asked the Minister of Pensions the cost of the Government artificial leg for Symes' amputation, as manufactured in the Munitions Inventions Department, Imber Court, and how this cost compares with that of British limb-makers?

A limb for the Symes' amputation has been manufactured experimentally in the Government workshop, but no decision has been reached as to its adoption, and no comparison can be made between the cost of its manufacture and the prices paid for similar limbs to private firms.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that in the case of disabled officers a consideraable time elapses between the date of gazetting to the retired list and consequent cessation of half pay, and the grant of disability retired pay upon the award of the Ministry; whether he is aware that the delay causes financial hardship in such cases; and whether he can arrange that such officers may obtain an advance of disability retired pay pending confirmation by the Ministry of the medical board's award upon the same conditions as such an advance is now given to disabled non-commissioned officers and men.

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion has been in operation for nearly a year. Advances are made to cover periods of inevitable delay, but delays in the case of regular officers to whom my hon. and gallant Friend refers are extremely rare.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many Local War Pensions Committees there are in the United Kingdom; and how many have given an undertaking under the terms of the National Scheme for the employment of disabled ex-service men?

Long before the National Scheme was instituted the Local War Pensions Committees were instructed to employ disabled men. They have not hitherto been asked to give the formal undertaking required by the National Scheme, as it is recognised that they are in a position of exceptional responsibility towards the disabled and that a pledge to employ five per cent. of disabled men would be inappropriate to their case I am, however, considering whether they should not be asked to give the undertaking on the basis of a higher percentage.

Would the right hon. Gentleman ask for a return from these various War Pension Committees saying what proportion are disabled soldiers, so that we may have an opportunity of ascertaining whether they are carrying this out or not?

I made inquiry in my own office this morning and was told that we can be satisfied that a great many more than 5 per cent. of disabled men are employed. I do not want to call for a return if I can help it, because there are 1,500 committees and sub-committees who are very busy.

Can the House understand that the right hon. Gentleman is taking such steps as are possible to secure the maximum employment for disabled men by War Pensions Committees?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been directed to the fact that members of the massage service receive no bonus, gratuity or pension whether members of this service have worked all through the War; and whether he will secure for them either a pension or a gratuity or both?

The Ministry of Pensions Massage Service has in the main been recruited from the Military Massage Service, and the personnel have worked for varying periods during the War. In common with the rest of the temporary staff of the Ministry, the Massage Service are not ontitled to bonus, gratuity, or pension, and there would appear to be no ground for their being accorded exceptional treatment in this respect.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the accounts relative to the estate of the late Private F. J. Campbell, No. 33,768, 5th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, have been under the consideration of the authorities for several months; and if he can state when the investigations will be completed and the matter settled?

I am answering this question on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office, to whom it should have been addressed. The issue of the amount due in this case has now been authorised.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that medical boards still frequently refuse to inform soldiers immediately after examination of the degree of disability at which they have been assessed; and if he will consider the advisability of issuing emphatic instructions upon this subject?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of an Office Instruction, issued in December of last year, from which he will see that explicit directions have been issued to Medical Boards in this matter. I shall be glad to have particulars of any cases where these directions are not being observed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this omission is particularly striking in the case of disabled soldiers wounded prior to 1914 who are being re-assessed?

I have not had my attention called to any differentiation between pre-1914 and post-1914 men, but I will sec whether there is any such differentiation. There is no instruction.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that many officers, non-commissioned officers, and men disabled prior to 1914 have not yet realised that they are entitled to the same disability pensions as soldiers wounded in the late War; and if he will consider the advisability of giving the widest possible publicity to the latest Regulations affecting their position?

The increases of pension which can be granted to officers and men disabled in former wars have been made public by means of repeated questions and answers in this House, by announcements in the press and by circular letter addressed to all Local War Pensions Committees in the United Kingdom.

In view of the fact that the House recently carried a Resolution in favour of giving increased pensions to policemen, will the right hon. Gentleman not take into consideration that the same course should be taken in the case of ex-soldiers?

I have nothing to do with policemen.

Is it necessary for these officers and men to make application before they are given the increased pensions?

The conditions have been stated publicly over and over again, and communicated to the Press, and by circular to the Local War Pensions Committees, and I think I am right in saying by advertisements in the ex-service papers, but if not I will see that they are advertised.

asked the Minister of Pensions if a soldier to whom a permanent disability pension at the highest rate was awarded prior to 1914 becomes now automatically entitled to the highest disability rate applicable to soldiers wounded in the recent War?

A soldier to whom a, permanent disability pension at the highest rate was awarded prior to 1914 does not automatically become entitled to the highest disability-rate applicable to soldiers wounded in the Great War. He becomes entitled to that rate only if he is now totally disabled by the disability for which he was originally pensioned and provided that such disability was due to service in a former War.

Are soldiers wounded in the recent War who are awarded a permanent pension liable to be called up before another board?

That does not arise out of the question, but the permanent pensioner does receive a permanent pension.

Is there any reason why a pre-War permanent pensioner should not also receive the increased permanent war pension?

That is precisely what he does, if he is suffering from a disability for which he got a permanent pension.

Does not the term permanent pension mean a pension permanently awarded, and not liable to be re-assessed by a fresh board?

I should rather say it meant awarded permanently.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can give figures showing what progress has been made in settling ex-service men on the land in Ireland; and what further number of men it is hoped will be provided with holdings in the immediate future?

On untenanted land acquired by the Estates Commissioners for purposes of distribution under the Irish Land Acts, 1903–9, 71 men who had served in the War, and who came within one or other of the classes of persons to whom untenanted land may be allotted under these Acts, have been provided with holdings. Under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, the Commissioners are in negotiation for the purchase of some 2,000 acres and are in communication with owners of other lands. At this stage of the proceedings it is not possible to state how much of these lands may be acquired or how many ex-Service men can be provided with holdings. 5,730 applications have so far been received from ex-Service men for cottages and plots. The work of investigating these applications in different parts of the country is proceeding, and ten schemes providing accommodation for about 300 men are before the Local Government Board for consideration.

Is it not a fact that Captain Shawe Taylor put an ex-service man on his land and was foully and cruelly murdered in consequence?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

What information has the Government given to ex-Service men in Ireland as to the procedure which they should adopt in order to make application?

I think that all ex-Service men have been informed. The very fact that 5,730 applications have been received and are now being considered shows that these men are aware of it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have numerous letters from men asking as to whom they should make application, so that I do not think they have the information?

I am glad that my hon. and gallant Friend asked me that, because I should like all these men in Ireland-to know that applications should be sent in to the Local Government Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a much larger number of recruits in Ireland came from the towns, and that the more urgent necessity is to provide for the men in the towns? The Chief Secretary will probably be able to indorse that, as it is known that the farmers came up very badly.

I am quite aware that a larger percentage did come from the towns. Of course the Government could not intervene to help these men in the same way as they could intervene where agriculture was concerned, because a body existed already in Ireland under the Government. We are doing our best to meet all cases, and as the House knows, recently the Minister of Labour was able to get an additional £100,000 to meet the case of these men recruited in the towns.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many ex-service men in Ulster have secured land?

I could not say off-hand. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

May I ask whether, if an ex-service man in Ireland resides in a town, it precludes him from getting land?

Not at all. Under this Act any ex-service men who were in the Air Force, the Navy or the Army, whether they reside in the country or in the town, would be accepted.

Why should special privileges be given to ex-service men in agricultural districts and no compensating benefit given to ex-service men in towns?

I have just said that the Government are enabled by various Acts in existence to help men in rural districts much more than they are able to help those in cities. We are doing our level best for all.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many houses have been erected and what amount has been expended under the Housing Act in Ireland; and, if the Act has broken down by reason of the financial difficulties, what action he proposes to take to remedy the present state of affairs?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a similar question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Mid Antrim on the 20th November last. There is no information available regarding the amount expended under the Act. Most of the local authorities are engaged in formulating schemes. It is too soon to measure progress by the number of houses erected.

Am I to understand that the Chief Secretary has no further information to give to the House since 20th November last concerning the number of houses erected in Ireland and the money expended?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will find full information in the answer. I know that additional schemes have been placed before the Local Government Board, and they are now being considered. I hope that great progress will be made in the near future.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why Mr. Michael Mehigan was arrested at his home, Blackrock, Cork, on the night of 1st February and deported to Wormwood Scrubs Prison on 15th February; whether he is aware that Mr. Mehigan is the Returning Officer appointed by the Cork County Council for the council and local elections to be held in June next; why documents dealing with the proportional representation system of election were taken from his house; whether Mr. Mehigan will be brought to trial; and, if not, whether he will be released in time for the elections in June?

Under an Order made in pursuance of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, Mr. Mehigan has been deported from Ireland and interned in Wormwood Scrubs Prison as a person suspected of having acted, and being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the public safety and the defence of the Realm. I am informed that Mr. Mehigan was appointed Returning Officer by the Cork County Council, but since his internment a deputy has been appointed. Some printed circulars relating to proportional representation which were taken possession of were returned. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

May I ask whether the suspicions on which he was arrested were well founded?

May we have a reply to the fifth part of the question—whether he will be brought to trial?

I have already answered that in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many arrests have been made in Ireland during the month of January in the years 1914 and 1920, respectively?

The number of arrests made in Ireland during the month of January, 1914, was 3,222, and during the same month in 1920, was 1,955.

How many of these men were put on trial?

I have not been asked that question.

Was that for all offences?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware than on Thursday morning, 26th February, a house in Park Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin, was raided by military; that the sole residents of the house in question were two ladies who have no connection with any political organisation; that a company of soldiers with fixed bayonets entered the house headed by an officer, who, without producing any warrant or offering an explanation, proceeded to search the house from top to bottom;. that the search produced no results, and that the officer and party withdrew without offering any apology or explanation for their intrusion; whether some jewellery, the property of the ladies, was taken by the military in their raided; whether he can state why this house was raided: whether these raids are carried out without warrants; and, if so, what protection have the citizens of Dublin against unwarrantable raids of this character?

I am aware that the house referred to was raided by the military who state that they had reason to believe that persons were in hiding there for whose arrests warrants had been issued. The result of the search disclosed nothing incriminating, and the officer in charge had no knowledge of the removal of anything from the house. A letter of regret was addressed on 3rd instant to the brother of the two ladies, who was asked to send in details of any missing articles, and who has not yet replied.

Has the right hon. Gentleman attempted to justify in this House this raid by a number of military men on two ladies living alone? Has he any justification to offer?

I have never attempted to justify this particular raid. It is not true, as far as I understand, that the ladies were living alone I understand a brother was living with them. I have already said that the military acted upon what they regarded as very reliable authority, and they have expressed their regret.

How many similar cases have occurred in Ireland?

I have no knowledge, but I am certain that if any more had occurred I should have heard of them.

I could keep the House going for a week with them.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that there is considerable opposition in Ireland on the part of the Catholic ecclesiastical authorities to his proposed. Education Bill: whether he has seen it stated that the Bill will have the effect of interfering with the regulations for the giving of religious instruction in the schools and that the present managerial system is endangered by the Bill; and whether, in the event of its being shown that in the present Bill there is no guarantee for the security of religious teaching as at present carried on or for the continuation of the present managerial system, it is proposed to insert in the Bill a definite form of words which, in the opinion of the legal advisers of the Catholic ecclesiastical authorities, would ensure that neither one or other of these two matters were interfered with or endangered by the new proposals?

I am aware that the Roman Catholic bishops have ex-pressed their opposition to certain aspects of the Bill. The statements referred to in the second part of the question may have been made, but, if so, they are quite erroneous. Clause 3 of the Bill expressly provides, in accordance with my intention, that the principles and practice now governing religious instruction in the schools shall be adhered to. There is no indication or suggestion in the Bill of any interference with the so-called managerial system. On the contrary, there are many provisions which are quite inconsistent with any discontinuance of the system. With regard to the last part of the question, I shall, of course, be prepared to consider any words proposed to be inserted in the Bill to make this position clear.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Bill is being introduced in face of the almost united hostility of the country, and can he justify the introduction of a Bill dealing with such a vital matter as primary education in Ireland when the Government are about to introduce a Bill dealing with the whole government of the country?

The Leader of the House explained the attitude of the Government with regard to the last part of the question. With regard to the first part of the question, my information is quite the reverse. I believe the vast majority of people in Ireland are in favour of this Bill, and, in any case, all those who regard education as a vital interest to the country are in favour of the Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state to the House what manifestation of friendly feeling towards this Bill he has received from any quarter?

To use my hon. Friends expression, it would take me a whole week to answer that.

Do you intend to go on with this Bill?

Certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information that Socialists and Communists are being hanged by the Hungarian Government; whether the British representative in Hungary intervened with a view to saving the Socialists Otto Korvin and Eugen Laszlo, and whether they were hanged, nevertheless; and whether any British officials or officers have been present at any executions in Hungary?

A number of Hungarian subjects were recently executed at Buda Pesth after trial, and conviction, on charges of murder and other crimes, there being no extenuating circumstances. The British military representative, who had been authorised to use his discretion in making friendly representations in case he considered that there was a danger of grave injustice being done, informally discussed with the Minister of the Interior the possibility of postponing the executions so as to give time for further consideration, but it was found that the Hungarian executive were powerless, without violating their constitution, to interfere with the decisions of the highest court of justice. According to the report furnished by His Majesty's High Commissioner at Buda Pesth, the trials were conducted in open court with every fairness and in strict accordance with the law, the prisoners being given every opportunity for proper defence. I am not aware of any British officers having witnessed this or other executions in Hungary.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend make inquiries so that statements in the Press can be denied that British officers have been present at these hangings?

Is this country responsible for the internal affairs of Hungary?

Has this country not enough to answer for in its criminalities in Ireland?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any responsibility rests upon the British Government for homicide, justifiable or unjustifiable, in Hungary??

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask why the hon. and gallant Gentleman should answer questions put on the assumption of an indefined and indefinable responsibility on the part of this country and Government for such actions in other countries?

May a ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman whether the same policy extends to Russia with regard to responsibility for internal affairs?

The policy of the Government is announced by the Leader of the House and the Prime Minister. With reference to the question of my hon. Friend (Sir J. D. Bees), I do my best, and so does the Foreign Office, to answer courteously every question that is put.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on His Majesty's Government's policy towards Hungary, in view of the fact that there are daily reports in the Press of atrocities and acts of intimidation practised by the Hungarian military, and that the Hungarian Government is unable by itself to exercise control?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that two officers arrested in connection with the murders of Bela Somogyi and Barco, the Hungarian Social Democrat editors, have been released by the Hungarian authorities, because certain officers threatened a pogrom and open rebellion; whether two men, Miller and Reumann, who gave evidence relating to the murders, have themselves been murdered; and whether His Majesty's Government intend taking any steps to protect political parties in Hungary, in view of the fact that the Hungarian Government appears unwilling or unable to control or punish the crimes of its troops?

The general attitude of His Majesty's Government has been explained by my hon. Friend the Additional Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in reply to the hon. Member for Bedwellty on 3rd March, and we have since received a long and detailed report from His Majesty's High Commissioner at Budapest, which indicates that the various reports which continue to be received in this country are much exaggerated, and that the Hungarian Government are, on the whole, maintaining order well, and are in no way indulging in political persecutions. I propose shortly to communicate Mr. Hohler's Report to the House, and I am confident that my hon. Friend will agree that His Majesty's Government would not be justified in the circumstances in interfering in what, after all, is a question of internal Hungarian polities.

Am I to understand that the statements in the press are entirely inaccurate?

I do not quite say that; they are much exaggerated

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although the Government of Admiral Horthey may be well disposed, they are in the hands of the white terror in some districts?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information with regard to the reported mobilisation of several classes of conscripts in Hungary by order of Admiral Horthey; and whether any action is contemplated by the Allies?

I have no official information on this subject, but I am inquiring by telegram of His Majesty's High Commissioner at Budapest.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause enquiries to be made as to who gave permission for the sailing of the s.s. "Patricia," and if she was examined, and by whom was this done; and, further, having regard to the widespread feeling prevailing, whether he will issue daily reports as to the movements of this vessel in order to allay the deep anxiety of thousands of people in this country as to the passage of the said vessel?

The s.s. "Patricia" was inspected by the Board of Trade surveyors at Liverpool, and was granted a passenger certificate at Liverpool. As soon as she was ready for sea she sailed for India under the directions of the Ministry of Shipping. It was intended to embark native troops at Marseilles, and in this connection the ship was inspected at Liverpool. It was found that some of the sanitary connections were unsatisfactory, and as time did not permit of this being rectified before sailing, the plumbers and material were put on board to carry out the necessary repairs on the voyage to Marseilles. On arrival at Marseilles the unsatisfactory conditions still existed, and the vessel was detained while further work was carried out. The ship was then inspected, and, being reported satisfactory, native troops were embarked. On the voyage from Marseilles to Malta there was a breakdown of a sanitary pump, which necessitated further delay at Malta. The vessel left Malta on the 3rd March, and sailed from Suez on the 9th March for Bombay. The vessel's arrival at Bombay will be publicly notified. There is no reason to doubt the seaworthiness of the ship.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the grave allegations which have appeared in the press concerning the maladministration at Tangier by the International Commission; whether he is aware that the Conseil Sanitaire provides no native hospital and that the water supply of the native portion of the town is almost non-existent: and whether the British members of the Conseil Sanitaire have taken any steps to protest against the state of affairs?

I am aware of the statements in the press. It it not correct to say that Tangier is administered by an International Commission. It had been agreed between the British, French and Spanish Governments to set up a reformed system of administration on special lines at Tangier. The War interrupted the negotiations and prevented a settlement for the time being. The negotiations are now being resumed and it is hoped that a satisfactory organisation of government will be established shortly under which the administration of Tangier will be able effectively to cope with such problems as are raised by the Noble Lord's question.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman deny that the Conseil Sanitaire is responsible for the municipal government of Tangier?

I must assure my Noble Friend that I dealt with that in the reply, which says:

"It is not correct to say that Tangier is administered by an International Commission."

Is he aware that it is attributed to the breakdown of International control?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he, is aware that the native Moslem inhabitants of Tangier have the greatest, difficulty in obtaining any justice in the courts owing to the complicated system of international capitulations; and whether His Majesty's Government will use their good offices with the government of the French Republic so that a joint effort may be made to reform and simplify the capitulations?

The system of extra-territorial jurisdiction which, under the name of capitulations, applies not merely in Tangier, but in the whole of Morocco and in a number of other countries, is notoriously imperfect. His Majesty's Government are already in consultation with the French and Spanish governments as to the conditions on which the foreign consular jurisdiction in Tangier could be withdrawn, and an early settlement of the question is confidently hoped for.

For the information of those who wish to take part in a Debate on the international capitulations, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman issue a White Paper as to the scandals of this administration in Tangier?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has resumed its deliberations; and, if so, what countries have been represented at the meetings of the council?

Yes, Sir. The Council met in London on 2nd March. The following countries were represented: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.