asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a number of ex-soldiers have applied for holdings on the farm of Dorrery, Caithness; that this farm is part of Crown lands, and consequently under the control of a Government Department; and what steps he proposes to take to compel this Department to make their actions coincide in these matters with his repeatedly expressed determination to provide all possible means for ex-service men to secure holdings?

One ex-soldier has applied to the Commissioner of Woods for a holding on the farm of' Dorrery, Caithness, and it is understood that, in addition, three applications have been made to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. The farm is purely a sheep farm, and comprises 786 acres of enclosed land and 3,600 acres of hill ground. The acreage available for profitable cultivation is small, and its conversion into small holdings would greatly depreciate the value of the remainder of the farm. By arrangement with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, the following areas on Crown estates in the neighbourhood of Dorrery either have been or will be converted into small holdings, namely:—

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether the discharged soldiers and sailors in the electrical training class at Winchester, which commenced under the Ministry of Pensions on 18th June, 1919, were assured that after six months technical work they would be placed out with electrical firms to complete their training in practical work, the Government supplementing wages to a living wage; (2) whether the discharged soldiers and sailors in the electrical training class at Winchester, which commenced training in Juno, 1919, continued till the end of January, 1920, without any tools or material to work upon; whether an offer was made by the Ministry of Labour to one man applying to be placed out with a firm that he could do so if he could find a firm to take him: and whether, having found a firm who are prepared to employ him on a training scheme, the Ministry of Labour inform the firm of electrical engineers that they may take the man till 10th April, 1920, at the rate of 5s. per week, but after that date they sever connection with the training class?

No clas for training ex-service men in electrical work of any kind exists at Winchester, but probably the class at Bournemouth is the one which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind. I am aware that some delay occurred in supplying adequate equipment for this class, and on that account its duration has, as an interim measure, been extended from the ordinary period of six to nine months. So far as I am aware, however, no assurance was given to the men by any officer of this Department that upon the conclusion of six months' instruction in the technical school they would be placed out with private firms to continue their training. I understand that, in fact, one of the men concerned did request to be allowed to transfer training with a private employer, and this was agreed to on condition that he would be paid a wage of not less than 5s. a week. It would have been obviously unreasonable in such a case to extend the period of training beyond that granted to other members of the class. The standard course in electrical wiring is of six months' duration, and it would appear that some confusion has arisen between this course and courses under the terms of the schemes jointly agreed by the Government and the trade for training in the electricity power and light industries. Inquiries are being made whether any assurance of the nature referred to was given to the men by the War Pensions Committee concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Chapman, of 47, Elizabeth Road, Orrell, near Liverpool, wife of Company-quartermaster-sergeant Chapman, 2nd battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, was recently granted permission to join her husband who is stationed at Khartoum; that the papers granting permission reached her on 3rd March: that on 4th March she sold up her homo; that on 5th March she received a telegram cancelling the permit; and that on 6th March she received a letter confirming the telegram and asking her to return all the papers as there had been a mistake; and whether he will grant this lady some allowance, in view of the inconvenience she has been put to, and ensure that she receives travelling facilities at the earliest possible moment?

When the permit was granted the regiment was at Cairo, where available accommodation for the family existed. It then was moved to Khartoum where there was no available accommodation, and the permit consequently was withdrawn. I am sorry to find that this was not at once notified to Mrs. Chapman. I am willing to consider the question of compensation for the unavoidable expenses to which she has been put.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the cable censors, who were under military law and on duty during the daylight air raid of 7th July, 1917, at the Central Telegraph Office and General Post Office when it was struck by two or three bombs, the roof set on fire, and a sentry on guard outside the building was killed, had been given specific written orders by the War Office to remain at their posts during an air raid, not to vacate the censors' rooms, and not to take cover below, though the telegraph staff and employees were ordered by their chief to take cover in the basement during air raids; whether, in consideration of the specific order to remain at their posts during air raids and not to take cover, a medal has been awarded those cable censors who were present on duty that day; and, if not, whether he will consider the granting of of one, or, failing a medal, some other recognition of their work under direct enemy fire?

As far as I am aware, no written orders of the nature suggested were issued by the War Office. I understand that the top floor of the office was evacuated after the air-raid warning was given, but work was carried on in other parts of the building. With regard to the last two parts of the question, a medal has not been awarded to the cable censors referred to, but, as I have previously stated, the grant of a medal to those who rendered service at home in connection with the War is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to acknowledge by some decoration or medal the services of those who formed the antiaircraft section during the War?

As stated previously, the question of the award of a medal for those who rendered service at home in connection with the War is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether the forms to be filled in by officers placed on half-pay to enable them to draw their pay monthly in arrears as instructed are now ready; and whether the Paymaster-General has received authority from the War Office to issue such pay?

I do not understand the difficulty to which the hon. and gallant Member appears to refer. Perhaps he could let me have further particulars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any compensation or rent was paid by His Majesty's Government to the French Government for trenches and dug-outs constructed or held by His Majesty's Army in France during the 1914–18 War or since the armistice; and, if so, what was the amount so paid?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative, and the last part does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men at present serving in the Army; in what countries they are at present stationed, and, if possible, the numbers in each country respectively; how many of them are retained under the Military Service Acts and how many are volunteers; how many men have since the armistice been discharged from the Army; how many have been placed in Reserve Z; and what is the number of Indian troops chargeable to the Imperial Exchequer and where are they located?

The approximate numbers of other ranks in all theatres and garrisons abroad and at home on the 15th March, 1920, were as follow:—

asked the Secretary of State for War if an officer proceeding with his wife to India received a wire that he was to embark on the ss. "Egypt" on the 14th February; if this date was cancelled to the 18th, then to the 23rd, and then to the 2nd of March; if the War Office wired that she would sail on the 13th or 15th and later on fixed the 20th; and if, in view of the expense and inconvenience already caused, he can state if the 20th may now be considered a final and definite date?

The facts are generally as stated in the question. The s.s. "Egypt" was due to leave Tilbury on the 14th February, but its sailing has been delayed owing, it is understood, to defects which developed in the main steampipe, and proved to be beyond repair. A new pipe was put in hand, but this also was defective and consequently it was necessary to make a further new pipe which has not proved satisfactory. It is not anticipated that the ship will leave Middlesbrough until the 20th March, and, if this date is kept, embarkation will take place about the 23rd–25th March, but it is regretted that no definite promise can be given. Sufficient shipping is not available to enable all passengers to be transferred to other ships, but as far as, possible berths have been provided in other ships for unaccompanied ladies and those taking families.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether adequate allowances will be made to all Yeomanry regiments for the provision of horses and forage up to the full establishment of personnel allowed when out for annual training?

My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that, arrangements will be made, in one form or another, for the provision of the horses and forage necessary for such training as may be prescribed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the granting of a gratuity to those cable censors who, though they served on the cable censorship under military law for two or three years, have been refused any gratuity on the ground that they were not gazetted as such, and that therefore they do not come under Royal Warrants 496 and 497, although they did exactly the same work and were placed under military law during their tour of service; and, if these cannot be included under Royal Warrants 496 and 497, whether he will consider the granting to them of a gratuity commensurate with their length of service as all other war workers have been granted?

The cable censors who were not gazetted served in a purely civilian capacity and are consequently ineligible for the gratuities provided for officers. The suggestion that a gratuity has been given to all other war workers is not in accordance with the facts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an adequate antiquities service is being maintained by the British-occupied enemy territory administration in Palestine; whether any reports have been received to the effect that certain monuments of archæological interest have been damaged since the British occupation; whether the Turkish Government maintained an antiquities service in Palestine before the War; and whether, if it appears on investigation that the present service is inadequate, he will issue orders to have it increased?

I am informed that reports have been received to the effect that certain monuments were suffering damage, and the fact has been brought to the notice of Professor Garstang, who has offered his services and those of his staff, and has, in addition, volunteered to raise certain funds for the restoration and preservation of such monuments. I understand that no systematised antiquities service was maintained by the Turkish Government, nor was there any methodical and scientific research work; though casual discoveries were frequently investigated by the Director of the Imperial Ottoman Museum. There is no reason to believe that the service which is being instituted is likely to prove inadequate, and the hon. Member may rest assured that the matter is one which will receive the fullest attention.

asked the Minister of Food whether his department has recently bought and imported potatoes from Denmark; whether the recent importations from Copenhagen were carried through by private business firms; whether the controlled price of £12 15s. per ton to producers for ware potatoes, beginning on the 15th instant, is a flat-rate price applicable alike to finest marshland King Edwards and Dunbar Red Soils and to the common black-land fen potatoes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; to the second, in the affirmative. The price referred to in the third part of the question is a maximum price only, and there is no reason to assume that common black-land fen potatoes will realise this figure. It is not thought to be practicable to fix different maximum prices for different grades of potatoes.

asked the Minister of Food whether the result of re-imposing control on dried fruits other than Californian dried fruits has been to raise the retail price of dried fruits from 1s. to 1s. 2d. per lb.; and whether he will now remove this control; and whether he has received any representations on this matter from the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited?

The maximum retail price of dried fruits other than Californian dried fruits vary from 8d. per lb. to 1s. 6d. per lb. These prices are in excess of the maxima fixed for similar dried fruits imported prior to the 1919 season, the increase being due to a considerable advance in the cost of production in the countries of origin. Control will be removed from dried fruits as soon as existing stocks have been disposed of, provided that arrangements can be made to safeguard the interests of the consumer. The Co-operative Wholesale Society, Limited, are represented on the Dried Fruit Trade Advisory Committee, and their representative takes part in all discussions on matters affecting the trade. Apart from this no representations with regard to the control of dried fruits have been received from the society.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any police regulations prohibiting taxi-drivers from smoking whilst driving fares?

The answer is in the negative so far as the Metropolitan Police are concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office the rates of pay and allowances drawn by British Army, Air Force, and Indian Army officers respectively while prisoners of war, the

The following statements, though not so complete and elaborate as the question suggests, will, I hope, be sufficient for the hon. and gallant Member's purpose.and lower received during captivity the rank. The rates in the case of infantry

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is possible to ensure the use of less porous cardboard for the present postcards?

The quality of these cards has been improved of late. I am assured that it is now as good as can be supplied, in present conditions, at the price for which the cards are sold—eleven for 1s. But I hope shortly to make arrangements for the sale of stout postcards to be resumed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether newspaper wrappers of 1d., as well as id., will be issued; and whether their former length will be restored?

The question of issuing 1d. newspaper wrappers is under consideration. The width of newspaper wrappers was reduced in order to save paper, and I have no reason to think that the present width fails to meet general requirements.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether the raid on the Sinn Fein Co-operative Bank in Dublin was carried out my military or by police, or both; whether the bank is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act; if so, for how many years it has carried on banking business; whether on the occasion of the raid over £1,000 in cash and over £7,000 in deposit receipts were carried off; if so, under the authority of what statute; what Government Department now holds the money; and what Government Department accepts responsibility for the seizure?

A Writ of Summons has been issued out of the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice in Ireland at the suit of the Bank against the Chief Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Ireland for an injunction and other relief arising out of the seizure referred to. Service of that writ has been accepted, and a notice of motion for an interlocutory injunction has been served for 23rd inst.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the officials of churches in Scotland are being charged the full price for coal; and whether an abatement of 10s. per ton can be given to churches and schools?

I should be glad if the hon. Member will be good enough to give me any specific instances within his knowledge in order that inquiries may be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps, since the War, have been taken by his Department to promote the cultivation of raw material within the Empire?

Steps are being taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee which is considering the best means for promoting the flax industry, and in particular it is hoped to increase the cultivation of flax in the East Africa Protectorate in connection with the scheme which was brought into effect last year for the settlement of ex-officers on farms in that territory. With regard to the development of cotton cultivation, I would refer to the reply which I addressed to my hon. Friend, the Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Chadwick), on the 23rd of February. As regards other raw materials, it has not been feasible to take any special steps since the War, but every possible assistance is being given in the direction of further development by the scientific departments of the Colonies and Protectorates concerned.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Governor of Ceylon has been asked by the Colonial Office to come to London for consultation on matters pertaining to the reform of the Ceylonese Constitution; if so, when is he coming and is he to be accompanied by the Attorney-General of Ceylon; is he coming after full consultation with the leaders of various Ceylonese communities, so that every possible delay may be obviated in carrying out constitutional reforms; and will the Secretary of State for the Colonies indicate the procedure that will be followed in regard to the constitutional proposals, whatever their nature, especially indicating whether they are to be dealt with departmentally or by the King in Council, or are they to come before this House?

The Governor of Ceylon has been asked to come to this country to discuss the question of Constitutional Reform in Ceylon, and I under-stand the Attorney-General will accompany him. The Governor has had several opportunities of ascertaining the views of the various sections of the community on this subject and of discussing it with representative leaders of local opinion. I am not in a position to state what method will be adopted in carrying out any changes in the existing Constitution that it may be decided to make.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Committee which has been considering the question of future control of railways has presented its Report?

The Minister of Transport, after much investigation and consultation with his advisers and conference with the Cabinet, has undertaken further investigation at the request of that body. It is hoped that this will shortly be submitted to the Cabinet for its further consideration. No Committee such as is suggested in the question has been appointed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what are the names of the firms which have made contracts with the Disposals Board for the purchase of surplus stores of £150,000 or greater amounts?

A return in the form asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend would involve a considerable amount of labour and could not be prepared without serious detriment to essential work. I am not, therefore, at present prepared to order the preparation of such a return.

asked the Minister of Labour whether great inconvenience is caused to the inhabitants of Kinning Park, Glasgow, by the continued occupation of the lesser Kinning Park Hall, West Scotland Street, as a labour exchange; whether the old town hall, Stanley Street, which has been empty for some time, could be utilised equally well for this purpose; and whether, under these circumstances, he can arrange to transfer the exchange from one building to the other if it is proposed to continue it?

The lesser Kinning Park Hall, West Scotland Street, Glasgow, it as the present time being used as an Employment Exchange, in order to deal with 600 applicants for whom it is not possible to find suitable accommodation elsewhere; these applicants include women and disabled ex-service men. The possibility of using the old Town Hall, Stanley Street, has been fully considered, but the premises are on lease to the Salvation Army, and are occupied for meetings every evening. In addition to this, the accommodation at the old Town Hall can only be reached by one staircase, and is therefore not suitable for dealing with men and women together.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the annual amount required to increase by 50 per cent. the pensions granted prior to 3rd August, 1914, to the police, to other pensioners of the State, to pensioners of the local authorities, and of the railway companies, giving the amounts separately in each case?

Without detailed examination of the pension papers of all claimants I can give no exact answer to this question, and such detailed examination would involve an expenditure of money and time that I do not feel justified in undertaking. At a guess I should say that the cost to the Exchequer would not be less than £4,000,000 in the first year. I cannot give any figures for local authorities or for the railway companies. I may add that the proposal is open to the obvious objection that it gives the maximum of benefits to those already in receipt of the largest sum, and the minimum of advantage to those with the smallest pensions. It would, therefore, not be an appropriate method of meeting hard cases.