asked the Postmaster-General whether all learners who served with the Colours were promised that appointments on the establishment would be earmarked for them and that such appointments would date from the second anniversary of entrance into the learners' class; whether Mr. W. A. Elliott, of the Norwood district office, had an appointment earmarked for him from the 1st April, 1915, which date is fixed for the purpose of calculating his starting pay and marking the point from which his service counts for pension; whether Mr. Elliott has been refused a certificate stating that his appointment dated from the 1st April, 1915, and has been offered instead a certificate showing the date of appointment as the 18th June, 1919; and whether, in view of the official promise made and the fact that April, 1915, is the date from which Mr. Elliott's service will count, he will issue instructions that an amended certificate shall be handed to this officer?

An established appointment was earmarked for Mr. Elliott from the 1st April, 1915; and that date will be used for the determination of starting pay and seniority, and for the calculation of pension. The appointment, however, only becomes operative in such cases on the date of taking up duty.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a discharged soldier named Whitelock, who has two artificial legs and is training at the Government training factory, New Basford, Nottingham, had 38. 9d. deducted for being thirty-five minutes late on the morning of 14th February; whether the man's explanation that his progress on the cycle which he uses was, by reason of his great disability, much hampered by a high wind should have been accepted as a reasonable cause of his lateness; and whether he will request the manager of the factory to reconsider his case and refund the deduction?

I find on inquiry that the deduction referred to consisted of two sums of 6d. and 3s. 3d. forfeited on the 7th and 10th respectively, not for the reasons quoted by the hon. and gallant Member, but because on the first occasion Whitelock arrived late at the factory, explaining that he had overslept himself, and on the second occasion failed to attend at all and did not offer any excuse or explanation. I may add that since Whitelock started training he has lost time on twelve occasions and been excused on eight of them. No deduction would have been made from this trainee if the circumstances had been such as those mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Health seeing that many ex-soldiers now disabled and drawing disability pensions were contributors to the National Health Insurance, whether he will now consult with the Minister of Pensions as to reviewing the decision arrived at which debars these men from receiving the National Health Benefits; and, if not, whether he will explain the reason for refusing these men the benefit they have contributed towards for many years?

The reduction of sickness and disablement benefits, which applies only in the case of men in receipt of 100 per cent. pensions, was recommended by a Select Committee in 1915. The repeal of the statutes under which this reduction is made would impose upon approved societies a liability which the contributions were never intended to cover, and would endanger the financial basis of National Insurance. But the Act of 1917 provides for the return to full benefit of men whose working capacity is re-established.

asked the Pensions Minister what are his reasons for refusing to supply a duplicate set of limbs to officers and men who have been amputated above or below the knee, as this attitude causes hardship to the men concerned, as artificial limbs frequently want repairing, which necessitates the men staying in bed, and thereby breaking time until such time as the limbs are repaired, and causing dissatisfaction to the men's employer, owing to the time which is so frequently broken, and acts as a deterrent to the men obtaining work?

There has been no refusal such as is suggested in the question. On the contrary, the principle is fully recognised that every officer or man who has lost a limb in the War should be supplied with a duplicate artificial limb for use when the first artificial limb is in need of repair. The systematic issue of the duplicate limb was commenced in October last, when the supply of the first artificial limb to the 42,000 officers and men concerned was approaching completion, and it is making good progress.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst the temporary clerks employed by the Ministry at Manchester owing to the totally inadequate rates of pay; that 90 per cent. of the temporary staff are receiving the lowest rate, although doing the same class of work in many instances as the higher grades; and whether he will have inquiries made into these men's grievances?

The scales of pay of the Ministry staff in Manchester are those approved by the Treasury for the temporary clerical staff of all Government Departments. These scales are under consideration, and it is expected that an official announcement on the subject will very shortly be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of awarding modified Service pensions to men demobilised with over 18 years' total service but less than 21 years' service who under present Regulations are ineligible on account of the fact that they have not been awarded disablement pensions by the Ministry of Pensians, in view of the fact that their position compares very unfavourably with that of an invalided man with the same length of service who is awarded both service and disablement pensions, and who therefore gets a permanent award for his long service, as well as full compensation for his disablement, which may later become nil?

I understand my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to be that the very liberal treatment accorded to men disabled in the War should now be made a reason for extending life pensions to a new class of man, not at present entitled, and not disabled. I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of an alteration in the conditions attached to eligibility for pensions such as is suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction prevailing among the demobilised old soldiers through the penalising effect of recent Army orders whereby men, whose disability is in many cases due to wounds, with less than 21 years' service are debarred from benefits given to those who have served the latter number of years, he will appoint a comprehensive committee on which demobilised men who have spent the best years of their lives in the Army shall be represented; if, before the orders referred to were issued, any of the men most closely affected were consulted; and if he will give the number of demobilised and disabled men with over 18 years' and less than 21 years' service who are debarred from the grants given to those with the longer number of years?

This point is at present under consideration by an interdepartmental committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will draw the attention of the Cabinet Committee inquiring into individual cases of hardship of State pensioners to the case of John Cross, who served 12 years in the Royal Marines and 28 years in the Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford, being discharged in September, 1912, with a pension of 9s. per week and, being now 66 years of age, is unable to find employment?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the order for the payment of arrears of war bonuses to single men who served with the colours is not being observed in the case of labourers on clerical duties, storemen, etc., at Woolwich; and whether he will give instructions for the application of the order to all these classes?

The order to which I presume the hon. Member refers relates to the payments to be made to men employed in other than the clerical classes. I am afraid it is not possible to extend the application of the instruction in question in the way the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers and men who served in the Home establishment only on the coast guard and boys under training, and officers and men of the Royal Naval Division and Anti-Aircraft Corps who served for part time during the War are to be granted the British war medal; and, if so, why no officers and men belonging to the Royal Garrison Artillery, coast defence, or anti-aircraft detachment receive any recognition when several forces on the coast experienced bombardment during the War?

The conditions governing the award of the British War Medal are not identical for those serving with the Royal Navy and with the Army. I understand the Admiralty grant the Medal to all those who have 28 days' service at Home or Abroad. With regard to the latter part of the question, this Medal is not issuable to thase members of the Military forces who did not serve overseas during the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of lads under, 17 years of age who enlisted without the consent of their parents, making a false declaration that they are 18 years of age or more; whether such lads are at once released from the Army if their parents give early notice and proof of their correct age; and, if not, on what grounds he claims the right to retain them in the Army against the will of their parents?

Where a soldier has enlisted without his parents' consent, stating that he is 18 years of age, he is discharged after verification of his correct age, if he is still under 17 years of age at the time when his parents apply for his release.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the men who joined for service in the recent war and were placed in a low medical category and not called upon for active service can consider themselves discharged from the forces, and if it is proposed to issue to these men a certificate of discharge?

The men referred to were assigned to work of National importance and given an Exemption Certificate from Military Service. The majority of them were placed in Classes B. and W. of the Reserve. Their discharge from the respective classes must be dependent on the final ratification of Peace Treaties with all the belligerent Powers. The discharge will be effected through notices in the public Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade what quantity of German beet sugar was imported into this country in 1913; and whether representations have been made to the Supreme Council urging speedy action for the restoration of the German beet industry so that the present shortage and high prices of sugar in this country may be remedied?

In 1913, 9,429,000 cwts. of unrefined beet sugar and 9,309,000 cwts. of refined sugar were imported into the United Kingdom, consigned from Germany. Although the official records do not specify the kind of refined sugar, it is reasonable to presume that it was practically all beet sugar. Careful consideration is being given to suggestions which have been made from time to time for stimulating the production of sugar throughout the Continent, but I am not aware of any representations having been made to the Supreme Council.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that thousands of boxes of bacon, weighing four to a ton, have been sold by authority of the Ministry to soapboilers and others at a loss of about £160 a ton; that thousands of boxes, weighing four to the ton, have been sold to the Continent at a loss varying from £ 80 to £140 per ton; that allowances on many thousands of tons of from £5 to £50 per ton have been made to buyers in this country; whether there are still many thousands of tons waiting to be sold to soapboilers and others when they can take them; whether there are further thousands of tons yet to be sold which are certain to lose £50 per ton; and if he will take action in the matter?

A considerable number of boxes of bacon requisitioned by the Food Controller in August, 1919, were in bad condition when landed in this country, and have accordingly been sold to soapboilers and others. Further quantities have been exported to the Continent or sold in this country at varying prices below the authorised maxima. As the price to be paid for the bacon is at present the subject of negotiation between the Ministry of Food and the American packers, it is not possible to say what loss, if any, will be incurred. The remaining stock of requisitioned bacon, which is now small, is in the hands of importers to be sold subject to the supervision of committees nominated by all sections of the trade which have the power to reduce prices in order to effect clearance. Action has been taken to prevent further importation of bad bacon by resuming purchase on Government account, I may add that out of approximately 450,000 boxes which have been landed in this country on behalf of the Ministry of Food since the resumption of control, not one has arrived in such a condition as to be, or to become, unfit for food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) if he is aware that farmers in Scotland cannot dispose of their fat cattle to the best advantage, as they cannot get licences in sufficient numbers for fat cattle for slaughter in Glasgow, and if, under these circumstances, he will issue instructions that applications for such licences from Scottish farmers are to be fully satisfied before Irish cattle are imported into Glasgow, especially as the cost of such importations from Belfast to Glasgow is borne by the public; (2) if he is aware that numbers of Irish cattle are being sold and killed for beef in Glasgow every week, while before the beef control was instituted very few fat cattle were forwarded from Ireland at this season of the year; and if, under the circumstances, he will issue instructions that all Irish cattle imported into Glasgow to be sold as fat cattle are to be inspected by a super-grader or slaughter-house Government agent before they are allowed to be classed as finished fat cattle?

My right hon. Friend has made enquiries into this matter, and is satisfied that there is no foundation for the statement that Scottish farmers have difficulty in obtaining licences for the slaughter of fat cattle in Glasgow. He is aware that the numbers of Irish cattle received for slaughter in Glasgow are larger now than during the corresponding period before control, but this is due chiefly to changes in the methods of farming practised in Ireland. All Irish cattle imported into Glasgow for sale as fat cattle are already subject to the inspection of experts before slaughter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he has seen the statement made by the London Dried Fruit Trades Association that the Ministry is now selling currants, raisins, etc., at prices which show profits on currants £15 per ton, on raisins and sultanas up to £18 per ton, on figs £8 per ton, and on dates £9 per ton; and whether he is prepared to reduce the present prices?

I understand that the figures quoted in the statement are greatly exaggerated. It is estimated that when stocks have been cleared a small profit will be realised on the sale of currants, raisins, and dates, but that there will be a loss on sultanas and figs, with the result that neither a profit nor a loss will be made on the transaction as a whole. In these circumstances, it is not possible to reduce the selling prices of dried fruits.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that members of the London Dried Fruit Trades Association are prepared to sell Vostizza currants in warehouse ready for immediate delivery at a price which, after payment of carriage, charges, distribution, and grocers' profits at the rate now paid by the Department, will enable the grocer to sell them at 2d. per pound less than the price fixed for inferior fruit: whether the Ministry will not allow these currants to be sold in this country except for shipment abroad; and why consumers are to continue to be deprived of the opportunity of purchasing currants at a price lower than the one now prevailing?

My right hon. Friend is aware that a small quantity of Vostizza currants has been imported on private account and that delivery cannot be taken by the importers by reason of the Dried Fruit (Restriction) Order, 1919. Before the currants were imported, all persons concerned were notified of the prices at which the Ministry of Food would be willing to take them over, but after their arrival the importers were not prepared to hand them over at these prices nor were they prepared to sell them to the Ministry of Food, at a price which, after payment of all charges, would enable grocers to sell them at 2d. per lb. below the maximum. In these circumstances, no preferential treatment can be accorded to those persons who imported the currants with full knowledge of the price which the Ministry of Food was prepared to pay.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Ministry of Food arranged to purchase and export 90,000 cases of eggs from Egypt during the present season; whether the bulk of the eggs purchased by the Ministry were supplied by the members of a certain committee of traders on such terms that a fixed profit was assured to them, whilst other exporters were excluded from supplying; whether strong representations against the methods of purchase employed were made both by the other exporters at Alexandria and merchants in this country direct to the Ministry of Food, to the agent of the Ministry at Alexandria, and to the High Commissioner, Cairo; whether up to the end of January less than 20,000 cases of eggs had been shipped; whether the system adopted was the cause of the small quantity exported, and had to be abandoned in consequence; whether a great deal of discontent exists amongst the natives owing to the methods of control employed; whether, under the circumstances, the control of export is to be entirely removed; and, if so, when?

By agreement with the Egyptian Government the Ministry of Food arranged to purchase the exportable surplus of Egyptian eggs with the exception of a small quantity supplied to Malta. The prices paid were originally fixed by the Ministry's Agent in Egypt in consultation with a Committee of Traders, but it is not the case that exporters not on the Committee were excluded from supplying eggs. This Committee was disbanded on the 27th January, and the supply of eggs thrown open to tender. Representations against the methods of purchase employed have been received by the Ministry of Food from some Egyptian packers who have been asked for a more definite statement of their case, but with one exception no complaint has been received from merchants in this country. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative, but my right hon. Friend cannot agree that the system of purchase employed was the reason for the small quantity of eggs exported or for discontent among the natives in Egypt. It has already been decided to discontinue the purchase and shipment of eggs from Egypt on account of the Ministry of Food as from the 31st March.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if in any future legislation on profiteering he will bring the charges by dry dock companies for ships' repairs within the scope of the Act?

No, Sir. The charges made by dry dock companies for the repairing of ships involve not only the use of the dry dock and the supplying of materials, but also the provision of the necessary labour, and raise questions which cannot be properly or conveniently dealt with under the Profiteering Act.

asked the Prime Minister what steps he proposes to take to give effect to the Report of the Profiteering Committee that the present price of petrol is excessive and without justification?

The Board of Trade propose to discuss further with the companies the various items of cost to which the Sub-Committee call attention, but even if it were found possible to effect a temporary reduction, I think we must face the fact that the demand for motor spirit is growing more rapidly than the supply, and that short of a complete international control, which is hardly a practical proposal, the most effective method of preventing an increase of price is the use of other forms of liquid or gaseous fuel. The Board of Trade are examining the various possibilities with the assistance of the Fuel Research Board. There are difficulties in the way of an extended use of gas, particularly the fact that supplies of town gas are not too plentiful. I hope that it will be possible in due course to increase the production of benzol; but this, again, will be a limited quantity. The greater use of alcohol is no doubt one remedy, but a good deal of research, both as to possible sources of supply and the provision of a cheap and efficient denaturant, will be needed, and it will, I fear, in any case be a long time before large quantities can be expected to be available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inform the House what is the exact amount of the profits of the coal trade from which the aggregate sum formed by the increased wage demands of the men can be drawn; and whether he anticipates that it will be necessary further to raise the cost of coal to the consumer?

I do not think, in view of the negotiations proceeding at the moment, that I can enter into this question at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the allocation of coal for the Derby Co-operative Society should be 1,568 tons per week, and that for the last two months, ending 28th February, they have only received an average supply of less than 900 tons per week; the reason for this deficiency; and what his intentions are to remove it?

I am aware of the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the question, and arrangements have been made to supply emergency coal. The matter is having the special attention of the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee responsible for this area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to ensure reasonable supplies of coal to East Gloucestershire, seeing that nothing is being done, although schools are closed for want of fuel, as he was warned would be the case?

Arrangements have been made for sending forward emergency supplies to meet the difficulties which have arisen in the area referred to. The delay in removing the trouble has been partly caused by one of the local merchants declining to accept a portion of the regular allocation which had been assigned to him, but I understand that this difficulty has now been overcome.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is a serious shortage in the coal supplies to Dumbarton, and that even the short supplies are of a very inferior quality; and will he have inquiries made and stops taken to improve the supply and quality?

I am aware that there has been a shortage of coal at Dumbarton. This was owing to some extent to a colliery which supplied one of the largest traders being idle this week. The position has now improved. Enquiries are being made into the question of quality.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to terminate the present arrangement by which traders' tickets are available by alternative lines; and, if so, whether he will reconsider this intention, in view of the great saving of time afforded by this arrangement and the increasing calls upon traders to attend departmental meetings and conferences in London?

The special arrangement which was made owing to the reduction of train services during the War, whereby traders' and other tickets between places served by more than one railway were made available by alternative lines, is being reviewed, and I am unable to give a definite answer at present.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will reconsider his decision regarding week-end ticket's for commercial travellers, and reinstate a special commercial rate forthwith, and thus give reasonable facilities to those who have to constantly use the railways for business purposes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Sir J. D. Rees) on the 18th February last. Circumstances do not yet admit of the restoration of the facility.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has contemplated the possibility of prohibiting on the streets in congested areas after a given period anything but mechanically propelled traffic?

This measure, which would require legislation with others of a similar nature, has been under consideration of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic, who are putting forward in their report general proposals for dealing with such matters.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will furnish details showing how the costs of re-opening the closed exit from the Midland station opposite Trent Street, Nottingham, are arrived at and, in particular, the number of men provided for in the estimate and the rate of wages to be paid?

I do not think any useful purpose will be served by supplementing the information and answers already given on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that 46 allotment holders in the borough of West Bromwich have received notice to quit their holdings and whether, in view of the fact that the owner proposes to use the land for other than productive purposes, he can take steps to see that the allotment holders are not disturbed?

I understand that notices to quit have not yet been served on the allotment holders referred to, but it is probable this will have to be done in the near future owing to the fact that the continued retention of the land for allotments would involve a liability for compensation to the owner which would be out of all proportion to the value to the nation of the continued use of the land for food production.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware of the desire on the part of allotment associations to cooperate with and assist local authorities in regard to the provision of land for allotments; and whether, with a view to facilitating this co-operation, he will circularise all allotment authorities urging them to co-opt on their allotment committees representatives of local allotment associations?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I will take steps to bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the notice of allotment authorities in England and Wales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what is the number of allotments and the total acreage of land provided under the Cultivation of Lands Orders of the Defence of the Realm Act: what proportion of land has since been surrendered; what is the approximate number of holders who have been required to vacate such allotments; and what steps have been taken by the Ministry with a view to stimulating local authorities to provide dispossessed holders with alternative land?

I regret I am not in a position at present to supply my hon. Friend with the statistics he requires. I would refer him, however, to the replies which I gave to similar questions on the 10th April last year and the 19th ult., copies of which I am forwarding to him With regard to the last part of the question, the Ministry are losing no opportunity of pressing on local authorities individually and collectively the desirability of providing dispossessed allotment holders with alternative land wherever such land exists.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what advances to tenants under Section 18 of The Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, have been made by the Hunts County Council for the purchase of livestock, fruit trees, seeds, fertilisers, and implements; and how many tenants have applied for such advances and how many have been assisted, respectively?

No advances have so far been guarnteed by the Hunts. County Council under Section 18 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, Applications have been received from five tenants for advances amounting in all to £310, and these are being considered by the Council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture when it is expected the Annual Report of the Ministry will be published?

It has not been customary to publish an Annual Report dealing with the work of the Ministry as a, whole, but separate Reports in regard to particular branches of work have to be presented to Parliament under various Statutes. The issue of the Statutory Report under the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts was suspended during the War under the authority of the Local Government (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1916, but it is proposed to resume publication of that Report this year, and it is at present in preparation. Owing to the pres sure of work, it is doubtful if the Report will be ready for issue for another two or three months.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will seek Treasury sanction to allow cost of postage to the Irish Prison Officers' Representative Council for circulating to the Service matters in connection with the Council, as is the case with the English Prison Officers' Representative Board; and will he also grant permission for the free issue of stationery to the elected representative of each prison when writing in connection with matters relating to the Representative Council, as also obtains in England?

The practice obtaining in England in this matter is not correctly represented in the question. Certain allowances in the shape of stationery and in respect of postage are made in England to the chairman only of the Prison Officers' Representative Board. I am making enquiry as to the practicability of granting similar privilege in Ireland.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the objection taken by Scottish burghs to the suggestion in the Des-borough Report that the police force of burghs with less than 50,000 population should be merged in the county force; and whether action can be taken to carry out this recommendation without legislation and repeal Section 78 of the Burgh Police Act?

I have not so far received intimations of objection by burghs to the recommendation referred to. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Cirencester rural district council's plans and the contractor's tender for the erection of houses have been approved by his Department; and, although work has commenced, is he aware that it will cease almost immediately, as the. Ministry has not forwarded either money or any guarantee which will enable the council's bankers to advance the necessary funds to pay the contractor?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. My Department have recommended the Public Works Loan Commissioners to advance the money required by the local authority, and the local authority have been informed to that effect.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in the valuation list for the parish and city of Nottingham recently deposited for the inspection of the ratepayers prior to its adoption for rating purposes for the year 1920–21, the gross estimated rentals of practically all the dwelling-houses in Nottingham, in respect of which the occupiers directly pay local rates, have been increased by 10 per cent. with a corresponding increase in the rateable value, and that with rare exceptions there has been no increase whatever in the rents of such dwelling-houses, and to the further fact that in the same city the gross estimated rentals of many business premises have been greatly increased, with corresponding increases in the rateable values; and whether, having regard to the abnormal conditions at present prevailing, any general re-valuation for rating purposes is desirable?

I was not previously aware that there had been a re-valuation in Nottingham. The Government do not regard general re-valuations of property as desirable at the present time, but, as the hon. Member is aware, assessment committees are empowered to undertake such valuations where they consider they are required.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the expectation of life at birth in the year 1870, the year 1914, and the year 1920 in Great Britain, the United States, and France, respectively?

The information asked for, so far as available, is being prepared, and I will send it to the hon. and gallant Member shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that in the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock there are now 1,235 idle machines in the large room, 563 in the sight department, 273 in the machine-gun department, 540 in the barrel room, 247 in the bayonet department, 200 in the screw shop, 56 in the magazine shop, 98 in the stocking department, and 90 forges and 35 steam drop-hammers in the smithy department; that the only work now being carried out in this factory consists of the repair of a few rifles and four railway trucks; and that there are thousands of unemployed ex-service men in North London who have submitted a well-considered scheme to the Controller of Ordnance Factories with a view to employing these rusty machines on works of public utility; and if he will state the intentions of the Government with regard to their future use?

I am aware that a certain amount of plant and machinery at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, is not fully occupied. The suggestion contained in the second part of the question is however incorrect, as a considerable amount of work is being done. Proposals for work have been put forward by the ex-service men, and by a Committee of Local Representatives, and two deputations have been seen, but the suggestions made were found, after careful investigation, to be uneconomical for the plant at this factory and would in fact have involved considerable additional expenditure. Such plant as will be retained has been thoroughly overhauled and repaired since the Armistice and is being kept in good condition for future rifle manufacture.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, in view of the announcement of the Government's intention in relation to the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham, what is likely to be the future amount of cordite required by the Government?

I regret that I am not in a position to give the estimate called for by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, having regard to the fact that the Gretna Gunpowder Factory was a matter of war-time emergency and had to be constructed hurriedly, he will say if a great part of the factory was built with green and unseasoned wood, necessitating at no distant date reconstruction; and if it is to be established as a permanent factory, thereby entailing considerable cost to the country?

The answer to the first part of the question is: No, Sir. The buildings which will be retained for factory purposes, as distinct from certain hostels and canteens, are brick and steel structures, which will not require reconstruction. It is not, therefore, anticipated that the retention of Gretna as a permanent factory will involve any expenditure on reconstruction.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, having regard to the intention of the Government to transfer the Royal Gunpowder Factory from Waltham Abbey to Gretna Green, on what certified basis the relative merits of Waltham and Gretna Green were considered, and what influenced the decision to transfer an industry of 300 years' standing (135 years under Government control) to an absolutely new site, thereby incurring expense; and, seeing that the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham, was only lent by the War Office to the Ministry of Munitions for the period of the War, what authority does the Ministry possess to deal with this question?

The recommendations of the Committee that considered the future of His Majesty's Factories, Gretna, and Waltham Abbey, will shortly be laid on the Table of the House. The Ministry of Munitions, in carrying out the recommendations of the Committee, are acting on the instructions of the Cabinet.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of. Munitions what are the names of the motor transport section of the Disposal Board?

The names of the chief officials of the Motor Transport Section of the Disposal Board are:—

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that, on 5th December, 1918, Mr. J. H. Smith, of 47, Edwin Street, Nottingham, was run into by a lorry from Hucknall, D. 1028, driven by one Barraks, with the result that Mr. Smith's horse was killed arid he was put to the expense of £14; that he has had no compensation; and whether it is proposed to give him any, since he has witnesses to prove he was on the right side of the road?

I have been asked to reply to this question, in view of the fact that the driver of the lorry was a member of the Royal Air Force. The case has already been considered in connection with the original claim preferred by Mr. Smith's solicitors, who were informed in February of last year that the claim was inadmissible, there being no evidence of negligence on the part of the Royal Air Force driver.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the rebate off income tax to married men of limited incomes who have children will also be applicable to widows and widowers and their children?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is unable to anticipate his Budget proposals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the relief given to the clerical owner of tithe-rent charge towards payment of rates is a charge on the local taxation account on account of the estate duty grant, and to that extent reduces the amount payable by the Exchequer to the Exchequer contribution account of the local authorities?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons have applied to employment exchanges for employment since employment exchanges were instituted; and how many of such persons the employment exchanges succeeded in placing in employment?

The numbers of individuals who have applied to employment exchanges since their institution and the numbers placed in employment are as follow:—

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the conviction of two men for falsely representing themselves to be police officers and extorting money from women in the West End of London; and whether the action, of which he has approved, taken by policewomen in plain clothes in Epping Forest in engaging solitary men in conversation, and subsequently charging them with assault, is not calculated to suggest personation of this character to evilly disposed and immoral individuals?

I am aware of the case referred to. I am not aware that any policewomen engaged solitary men in conversation in Epping Forest.

asked the Home Secretary if he will give the names of the members of the Departmental Committee inquiring into the wages and conditions of employment of the fire brigades of the country; what is the reference; when is it expected to report; and whether he anticipates being able to take action on its recommendations in the course of the present Session?

This Committee consists of the hon. Member for South Leeds (Chairman), Rear-Admiral James de Courcy Hamilton, M.V.O., R.N., the hon. and gallant Member for Tradoston, the hon. and gallant Member for Middlesbrough and the hon. Member for Bolton. Their terms of reference are to inquire and report upon the hours, pay, and conditions of service of firemen in professional fire brigades in Great Britain. I understand that the Committee hope to complete taking evidence before Easter, but I cannot say when their Report will be made. It will be for the responsible local authority to take action on the Report, but I will see that it is brought promptly to their notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the pound sterling is the present standard of value in West Africa; if not, what is the standard of value there; whether it is proposed to issue new coins for that part of His Majesty's Dominions containing less, and, if so, how much less, silver than the present coins of the same denomination; whether such coins will be legal tender for an unlimited amount; and whether any steps, and, if so, what steps, will be taken to maintain the standard value in West Africa and its rates of foreign exchange, and to prevent a disastrous rise of prices?

The answer to The first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is proposed to issue two kinds of new coins, one of silver of the same fineness as the new United Kingdom coins and the other of a non-silver alloy. Both kinds of coins will be unlimited legal tender, and will be maintained at parity with the pound sterling by the same methods by which parity has been maintained hitherto.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received information that a notification has been issued announcing the sale by auction at Nairobi, on the 7th of April, of 80 plots of Government land situated in the business centre of that town and surrounded by plots held by Indians; if the right of purchase, according to that notification, is to be confined to Europeans; and if instructions will in that case be given that a limitation so prejudicial to the rights of Indian settlers and to the revenue of British East Africa shall be removed?

I have received from the East Africa Indian Deputation now in London a copy of a telegram relating to this sale, of which I have had no other notification. The question of policy which it involves is awaiting the return of the Secretary of State, and until I have an opportunity of discussion with him I am not prepared to direct that in this case a policy which has been adopted by the Protectorate Government for some time must be reversed.