terminate their agreements; whether a memorandum was issued to the whole staff of the Ministry late in February to the effect that, wherever possible, it was the intention to give all officials a month's warning before they were given a month's notice, thus allowing them two months to obtain other employment; and why, within a few days of the issue of this notice, several hundreds were given a month's notice without the month's warning which had been promised?

The answer to the first part of the question is yes, Sir. In accordance with Treasury Regulations, it is now the practice of the Ministry to give temporary officials, wherever possible, a month's warning prior to the issue of a month's notice to terminate their services. In the cases referred to, it was not pos- sible, however, to give the month's warning, owing to the fact that prior to the announcement of the Treasury instructions with reference to the warning, the Ministry had given a definite undertaking to the Cabinet to reduce its staff to a certain number by a fixed date. There is no undertaking that employés will receive a month's warning in every case but only in those cases where such was possible. Further, as stated in the official memorandum referred to by my hon. Friend, it is not intended that the period of two months which may elapse before an employé can be discharged should be allowed to inflate the staff of the Ministry beyond the minimum necessary for the efficient conduct of its work.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a man who had served for 19½ years in the Army and was wounded in 1915 and then invalided out of the service is entitled to a service pension on the new rates fixed during the great War; and, if so, to whom should the man apply for a reassessment of his pension?

The course to be adopted in such cases is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether disabled soldiers with between 14 and 18 years' service are only entitled to service pension if their disability is considered permanent, whereas disabled soldiers with between 18 and 21 years' service are allowed in any event to draw modified service pension; and, if the reason for the award of a service pension to men with under 21 years' service is in all cases that their disability has cut short their military service, will he say why this distinction is made?

The question of service pension to disabled men with under 21 years' service is under consideration and I hope that a decision will be arrived at shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War what Regulations, if any, govern the granting of permission to war- rant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, to extend their service with a view to qualifying for service pension; and whether he is aware that such permission has been refused in many instances where soldiers have only had a few more days to serve to complete qualifying service?

As regards the first part of the question, Sections 84 and 86 of the Army Act and paragraphs 264 to 269 of the King's Regulations govern the re-engagement of soldiers to qualify for pension. As regards the last part, if the hon. and gallant Member is referring to re-engagements to complete 21 years, this is not the case, so far as I am aware.

asked the Minister of Pensions if dissatisfaction exists among the pay clerks in the provinces, especially in large cities like Cardiff, that their wages have only been raised to 66s. per week, whilst the London clerks receive 70s.; is he aware that the cost of living in Cardiff is as high as it is in London: and will he consider the desirability of placing these clerks on an equal footing?

The existing minimum wage for clerical work of a routine character is 56s. a week in the provinces and 64s. a week in London. These are the rates authorised by the Treasury for all Government Departments, but I understand that they are at present under consideration, and I have no doubt that the question of continuing or discontinuing the present system of differentiation will be carefully examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether temporary officers who held gazetted appointments in the Postal Censor's Department are entitled to War gratuity; and whether officers of the Regular Army who served as examiners in the same Department are entitled to War gratuity?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Officers of the Regular Army temporarily attached to the Postal Censor's Department and employed as examiners on full Army pay while unfit for general service would count their service in the Department for War gratuity. Officers of the Regular Army not on full Army pay and appointed in a civilian capacity are not entitled to War gratuity in respect of their service in the Postal Censor's Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. R. J. Osborne, of 14, Crown Road, Dereham, who was demobilised in June, 1919, and received a gratuity of £27, which was entirely expended on a civilian outfit; whether in November, 1919, Mr. Osborne was called upon to refund the gratuity, a demand which has been repeated on a number of occasions since that date; and whether, seeing that the money has been spent and that the whole question of the War gratuity is the subject of negotiations between the Union of Post Office Workers and the Post Office, he will issue instructions that such demands for refundment must not be pressed?

I will have inquiry made into this case and let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War why boy service is not allowed to count as qualifying service for pension; and whether he is aware that in the case of men still serving they can, by serving for an extra period, make good the period lost in boy service, but those who have completed their service cannot?

A man is pensioned for man's service, not for boy's. The boy is graded and paid differently from the private. The boy is enlisted for twelve years' colour service, while the man enlists for a few years with the colours and the balance in the reserve With regard to the latter part of the question, the position under Section 85 of the Army Act is that a soldier who has completed 21 years' service and has not been discharged may serve for a further period if the competent authority approves, but he has no claim to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any inquests were held in respect of any of the deaths of soldiers after arsenical treatment for syphilis, referred to in the paper read by Brevet-Colonel L. W. Harrison at the meeting of the British Medical Association in April last, whether the deaths mentioned in that paper comprise all the deaths of that description occurring in the British Army during the years of the War; and, if not, will he supply a complete table of figures showing how many such deaths occurred at each of the Colonial and Imperial venereal hospitals in this country and abroad?

I am obtaining information regarding the first part of the hon. Member's question. It is not possible to give a complete answer to the remainder of the question, as the records of many of the hospitals concerned have been or are being forwarded to the Medical Research Committee for compiling the Medical History and Medical Statistics of the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any promise has been made to relatives of missing soldiers to the effect that if information can be given of the last place where such soldier was seen alive a search of the burial ground will be made and every possible step taken to secure identification according to the information given for such purpose; whether parties are now engaged at this work; and, if not, will he order such a search to be made in the case of Private F. J. Campbell, No. 33,768, 5th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, about whom ample identification marks and last place where seen alive can be given?

All possible steps are taken to identify the resting-places of our fallen soldiers, special parties being employed in searching the battlefields. Those engaged on the work avail themselves of all information that can be obtained, and have succeeded in discovering a considerable number of identifications. If the hon. Member will furnish me with any information in his possession regarding the case mentioned, I will see that search is made, if this has not already been done.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many ex-officers who had applied for Regular commissions have been informed by the War Office that there is no vacancy for them, and suggesting that they should rejoin the Army as privates; that this suggestion is viewed with resentment in many cases; and why it was made?

So far as I am aware no such suggestion has been made by the War Office to an applicant for a permanent Regular commission. If the hon. and gallant Member has a specific case in mind, I should be glad if he would let me have particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Captain E. W. Saxon, late Royal Army Ordnance Corps, has been refused pay and allowances in respect of the one day's leave for every two days' service granted to officers serving on the West Coast of Africa on the grounds that he was sent back for demobilisation; and whether, seeing that Captain Saxon's services were compulsorily retained in the interests of the Army until last month and that he needs leave to recuperate in the same way as any Regular officer after a sojourn in West Africa, he can see his way to treat Captain Saxon in a fairer spirit by giving him the pay and allowances in respect of the leave which he has earned but has been debarred from by being demobilised immediately on his return to England?

Under no circumstances are officers granted leave prior to demobilisation, and as Captain Saxon's services were no longer required, I regret that he was not entitled to any leave for service on the West Coast. He was correctly dealt with in being demobilised immediately on arrival in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Navy and Army Canteen Board is setting up retail establishments in towns where sailors, soldiers, and airmen are stationed for the supply of all articles required by officers and men and their families; whether retail supply stores have already been opened in the town of Aldershot; and whether it is intended to extend this principle to other places in the United Kingdom?

The answer to the first and third parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative. As regards the second part, a retail store is being conducted in Alder-shot by the Navy and Army Canteen Board, at which only officers and men and their wives and families are permitted to deal. This practice is similar to that which existed prior to the War under the contractors who were replaced by the Board, except that civilians were also allowed to deal at the shops run by the contractors. The shop in question was a war-time measure and is being closed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the total profits made out of Army canteens during the War; what it is proposed to do with this money; if it is ear-marked for any special purpose whether a committee has been set up to deal with the same; and, if so, who are the members of such committee and whether the position on the same is honorary or otherwise?

Pending the realisation of the surplus assets, it is not possible accurately to state the total profits made out of Army canteens during the War. After making provision for working capital for the Navy and Army Canteen Board, the profits to 31st December, 1919, are being transferred to the United Services Fund. The United Services Fund, as stated in the reply to the hon. Member for North Lambeth on the 2nd March, is an organisation independent of public departments, under General Lord Byng, from whom full particulars of its constitution can be obtained on application to the offices of the Fund at 22, Cromwell Road, S.W.7.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the great inconvenience and expense to the University of London caused by the continued occupation by the War Office of the central hall in the Imperial Institute building, being part of that building reserved for the service of the University, he can now state whether the hall can be at once restore652d to the use of the university; and, if not, when it can be so restored?

I am in communication with the authorities of the university. Arrangements are being made for the vacation of the central hall of the London University by the War Office on of about the end of June.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private James Green, No. 333,069, Royal Air Force, Andover, is being detained in the Army, although he is not 18 years of age; whether his parents' request for his release has been refused in spite of the fact that there are compassionate grounds for consideration; and whether he intends to continue to retain boys under the age of 18 years against the desire of their parents?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is not the fact that an application for the release of this airman has been refused. On the contrary, orders have already been issued for his discharge from the Royal Air Force on compassionate grounds, providing that he is willing to be so discharged. The statement made by this airman that his age, when he enlisted in August, 1919, was nineteen years two months does not bear out the information given to the hon. Member that he is not yet eighteen years of age. As regards the last part of the question, the Regulations provide that boys under eighteen shall not be enlisted in the Royal Air Force without the written consent of their parents.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the present Regulations of the Civil Service Commission, by fixing the age at under twenty-five as qualification for appointment to permanent appointments, discriminates unfairly against ex-service men who enlisted in 1914 or 1915; and if he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to securing for these men a fair chance of obtaining such appointments?

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Regulations for the recruitment of ex-service men for male clerkships in the Employment and Irish Departments of the Ministry of Labour. The age limits were fixed, after full consideration, at nineteen to twenty-five at the date of the qualifying examination, and in view of the large supply of qualified candidates within these age limits, it was not thought desirable to extend them. I may add that the lists for the forthcoming examination are now closed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the case of Mr. W. C. Little johns, of the London postal service, will be regarded as one of hardship so far as the Government decision concerning the payment of War bonus to men with the forces is concerned; whether he is aware that Mr. Littlejohns was called up with the 8th County of London Regiment on 18th August, 1914, and was transferred to the Royal Engineers (Signals) on 7th November, 1914; whether, although his appointment was ear-marked for him, he only received his learner's pay of £1 per week during the whole of his military service; whether on his father's death Mr. Littlejohns was compelled to pay 5s. 3d. weekly towards the separation allowance of 8s. granted to his mother, on the ground that he was enjoying full civil pay; if he is aware that on enlistment Mr. Littlejohns was promised the full civil pay to which he would have been entitled in civil life; and whether, in these circumstances, steps will be taken to compensate this man for his loss of all increments during five years' active service, his loss of the War bonus paid to all men who stayed at home, the War gratuity which he has been refused, and the 5s. 3d. per week which he was compelled to pay on unfair grounds?

No, Sir. Mr. Littlejohns has been treated in accordance with the ordinary practice under which War bonus was not paid to unmarried civil servants while serving with the forces, and officers who became while serving eligible for promotion did not draw the emoluments of the higher rank until their return, when they entered their new scale at the point appropriate to their age or length of service. He has also received the special terms granted to members of the Signal Section, which were on balance distinctly more favourable to him than the ordinary circular terms.

asked the Home Secretary the number of letters he has had from branches of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers and the National Union of Ex-Service Men, requesting that an inquiry should be hold into the recent occurrence in connection with the demonstration of discharged and disabled soldiers from Woolwich which took place in Westminster on Monday the 1st instant; and whether he is prepared to recommend that an inquiry should be held into the matter, especially in view of the allegations being made by the discharged men's organisations?

My right hon. Friend has received five such letters. He sees no grounds for recommending an inquiry.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has now received a Report from the Local Government Board as to the result of their investigation into the conditions caused by the constant flooding of land and houses at Greencastle, Belfast, whereby residents suffer hardship and inconvenience; and what steps are proposed to be taken to remedy this grievance?

The medical inspector's report in regard to this matter has been received, and is under consideraation by the Local Government Board.

asked the Secretary of State for India the numbers of each rank of temporary commissioned officers of the Indian Army, and, separately, of the Indian Army Reserve Officers who, upon, or just prior to, demobilisation, have been granted privilege leave, or special war leave, under Indian Army Order, Special, No. 38, of 17th April, 1919; and how many of such officers have returned to military service since the leave expired?

I have no record of the number of officers granted privilege leave. Under the Army Order referred to, special war leave is admissible to regular officers only.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the pensions of retired Indian Army officers has for many years remained absolutely unchanged despite the continuing increase in the cost of living; whether the rates of Indian Army officers' pensions are under consideration for revision: whether many retired officers have these pensions and nothing else on which to live, and there are cases of retired officers of considerable age endeavouring to live on a mere pittance; and, in view of the change which has taken place in the cost of living during recent years, what steps it is intended to take to make pensions of retired officers conform with these changes, and at what date his decision may be expected to be published?

The subject of revising the scale of pensions for officers of the Indian Army has been receiving my attention for some time, and I hope shortly to be able to make an announcement on the subject. With regard to the classes of retired officers to whom the revised scale shall apply, the rule adopted will be that laid down for officers of the British service, namely, to all permanent regular officers who have given satisfactory paid military service during the War, including officers who, having retired on pension before the War, have been reemployed as officers during the War and have since reverted to retirement.

asked the Secretary of State for India if the South African Government, while expressing their willingness to receive an Indian delegate in association with Sir Benjamin Robertson to represent Indian interests before the Commission appointed to inquire into certain matters connected with the rights and status of Asiatics in South Africa, coupled their offer with impossible conditions; and if the absence of an Indian delegate from the inquiry will be due to this circumstance?

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore) last Wed- nesday, a distinguished non-official Indian was invited to proceed to South Africa in connection with this enquiry. The South African Government, in agreeing to this arrangement, laid down no conditions which the gentleman in question was not prepared to accept. There were, however, other difficulties not within the control of the South African Government which led him, to our common regret, to refuse the invitation at a very late stage. It was inadvisable to delay indefinitely the setting up of the enquiry, and the circumstances made it impracticable for the Government of India to replace him.

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.
—						30th Dec, 1914.	29th Oct., 1919.
(1)	Amount and Nature of Currency:—
	Paper Currency—Denomination of Notes:					£	£
	10s	…	…	…	…	263,522	2,074,874
	£1	…	…	…	…	6,634,085	13,566,325
	£5	…	…	…	…	4,499,860	7,995,455
	£10	…	…	…	…	1,871,120	3,828,840
	£20	…	…	…	…	361,880	642,020
	£50	…	…	…	…	1,166,450	1,385,750
	£100	…	…	…	…	1,347,500	1,315,500
	£1,000	…	…	…	…	3,687,000	23,845,000
	TOTAL		…	…	…	19,831,417	54,653,764
						30th Dec, 1914.	29th Oct., 1919.
(2)	Gold Reserve held in Treasury on Notes Account				…	£7,987,526	£23,787,479
(3)	Amount of Bank Deposits:—					30th June, 1914.	30th Sept., 1919.
	Cheque-paying Banks	…	…	…	…	£163,854,555	£224,070,810
						30th June, 1914.	31st March, 1919.
	Savings Banks	…	…	…	…	£83,541,224	£121,079,838
						30th June, 1914.	30th June, 1919.
(4)	Public Debt of Commonwealth	…	…	…	…	£19,182,333	£325,783,566
						30th June, 1914.	30th June, 1918.
	Public Debts of the several States:—					£	£
	New South Wales	…	…	…	…	116,695,031	152,584,693
	Victoria	…	…	…	…	66,130,726	79,595,646
	Queensland	…	…	…	…	54,523,506	62,296,986
	South Australia	…	…	…	…	33,564,332	40,621,480
	Western Australia	…	…	…	…	34,420,181	42,304,001
	Tasmania	…	…	…	…	12,265,012	15,137,355
	TOTAL		…	…	…	317,598,788	392,540,161
(5)	Amount of Debt covered by National Material Assets:—					30th June, 1914.	30th June, 1918.
	Railways, Cost of Construction and Equipment				…	£178,956,000	£220,302,000
	Other Material Assets	…	…	…	…	particulars not available.
(6)	Level of Prices:—					July, 1914.	Jan, 1920.
	Index Numbers of the Retail Prices of Food			…	…	£100	£160

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state for the Commonwealth of Australia for 1914, and for the latest date for which particulars are available, the amount of currency and its nature, the gold reserves, the amount of bank deposits, the national debts of the Commonwealth and the Australian states, the amount of such debts covered by national material assets, such as railways, and the level of prices?

The following statement contains as much of the information d sired by the hon. Member as I have been able to obtain.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that an insufficient supply of coal to a gas undertaking involves loss of pressure and quality; that this results in a diminished quantity of gas with reduced efficiency; that in order to make up for this quantities of imported and expensive American gas oil are used to enrich water gas by such undertakings as are in a position to take this step; and whether, as this involves still further increasing our dependency on imports, he will state what he can do to make this practice unnecessary?

I am aware of the difficulties referred to in the first part of this question, and all possible steps are being taken to ensure a sufficiency of supplies to gas undertakings. At present it is not possible to avoid the use of imported gas oil, as the coal gas plant capacity of many large gas undertakings is such that, without the use of oil and water gas plant, it would be quite impossible for the demand to be met. Further, in the interests of coal conservation, it is important that full use should be made of water gas plant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the offer made to him by the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum group to place themselves unreservedly at the disposal of the Government and any other European Government for consultation as to the petrol position: and whether he intends to take advantage of this offer through the organisation of the League of Nations or otherwise?

The offer of the Shell group will be borne in mind in considering the problem.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to say that wireless telegraph apparatus can be so designed as to respond to certain signals by ringing a bell; whether such an arrangement will make the carriage of special wireless operators on certain classes of small ships unnecessary in future; and, if it is possible to avoid the heavy expenditure and inconvenience of carrying such operators, would he consider the urgency from a life-saving standpoint of amending the Law in regard to wireless telegraphy on board ship so as to include all mechanically-propelled vessels of 500 tons and over?

Wireless telegraph apparatus has been invented which under suitable conditions will respond to certain signals by ringing a bell. The question whether such apparatus can be regarded as a satisfactory substitute for a watcher is at present under the consideration of the General Post Office and Board of Trade, but it could not in any event replace a certificated wireless operator. The latter part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, while the greater proportion of and all the best-managed British ships adopt the three-watch system in regard to deck officers, there are a considerable number of shipowners who still maintain the two-watch system; that this system is unfair to the men themselves, and does not make for the safe or efficient navigation of the ship; whether he will use his efforts to bring about a general adoption of the three-watch system in regard to deck officers; and whether he is aware that at the present time there are over 1,000 certificated British officers out of employment, and that the general adoption of the three-watch system would absorb a large portion of these unemployed officers?

The three-watch system is part of the larger question of manning and hours of labour on British ships, which is now under consideration, and which I hope it will be possible to settle in the near future.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the great value of directional wireless as an aid to navigation, particularly in foggy weather, the Admiralty direction-finding stations in the United Kingdom have been, or will be, thrown open for the use of the Mercantile Marine; and whether any charge has been, or will be, made for the bearings given to merchant vessels by these stations?

The Admiralty direction-finding stations, of which there are nine in the United Kingdom, were thrown open to the use of the Mercantile Marine as from 1st Jane last, and this was made known in Admiralty and Board of Trade notices to mariners. No charge has hitherto been made, as it was considered that the use of this valuable navigational aid by the Mercantile Marine must in the early stages be regarded as experimental. Statistics, however, now show that the system is beginning to be more extensively used, and it is therefore proposed to make a nominal charge of five shillings as from 1st April next for each bearing asked for and given It is hoped that this will prevent any possible abuse of the privilege and the consequent overworking of the stations. The bearings given by this method of signalling reach a high degree of accuracy, but the Admiralty desire to make it clear that they will be unable to accept any responsibility under any conditions for the consequences which may result from an inaccurate bearing being given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that a sub-committee was appointed under the Profiteering Act to investigate the cost of production and distribution of wool tops and yarns, and that this sub-committee has not reported yet but is still taking evidence, he will explain why a Command Paper, No. 550, entitled Profiteering Act, 1919, has been published purporting to be the findings by a Committee appointed to inquire into worsted yarns?

Two separate and distinct inquiries have been made into the woollen trade; one by a Sub Committee of the Standing Committee; on Prices, into Wool, Tops and Yarns; and the other, by the Standing Committee on Prices, into Worsted Yarns. The Report of the Standing Committee (Command Paper, No 550) does not purport to be a final Report, as my hon. and gallant Friend will observe if he refers to page 4 of that Report. The Sub-Committee which has already rendered a Report concerning wool is now proceeding to investigate tops and yarns.

asked the Postmaster-General whether Mr. J. Thomas, a sorting clerk and telegraphist at Birmingham, was discharged from the Army on 8th February, 1919, with 28 days' furlough, on which date, in accordance with instructions, he reported himself to the Post Office, thereby resuming his civilian status as a Post Office servant entitled to full civil emoluments; whether he was called by the Post Office after 18 days, the balance of furlough being given in the following October and November; whether Mr. Thomas was refused the appropriate War bonus on the ground that he was in receipt of a temporary pension; and why, seeing that part of his furlough was deferred in the interests of the Post Office service, bonus at the increased rate was deducted during his absence in October and November?

I regret to say that the increased bonus was deducted through inadvertence, and steps have been taken to adjust the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General if Mr. Andrew Murray, of Dundee Post Office, is to be transferred to postman's' duties, although he was assured by two Postmaster-Generals, Viscount Buxton and Mr. H. Samuel, that he would be permanently employed as adult night messenger; and if he will make inquiry with a view to Mr. Murray being assured that his present weekly earnings as adult night messenger will still be paid to him on his transfer to postman's duties, and that on account of his length of service, he may receive some consideration as regards the class of duties he will be required to undertake in the postal branch at Dundee?

Owing to a revision of the telegraph arrangements at Dundee, it is no longer possible to employ Mr. Murray as adult night messenger. He has been given work within his capacity on the postmen's class, and arrangements will be made so that he will not suffer financially.

asked the Postmaster-General whether temporary women telephonists who have been in the Service for some time, and are competent employés, are being discharged, whilst young girls who have yet to undergo the necessary period of training are being added to the permanent staff; and whether, with a view to securing maximum efficiency in the telephone service, he will have this policy reconsidered and retain the services of telephonists who have shown their capabilities?

It is desired to admit into the permanent service as many war-time temporary employés as is possible, having due regard to other interests; and I have arranged that temporary women telephonists in London who are eligible to obtain Civil Service certificates should be afforded the opportunity of nomination to appointments on the permanent staff. Some of the temporary women are, however, from one cause or another ineligible, and I much regret that there is no alternative but to discontinue their services when new recruits have been trained.

asked the Postmaster-General when he intends to repair the telephone wires from Brighouse to Manchester which were broken down on 29th January, and have so far only been repaired, about a fortnight ago, as far as Huddersfield, thereby causing inconvenience to the cotton spinners in the towns concerned, and making it difficult for them to carry on business?

The storm of the 29th January caused extensive damage in the district referred to by my hon. Friend, and another storm on the 19th February put back the work of the engineers. Temporary repairs are nearly complete, the main lines having been taken first, and there should be no difficulty in making calls between Brighouse and Manchester.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Winter, 20, Avenons Road, Plaistow, E.13, who has worked as an auxiliary postman for a period of 39 years, 33 years of which was continuous service; whether this man's application for a pension has been refused; and will he be prepared to reconsider this case with a view to this man receiving a pension in view of his long service?

Mr. Winter's part-time service as an auxiliary postman does not entitle him to a pension or gratuity under the Superannuation Acts. I understand, however, that a grant has been made to Mr. Winter from the Rowland Hill Benevolent Fund, which gives assistance in cases outside the scope of the official regulations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to ask Parliament to allot further funds for road maintenance and improvements during the coming financial year, over and above the balance of the special Appropriation-in-Aid of the Road Improvement Fund made in the last Finance Act?

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have issued any instructions for the conduct of assessments under Section 8 (1) and assessments under Section 8 (4) of the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919?

The necessary arrangements have been made by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for the conduct of assessments under the provisions of the Act referred to. No public instructions have been issued, but information will be furnished by the Com- missioners on application to any party to a claim for compensation under those provisions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there remain many outstanding amounts for excess profits duty in 1018 still unpaid; and, if so, whether the Inland Revenue Department will use its best endeavours to obtain payment of these before threatening legal proceedings for the non-payment of excess profits duty for 1919, as complaints in this respect are being made in certain localities?

There are considerable arrears of Excess Profits Duty outstanding in respect of accounting periods ending in 1918. It is the practice of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to take such steps to secure payment of these and other arrears as the circumstances of individual cases seem to them to warrant; and I am not prepared to instruct the Commissioners to delay taking appropriate steps in any particular case merely on the ground that all arrears for prior periods have not yet been collected.?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange that payment of Income Tax and Super-Tax to the Treasury, and payments to other Government Departments, may be made in War Loan and Funding or Victory Bonds at the price of issue, by those who applied for these Government Securities at the time of issue and have held them continuously since allotment?

No, Sir. I can not undertake to introduce legislation conferring on holders of War Stocks a benefit, not given in the prospectuses of the respective issues, for which the taxpayer has received no corresponding consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the increase in banking, including the collection of dividends, which is now undertaken by Swiss, Dutch, and other neutral banks on behalf of residents in this country; whether, as a result, the Revenue loses in taxes; and if he has made any representations to the Governments of these neutral countries on the subject?

In certain cases dividends payable abroad are being collected abroad where exchange favours that course. I have no reason to think that any loss to the Revenue results, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any information to that effect I should be glad if he would communicate it to me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the salaries or fees at present paid to clerks of Old Age Pensions Committees; whether these officials are still paid at the pre-war rate, and their salaries are inadequate owing to the increased cost of living; and whether he will take steps to recommend an increase of pay or bonus, as has been found necessary in every other branch of Government service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Smethwick (Mr. Davison) on the 19th February.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the practicability of closing the banks on the morning of Saturday, 3rd April, and thereby enabling the staffs of banks to take advantage of the Easter holidays to visit their friends who reside at a distance from their place of employment?

I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave on this point to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Spencer) on 25th ultimo.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the statement made by Mr. Justice Darling, at the recent Hampshire Assizes, that jurors in county boroughs are liable to serve on juries at the Assizes; if he is aware that jurors in remote parts of the counties are compelled to attend at Assizes and Sessions without even being paid their out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes staying away, in consequence, from their businesses for days at a time; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance, especially bearing in mind the increase in railway rates and the cost of living?

My right hon. Friend has seen a report of the statement made by Mr. Justice Darling that jurors in Quarter Sessions Boroughs were not exempt from jury service at the County Assizes. Attention was drawn to this by the Committee on Jury Law and Practice of 1913. I think there is much to be said in favour of the payment to jurymen of their out-of-pocket expenses, but the Home Secretary regrets that he does not at present see his way to initiate legislation for that purpose.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given permission to Mr. Ernest Heinrich Kotz to alter his surname to Coats and, if so, on what grounds; whether his application to change his name was supported by any persons and, if so, by whom; and if any communications were received opposing the application?

Yes, Sir. The Home Secretary has granted permission to Mr. Kotz to continue to use the name Coats, which he adopted in 1914. There appeared to him to be a proper case for exemption in accordance with the general rules followed by him and his predecessor in the administration of Defence of the Realm Regulation 14H. Representations were received both for and against his application—all of which were carefully considered—but on grounds of general policy which are well recognised, my right hon. Friend is not prepared to make an exception to the general practice of not disclosing the names of his correspondents in this and similar matters.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an estimate of the number of female voters who would be added to the register if the voting age were decreasd from 30 to 25?

No precise figures are available, but it is estimated that approximately 750,000 women would be added to the Parliamentary Register if the basis of the Parliamentary franchise remained, otherwise, as at present.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the owners of the "Glasgow Daily Record and Mail" were exhibiting posters throughout the streets of Glasgow on Saturday, 21st February, purporting to give the result of the Paisley by-election, which was not officially declared until the following Wednesday, as a consequence of which many persons were induced to buy that day's issue of their paper; and whether it is proposed to take action against the owners of this paper?

I have made enquiry into the matter referred to by the hon. Member, and I am satisfied that no action on my part is called for.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when the Crystal Palace will be released for the use of the public; and if it is intended, when so released, to leave it in as good a condition for exhibition and other civilian purposes as when it was originally taken over?

As regards the original taking and any reinstatement in connection therewith, the question should be addressed to the First Lord of the Admiralty, but I am informed that the Admiralty surrendered the Palace to the Trustees in December last. My Department is concerned only in that, on behalf of the Imperial War Museum, it has entered into an agreement to hire a portion of the Palace for four years from the 1st April next, the liability for repairs under the agreement being with the Crystal Palace Trustees.

asked the Minister of Transport the reasons which have caused him to decide that Sutherland, one of the largest and most heavily-rated counties in Scotland, should receive almost the smallest grant for roads; and whether he can see his way to cause an increase in this grant to be made?

The grants made to Sutherland Highway Authorities in respect of the Road and Bridge Programme for 1919–1920 bear a very high proportion to the total estimated cost of the works proposed, and compare favourably in this respect with the grants made to other counties in Great Britain. Practically the whole of the sums at present available have now been allocated, and I fear I cannot hold out any hopes of increasing the grant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to restore pre-War travelling facilities by issuing cheap holiday and tourist railway tickets, not only in the interests of the holiday makers, but of those shopkeepers and traders at seaside resorts who have suffered seriously in their trade and business as a result of the War?

I recently fully explained to certain hon. Members who discussed the matter with me the difficulties as regards the issue of cheap holiday tickets, and I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a report of that meeting which sets out the facts in greater detail than is possible in an answer.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the non-payment in a number of districts of the increase in wages and back pay due to railwayman under the terms of the January settlement; and what steps he proposes to take to expedite payment, in view of the serious discontent caused by the delay?

In order to give effect to the general settlement agreed upon in January it has been necessary to work out, in conjunction with the men's representatives, a great many details such as the classification of stations, and this has occasioned some delay. Rapid progress has been made with this work and it is hoped that it may be completed at an early date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether steps are being taken by the Electricity Commissioners to examine into the use of water power in various parts of the country for the generation of electricity?

The question of the use of water power is being inquired into by the Water Power Resources Committee, appointed by the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Health, of which Sir John Snell, the Chief Electricity Commissioner, is Chairman. That Committee are drafting their report, to which it will be the duty of the Electricity Commissioners to give the necessary consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the enforced diversion of ships from the Thames to other ports of the United Kingdom for the purpose of discharging their cargo, the Government will pay any part of the railway charges to London which must otherwise fall on the consignees of the cargoes who have had no voice in the movements of the vessels after their arrival in the port of London?

I have been asked to reply. It is presumed the diversion refers to the eight ships carrying tea cargoes, which were diverted from London to other ports in accordance with arrangements made in conference with the shipowners and the tea trade interests, whereby the former agreed to bear the cost of diversion of the ship and the latter the cost of diversion of the cargoes.

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?

The statement of accounts, from the commencement of the

THE GRAVESEND
THE COMPARATIVE STATEMNENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT FOR
Receipts.	Three months ended 31st December, 1918.			Three months ended 31st March, 1919.			Three months ended 30th June, 1919.			Three months ended 30th September 1919.			Three months ended 31st Dec., 1919.			Rate per head per week.		Total.
	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
To Balance brought for ward—
Cash in Bank	—			1545	10	2	1680	3	4	2041	7	2	763	6	5	—		—
Cash in Hands of Secretary.	—			12	19	0	10	5	8½	6	19	6	2	9	7½	—		—
Cash School Petty Cash.	—			270	11	10	210	16	3½	212	7	3½	245	2	1½	—		—
Accountant General, Ministry of Shipping.	5624	5	11	3822	2	0	3723	7	11	1526	19	11	3072	13	10	—		17769	9	7
To Advance Notes on a/c "Outfit."	421	13	10	775	17	9	1612	17	1	1089	19	10	1169	9	9	—		5069	18	3
To Refunds for Maintenance.	8	10	0	1	7	0	1	0	0	3	10	0	12	11	0	0·52		26	18	0
Sale of Bones, etc.	—			4	15	9	2	19	0	2	10	0	5	8	6	0·30		15	13	3
To Cash Reserve Account.	—			13	13	11	—			—			—			0·26		13	13	11
To Sale of Machinery ex "Triton."	—			—			—			179	4	0	—			3·43		179	4	9
To "Stork" collision a/c.	—			—			—			11	13	0	—			0·22		11	13	0
																	C 4·73
	6054	9	9	6446	17	5	7247	9	4	5074	10	8½	5271	1	3	—		23086	10	0
1st January, 1920.
To Balance, Cash in Bank.	—			—			—			—			697	4	11	—		697	4	11
To Balance, Cash in Hands of Secretary.	—			—			—			—			4	16	4	—		4	16	4
To Balance, Cash School Petty Cash.	—			—			—			—			205	3	11	—		205	3	11

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the ss. "B. Balholm" arrived in

I have been asked to answer this question. The s.s. "B. Balholm" completed discharge July 29th, 1919, the cargo consisting chiefly of wine. No accommodation being available, and no application being made at the time by the consignees, to the s.s. "B. Balholm," the wine was discharged into barges under "Captain's Entry." according to the terms of the Bill of Lading. The 30s per case has reference to the charges for craft, which are naturally heavy. This particular consignment was landed at South West India Dock, 12th November, 1919, to await turn for gauging by Customs, and it is expected that it will be dealt with by them in about three weeks' time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the pay of a captain, Royal Navy, a commander, lieutenant-commander, lieutenant, mate, sub-lieutenant on promotion on 1st June, 1914 and 1919, and at the present time, less Income Tax?

The net annual rates of full pay (to the nearest £1), after deduction of Income Tax, of the various classes of officers on promotion on the dates in question, are as follows:—

Rank.	Net annual rate of Pay, i.e., Full Pay (less tax).
	1st June,	1st June,	1st April,
	1914.	1919.	1920.
	£	£	£
Captain, R.N.	398	976	896
Commander	389	675	636
Lieutenant Commander.	233	511	490
Lieutenant	181	306	293
Mate	146	288	277
Sub-Lieutenant	91	182	179

"At the present time "has been taken to mean" on 1st April, 1920," when naval officers become liable to tax at the ordinary civil rates. "Pay" has been taken to mean "lull Pay."The figures are based on the assumption that the officers are unmarried and have no taxable income other than their full pay, and that the fiscal provisions for the financial year 1919–20 remain in force for 1920–21, except as regards the special "Service" concessions.