asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Income Tax at the rate of 6s. in the £ is deducted from the dividends on the railway superannuation funds out of which pensions are paid to superannuated railway servants; and whether the whole or some part of this Income Tax is repaid to the fund?

The income from the investments of a superannuation fund is liable to Income Tax at the standard rate of 6s. in the £, like any other income of this nature. On payment of pensions, however, tax is deductible at a like rate and is therefore not borne by the superannuation fund to the extent that the pensions are paid out of the investment income of the fund. Where Income Tax is deducted from a pension at the standard rate of 6s. in the £ the pensioner can of course claim any repayment of tax to which he may be entitled by reference to the amount of his total income. In order to save separate claims for repayment by individual pensioners, the Inland Revenue Department has made an arrangement with many pension funds, under which tax is deducted from the pensions only to the extent of the pensioner's net liability. The Department subsequently repays or allows to the fund an amount representing the difference between the tax at the full rate on the amount distributed in pensions and the aggregate liability of the pensioners in respect of their pensions. I may add that the question of the liability of superannuation funds to Income Tax has been one of the matters which have been engaging the attention of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax, whose Report will, it is anticipated, be shortly available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet received the Report of the Royal Commission on Income Tax?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in framing the provisions of the impending Budget he can see his way to embody therein some consideration for bachelors who remain such out of regard for the claims of dependent parents or blood relatives, thereby avoiding any demands for assistance towards their support from the rates; and will he also consider the possibility of some allowance in the assessment of bachelors for Income Tax in those cases where they employ the services of unmarried sisters or other dependent consanguineous relatives as housekeepers?

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, the whole question of Income Tax reliefs and allowances is under consideration by the Royal Commission on the Income Tax, whose Report, will, it is anticipated, be shortly available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total value of the gold which would be required to repay the British proportion of the Anglo-French loan of five hundred million dollars raised in New York in October, 1915, assuming the exchange rate on date of payment to be 3.65 dollars and that all relevant considerations are taken into account; and what the sum would be if the exchange rate were then four dollars?

The amount of gold required to pay a given sum in dollars does not vary with fluctuations in the exchange value of sterling. It would only vary if dollars ceased to be on a parity with gold.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in his Estimates of expenditure he has included the £50,000,000 a year due in interest on our debt to America; and, if not, how he proposes to provide the sum of £150,000,000 which will become due for payment at the expiry of three years during which the actual payment of interest has been suspended?

My right hon. Friend will deal in the Budget speech with the provision which he proposes to make for debt. Final arrangements have not yet been concluded with regard to the postponement of interest payments on debts due by the British Government to the United States Government and by other Governments to the British and United States Governments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the date, or dates, when the £1,450,000 was advanced to the British Cellulose Company, and the amount advanced on each date?

I have been asked to reply. The answer is as follows:—

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the prospectus published in the newspaper press offering £2,800,000 cumulative participating preference shares in the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing (Parent) Company, Limited, to the public fails to make essential disclosures required of a published prospectus by Section 81 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act of 1908; that the prospectus in particular fails to state the number and amount of shares issued as fully or partly paid up otherwise than in cash and the consideration for which those shares have been issued, and also fails to give the dates of and parties to every material contract and full particulars of the nature and extent of the interest in the promotion of the company of every director so interested; was he informed about the particulars thus withheld from the public; and, if so, will he inform the House of these particulars?

The responsibility for the advertisement of the issue rests not with the Government but with the issuing house. I am not, however, aware of any omission on their part of any particulars required by law to be given, and I am advised that the advertisement was not a "prospectus" within the meaning of Section 81 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the nationality of Mr. Camille Dreyfus, managing director of the British Cellulose Company; what was his country of origin; and whether he was naturalised in Britain or any other country?

I am advised that Dr. Camille Dreyfus is of Swiss nationality and Switzerland is his country of origin. Both of his parents were of French nationality. He has not been naturalised in Great Britain or in any other country.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider extending the Entertainment Tax to tickets issued for public balls and dances?

I am unable to anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the heavy cost entailed by the constant gun practice at Shoeburyness, he will take measures to reduce this to a minimum forthwith?

The only gun firing at present carried out at Shoeburyness is in connection with experimental work for the Ordnance Committee and "Proof" of ammunition. The firing is carried out by the Superintendent of Experiments, and includes much and varied research work now in progress which is of vital importance to both the Navy and the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cavalry divisions will be composed of Yeomanry regiments under the new scheme of Army re-organisation; and whether there are sufficient horses in the country to meet these requirements?

The existing scheme of re-organisation provides for only six Yeomanry regiments being included in a Divisional organisation; four other Yeomanry regiments are required for corps cavalry regiments. It is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in obtaining the necessary horses to mobilise these units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that two major-generals whilst prisoners of war after the surrender of but did not receive the pay of major-general; and whether these officers actually received less pay than certain battalion commanders who had served under them whilst they were in command of brigades?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Melton (Colonel Yate) on Tuesday, I am afraid I can add nothing to the previous replies on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the many awards of medals and other decorations and certificates granted, not only to those who went to the base, but also to non-combatants, volunteers, special police, and other civil workers for services at home during the War, he can see his way to award some form of decoration to those who acted as instructors in this country who, by reason of their special and highly necessary duties at home, were precluded from earning any such recognition in any of the theatres of war?

I fear it is not possible to give special recognition to the men referred to, but as I have stated previously the question of an award for those who rendered service at home in connection with the War is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider an amendment to Army Order 275, of 1918, to permit of a refund of passage money and travelling expenses to those who, being under the minimum age for enlistment on the date laid down as the latest up to which such expenses would be recoverable, subsequently paid their own way to this country and joined His Majesty's forces?

No, Sir, I cannot agree at this date to any alteration of the Regulations made and published at the time.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reward those officers with a step in honorary rank who, owing to age, were unable to serve abroad, but who voluntarily gave their services for the training of men at home?

Under Army Order 376, of 1918, officers who gave their services for training soldiers at home are eligible for the retention of any acting or temporary rank they may have held for six months during the War. I do not consider it desirable to grant these officers more favourable treatment in the matter of rank than other officers who served overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Captain A. E. Coulombe, who served with the Canadian Veterinary Corps from February, 1915, was in April, 1919, transferred to the Imperial Forces and granted three months' leave to wind up his affairs in Canada; that while in Canada he fell ill and was thereby prevented from reporting in the United Kingdom at the expiration of his leave: that he reported to the Canadian military authorities and was instructed by them to apply to the War Office for the Army form applicable to his case and to remain in Canada pending orders from the War Office; that he acted as instructed, but up to the present has received no communication from the military authorities: and, if so will he cause this officer to be communicated with and instructed as to his return to the United Kingdom?

Captain A. E. Coulombe was not transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and as he does not hold the requisite qualifications his transfer to the corps on a regular commission could not be accepted. No application for his transfer has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the block in promotion now existing in the senior ranks of the Regular Army, he can arrange for the retirement of those commanding officers who have commanded their regiments for four or more years as either acting, temporary, or substantive lieutenant-colonels, and who are therefore now eligible for the maximum rates of pension?

A Lieutenant-Colonel, although eligible for the full rank element of his pension, is not eligible for the maximum rate of pension until he has completed 29 years' service. A Lieutenant-Colonel can at any time apply to retire, if he so desires; but to compel him to retire, unless he is unfit for retention in the Service, would deprive him of all prospect of promotion to Colonel and employment in that rank. This would be unfair to the individual and disadvantageous to the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as the peace with Turkey must be such as

asked the Secretary of State for War if the number of houses in the London area which are being utilised as record offices for the Tank Corps; and, having regard to the fact that it is understood that the record offices of this corps are being amalgamated with those of the Machine Gun Corps, will he say how long private property is likely to be retained for this purpose?

The number of houses occupied by the Tank Corps Records is one. Orders have been issued for these Records to be moved to the Alexandra Palace. The move will be completed before the end of this month. No private property will then be retained in the London area for the purpose.

The following estimated figures were prepared by General Milne in November last:—

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the War Office are still in possession of the searchlight station situate at Green Lanes, Dulwich; whether the searchlight was removed many months ago; whether a caretaker is still retained to look after the old huts; whether the Estates Governors of Alleyn's College, Dulwich, at the request of the military authorities, made an offer to purchase the huts two or three months ago; and whether, considering the college is desirous of obtaining possession of the site at once, which includes several good tennis courts, he will give instructions for the land to be returned to the Dulwich College authorities without further delay?

The searchlight projector was moved from this station some time ago, but the huts still contain the engine and dynamo which, owing to the difficulty and cost of removal, the Disposal Board are endeavouring to dispose of on the site. The huts cannot be sold until their contents have been disposed of.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if W. Glendinning, of Ashington, Northumberland, on 2nd May, 1904, applied to the Board and left a complete specification on 2nd February, 1905, and was accepted on 2nd March, 1905; is he aware that as late as 10th February, 1920, Glendinning had a communication from the Board saying the matter was being considered; and, if so, will he state the result?

The first part of the hon. Member's question apparently relates to a patent applied for by Mr. Glendinning in respect of a system for controlling the buoyancy of airships. In December last inquiries as to whether this patent was being used were received by the Air Ministry, and a reply in the negative was given on 31st January. The second and third parts of the question have reference to a letter received from Mr. Glendinning, dated the 9th February last, intimating that he had devised a new method of transmission of mails, etc., by air. He was asked on the 11th February to forward a description for consideration, and after the receipt of this description (which referred to a wireless controlled aeroplane) Mr. Glendinning was informed, on the 17th February, that his suggestions presented no useful features of novelty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many men are employed at the Mansion aerodrome in the Isle of Thanet; what is the cost of the upkeep of the aerodrome; and what purpose it serves?

In reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question, the personnel at Mansion at the present time is 20 officers, 205 airmen, and 126 civilian employés. This number is abnormal, but it has been necessitated by the large amount of work which has had to be undertaken in storing machines and material. I am not sure what information the hon. Member requires in answer to the second part of his question, but the present cost of upkeep, i.e., maintenance of buildings and operating fixed plant, is at the rate of £12,000 per annum. In regard to the third part, Mansion aerodrome will be one of the seven flying training schools which are to be formed during the next three years to undertake the training of officers granted short service commissions or seconded from the other services.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether an aeroplane recently started from Hull to fly to Amsterdam with a valuable cargo, but was compelled to fly by way of Lympne, near Folkestone, in order that her papers might be examined by Customs officials; and whether, in view of the importance of encouraging an air service across the North Sea, arrangements will be made, in consultation with other Government Departments, for a Customs Aerodrome to be established in Yorkshire or Lincolnshire, or that Customs officials can attend at the aerodromes already in use?

The reply to the first part of the hon and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative. Long oversea flights by purely land aircraft involve at the present stage of development an element of risk which, in the public interest, it is not considered commercial aeroplanes should be encouraged to take. Accordingly, it is thought undesirable to establish a Customs aerodrome for land aircraft in Yorkshire or Lincolnshire. The Customs aerodrome at Lympne was established to meet the needs of aeroplanes engaged in Continental traffic for which clearance from London would be inconvenient. Facilities for the Customs examination of flying-boats or sea aircraft engaged in traffic across the North Sea have been provided at Felixstowe, and it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in making similar arrangements in Yorkshire or elsewhere on the East Coast for seaplanes, flying-boats or amphibious aircraft when the demand arises.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many battleships are fitted for carrying aeroplanes, and how many aeroplanes are so allotted?

Twenty-eight battleships and 10 battle cruisers are fitted to carry aeroplanes. Aircraft will not normally be carried in ships, but sufficient aeroplanes are available at the Fleet Cooperation Air Stations to supply the full number required when necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many battleships are fitted for carrying aeroplanes and how many aeroplanes are so allotted?

A question in exactly similar terms has been addressed by the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty who, I understand, is replying to it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the rates of pay of officers in the inspection and design branches of the Royal Navy have been settled; and how soon such rates will be published','

The settlement of suitable rates for these branches has, I am advised, presented considerable difficulties. New rates are now, however, on the point of being laid before the Treasury for sanction, and it is hoped that it will be possible to publish them very shortly.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the advisability of decentralising the work of the Pensions Issue Office at Baker Street; and, in particular, will he delegate the consideration of all Welsh cases to the Regional Director at Cardiff, and thereby reduce administrative delays to a minimum?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply: given to the question put to me on the 19th ultimo by the horn. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, if a man is courtmartialled and convicted, but his conviction is ultimately quashed, he forfeits his right to war gratuity; and, if not, whether he will cause gratuity to be paid to Private B. M. Gates, No. 526,684, late Labour Corps, previously No. 7,290, Norfolk Regiment, whose conviction was quashed, on the ground that he was not responsible for his actions?

This man was convicted of desertion on 7th July, 1917, and forfeited all service prior to that date. The sentence of imprisonment then awarded was subsequently remitted, but the conviction was-not quashed. As he went to farm work on 7th January, 1918, the period of service counting for War gratuity was less than one year. He was therefore eligible for a War gratuity of £5 only, which sum was duly credited to him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a decision has yet been come to as to the grant of gratuities to the trained massage staffs in the military hospitals, as has been done with regard to the other sections of the nursing staffs; and, if so, what is the nature of such decision?

I would refer the hon. Member to my previous replies on this subject. It has been decided that the staffs referred to are not eligible for a gratuity.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the father of the late Private F. J. Campbell, No. 33,768, 5th Battalion Yorkshire" Regiment, was in receipt of a pension up to August, 1919; that then, without any agreement or even consultation, a gratuity of £45 was paid; that when the Records Office was written to on this point the reply was that the account was closed; and whether it was intended that before any gratuity should take the place of a pension the dependents were to be consulted and, if possible, an agreement reached, and only when this failed were the authorities authorised to make the final decision?

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed, as no pension has ever been paid in respect of the late Private Campbell. Separation allowance was drawn by Mrs. Campbell, the deceased soldier's stepmother, until January, 1919, and a gratuity was then awarded, payable by weekly instalments, which ceased in October last. Under present Regulations, however, it is possible that Mrs. Campbell may be eligible for a parent's pension and the case is therefore being further investigated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information yet with regard to the political situation in Japan?

The answer is in the negative. An urgent telegram has been despatched to Tokio to inquire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken by the Joint Anglo-Persian Military Commission to raise a Persian force for the defence of the country; and what number of men have been enlisted?

The Joint Anglo-Persian Military Commission has been sitting at Teheran since January 20th, and satisfactory progress is being made. A preliminary Report has already been drawn up and the final Report is promised shortly. Recruiting for the new force cannot, of course, begin until the final Report of the Commission has been submitted and considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the whereabouts and present activities of General Semenoff; and whether a British mission is accredited to this general?

The answer to the first part of the question is that General Semenoff, according to the latest information received, is at Chita, where he is endeavouring to make a stand against Bolshevik forces. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether periodical comparison is made between the estimated realisable value of the stocks, the property of the Ministry or of the Disposals Board, lying in a particular dump and the accumulated costs of care, maintenance, and other charges thereon?

In considering the policy of disposal regard is paid, amongst other factors, to the cost of care, maintenance, and other charges thereon, but my hon. Friend will realise that the circumstances affecting particular dumps vary a great deal, and considerable discretion has necessarily to be given to the local officers in charge of sales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether three ladies, assistants to controllers, of independent means are being retained at Earl's Court while ex service men and women who are dependent on their earnings are being dismissed; and whether the Minister will inquire into this matter?

The cases of a few women employed in the Ministry who are stated to be of independent means, and probably include those referred to by the hon. Member, are at present being enquired into, with a view, in the event of their being found independent, to replacement by ex-service men or by women who are dependent on their earnings.

asked the Home Secretary whether those present at the large demonstration the other day of ex-service men from Woolwich were asked by the police authorities to stand steady and await the verdict of their deputation; whether, when those composing the demonstration arrived at Westminster Bridge, the police were already lined up with truncheons drawn, and were at one" given the order to charge; whether the constable at the head of the police on that occasion invited any of the leaders of the ex-service men to talk the matter over before the police charged: and whether it was made clear to those composing the demonstration that such a discussion had taken place?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Superintendent in Charge asked the leading Marshal of the procession to stop where he was on the Westminster Bridge Road until the deputation returned from the Prime Minister's Office. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. When the demonstration arrived at Westminster Bridge a line of police was formed to prevent any crowd approaching the House of Commons, but no action was taken by the police and no truncheons were drawn until the mob had charged the police a second time, under cover of a barrage of missiles, namely, tumblers and glass bottles. As regards the remainder of the question, the promoters of the procession were told on the previous Friday at Woolwich that the procession would not be allowed to approach the House of Commons, and the leading Marshal was again warned to that effect on the day of the procession in the Old Kent Road. The Chief Constable on duty himself conducted the deputation returning from Downing Street through the crowd to one of the vans, which was used as a platform. While the deputation was haranguing the crowd from a cart the crowd broke away and charged the police. There was no question of the police charging, except in self-defence.

asked the Prime. Minister if he is aware that, notwithstanding the promises of preferential treatment to ex-service men of positions in the Ministry of Munitions, about 500 of these men are now up for dismissal, while so-called indispensable non-service men, of whom practically all were of military age, have received permanent appointments, having qualified for these positions during the War, while in the Air Ministry the above situation is accentuated; and whether he will appoint a Committee of Members of this House (ex-Service) to inquire into this treatment of ex-soldiers?

Questions in regard to the employment of ex-service men in the various Departments should be addressed to the Ministers concerned. I understand, however, that the facts as regards the two Departments named are as follow:

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of ex-Constable Whitehead, who is under notice to leave his premises at No. 6, Henderson House, Huntley Street; whether this man has been unable to find other accommodation for his wife and three children, and if evicted will have to seek refuge in the workhouse; and whether he will consider an extension of time being granted to enable this man to find other premises?

Ex-Constable Whitehead has been allowed to remain in these premises since August last, and his continued occupation of quarters to which he has no right is unfair to the police officer who should be occupying thorn and who has been obliged to live at a distance from his work. I am informed that Whitehead has now obtained other accommodation and has promised to give up possession of the police premises to-day. If so, it will not be necessary to enforce the order of ejectment.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware of the scarcity of housing accommodation for police officers, especially in the West and West Central districts of London; whether he is aware that policemen who have of necessity been acting as caretakers are now being compelled to leave the premises in which they have been caretaking through the letting of these premises; whether he is aware of the difficulty for these men to obtain suitable quarters and the consequent severe hardships imposed on their families: and whether any steps are being taken to find suitable accommodation for these men, either in permanent police quarters or temporary premises,

The lack of housing accommodation is severely felt by the police in common with other classes of the community. A Committee has been appointed to consider the matter, and, in the meanwhile, all possible steps are being taken in the direction indicated. A pro portion of the accommodation available must be allocated to superior grades to meet the imperative need of having responsible officers always available to deal with emergencies that may arise at any hour. I do not think that I can properly undertake to give details with regard to a part of the Metropolitan Police District in isolation from the rest.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the fact that the principal difficulty of the smaller and poorer boroughs to adopt and vigorously promote housing schemes is a financial one; and whether he will consider the advisability of materially helping them by a grant in aid proportionate to the number of houses erected in a given time or a considerable extension of the period allowed for the repayment of building loans?

I do not understand what are the difficulties to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. All local authorities are entitled to the Exchequer subsidy provided by Section 7 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919. Until the building has been completed the subsidy will be the actual deficit incurred in excess of the proceeds of a penny rate. After the building has been completed it will be based on the estimated annual deficit in excess of the penny rate and will be revised from time to time during the' period allowed for repayment of the loans raised for purchase of land and cost of building.

asked the Minister of Health whether 200,000 houses is the Government estimate of building for the first four years; whether his estimate of bricklayers required is 60,000 and that only 54,646 are obtainable if withdrawn from all other work; and whether there were on the register in October, 1919, 24,885 stonemasons, making a total for this class of work of 79,531, leaving a margin of nearly 20,000 for other work?

If the present shortage of houses is to be overcome we must aim at securing the building of not less than 200,000 houses a year in England and Wales. The number of bricklayers required for this programme has been variously estimated at from 48,600 to 66,000, but the total number of bricklayers in October last in England and Wales was 50,993 and not 54,646, which was the total for the United Kingdom as as whole. It will be seen that there is really no margin of bricklayers for any other work whatever. The number of masons was, in England and Wales, 18,712 and not 24,885, the figure quoted by the hon. Member, which refers to the whole of the United Kingdom.

asked the Home Secretary if, in the East Hiding of Yorkshire., retired police pensioners on rejoining the force during the War and prior to the Police Emergency Act were compelled to contribute to their pension fund out of their weekly wage although no increase in their pensions could be allowed?

No deduction was made from the net pay promised to these men on rejoining: but, in order to comply with the statutory requirement that deductions should be made, the rate of pay was specially increased by 2j per cent., and the amount of the increase was credited to the Pension fund.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the open manner in which Chinamen, especially in large ports, entice and trap young girls into their establishments, afterwards making them partners and helpers in carrying out nefarious practices; and what steps he proposes to take to strengthen the hands of the police and to place such people under stricter surveillance?

From the information at my disposal, I do not think that the suggestion in this question is well founded. The Chinese, of course, frequently marry, or live with English women, treating them as a general rule well, and apart from gambling and opium smoking, they are a law-abiding community. If my hon. Friend will inform me of any concrete cases the police will make enquiry.

asked the Home Secretary whether owners of taxi-cabs and other motor vehicles are taking advantage of the telephone facilities to evade the bye-laws of local authorities by accepting orders for hire only at their garages, with the result that instead of the scale of charges fixed by the local authority greater charges are made, some of them exorbitant, and whether he will consider the advisability of amending the Town Police Clauses Act., 1847, which is incorporated with the Public Health Act, 1875, so as to provide that all hired vehicles be subject to the provisions of the bye-laws with respect to hackney carriages and omnibuses made by local authorities?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The scheme of the Statutes mentioned is that bye-laws fixing the faros of hackney carriages shall fix fares for those vehicles only which ply for hire in the streets, and I have no evidence of any general desire among local authorities to extend their control in this particular to vehicles hired by private arrangement.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the present position of the adjustment of claims of British traders and other subjects against Germany and those of Germans against us, respectively; does the Peace Treaty provide for the mutual payment of interest upon such claims; if not, upon what ground does the Government justify the exaction of interest from British traders if the obligation is not reciprocal; is it proposed to charge the fund payable to Germany with any costs of collection and administration; and will provision be made for equality of treatment in this respect?

I have been asked to reply. The claims of British traders are in course of adjustment through the British Clearing Office, which has been in operation since the ratification of the Peace Treaty, and local clearing offices are in process of establishment for dealing with claims by and against British nationals in every part of the British Empire. The German Clearing Office has not yet been opened, but is, it is understood, being organised on the lines of the British Office. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The costs of administration will be met by a small percentage levy on payments made by the Clearing Office, in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made by which London branches of banking and other companies registered in the Union of South Africa can settle the claims and debts of their English branches, under the Peace Treaty, through the Clearing House in London instead of through the Government of the Union, and so save much cost and time?

As the Union of South Africa has not adopted the Clearing Office scheme it is doubtful whether the course suggested by the hon. Member can be adopted, but the question shall be considered.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Irish brewers have any preference in the matter of permitted average gravity which gives them a great advantage over brewers in Great Britain; whether he is aware of the increasing shipments of beer from Ireland to Great Britain which are now taking place; whether the Government has received frequent complaints as to the unfair position in which brewers in Great Britain are placed; if so, can he say why these complaints have not been met; and whether steps will at once be taken to remove the injustice by putting all brewers upon equal terms in the matter of gravity as was the case before the war?

This subject has been most carefully considered by the Government, but it must be dealt with as a whole, and a decision will be announced in connection with the Licensing Bill.

asked the Minister of Labour if the agitation for an advance of wages and shortening of hours in the larger drapery establishments and stores in the West End of London has led to the dismissal of great numbers of assistants over 25 years of age, culminating in the discharge of 300 from one establishment alone; and if he will consider the question of starting a public inquiry into the matter, with a view to protecting as far as possible a class of people whose age and condition of employment makes it extremely difficult for them to effectively organise?

My attention has been drawn to the dismissal of a large number of assistants from a particular drapery establishment in the West End of London, but I am not aware whether it is due to the causes suggested by the hon. and gallant Member. With a view to the effective regulation of the conditions of these classes of workers, I propose to apply the Trade Boards Acts to the trade at an early date. The Draft Order for this purpose is at present being discussed with both employers" and workers' representatives.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether at a meeting of the Industrial Council for the Tin Mining Industry held last week a claim was put forward for a minimum wage of £12 a month underground and £10 a month on surface work; that the Council failed to agree on this claim, and that the average wage of 2,151 tin miners returned for January this year in the "Labour Gazette" only works out at £2 6s. 6d. per week per man; when the next meeting of this Industrial Council is to be held; and whether, in the event of their then failing to agree as to a fair living wage for tin miners, he will order an Inquiry under Part II. of the Industrial Courts Act; and (2) what was the price of lead (English pig), spelter (English Swansea), and tin (Standard Cash) on 30th June last and at the present moment; and whether, in view of the low wages returned in the February "Labour Gazette" as being earned by tin and lead miners, he will appoint a Court of Inquiry into the conditions of their employment under the Industrial Courts Act, 1919?

I will answer these questions, dealing with the same matter, together. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in stating that the claim referred to was considered at a meeting of the Joint Industrial Council for the Tin Mining Industry. The claim was not formally put in at the last meeting of the Joint Industrial Council, but was discussed subsequently at joint conferences between employers and employed. I understand that those discussions are continuing. With regard to the prices of lead, spelter and tin, I am circulating with the OFFICIAL REPORT information which I have obtained. With regard to the request for an Inquiry, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply given to the Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne) on the 18th February, in which I pointed out that, in view of the fact that a Board of Trade Committee was inquiring into the economic position of the non-ferrous mining industry, it would appear to be unnecessary to hold concurrent inquiry.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the National Federation of Women Workers have repeatedly remonstrated with the Minister with regard to the constitution and procedure of the Industrial Court on the grounds that no representative of organised women is a member of the Court, and that cases concerning women have been repeatedly referred to a single member of the Court; whether a deputation from the Federation on these points was received by Sir David Shackleton, representing the Ministry of Labour; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he proposes to amend the constitution and procedure of the Industrial Court?

Representations, as stated, have been made to me. Two cases have occurred in which a single member was appointed by the Industrial Court to' hear claims affecting women. This arrangement is in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Courts Act, and no doubt the President of the Court, in the exercise of his discretion under the Act, considered that the cases were such as could, with advantage, be dealt with in this way. The suggestion that a representative of organised women should be a member of the Court has been carefully considered, but as at present advised I do not consider such an addition to the Court to be necessary, having regard to the fact that the Court can call in the aid of assessors where such a course seems expedient. I might also point out that it should be understood that the members of the Court, whatever interests they may have represented in the past, are appointed to exercise the functions of arbitrators without any leaning to either side.

asked the Minister of Labour if the Electrical Power Engineers' Association is a bonâ fide registered trade union, and if it is recognised by the Government as fully qualified to negotiate and act on behalf of its members in all matters affecting their status and working conditions?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Labour why the men employed at the mobilisation equipment depât, Park Hall, Oswestry, who, though classed as store-men, perform work which is essentially labouring, are only paid at the rate of 1s. to 1s. 1¾d. an hour, whereas the local district rate is 1s. 3d. per hour?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Inquiries are being made, and I will inform the hon. and gallant Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping if his attention has been called to a public speech made in Liverpool on the 3rd instant by Captain Young, the professional member of the Marine Department, Board of Trade, on the occasion of the annual shipmasters' dinner, at which this officer was one of the two principal guests; whether any merchant ships built by the Government during the War or since have been built with the stem receding from the vertical less than 15 degrees: and, if so, whether the professional and technical advisers of the Marine Department of the Board of Trade were consulted in regard to the design of such ships?

My attention has been called to this speech. All the Standard ships were built with straight stems, and the designs were settled after consultation with leading shipbuilders and naval architects. The Board of Trade would not necessarily be consulted on matters other than those directly concerning that Department, but the Board of Trade rules were in all cases complied with.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Port of London Authority is solely responsible for the development of the port; and, if so, whether, in view of the congestion at the docks and the inadequate facilities provided for our trade and commerce, he will appoint a committee to consider how far the policy of the authority is compatible with public needs, and what action, if any, should be taken to remedy the failure of the authority?

The Port of London Authority is responsible for the development of the port, subject to the powers conferred on the Minister of Transport by Section 4 of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, under which the Minister may, if he considers that it is desirable in the national interest, call upon the Port of London Authority to carry out improvements or extensions or alterations in the method of working. In addition, under Section 7 (2) (i) of the Port of London Act, 1908, if the Port Authority revokes a licence for new works in the River Thames, or refuses to grant a licence for any such purpose on reasonable terms, there may be an appeal to the Minister of Transport against such decision of the Port of London Authority. The Port of London Authority are carrying out a considerable programme of additional works with the object of increasing the facilities of the port. The needs of trade and commerce under existing and future conditions are engaging the attention of the Ministry, and, in these circumstances, the Minister is of opinion that the appointment of a committee would be premature.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the decision of the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company to transfer their cross-Channel passenger service from Folkestone to Dover has received his sanction; the reason for this transfer; whether, in diverting the passenger traffic to Dover, the company proposes to impose charges to recover the cost of building the new Dover station: and whether, in view of the fact that Folkestone has been an important cross Channel port of passenger traffic for many years and that, as a consequence of the company's policy, many men in Folkestone are being discharged, he will have this matter reconsidered?

The transfer of the cross-Channel passenger service from Folkestone to Dover has been effected with the knowledge of the Minister of Transport. The transfer is purely temporary, and has arisen on account of the necessity of re-conditioning certain of the cross-Channel boats belonging to the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway. I understand that the company proposes to reestablish the service from Folkestone as soon as this work has been effected.

asked the Ministor of Transport whether he will consider the possibility of granting special excursion railway facilities to Plymouth and South Devon during the ensuing summer in view of the rates chargeable for long-distance travelling?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Waterford (Captain Redmond). I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the report of the meeting referred to in that reply. Should the railway position admit of special excursion facilities being granted during the ensuing summer, the district of South Devon will not be overlooked.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that of the stock of 73,500 bales of tobacco in the warehouses of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board at Liverpool only 2,208 bales are of Empire-grown Nyasaland leaf; that the Board, which has a monopoly of the. storage of leaf tobacco in Liverpool, persistently declines to warehouse consignments of Nyasaland leaf in bales, and in fact has not received any shipments of such since August, 1919; that the statement of the Board that they would endeavour to accommodate any shipments of Nyasaland tobacco which may be brought directly into the port of Liverpool is not understood, because there have not existed for some time past any means for making such shipments direct to Liverpool, and, if they are prepared to receive such tobacco by direct steamer, there would not appear to be any good reason why they should not receive the same by coasting steamer; and, will he take such steps as will lead the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board to forward the policy of His Majesty's Government in respect of Imperial preference and at the same time to give the tobacco trade reasonable facilities for developing their business in Nyasaland tobacco by giving preferential storage to that Empire-grown article?

Having regard to the necessity of economising transport and avoiding congestion I do not think it desirable to take exception to the refusal of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board to receive for storage tobacco discharged at London.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make representation to the Coal Controller about the inadequate supply of coal at Thornbury, Gloucester, so that the present very unsatisfactory condition of things may be remedied?

I am informed that there has been no acute shortage at Thornbury. Although stocks an; low supplies are flowing regularly, and the position will be watched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he. has received a letter from the Lord Mayor of Manchester calling attention to the serious shortage in the coal supply; whether the reserve stock of coal for corporation use will soon be exhausted; whether he is aware that there is only approximately 12,000 tons of house coal coining into the city per week, and that to supply each household in Manchester with only 2 cwt. per week a quantity of 18,000 tons is necessary, and that this quantity does not allow for any reserve, for bad weather; and whether he will take action to secure adequate supplies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of supplies to Manchester is receiving the special attention of the Coal Mines Department.

asked the Prime Minister whether the output of coal in the United Kingdom during the past 12 months has been 50,000,000 to 60,000,000 tons less than during the 12 months prior to the War; whether he is aware of the great shortage of coal for export and steamers' bunkers, resulting in hundreds of ocean-going vessels being held up and delayed in British ports; whether bunker coal in Liverpool now costs £7 9s. 6d per ton, and that in 1914 it only cost 13s. 6d. per ton; whether during the last fortnight homeward-bound steamers with cargoes of food from the Argentine have been unable to procure bunker coal at St. Vincent and the Canary Islands; whether he is aware of the great shortage of coal for manufacturing, municipal, and domestic purposes, thereby reducing employment and our export of manufactured articles, and causing discomfort and discontent; whether, owing to scarcity and high price, British-owned railways in the Argentine are unable to obtain coal from this country, causing higher prices for wheat and other supplies from the Argentine, from which we are now mainly drawing our supplies, and adversely affecting the exchange with the Argentine; whether shortage, of coal and inefficient railway transport are largely responsible for the increased cost of food and other commodities; and what slops are being taken to obtain a greatly increased output of coal and improved railway transport?

As regards the price of bunker coal at Liverpool, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on the 8th instant. The position at St. Vincent and the Canary Islands has been, I am glad to say, materially improved during the last week, owing to the fact that vessels chartered for those islands have been loaded in the Bristol Channel under special priority arrangements. The Government are fully alive to the most serious effect of the dimunition as compared with the pre-war period in the output of coal, and are doing air they can to improve the position, and I am pleased to say, that as the result of cooperation between the Coal Mines Department, the Ministry of Transport, and the railway companies, greatly increased movements of coal have been brought about during the last two weeks.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why Alderman William O'Brien, of the Dublin city council, has been arrested; where he now is; whether he is a member of the Irish Coal Commission, to which he was appointed by His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant; and whether it is intended to bring him to trial?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the question asked on this subject to-day by my hon. Friend the Member for the Wellingborough Division of Northamptonshire (Mr. W. R. Smith). Alderman O'Brien is a member of the Irish Coal Commission.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the reason for the arrest of Alderman William O'Brien, secretary of the Irish Labour party and Trade Union Congress; whether Mr. O'Brien, who is lame, was conveyed in a military wagon from Dublin to the boat at Kingstown with his hands chained to a beam over his head; will he state the reason for this action on the part of the authorities; where Mr. O'Brien now is; and whether it is proposed to formulate any charge against Mr. O'Brien and bring him to trial?

under an Order made in pursuance of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, Alderman William O'Brien 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. There is no foundation for the allegation that the hands of Alderman O'Brien when being conveyed in a military wagon were chained to a beam over his head. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, seeing that under the Technical Schools (Amending) Regulations in England and Wales it is expressly laid down that, in calculating the lesson hours occupied by the courses, the Board may include periods of time spent by teachers in duties of supervision during the intervals between lessons permitted in keeping registers; and whether, as under this Regulation technical teachers in England and Wales are paid for the correction of pupils' work, he is prepared to authorise that a similar payment be made to Irish technical teachers, especially in view of the laborious character of this part of a teacher's duties?

The Department of Agriculture understand that, under the Technical Schools Regulations for England and Wales, local authorities for technical instruction may elect to accept an inclusive grant based upon the aggregate grants paid to the authority in 1913–14, subject to an increase or decrease proportionate to any increase or decrease in the class hours (or other lesson hours) occupied by the courses. Under the Amending Regulations (No. 2), 1920, the Board of Education, in calculating the lesson hours occupied by the courses, may include periods of time spent by the teachers in duties of supervision during such intervals between lessons as are permitted by the rules for the keeping of registers. The Regulation does not apply to classes which continue to receive grants under conditions analagous to those obtaining in Irish technical schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many authorities have prohibited by bye-laws the employment of children attending elementary schools; on what grounds sanction was given by the Home. Office; and if in certain cases such sanction has been refused by the Home Office, what are the reasons for such refusal?

I have been asked to answer this question. There is no power to sanction bye-laws prohibiting all employment of school children. There is power to sanction prohibition of employment in specified occupations and to regulate and restrict employment generally, and a number of codes of bye-laws on these lines have been submitted by local authorities and are being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether at least 300 school children have been taken to the Poplar cleansing station at Bromley-by-Bow since the outbreak of smallpox in that district on 14th February: whether the door of this cleansing station opens directly on to the infected side of the disinfecting station; whether the children's clothing is taken through this door; whether contacts since removed to hospital suffering from small pox were brought to this station; whether a man working at the station has been removed suffering from small-pox: what action does he propose to take should any of the children sent to this station for cleansing purposes develop small-pox: whether he will see that the parents of such children are fully compensated: and whether he will arrange that any children needing cleansing shall be sent to other stations while small-pox infection is likely to prevail near the station at Bromley-by-Bow?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, I am advised that the facts are as follows:—The cleansing station is within the same ground as the disinfecting station, but the children who are taken to the cleansing station do not enter or leave the cleansing station by the door opening into the large yard, which contains also the entrance to the infected side of the disinfecting station. The children's clothing is, of course, taken through this door to the disinfecting station. The contacts of cases of small pox are brought for necessary disinfection to a shelter which is within the same ground as the cleansing station, but is situated at some considerable distance from that station. The man referred to in the question was the driver of the disinfecting van whose duties took him to the home of a person who had been removed suffering from small-pox. The man was aware of that fact, but nevertheless he refused to be vaccinated. I have no authority to direct the payment of any compensation to the parents of children who may contract small-pox, nor do I consider it necessary in present circumstances to close the station to children. But several cases of small-pox have, recently occurred in Poplar, and it is obviously the duty of parents to see that their children are protected by vaccination.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local education authorities have raised the school-leaving age to 15 years?

The power to raise the school-leaving age to 15 years arises under Section 8 (2) of the Education Act, 1918. This Sub-section cannot be brought into operation until the termination of the War as declared by Order in Council. Consequently no Local Education Authorities have yet exercised the power.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many Local Education Authorities were authorised to submit schemes by Section 1 of The Education Act, 1918; how many authorities have submitted such schemes up to the present; and whether any steps have been taken to urge Local Education Authorities to exercise their powers under Section 1?

The number of Local Education Authorities in England and "Wales which are subject to the provisions of Section 1 of the Act of 1918 is 145. Of these three have, so far, formally submitted schemes or instalments of schemes under Sections 1 to 4 of the Act. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member's attention to paragraph 4 of the Circular (No. 1118) issued by the Board to Local Education Authorities on the 2nd July, 1919, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the fact that out of the 23 secondary council schools which have been allowed to reduce the number of free places which the regulations ordinarily require nine are in the county of Cheshire; that in only one of these cases is the relaxation due to adequate provision of free places in neighbouring schools; whether the reason of financial circumstances given in several cases means that the Board of Education approves of a policy of saving the local rates; and why Cheshire is unable to finance its council secondary schools?

In most of these cases a reduction was originally allowed on financial grounds, but in view of recent change of circumstances, particularly the increase of the Board's grants and the removal of the limit of the rating powers of county authorities, I propose to have the cases reviewed.

asked the President of the Board of Education the average annual cost per pupil in the secondary schools of England and Wales, the average annual cost per scholar in the elementary schools of England and Wales, together with the average grant for scholars from the Government in respect of the elementary schools.

Owing to the necessary suspension of statistical work during the War and the depletion of the Board's staff, I regret that I can give no recent figures as to the average cost per pupil of grant-aided secondary schools in England and Wales. The average cost to public funds per scholar in public elementary schools in the year 1919–20, according to the estimates of local education authorities of their expenditure, is £8 10s.; the estimated average grant for the year 1919–20 is £5 0s. 5d.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, owing to the increase in teachers' salaries, any education authorities have closed any of their schools; if so, whether he can give the names of the authorities and the particular localities affected; whether any members of the teaching profession have been dismissed in consequence; if so, what action does he propose to take to ensure fair treatment for the teachers involved; and what provision is being made for the education of those children attending the schools which have been closed?

The number of closures of schools during and since the War has been considerably smaller than before the War, and I have no reason to suppose that recent closures are specially attributable to the increase in teachers' salaries, though it is obvious that the cost of salaries is relevant to the question of the continuance or discontinuance of a school, and particularly a small one. As regards the last part of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to paragraph 21 of Schedule II. to the Act of 1902 and Section 49 of the Act of 1918.

asked the Minister of Health the present outstanding debt of the local authorities of England and Wales such as come within the Local Taxation Returns, the approximate amount of interest now annually paid thereon, and the approximate rate per cent. of such interest charges?

During the War, local authorities were allowed to postpone their returns, and the latest complete figures of outstanding debt are for the financial year ended March, 1917, which show a total approximating £558,000,000. The latest available figures of interest paid are two years earlier, and amount to £19,223,483, which represented an average rate of interest of about 3·4 per cent.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now give the town of Mountsorrel, in Leicestershire, a later despatch of letters from the post office than the present 5.30 p.m. despatch?

I am having inquiry made and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Food when it is intended to increase the 8-ounce sugar ration or, failing that, whether he will consider the possibility of adopting the suggestion of a supplementary ration for children?

The domestic sugar ration is at present 6 ozs. per head per week, and not 8 ozs., as stated. It is hoped shortly to raise it to 8 ozs., although this increase may have to be accompanied by an increase in the price of sugar. It is not, therefore, thought advisable to introduce the arrangements necessary to provide a supplementary ration for children.

asked the Minister of Food whether hoards of frozen meat are now lying in cold storage in this country; whether these abnormal unreleased quantities of the people's food are largely responsible for the high prices to-day; and, if so, what steps the Government are taking for its immediate release?

I have been asked to reply. As regards particulars relating to the quantities of meat in cold storage in the United Kingdom, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers which I gave my hon. and gallant Friends the Member for Torquay (Colonel Burn) on March 9th, the Member for Finchley (Colonel Newman) on March 8th, and the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on March 2nd. The high prices of meat are mainly due to the increased cost of the meat in the countries of production, to higher freights than before the War, due to dearer coal and greater costs of operating ships, and to storage and insurance expenses incurred while the meat was waiting for shipment during the War and the period of disorganisation following. The Government are reducing the price of mutton.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the latest available particulars as to the production of wheat during the current grain year in the various wheat-growing countries, showing also the quantities required for home consumption and the quantities available for export?

I have been furnished by the Royal Commission on the Wheat Supply with particulars for all the principal countries except Russia, showing the latest estimates of production and requirements for the year 1919–20, of wheat and rye. In some European countries these grains are interchangeable. These particulars are as follows:—

asked the Prime Minister what will be the increase in the cost of the loaf, at present sold at 9d., in view of the decision to increase the price of flour; and to what extent the index figure of the cost of living will be raised thereby?

I have been asked to reply. The present maximum permitted price for the quarter loaf is 9½d., although in exceptional cases licences are granted to sell at higher prices, while in certain populous areas bread is sold at as low a rate as 8½d. for 4 lbs. Although it is not proposed to fix an increased maximum price for bread to meet the advance in the wholesale price of flour, it is anticipated that, as at present, prices will vary locally, probably varying from 11d. to 1s. 1d. per quartern, and that, though 1s. may be the ruling price in a majority of districts, bread will be sold in many places at 11d. or even less. On this basis, the general "cost of living" index figure, as published in the "Labour Gazette," would rise by about 6 points, assuming that the prices of articles other than bread and flour remained unchanged.

asked the Minister of Labour how the general index number for the cost of living since July, 1914, will be affected by an increase in the price of broad to 1s. and 1s. 2d. per 4lb. loaf, respectively?

The general index number would be raised by six points if the price of bread rose to 1s., and by 11 points if it rose to 1s. 2d., assuming that in each case there were a corresponding increase in the price of flour and that the prices of other commodities remained unchanged.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can and will give the respective numbers of Sunnis and Shias among the Indian Mahomedans?

According to the census of 1911, there were 66,647,299 Mahomedans in India. The Shias are said to be less than 10 per cent. of the total, but no complete reliable figures are available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a farmer taking out a licence of £2 10s. as a private brewer in occupation of a house of an annual value exceeding £10 but not exceeding £15, which licence entitles him to brew for domestic use only, is entitled under that licence to brew not only for his family and the hired men living in on the farm, but also for the other labourers regularly employed on his farm?

The farmer in question may brew beer for his own domestic use and may supply such of his farm labourers as lodge in his house with part of the beer so brewed for consumption in the ordinary course of their domestic board. If, however, he brews beer for other labourers employed on his farm, liability to beer duty on the beer brewed would be incurred, but the licence duty would be at the 4s. rate.