asked the Prime Minister if a disabled soldier who has been married since his discharge gets no allowance for wife or children; and, if so, whether the Government are prepared to make such allowance in the future?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Rossendale (Mr. Waddington) on the 17th ultimo of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is possible, in view of the facts, that the late Private Albert Lowman, No. 189,934, Labour Corps, and his wife, Mrs. Lowman, of 11, Hermitage Street, Crewkerne, Somerset, adopted a child, Harold John Denning, Mrs. Low-man's nephew, in August, 1017, that Mrs. Lowman received separation allowance in respect of this child from August, 1917, until January, 1919, six months after the death of Private Lowman, and that Mrs. Lowman is not strong enough to work to support the child, to grant her a pension for him?

Linder the terms of Article 24 (3) of the Royal Warrant, an adopted child is only eligible for pension if it was "regularly maintained by the soldier at the commencement of the War or at the date of his enlistment, whichever was later." As the late Private Lowman did not adopt the child until after enlistment, pension cannot be awarded.

asked the Pensions Minister whether any decision has been reached to increase the scale of payments to members of local war pensions committees?

The scale of payment to members of local war pensions committees for loss of remunerative time incurred in attending committee meetings has been revised. Payment may now be made at a rate not exceeding 1s. 6d. an hour, subject to a maximum of 10s., in respect of any one day. A circular letter announcing the new rates was issued to committees on the 12th instant.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Shoeing-smith William Hamlett, No. 98,912, was discharged unfit from Roehampton on 13th September, 1919, having lost one eye and one log; that prior to his discharge he made application to the works officer at Roehampton for training as a shoemaker, and after his return to his home at Devizes made a further application to the local war pensions committee and wont before the medical referece, and again in December, 1919, visited the officer for certification; but, although he has done everything necessary to conform with the Regulations applicable to his case, he has not only received no training, but has not even received a reply to his frequent applications; and if he will cause inquiries to be made into the matter?

I am making enquiries into this case, and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as the investigations are completed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now had an opportunity of reconsidering the question of a bonus or gratuity for the War service of those nurses who worked on the staff of the Almeric Paget Massage Corps?

It has been decided that a gratuity cannot be given in these cases. I should be quite prepared to give these women demobilisation furlough, like other enrolled women, if they so desire, and I am in communication with their representatives on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the reason for the non-payment of time worked, namely, the 20 minutes tea interval, from the 4th August, 1914, till the 30th October, 1916, to the whole of the employés in the Army Ordnance Department, Woolwich Dockyard, comprising one-third of the employés at Woolwich, whilst the other two-thirds, forming the Arsenal section, were paid; and whether he will have this matter reconsidered with a view to payment of the arrears due?

I have been asked to reply. Payment for the tea interval was a concession. After careful consideration of all the circumstances and of the decision of the Court of Arbitration in a similar case, I am not prepared to give it the retrospective effect suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advisability of communicating officially with the various discharged soldiers' organisations and ex-officers' associations inviting them to co-operate in the task of establishing the new Territorial Force on a firm basis?

The desirability of securing the co-operation of ex-service organisations in connection with the reconstruction of the Territorial Army is appreciated, and consultations with certain associations of ex-service men have already taken place. Endeavours are also being made to get into touch with ex-officers' associations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any report has been received from the Military Mission in Berlin of the result of the inquiries instituted last autumn to ascertain if a number of Allied prisoners of war were still detained in Quedlimburg Camp; and what steps, if any, are being taken to trace British prisoners of war in Germany who are still unaccounted for?

As already announced in the Press, in December last a report was received from the British Military Mission in Berlin to the effect that there was absolutely no truth in the statement that Allied prisoners of war were still in Quedlimburg Camp. Quedlimburg is one of the best known camps in which Russian prisoners of war have been confined, and it has been visited frequently by representatives of the British Mission since the Armistice. As regards the last part of the question, the British Military Mission in Berlin has made all possible inquiries to discover any records of the death of prisoners who have not been accounted for.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that there are many experienced ex-flying officers completely cut off from all flying, he will consider the possibility of the Air Ministry arranging for pilots holding the Royal Air Force graduation certificate and Air Ministry civilian flying licence, and who have had sufficient experience, say 200 hours' flying, to hire machines from certain aerodromes at reasonable charges, and so enable them, in the national interest, to preserve their flying knowledge?

The desirability of preserving the flying knowledge obtained during the War by officers now discharged, has not been lost sight of. The proposal made by my hon. Friend would be difficult to apply, but the object will, it is hoped, be attained by the opportunity which will be afforded to a number of such officers to join the Royal Air Force Reserve under the Regulations by which provision will be made for the necessary flying practice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is intended to have a direct air route from Leeds to Holland viâ Hull?

The establishment of a direct air route from Leeds to Holland viâ Hull depends largely on the provision of suitable types of aircraft. At present it is not considered that such a commercial route should be organised for land aircraft for the reasons given in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy, on the 11th of this month (OFFICIAL REPORT, Col. 1556). If, however, a demand arises for the establishment of such a route for sea or amphibious machines, no difficulty is anticipated in setting up the necessary customs' aerodromes for such traffic.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many naval cadets are at Osborne and Dartmouth, respectively, and if it is proposed to make a considerable reduction in their numbers; and if he is aware of the great anxiety by parents and guardians on the subject, especially in the case of elder boys?

I will deal with this matter in my Statement explanatory of the Navy Estimates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it is proposed to give pay plus pension for the period of their war service to all officers of the Royal Navy?

No, Sir. This point was considered by the Jerram-Halsey Committee, but not recommended.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can make any statement as to children's allowances in the Royal Navy; if he is aware of the very strong feeling which exists in the Navy on this subject; and if he can in any way justify the abolition of the allowance or deny the right of the Navy to its restoration?

I am much obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for postponing his question. I am afraid I can hold out no hope as regards the re-introduction of children's allowances.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the effect on prices of the limited quantity of merchant shipping now available, he will appoint a representative committee to consider the question of using naval tonnage to relieve the existing shortage of freight space?

I am afraid that naval ships that are not in the post-war fleet would in nearly every case require a considerable outlay for refit and alteration before being able to undertake such work, and when employed would be very extravagant in fuel and personnel. There are a large number of ships on the Disposal and Sale List, any of which it is open to a commercial firm to buy should they consider it a profitable speculation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his Department have any control over naval officer undergraduates at Cambridge; if so, whether his attention has been drawn to the action of some of these men in connection with a meeting promoted by the Union of Democratic Control in St. Andrew's Hall, Cambridge; whether he is aware that many acts of violence were committed; and whether he can take any action to prevent further outrages of a similar character on freedom of speech and public meeting?

Naval officer undergraduates at Cambridge are subject to the Naval Discipline Act, and a Captain, R.N., is resident at Cambridge and responsible for their discipline. The attention of the Admiralty has been drawn to the disturbances which occurred at the meeting referred to; but, so far as can be ascertained, only two naval officer undergraduates were present. One took part in the disturbance, and disciplinary action has been taken in his case; the other fell from the roof of a building, and is now in hospital.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the same rule has been applied to officers of the Indian Army on the unemployed list as was applied to officers of the Navy, in the new rules for naval officers' pay, published in July last, laying down that officers who became due for compulsory retirement during the War, but continued to serve on the active list, would be treated as retired and called-up officers from the date when such retirement was due and would be paid accordingly with retrospective effect to 4th August, 1919?

No, Sir. I understand that the War Office have not adopted the present naval practice in this matter for officers of the Army, and I am not prepared to reconsider the existing rules as regards officers of the Indian Army.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the present deficiency of officers in the Indian Medical Service; and how many candidates have been forthcoming in the past year?

In a report received from the Government of India in July last they estimated that 166 officers were required to bring the Indian Medical Service up to the strength required by present conditions; 4G officers have been appointed to the Service in the past year.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Census Report or any other publication gives information as to the proportion of Indian Mahomedans descended from converted Hindus or attempts any classification of the Mahomedan population?

I am not aware of any publication which gives complete information on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a request from the Khalafat (Caliphate) Deputation now in this country asking for an interview in which to lay before him the views of Indian Muslims in regard to that question; if he intends to give them an early interview; and, if so, can he say when?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. I propose to receive the Deputation on Friday next, the 19th inst., at 5 p.m.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether officers while serving in Mesopotamia with the 49th (Reserve) Mountain Battery have had British Income Tax deducted from their pay; whether this deduction was made because this battery was not on the Indian Establishment at the outbreak of War; and, if so, whether he is prepared to refund the tax so deducted?

The particular information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks cannot be furnished without enquiry being made in India. I may say, however, that officers of the British Army in receipt of pay from Imperial Funds are ipso facto liable to United Kingdom Income Tax.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the grave hardship which is being caused by the owners of business premises in Liverpool and elsewhere demanding of their tenants at short notice exorbitant increases of rent, with the alternative of quitting those premises, whether, owing to the great difficulty and frequent impossibility of acquiring other premises, serious injury and business loss is thus being caused to small traders and professional men who are now struggling to regain the ground lost by service with the forces and otherwise during the war; is he aware that the increases of rent demanded are in some cases quite unjustified by any increase in the cost of upkeep to the landlord or any decrease in the value of money; that in one case an increase of 400 per cent. has been demanded; and what steps the Government propose to take in the matter, with a view to mitigating the above hardships without injustice to owners of house property?

My attention has been called to only one case of the kind in Liverpool. The question whether it would he practicable to extend the operation of the Rent Restriction Acts to business premises is being considered by the Committee which is now sitting.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is a condition of the Public Works Loan Board in making loans for the building of houses that tenants shall not be allowed to take lodgers or to sublet; and, if so, whether, in view of the great shortage of houses, he is prepared to recommend that the condition be waived?

I understand that the Public Works Loan Board usually make this condition to prevent overcrowding, but that in any case where they are satisfied that overcrowding will not occur, they waive the condition.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the Increase of Kent (Amendment) Act, 1919, has been hold not to apply where a tenant has himself given notice to quit, and then held over, is not protected from being liable to pay an increased rent, he will introduce a Bill to protect such tenant, as the present position punishes a genuine seeker after alternative accommodation, for a tenant; who has given notice to quit would not hold over unless compelled to do so for lack of accommodation?

I have no doubt that this point will be considered by the Committee which is now considering the whole question of the operation of the Rent Restriction Acts.

asked the Minister of Health, what is the estimated amount required for the purpose of housing to be raised by the issue of local bonds during the year 1920–21?

It is estimated that something over £120,000,000 in all will be required for housing during the year, but it is not at present possible to say how much of this amount will be required to be raised by housing bonds and how much will be raised by other means.

asked the Minister of Health, what number of housing schemes have been approved by the Department for the county of Lincolnshire since the armistice; and what number of houses in urban districts and rural districts have been completed for residence under approved schemes, or otherwise, since that date in the said county?

Two hundred and two sites comprising approximately 1,000 acres plans for 3,182 houses and tenders for 2,157 houses have been approved by my Department as regards the county of Lincolnshire since the armistice. 18 houses have been completed under approved schemes in urban districts and an additional 43 houses are completed with the sole exception of plastering and painting, and in rural districts 30 houses have been completed ready for occupation and a further 31 are ready for plastering and painting. I have information that 13 houses have been completed in the county in addition to those comprised in approved schemes, but my information under this head is not complete.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that not a single Member from the county of Monmouth has been appointed a member of the regional committee for Wales for dealing with the housing question; and whether, in view of this omission, he will appoint some Members from Monmouthshire on the regional committee?

The members of the committee were not appointed on any county basis. I have no doubt that the members of the committee will be able to give full consideration to the requirements of Monmouthshire.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in view of the continued increase in the cost of lunatic patients chargeable to boards of guardians maintained at lunatic asylums, the sum of 4s. per head repaid to the various unions under the Local Government Act, 1888, is totally inadequate and throws a heavy burden upon local rates; and whether legislation will be introduced to amend the Local Government Act, 1888, so as to provide for repayment to boards of guardians of at least one-half of the actual cost to them of every lunatic patient maintained in a county asylum?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. T. Davies) on the 1st instant.

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to introduce the promised Bill to amend or abolish the Poor Law?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there has been an outbreak of small-pox in the borough of Poplar and in other parts of East London; and whether, in order to assist in preventing the spread of such disease, he will secure the amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Act or at once introduce legislation to enable a person contracting an infectious or contagious disease through the neglect of any individual, body of persons, or Government Department, to obtain compensation on similar lines to that which enables a workman to receive compensation for contracting a disease in the course of his employment?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. All practicable steps are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease, but I do not see how the course suggested by the hon. Member would assist in that direction, and I could not undertake to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the heavy expense which is entailed on local authorities, and especially smaller local authorities, in resisting applications for extensions of boundaries of large county boroughs and to the fact that the larger and often the more unreasonable the extension sought the heavier is the expense to these local authorities, he can take steps whereby, in the event of any such application being unsuccessful as regards any local area, the expenses of the local authority of that area incurred in resisting the application shall be paid by the body who put them to this expense by seeking an extension of boundary which has proved to be unreasonable?

It has not hitherto been thought practicable to adopt the course suggested in the question, but I am considering what measures can be taken for simplifying and cheapening the procedure in those cases.

asked the Minister of Health how many demobilised and disabled soldiers are now inmates of workhouses of England and Wales: if their cost of maintenance is deducted from their pension and allowance; what considerate treatment is extended to them; whether it is intended to maintain them permanently in the workhouses, or if it is proposed, and when, to transfer them to institutions more befitting their services and sacrifices?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The number of disabled ex-service men in Poor Law Institutions cannot, I am informed, be stated. The cost of maintenance of a disabled man can be recovered by the Board of Guardians, to the extent of any pension payable to him, on application to Pension Issue Office. Arrangements are made by which the admission of a disabled man to a Poor Law Institution is notified to the Local War Pensions Committee in all cases in which they are able to assist, as for instance, where the man needs medical treatment for disabilities due to his War service or where his pension is found to be inadequate to the existing degree of his disablement. In such cases the local committee arrange for the man's removal and give him the medical treatment or other assistance which can be provided under the Regulations of the Ministry. Neither the Ministry of Pensions nor the Local War Pensions Committees can assist demobilised men who are not disabled

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements have been made for the discharge from Woolwich Arsenal of 126 able-bodied and 116 disabled ex-service men within the next few weeks; whether this decision has been arrived at without consultation with representatives of the ex-service men and is thus considered to be a violation of the promise given; and whether, in view of the irritation being caused by the present policy of the authorities, he will have the decision cancelled pending consultation with the representatives of the men?

I am informed that notice of the discharges in question was given in accordance with the procedure laid down. Under this procedure it was arranged that when discharges were a likely contingency, the official of the Government department concerned would consult with a committee of ex-service men as to the best means which could be adopted to secure the minimum of distress or hardship and to discuss the best means of carrying out the discharges impending in that department, and considering whether work could not be found for the men elsewhere. I am, however, making further enquiries into the matter and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if there is any channel through which disabled or demobilised officers and men can obtain surplus stores from the Disposals Board on more favourable terms than those given to ordinary traders?

As I have already stated on previous occasions, the Disposal Board are unable to offer preferential terms to individuals in the purchase of surplus Government property, but arrangements can be, and have in fact been, made for the sale of stores to approved organisations acting in the interests of ex-service men, for the purpose of re-sale to their members.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a keen demand for small holdings and allotments at Billingborough, Horbling, and Pointon, Lincolnshire; that a large number of the applicants are ex-service men; that it is reported 900 acres of land in the district are changing hands early in April; and what, if any, steps have been taken by the Office of Woods to provide land in accordance with the promise given in this House on the 18th July, 1919?

Seven hundred and forty-two acres of Crown land at Horbling and adjoining parishes have been let to ex-service men from this Lady Day. There are other applications from ex-service men for 62 acres, omitting those who have been offered and have declined land. To meet these applications there are only 22 acres of land remaining available to let from this Lady Day. There are also applications in Billingborough, Pointon and the adjoining parishes for 180 acres of land for small holdings other than for ex-service men. The bulk of these applications are in the parishes of Pointon and Billingborough, in which there is, at the moment, no land available, but certain notices to quit are being given in those parishes, which it is hoped will enable the Crown to offer land to approved applicants at Lady Day, 1921. It is not an easy matter to find suitable land for small holdings in the parishes above referred to, as 1,448 acres of this estate are already let in small holdings. I may add that over 8,000 acres of the Crown lands have been let to, or for, the settlement of ex-service men.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the county of Huntingdonshire is ahead of other counties, firstly, in the number of applicants for small holdings under the new Act, and secondly in the number of applicants already settled upon the land; whether he can give the figures of these applicants and the number now upon the land; and whether facilities can be given for a land bank to be established forthwith in the county?

According to the latest returns received from the Hunts. County Council, 973 applications have been made to the council for 16,115 acres. Of these applicants, 692 have been approved for 7,265 acres and 522 have actually been provided with holdings having a total area of 4,549 acres. As regards 219 applicants for 3,569 acres, their applications are standing over either for the purpose of interview or for some other reason. Fifteen other counties have received a larger number of applications for small holdings than Hunts., and one county (Isle of Ely) has settled a larger number of men, but I am glad to have this opportunity of congratulating the Hunts. County Council on the work which they have accomplished in regard to land settlement. In reply to the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that arrangements have been made in accordance with Section 18 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, for the Hunts. County Council to guarantee advances to their tenants for the purchase of livestock, fruit trees, seeds, fertilisers and implements, and in these circumstances I am not aware that the establishment of a land bank is necessary at the moment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Kent education authority are contemplating the establishment of a wholesale and retail store for the supply of books and educational stationery; and whether it is intended that such store shall trade in competition with private traders or will be restricted to meeting the requirements of the schools under its control?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am making enquiries into this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any decision has been reached as to the possibility of some special provision being made whereby the practical experience of teaching acquired by uncertificated teachers of long standing might be taken into account with the Board's certificate?

The matter is still under consideration. I hope that I may soon be in a position to make a statement on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will now reconsider the question of the K Company, Royal Engineers, pension claim, in view of the findings of the Holt Committee?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer of the 24th ultimo to a question addressed by the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Cairns).

asked the Postmaster-General the amount of deposits in the Savings Bank on the 1st March, 1914, and on the 1st March, 1920?

The amount of the deposits in the Savings Bank on the 1st of March, 1914, was approximately £189,000,000, and on the 1st of March, 1920, £266,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who is the advertising agent of the Government, on what basis the tender was awarded; and if he has any objection to laying upon the Table the contract awarded to him?

Four agents for Government advertising have been appointed by the Stationery Office for England and Wales, one for Scotland and one for Ireland, namely:—

England and Wales:
Messrs. S. H. Benson, Limited,	all of London.
Messrs. Dorland's Agency, Limited,
Messrs. C. Mitchell and Company, Limited,
Messrs. Mather and Crowther, Limited,

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total estimated expenditure by all Government Departments for the present fiscal year on advertisements and notices in the British press?

It will take a little time to collect the information, but I will communicate with the Departments concerned, and inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Treasury notes of denominations less than 10s. have been printed; what is the total cost incurred in the production of these notes; and whether there is any intention of putting them into circulation?

About 45,000,000 notes under 10s. have been printed at a cost of £18,820. It was necessary to print these notes as a precaution, but I hope it will not be necessary to issue them.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps have been, or are being, taken by him to cause the afforestation of any part of the county of Sutherland?

By arrangement with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, the Forestry Com-mission are proceeding with the necessary preparations for the afforestation of the plantable area at Borgie. Planting will begin during the present season.

asked the Secretary for Scotland, whether in March, 1919, a conference of representatives of library committees in Scotland passed a resolution affirming the urgent need for the removal of the limitation of the library rate; whether he is aware that the deputation which waited upon him in May, 1919, was representative of much wider interests than the Scottish Library Association alone; that if he suspends coming to a decision on this matter until the convention of royal burghs in April library committees will be compelled to estimate for the coming year on their present totally inadequate incomes, which in many cases were insufficient to meet the unavoidable liabilities of this year; and whether, in view of the fact that an Act was passed for England and Wales last year, he will take immediate steps to assimilate the law in Scotland?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, and my right hon. Friend has received from the Library Association a representation suggesting that the present financial position is as indicated in the third part. While my right hon. Friend recognises the force of this representation, legislation could not in any case take effect before April, and, as already stated in reply to similar questions, he thinks it desirable to obtain the views of the Convention of Burghs before reaching a decision. I may remind the hon. Member that in cases where the penny rate is insufficient for the purposes of a public library a burgh local authority may apply for my consent to appropriate a sum from the Equivalent Grant towards the expenses; and also that Section 5 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, has already made provision for the additional supply of books for general reading through the new Education Authority.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Irish Prison Officers' Representative Council has recently submitted to the Government, through the General Prisons Board, a number of grievances relative to the pay and allowances of the service generally, requesting that those grievances be forwarded for the consideration of the Arbitration and Conciliation Board for Civil Service employés; if so, and having regard to the fact that the Representative Council has not been able to have those grievances redressed by representing them to the General Prisons Board or the Treasury, will he now take immediate steps to have them sent forward to the Arbitration and Conciliation Board; and will he arrange that the Representative Council be given facilities to explain the grievances to that Board?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The officers' statement of grievances and their request to have them submitted to the Civil Service Arbitration Board are being inquired into without avoidable delay, and as soon as a decision is reached it will be communicated to the officers.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland when the Second Reading of the Sheriffs' Bill will be taken, and does the Government intend to proceed with the Bill without delay?

I trust that there may be an opportunity of introducing the Bill shortly, and taking the Second Reading at an early date thereafter.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the meetings of Newcastle fishermen and of the Newcastle Urban Council, and to the influentially signed memorial from leading ratepayers, calling for bye-laws to regulate the fishing industry in that district, and especially to restrain the destruction of immature fish and the injury to the spawning beds caused by seine-net trawling by motor-boats in Dundrum Bay, and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has been called to this matter. The Department of Agriculture have collected, and propose further to collect, evidence regarding the operations of these fishermen, and are at any time prepared to take such stops as they may consider advisable for the protection of the fisheries of the district.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether upwards of 500 British Consuls, Vice-Consuls, and Consular Agents are allowed by the Foreign Office to trade; and, if so, what steps are taken in order to ensure that officials who combine a British official position with a commercial occupation carry on the latter in the interests of British trade?

There are 550 unsalaried Consular Officers. These are permitted to trade. It should be clearly understood that these officers are posted at places where the British interests involved would not justify the appointment of a salaried officer, entailing a charge upon public funds for which no sufficient return could be expected. Unsalaried Consular Officers are appointed on the recommendation of the Superintendent Consular Officer of the district, and their position, occupation, and interests are carefully considered as governing factors in the question of their suitability for such appointment. If an unpaid Consular Officer proves in any way unsatisfactory, steps are taken to effect a change.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the loan to the British Flax and Hemp Growers' Society of £4,450, and to the British Sugar Beet Growers' Society of £170,125, is secured?

The loan from the Development Fund to the British Flax and Hemp Growers' Society was £4,150, not £4,450. The conditions provided that at the close of the working period of five years, the Society should pay over to the Treasury for the credit of the Development Fund the realised value of the machinery and buildings, provided out of the loan, and also repay the loan for working capital less any loss actually incurred in working the factory during the five-year period. The agreement terminated on the 31st July last, and a settlement of accounts is now taking place. The loan from the Development Fund to the British Sugar Beet Growers' Society was £130,125, not £170,125, and it is secured on the Society's estate at Kelham by a mortgage at 5 per cent. interest. The amount of the loan now stands at £82,375, as a portion of the estate has been purchased by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for the purpose of land settlement. The Society is now in a position to repay these loans, as they have sold the estate to a new company called "Home Grown Sugar, Ltd."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonics what active stops have been, are being, or will be taken to increase the supply of cotton in Nyasaland?

The question of developing cotton cultivation in Nyasaland is being dealt with in active co-operation with the Empire Cotton Growing Committee. The Agricultural Department is being strengthened and the improvement of transport facilities is receiving consideration. In addition, the Governor is ready to meet applications for land suitable for cotton growing subject to duo regard to the requirements of the natives.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the price at which coal is supplied for the production of steel, he will fix a maximum price for steel used in this country?

I see no reason for differentiating between steel and all the other commodities whose cost of production is affected by the price of coal, and I am unable to recommend that His Majesty's Government should engage in a policy of general price fixation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if advertisements for pseudo-Dutch bulb firms are now being sent to British firms from Leipzig, thereby indicating German trade is being done under cover of firms in Holland; and whether he has considered any means of compelling enterprises of this kind to show on the literature itself that they are really of German origin?

My attention has been drawn to a case in which a Dutch bulb firm arranged for its catalogues to be posted from Germany, thus affecting, no doubt, a substantial saving on its postal account. If the hon. Member can furnish me with particulars of any case in which German goods sent to this country have been described as Dutch, I will consider what can be done in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade appointed an independent accountant to fix the price to be paid by the British Dye Stuffs Corporation to Levenstein's on amalgamation?

I am glad to have an opportunity of correcting the statement which I made under a misapprehension in the course of a Debate on the 8th March. The valuation to be put on the undertaking of Messrs. Levenstein for the purpose of its acquisition by British Dye Stuffs Corporation, Limited, was settled by agreement between the parties concerned in the ordinary manner, and no independent valuation was made on the part of the Board of Trade.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the report that a German mission has proceeded to Russia to inquire into the economic position of that country with a view to future trade possibilities, he will consider the desirability of appointing a commission from this country for the same purpose?

The suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's inquiry can more appropriately be considered after the arrival in this country of the representatives of the Russian Cooperatives.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the acreage of wheat and barley sown in the season immediately prior to the de-control of the latter commodity, the price for each then ruling, and the price realised to-day?

The acreage of wheat and barley in the United Kingdom in 1919 was:—

Wheat	…	…	2,370,367 acres.
Barley	…	…	1,870,087 acres.

The maximum prices, subject to certain allowances, of the 1918 crops of wheat and barley were, at the date of decontrol of barley (14th August, 1919) 76s. 6d. per quarter of 504 lbs. (72s. 10d. per quarter of 480 lbs.) and 67s. per quarter of 448 lbs. (59s. 10d. per quarter of 400 lbs.) respectively. The average prices of British wheat and barley in the week ending 6th March, 1920, as computed from returns received under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, were 72s. 6d. per quarter of 480 lbs. and 95s. 5d. per quarter of 400 lbs. respectively.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Consumers' Council has entered a protest against the divided control of meat; and, if so, what action, if any, he proposes to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The whole question of the future of food control is now under the consideration of the Government.

asked the Minister of Food if, in the public interest, in view of the great scarcity of English pigs, a free importation of chilled hogs from abroad can be permitted?

There is no restriction on the importation of chilled hogs from any country, except North America. The object in this case is to prevent demands on cold storage space required for meat which has already been purchased by the Government, and free importation cannot be permitted until more storage space is available.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Parliamentary Committee of the London Master Bakers' Protection Society have decided that if the Government's proposals regarding flour comes into operation on 12th April the price of a loaf of bread is to be 1s. 0½d. and 1s. 1d., according to the district; and, if so, whether steps are being taken by the Ministry to ensure that consumers are not being overcharged?

I am not aware of the decision said to have been made by the society referred to. The Food Controller, however, will retain under the new Flour and Bread (Prices) Order power to re-impose at any time without previous notice, maximum prices for bread which will be applicable either nationally or locally.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the extreme difficulty experienced in many places in obtaining even the small rationed amount of sugar; and whether there is any ground for the suggestion now being put forward by the trade that the prices will soon be very substantially increased?

My attention has not been called to the difficulty to which the hon. Member refers, if he will give me further particulars of any such cases they shall be investigated. With regard to the second part, I have already indicated that the coming increase in the domestic sugar ration will probably have to be accompanied by an advance in the price of sugar.

asked the Minister of Food whether it is intended to restrict the use of sugar employed for confectionery purposes?

The quantity of sugar issued for manufacturing purposes has already been reduced to one-half of that used in 1915. It is not thought that the increase in the domestic ration made possible by any further reduction would be commensurate with the distress and unemployment which would be caused in the confectionery trade generally, and particularly among the owners of small sweetshops.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the statement made by the Secretary to the Board of Trade that there was no control other than the coal control the expenses of which were borne by the industry; if he will state the expense that has fallen upon the taxpayer arising from the control of wheat, wool, hops, and livestock; whether he has had any representations submitted to him in favour of the immediate de-control of poultry; and, if so, what steps he pro poses to take in the matter?

I have seen the statement referred to. No expense falls upon the taxpayer as a result of the control of livestock. The cost of the bread subsidy to the taxpayer for the current financial year is estimated at £56,500,000. For the coming financial year it would, but for the advance in the wholesale price of flour which takes effect to-day, amount to £90,000,000. The present estimated saving being half of that sum, the subsidy for 1920–21 will amount to approximately £45,000,000. The control of wool has been carried on by the Ministry of Munitions (Supply) and that of hops by the Ministry of Agriculture. Questions with regard to these commodities should, therefore, be addressed to those Departments. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative. It is hoped to announce shortly the date on which homebred poultry will be de-controlled. It is the intention of the Ministry of Food to maintain, for the present, the control if imported frozen poultry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture on what date the Tuberculosis Order of 1913 will come into force; whether whole-time veterinary surgeons are to be appointed to carry on the required inspections; and whether he is acting in close co-operation with the Ministry of Health in the serious intention of reducing the prevalence of tuberculosis, so far as may be possible by Government measures?

It is anticipated that the Tuberculosis Order, either in its present form, or slightly amended, will come into operation at the same time as the Milk and Dairies Act. The question of employing whole-time veterinary surgeons is under consideration, but the matter is one which presents serious difficulties. The Ministries of Health and Agriculture are acting in close co-operation in this matter, and the possibility of introducing a system whereby herds may be guaranteed free from tuberculosis is under consideration by my Department?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether there are any cases of rabies now in the country; what counties are still subject to the Muzzling Order; and when he expects to be able to cancel that Order?

The last case of rabies occurred in Surrey on the 18th ult. The Muzzling Orders are at present in force in six different parts of the country. Owing to the abnormally long incubation period which sometimes occurs in rabies, it is not considered safe to free a muzzling area within a period of from six to eight months from the date of the confirmation of the last case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if houses are threatened to be erected in Regent Street of eight storeys in height in place of the present buildings of four or five storeys; if his attention has been called to the building erected on No. 133, and to the shadow which it casts across the street; and if he is aware that at noon on the 4th of March the shade cast by the Piccadilly Hotel in the Quadrant covered the pavement on the north side, so that for four months in the year the sunny side of the Quadrant will be deprived of all sun if the other buildings on the south side are raised to a similar height?

I am informed that the Commissioners of Woods have not sanctioned and do not contemplate sanctioning the erection of any buildings on the Crown property in Regent Street higher than the new buildings already erected. The Commissioners have no reason to believe that the increased height will have the result anticipated by the hon. Member, though they agree that the effect must necessarily be to diminish to a certain extent the sunniness of the street. The Commissioners regret that for the reasons stated in the answer given to a previous question put by the hon. Member, the increase of height is practically unavoidable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the veterinary inspectors of the Board have power, under the Exportation of Horses Act, 1914, and the Horses (Importation and Transit) Order of 1913, to order the slaughter of horses presented for inspection and found to be in such a physical condition that it is cruel to keep them alive, or to be permanently incapable of being worked without suffering, and also to serve a notice on individuals and, when practicable, on railway companies forbidding the carrying by rail of horses which cannot be conveyed without suffering; if so, whether the power in either of these respects was exercised with regard to the 525 horses rejected by the inspectors at ports during November, December, and January, and in how many instances of each kind; and, if it was not so exercised, whether, in view of the cruelty involved in this traffic in living animals, including their conveyance to and from the places of inspection before and after rejection, he will give directions for the powers in question to be rigidly enforced and so discourage the purchase by dealers of unfit animals which should be humanely destroyed in this country without any delay?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Five hundred and twenty-five horses were rejected during the months of November, December and January by the Ministry's port veterinary inspectors. Of this number eighty-five were slaughtered. No notices were issued by the Ministry's inspectors under the Horses (Importation and Transit) Order of 1913, but the fact that a horse has been rejected on examination for shipment docs not necessarily imply that the animal is unfit to be conveyed by railway without suffering. The reason for rejection in many cases may be purely a temporary one, which can be remedied by treatment or rest. The Horses (Importation and Transit) Order of 1913 is required to be executed and enforced by the local authorities concerned, and the attention of the police has been drawn to the desirability of keeping observation on stations from which horses are railed to ports. It is hoped that as the provisions of the Exportation of Horses Act of 1914 become better known, the number of animals unfit to be travelled will steadily diminish.

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes, in accordance with the promise given by him on behalf of the Cabinet during the recent dispute in the baking trade, to introduce the Night Baking Prohibition Bill.

I am still in communication with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State upon this matter, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible. It is not possible at present to name a date for the introduction of the Bill, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ripon (Mr. E. Wood) on 14th August, 1919, in which it was stated that if there is undue delay in the introduction of the Bill, this fact will be taken into account in fixing the period of grace, before the Act becomes operative, which was recommended by the Committee of Inquiry.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons during 1919 made application to the Employment Exchanges in London for employment; for what proportion of those persons the Labour Exchanges in London succeeded in finding employment; and how much the total cost of the Labour Exchanges in London during 1919 worked out at per person for whom employment was so found?

During 1919 the number of persons who applied to the 49 Employment Exchanges in London for employment was 1,007,986, and of these 268,845, or 26.7 per cent., were placed in employment. It should, however, be rioted that during 1919, and more especially during the first five months of that year, the number of persons seeking work was unusually large owing to demobilisation, and the number of vacancies notified was smaller than usual owing to the transition of industry from a war to a peace basis. Consequently, the proportion of applicants placed in employment was abnormally low in 1919. As regards the cost per person placed in employment the hon. Member no doubt is aware that the functions of the Employment Exchanges are by no means limited to placing persons in employment, and in 1919 covered not only the administration of Unemployment Insurance, but also Out-of-Work Donation, work in connection with demobilisation and resettlement, and other special services. In these circumstances it is impossible to arrive at a satisfactory estimate of the cost of placing persons in employment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping if he is aware of the number of passengers who are unable to sail for Australia and Now Zealand owing to the shortage of accommodation, and whether, in view of the grave inconvenience caused, he can take early steps to place more vessels on this route?

I am aware there is a large number of passengers unable to obtain accommodation to Australia and New Zealand. Since May last about 35 voyages of ex-enemy steamers to Australasia have been arranged in order to reduce the demand on the ordinary liners for repatriating the Australasian Expeditionary Forces and their dependents. With the exception of about 15 per cent., all the accommodation in the Australasian liners is now available for ordinary passengers, and in addition a number of ex-enemy steamers will remain on the Australasian route. The number of such steamers which it will be possible to leave on this route must depend on requirements elsewhere.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether compensation has yet been paid to the owners of the fishing-boats which were sunk by Gorman submarines in Dundrum Bay; and, in view of the fact that the fishermen concerned have suffered heavy loss for two seasons owing to their not having boats, will he see that the matter shall be attended to without further delay and thereby obviate the loss which they will otherwise sustain in the third season?

No, Sir. A claim will be put forward to the Reparation Commission by the British Government in respect of the loss of fishing-boats by German submarine action. Particulars of such losses—if not already furnished to a (Government Department—should be sent forthwith to the Ministry of Shipping. It wilt be for the Commission, which is an inter-Allied body, to decide to what extent the claim is made good. It is also for them to determine in what manner and in what instalments Germany is to discharge her liability under the Reparation Section of the Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether any agreement has been reached as to the administration of what was formerly Gorman East Africa: and whether the details are now available for publication?

The administration of the territory will be entrusted by the principal Allied and Associated Powers to Great Britain and Belgium under mandates in which their respective spheres are defined. The instrument by which the mandates are conferred will be published in duo course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the total number of war medals required for award to serving and non-effective personnel of the Army is approximately 14,500,000; the total number produced to the end of February last, and how long it will take to produce 14,500,000 medals at the present rate of progress; the total weekly production of medals at the Woolwich Arsenal; and if, in view of the large number of unemployed ex-service men in North London, he can see his way to utilise the Enfield Small Arms Factory for a similar purpose?

The reply to the first part of the question is: Yes, Sir. The total number of war service medals produced up to the end of February last is 1,037,000, and at the present rate of progress it will take approximately 18 months to complete the 14,500,000 war service medals required. The weekly production of medals is 109,000 silver war medals. This rate of production with the accumulated reserve amply covers the requirements of the War Office; but should it be necessary to increase the rate of delivery, arrangements would be made to increase the output of Woolwich, where there is sufficient additional plant, as the allocation of the work to Enfield would involve the setting up of new plant.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he can give any further information concerning the sale by the Disposal Board to the Salt Union, Limited, of the Victoria Works, Wincham; whether these works were the property of the Salt Union before the War; whether they were taken over by the Ministry of Munitions under a contract providing that they should be handed back by the Ministry after the War in as good working condition as before; whether the strict enforcement of this condition by the Salt Union would have cost the Ministry of Munitions many thousands of pounds; whether, in fact, the Salt Union waived their rights under the contract, and whether by the arrangement which was thereupon made for the purchase by the Salt Union for £60,000 of the works constructed on their land by the Ministry a saving of many thousands of pounds was effected to the taxpayer; whether a public auction of the movable plant and material was held by the Salt Union, realising about £34,000; and whether injustice has been done to the Salt Union by the allegations in this House that nearly £60,000 was realised at a private sale and by other misstatements concerning the sale of these works by the Ministry?

The Victoria Works, Wincham, were the property of the Salt Union, Limited, before the War. Under the terms of the agreement with the Salt Union, the Ministry of Munitions undertook "to leave the works in a condition as well adapted for the manufacture of fishery salt as the same were in on the 1st January, 1916." Under the conditions of sale the Government and the taxpayers were relieved from this obligation, and thereby saved many thousands of pounds. I am informed by the company that the greater part of the plant and material were sold by public auction, and that the amount realised was £34,700. As to the last part of the question, the Ministry is satisfied that the arrangement made with the Salt Union was the best that could be made in the national interest.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what offers were made to the Government during the War to make acetate of cellulose and by what firms?

For a detailed statement of the offers of manufacture of cellulose acetate received by the Government during the War, I would refer the hon. Member to the Fifth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure and to the Report of the British Cellulose Enquiry Committee, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the workmen in the Royal Carriage Department, Woolwich, are demanding a Report from their representatives on the Ordnance Factories Pensions Scheme Committee; and whether members of the Committee can now be given the liberty to submit a Report to their fellow workmen on their action on the Committee?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. In regard to the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that, as I informed him in reply to his question on Wednesday last, it is not the present intention to publish the Interim Report of the Committee in question; and, therefore, it would be contrary to the ordered procedure for individual members of that Committee to make any Report as to its proceedings.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether certain persons in the Archives Department have been accused of irregular conduct; whether the circumstances have been inquired into; and, if so, what steps have been taken?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if a superintendent of the Ministry of Munitions has been dismissed after demanding an inquiry into grave irregularities before the findings of such inquiry have been made public or conveyed to the superintendent concerned; and, if so, will he explain why this course was adopted?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions (1) whether the dismissal of Mr. Hankinson from the post of superintendent of the Archives Department was not due to a reduction of the staff; and if any reduction has taken place;(2) whether Mr. Hankinson, a superintendent of a Department of the Ministry of Munitions, called attention to grave irregularities amongst his subordinates in his Department and pressed for the removal of the culprits; and whether these persons remain in the employ of the Ministry of Munitions whilst Mr. C. J. Hankinson has been dismissed from his post;(3) what is the result of the inquiry into the conduct of certain persons in the Archives Department of the Ministry of Munitions accused of leaving the premises during Ministry working hours for the purpose of visiting public houses, of drinking on Ministry premises in working hours, of card playing on Ministry promises during working hours, of listening to confidential messages on the telephone, and making improper use of the Departmental telephone; and what is the result of that inquiry?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions (1) Whether Mr. C. J. Hankinson, the Superintendent of the Archives Department, who has done excellent service in the Ministry of Munitions for 3½ years, has been summarily dismissed; whether he bears the highest character; whether he has called attention to the misconduct of a subordinate; whether an inquiry was held prior to his dismissal; and, if so, what were the findings of such inquiry;(2) who conducted the inquiry into the charges of irregularities in the Archives Department: whether the male and female staffs were separately examined; and what were the names of those employed to make the inquiry?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether Mr. C. J. Hankinson, Superintendent of the Archives Department of the Ministry of Munitions was given notice of his release prior to his having demanded an inquiry into grave irregularities in his Department?

The work of the section referred to is that of receiving and warehousing heavy parcels containing the official documents and records of the Ministry's contracts and other transactions during the War. The place in which this work is done is a disused factory in Southwark. The men against whom the charges referred to in the questions were made are all ex-service men working under the direction of a disabled ex-service man wearing the Mons ribbon. On the 9th February Mr. Hankinson asked that this man should be dismissed on the ground, amongst others, that he had taken his assistants to licensed premises during working hours after having been forbidden to do so. The inquiry held into this complaint showed that no drinking had taken place during working hours. Neither of the two witnesses called by Mr. Hankinson could substantiate this charge, and both denied any knowledge of card playing during working hours. It was, however, proved that the assistant had been discourteous to the Superintendent, but in view of his record for gallant military service, and his otherwise satisfactory record, it was decided not to dismiss him, but to transfer him to another section of the Ministry with a warning of dismissal in the event of further complaint. Mr. Hankinson expressed himself as satisfied with this decision, and the man concerned has given complete satisfaction in his new post.The inquiry was held on the 14th February, under the direction of the Principal Registrar of the Ministry, assisted by the woman Staff officer of the Registry, who was the appropriate officer to question the women staff. The male and female staffs were questioned separately. No charges of drinking on Ministry premises in working hours were formulated at this inquiry. Notwithstanding the facts that Mr. Hankinson had expressed himself satisfied with the result of the inquiry, he asked, on the 25th February—five days after the issue of his notice of release—for a further investigation, alleging that the first inquiry had not been of an impartial character, on the ground that the woman staff officer was a relation of the ex-service man against whom Mr. Hankinson's charges were made. A second inquiry was accordingly held on the 5th March by a Deputy Assistant Secretary and the Chief Woman Establishment Officer of the Ministry, the male and female staffs being examined together. The result of this inquiry confirmed the findings of the first inquiry. The facts ascertained proved that the porters, whilst working under conditions of dust and discomfort, had carried out their duties conscientiously, and were all hardworking men. The woman telephone operator in the factory admitted that she had on a few occasions listened to conversations which passed on the telephone, but denied having passed on information at any time to the staff, and nothing was proved to the contrary at the inquiry.After consideration of the Report following this inquiry it has been decided to confirm the action taken after the first investigation, and Mr. Hankinson has been informed of this decision. There has been no summary dismissal of Mr. C. J. Hankinson, but, in common with a large number of temporary officials, he was released with full notice in order to effect staff reduction. Since December last the staff of the Ministry's Registry, of which the section in Mr. Hankinson's charge forms a part, has been reduced by 52 persons, and the staff in the section itself is being reduced by five. Mr. Hankinson's conduct in the Ministry has been satisfactory. In view of the serious suggestion contained in this question that Mr. Hankinson was summarily dismissed in consequence of having called attention to irregularities in his section, I desire to point out that as early as November last Mr. Hankinson was informed by his superior officer that he would probably be released in February or March of this year. This information was repeated to him later, and prior to his having put forward any complaint of irregularities. It will be obvious, therefore, that, as I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth (Brigadier-General Croft) on the 9th instant, Mr. Hankinson's discharge was in no way connected with the inquiry referred to, and there is not the slightest ground for any suggestion to the contrary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what are the terms upon which auctioneers are employed by them; and the largest sum paid or payable to any auctioneer from the 1st April, 1919, to the 1st January, 1920, and the terms on which this auctioneer was employed?

I shall be obliged if my hon. and learned Friend will repeat his question one day next week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the total number of the staff and the weekly payment for their salaries on the 1st March; and how many of this staff are engaged directly on the disposal of war stores?

I should be glad if the hon. Member would repeat this question one day next week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many dumps or other stores of war material or commissariat are now remaining unsold in the various theatres of the late war; whether it is practicable to return foodstuffs to England and make them available for sale with a view to diminishing the effect of the present high prices; and when it is contemplated that the whole of the Government stores collected for war purposes will be disposed of?

Over 700 dumps of surplus stores in France have been sold, and about 100 dumps remain to be disposed of. In addition, there are a number of docks, repair shops, factories, and railway depots which are still unsold. The bulk of the food supplies has already been sold, and the tenders which are out for the remainder close on the 20th instant. In consequence of the difficulties of transport and labour, it was considered advisable to sell foodstuffs in France. The estimated value of these stocks to-day is £16,000. Their return to this country could not, therefore, materially affect the present prices at Home. Whilst every effort is being made to dispose of surplus stores in France as rapidly as possible, I am at present unable to give any definite undertaking as to when disposals will be completed. In Italy it is hoped that all surplus stores will be sold within a month or six weeks. In Salonika the position has recently been complicated by uncertainty as to military requirements, and in this and other theatres of war I am unable to say more at the moment than that every effort is being made to accelerate the disposal of stores which have been notified as surplus to requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the principle upon which motor lorries are disposed of at Cologne by the Disposal Board; whether preferential treatment is given to particular firms; whether certain firms who have been successful in the purchase of lorries have been met by valuation officers, whereas others have been informed after going to considerable expense that no such officer is at their disposal and that they must deal direct with the Disposal Board; and whether offers made by reputable firms whose financial standing has been accepted by the Disposal Board have been refused in favour of offers subsequently made by favoured firms at a lower average price?

In reply to the first part of the question, the system is that of considering all offers which the Board receive for the sale of the vehicles in situ and of accepting the highest offer obtainable, provided that the price offered compares favourably with the average prices realised at home, regard being had to the fact that the cost of guarding and of transport would fall on the purchaser, and that the firm making the offer is of satisfactory financial standing. With regard to the other parts of the question, no preferential treatment is given to particular firms. If my hon. and gallant Friend would furnish mo with particulars of the cases on which the latter parts of the question are based, I should be glad to make full inquiries into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many motor vehicles have been disposed of to Messrs. G. E. Duerden and Mr. T. H. Webb, of the Olympia Engineering Works, Burnley: on whose behalf have these been purchased; whether these gentlemen obtained a commission on each vehicle they purchased; and the names of the principals for whom they act as commission agents?

No motor vehicles have been sold by the Disposal Board to Messrs. G. E. Duerden or Mr. T. H. Webb. of the Olympia Engineering Works, Burnley. Seventy-six vehicles have, however, been sold to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Motor Transport Association, for which Mr. T. H. Webb signed. No commission was paid by the Disposal Board in respect of any of these vehicles.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many of the national factories established in the War are still retained by the Government; and if he will give their names and indicate which of them are to be permanently in the possession of the State?

Factories under the direction of the Ministry of Munitions—

asked the Prime Minister (1) the names of the gentlemen composing the Disposal Board of the Ministry of Munitions; (2) what are the names of the members of the Disposals Board?

The Surplus Government Property Disposal Board consists of the following members:—

• Mr. F. G. Kellaway, M.P. (Chairman).
• Sir Howard Frank, K.C.B. (Vice-Chairman).
• Mr. Philip Dawson.
• Sir E. L. Connell, K.B.E.
• Lieut.-Colonel Albert Buckley, D.S.O., M.P.
• Mr. W. J. Larke, O.B.E.
• Mr. David Currie, C.B.
• Mr. D. Neylan, C.B.E.
• Major-General Sir A. R. Crofton Atkins, K.C.B., C.M.G.
• Mr. B. Ellinger.
• Brigadier-General Sir H. P. Maybury, K.C.M.G., C.B.
• Sir L. Byron Peters, K.B.E.
• Sir William H. Ellis, G.B.E.
• Mr. R. Burton Chadwick, M.P.
• Mr. F. C. T. Tudsbery, O.B.E., LI.M., acts as Secretary to the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the fact that at least 15 per cent. of the household coal now being sold at full controlled price consists of stone and shale; if he can indicate the people who are responsible for this; and if he can hold out any hope that, when consumers pay a high price for a good article, they will not receive an inferior article.

It is, I am afraid, inevitable that, during the existing shortage, and with the diversion of coal which is necessary to meet temporary difficulties, the quality is not always the same as ordinary supplies, but I am not aware of any such state of affairs as that suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, and if he will let me have particulars of any such cases I shall be glad to have them investigated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that ships may not bunker at Plymouth without special application on Form S 46, and that this fact causes great inconvenience to the French fishing trawlers and others who call there; and whether he will recommend the Coal Controller to reconsider his decision not to allow Plymouth equal facilities as a bunkering port with Southampton, Portland, Dartmouth, and Brixham?

Instructions have now been issued that Plymouth shall be placed on the same footing in respect of bunkering facilities as Brixham, Portland, Dartmouth and Southampton.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping if he is aware of the great scarcity of coal in Shetland, and that it was only with the greatest difficulty that the Coal Controller succeeded lately in getting a cargo to Lerwick; and how it came about that at the same time as the great scarcity at Lerwick, whaling companies could get ample supplies to carry on whaling operations, which are viewed with detestation by the whole populace as being responsible for the ruin of the fresh herring fishery on the West and North of Shetland?

I am aware of the scarcity of coal in Shetland as in many other places, and steps have recently been taken in conjunction with the Coal Controller to faciltate supplies. I have no information as to the supply of coal to whaling vessels.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade the number of cases in which a prosecution has been directed by the Central Committee of the Profiteering Act Department in respect of complaints made to the complaints committee by retailers against wholesalers and manufacturers, and cases remitted by local committees for the investigation of wholesalers' and manufacturers charges; what has been the result of such prosecutions as have been completed and how many prosecutions are now pending, the total number of complaints by retailers against wholesalers, and also the numbers of cases remitted by local committees, and how many of each have been disposed of; and what is the aggregate number of administrative staff employed in these duties?

One hundred and sixty-nine complaints have been made to the Central Committee by retail tradesmen alleging profiteering on the part of wholesale tradesmen or manufacturers. One hundred and sixty-one of these cases have been disposed of: the Complaints Committee of the Central Committee having recommended the prosecution of the wholesale trader or manufacturer in two cases, neither of which have yet come before the justices. One hundred and thirty-seven cases have been referred to the Central Committee by local committees for investigation of the profits made by the wholesaler or manufacturer. Sixty-nine of these cases have been disposed of, the Central Committee having recommended the prosecution of the wholesale trader or manufacturer in seven cases, none of which cases have as yet come before the justices. If, as I assume to be the case, my hon. and learned Friend refers to the administrative staff of the Complaints Standing Committee of the Central Committee, the staff is at present three in number.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Report of the Committee on Prices and Profits in the Soap Industry may be expected; and can he say whether the prices of some of the more largely used brands of soap have been raised during the month of February and, if so, to what extent?

The investigations of the Sub-Committee appointed by the Standing Committee on Trusts of the Central Committee to inquire into the nature of any combination existing among soap manufacturers or distributors and the effect of any such combinations on prices are still proceeding, and I am unable to say when the Sub-Committee will be in a position to render a Report. I understand that the retail price of yellow, carbolic, and Sunlight soap was raised one farthing a pound during the month of February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department has not obtained from the oil-importing companies a detailed financial statement to justify the increase in the cost of petrol; and whether this policy of obtaining such information directly from the large trade organisations concerned in this and in similar cases can be adopted?

I assume that the Sub-Committee which investigated the question under the Profiteering Act obtained such information as they considered necessary for the purpose of their Report. I will bring the suggestion made in the latter part of the question to the notice of the Central Committee.

asked the Prime Minister what action he proposes to take on the findings of the Petrol Committee?

I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for the Kirk-dale Division (Mr. Pennefather) on 4th March.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any inquiry into the boot and shoe trade has been carried out by a Committee establislied under the Profiteering Act?

No general investigation has been made into the boot and shoe industry. The Standing Committee on Prices of the Central Committee has, however, investigated costs and profits in the various stages of the manufacture of boots and shoes under the voluntary Standard Boot Scheme proposed by the boot trade. The Committee found the scheme to be conceived in the public interest, and likely to be of benefit, not only in providing the public with standard boots of recognised quality at reasonable prices, but also generally, in stabilising the market as a whole.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any stock of timber was accumulated at Archangel; and, if so, what quantity, and what has become of it?

A considerable quantity of timber has been purchased in the White Sea, which has all teen shipped with the exception of 39,000 standards. An agreement is now being drawn up for the sale of the balance, subject to certain conditions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Mansion House Association on Railway and Canal Traffic for the United Kingdom is a representative organisation exclusively devoted to the question of railway and canal traffic; why he did not address to this body the letter he sent to the Federation of British Industries, the Associated Chamber of Commerce, the Central Chamber of Agriculture, and the Mining Association of Great Britain; and will he rectify the omission?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Hamilton Division of Lanarkshire (Mr. D. Graham) on 24th February. The letter referred to asked for an expression of views not later than 15th March, and its text has been published in the Press. I am sending the hon. Member a copy. It was considered advisable, in order to facilitate and expedite the enquiry, to restrict the preliminary invitations of views as to the principles on which railway rates could best be based to the fewest possible number of Associations, and I can assure the hon. Member that no disrespect was intended to the Mansion House Association on Railway and Canal Traffic. I should be glad to receive any proposals the Association have to make on the subject and to transmit them to the Rates Advisory Committee for consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the congestion which exists at present on all the available means of passenger transport in South London during the crush hours of the morning and evening; and, in view of this, if he will urge the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company to reopen all the stations on the Victoria to City line and work the same, which would give relief to many districts in South London?

I regret I am not yet in a position to add anything to my reply of the 1st March. On receipt of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the hon. Member's suggestion will receive careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the action of the Canal Control Committee in refusing to allow the adoption of a grading scheme for clerks similar to that adopted for railway clerks; whether it is a fact that clerks on the Shropshire Union Canal are dealt with as railway clerks; whether the Canal Control Committee have also stopped the yearly salary increments of canal clerks whilst railway clerks doing exactly similar work have been graded and drawn back pay since 1st August last; and what steps he proposes to take to meet the reasonable demand of canal clerks for fair treatment?

It is not thought that the scheme adopted by the railway companies, many of whom employ Very large numbers of clerks, is suitable for application to the clerical staff of Canal Undertakings where the number employed is comparatively small. The Shropshire Union Canal is in effect the property of a railway company, and the clerks employed are treated accordingly. It is not the case that the Canal Control Committee has stopped any increments to which clerks would have been entitled under arrangements in force previous to the control. The whole question of the future of canals, including the position of the clerical staff, is receiving careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received the reply from the Midland Railway Company stating the present estimated annual cost of re-opening the closed exit opposite Trent Street, Nottingham?

A reply has now been received from the railway company concerned, and it is now estimated that the annual cost of re-opening the closed exit from 5 a.m to midnight would be £548 6s. 5d., and from 8 a.m. to 7 p m., £358 10s. 0d. In addition, the provision of collapsible gates and a ticket collector's cabin would be necessary the estimated cost of which is £100.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the largo number of accidents that have been caused by and the danger to the public of dazzling head-lights on motorcars, he will, without further delay, take such steps as may be necessary to prevent the use of such lights?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 4th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Finsbury (Lieut.-Colonel Archer-Shee). As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, fresh legislation would be necessary to deal with this question, and so soon as a further Report is received from the Departmental Committee on Lights on Road Vehicles this, among other questions, will be considered.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of women employed on the railways in the United Kingdom on 1st August, 1914, 11th November, 1918, and 1st March, 1920, respectively?

The number of women employed on the railways on the 1st August, 1914, was about 12,000, and on the 11th November, 1918, about 66,000. I cannot give the number for so recent a date as the 1st of this month, but at the end of January last it was about 30,000. These are, however, only approximate figures.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Commission of Inquiry which was sent to Poland to investigate the reports of pogroms against the Jews in that country has reported to His Majesty's Government; and, if so, when the Report will be available for hon. Members?

The Report has not yet been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has appointed a Committee to advise him in reference to the policy of the Government towards British institutions which are promoting British interests in foreign countries; whether any official statement can be made as to the functions of the Committee; whether it is intended to be of a permanent character; and whether any estimate has been made as to its cost?

The purpose of the Committee to which the hon. Member refers is to advise the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the best methods of fostering a spirit of unity and common action among British communities abroad and of making British aims known to and appreciated by foreign nations. As soon as the Committee has submitted its Report to the Secretary of State, it will be dissolved. The members of the Committee receive no payment, and no cost to public funds has been involved by its appointment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Esthonia has been recognised by Italy; whether a representative of the Italian Government has been appointed to Esthonia; and whether this action on the part of one of the Allied Powers will be adopted by Great Britain and France in the immediate future?

His Majesty's Government have received no definite information as to the Italian recognition of Esthonia. In these circumstances, their own action is reserved.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what reduction of staff has been made in his Department since 30th September last and at what reduction, if any, in the call on public funds; whether the administrative and other staffs of the Department are still greatly in excess in numbers and cost over those in the pre-war period; and whether he is in a position to state the numbers employed in the various sections of his Department in March, 1914, and at the present time?

It has been necessary to increase the staff in my Department since the 30th September last to deal with increases in the work, and the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. In answer to the third part of the question, the position (excluding workmen) is as follows:—

—	March, 1914	Sept., 1919.	March, 1920.
Secretariat (including Contracts Branch and Registry).	89	184	194
Finance Division	120	261	248
Architects' Division	509	593	645
Engineering Division	109	120	126
Supplies Division	46	316	329
Parks Division	30	30	30
Total	903	1,504	1,572

In explanation of these increases, I may observe, that, in general, the volume of work now undertaken by my Department, is at least 150 per cent. greater than before the War, whilst it must be remembered that all work in connection with the provision and maintenance of buildings is far more difficult to administer than was the case in the pre-War period. It will thus be seen that the staff has not been increased in proportion to the increase in the work. Among the entirely new services recently added are the equipment of training institutions for disabled and ex-service men for the Ministries of Pensions and Labour, the provision of sanatoria for tuberculous ex-service men, and the provision of cottages on the farm settlements of the Board of Agriculture. The maintenance of all the buildings now in my charge must also now receive more attention, as all possible reductions in this direction were made during the War with the result that there is now danger of serious and rapid deterioration. As regards the Supplies Division, in particular, I should explain that one of its functions is the provision of accommodation for all Government office staffs m London which increased from 18,000 before the War to 100,000 at the date of the Armistice, the present staffs being still about 72,000. This work has entailed and still entails continual movements of staff with a view to the surrender at the earliest possible date of hotels, museums and commandeered business premises.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, of East Harding Street, Fetter Lane, E.C., His Majesty's printers, are paying inadequate wages to some of their employés; that porters and messengers employed by this firm are married men with families to maintain and are only paid at the rate of 30s. per week without any war bonus; and if he will give directions for a clause to be inserted in all Government contracts for printing requiring contractors to pay a wage of not less than £3 a week to their male adult employés?