asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Edward M'Eachan, No. 34,626, Machine Gun Corps, has been granted a pension of 8d. per day for disability due to sciatica; whether on his identity certificate it is described as service pension; whether letters asking for an explanation have received no reply; and whether he can state if this is the full pension this ex-soldier is to receive after serving his country for 19 years and 12 days?

This soldier was discharged in September, 1917, for sciatica, which was accepted as attributable to service. He was originally granted a disability pension on the basis of 30 per cent. disablement, but on his re-examination in November last he was found to be so far improved in health as to be no longer pensionable under Ministry Warrants In view, however, of his Colour service of nearly 133/4 years, he will receive a pension of 8d. a day under Article 1163 of the Pay Warrant of 1914.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the serious state of the roads in many parts of Ireland owing to the heavy commercial motor traffic upon them, and can he say what funds, if any, are available for their repair in addition to those provided by the local authorities out of the rates?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am aware that some roads in Ireland have suffered from abnormal traffic due to War conditions, and contributions towards the repair of these roads have been made by the Government Departments responsible for the traffic. Taking Irish roads as a whole, I am not prepared to admit that there is any marked deterioration as compared with their condition before the War. Practically all the highway authorities in Ireland are engaged upon the completion of works towards which grants have been made during the current financial year from the Road Improvement Fund. Nearly all the available moneys from this source have now been allocated, and it will not be possible to make additional grants until further provision is made by Parliament.

May I ask whether that answer, in so far as it concerns contributions by Government Departments for the repair of special damage to roads, applies to England as well as to Ireland?

I believe it does.

Is any legislation in contemplation in the direction indicated by the hon. Gentleman?

That is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Finance Act.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the cattle of Lieutenant Henry Roe, late South Irish Horse, who served throughout the War, have been recently five times driven off his farm at Rathmore, Queen's County, in such a manner as to render them unsaleable; and whether he will afford this gentleman military protection for his stock so as to prevent his being compelled to give up his farm?

The facts are generally as stated. Seven persons have been sentenced to three months' imprisonment for taking part in one of the raids. The police force in the district has been strengthened, and every protection will be afforded to this gentleman.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the cattle of Mr. Peter Roe, auctioneer, Borris-in-Ossory, Queen's County, have been recently several times driven off his farm in Curraghmore, Queen's County; whether he has been and is being prevented from doing his business as an auctioneer by a system of organised and open intimidation; and what steps he proposes to take to put a stop to this system of persecution?

The cattle of this gentleman were on two occasions recently driven off his farm, and twelve persons were sentenced to three months' imprisonment in connection therewith. On the 10th inst. Mr. Roe was prevented by an organised crowd, with bands, from holding an auction, and the question of proceedings being taken is under consideration. An extra force of police has been transferred to the district for the protection of this gentleman's farm and property, and to afford him any protection necessary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any information with regard to the murderers of Alderman Thomas McCurtain, Lord Mayor of Cork; whether the murderers are believed to have belonged, or to belong, to any political organisation; whether following the crime Alderman McCurtain's house was entered and searched by the military and police; if so, what was the reason for this action; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with the murder?

I have so far not been able to obtain information with regard to the first two parts of the question. Acting on orders received, a party of police and military proceeded to the house in question, and it was only after the officer in charge had been admitted that he learnt of the tragedy which had so recently taken place. The officer in charge carried out his orders to search the house, and in doing so was facilitated in every way by the occupants of the house. No arrests have yet been made.

May I ask whether the persons who gave the orders for the search of the house were ignorant of the murder?

I cannot say that. The orders were given by the competent military authority.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not able to inform us whether the orders were given before the murder, or afterwards?

I did not understand my hon. and gallant Friend to ask that. If he puts down a specific question I will make inquiry.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that letters are now being delivered in Dublin bearing a republican frank; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have seen one such envelope. I am bringing the matter to the notice of the Postmaster-General.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is at present any statutory means whereby the occupants of cottages under the Labourers' (Ireland) Act can purchase their holdings by instalments?

The answer is in the negative.

Does not the Small Dwellings Purchase Act apply, and would it not be possible to introduce some provision in the forthcoming Land Purchase Act which might cover these labourers' cottages?

I am informed there is at present no statutory authority. I will look into the last part of the question and see whether it is possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in connection with the arrest of Alderman William O'Brien, he is aware that two witnesses have stated that, at 7.30 on the morning of 4th March, they saw Alderman O'Brien in a military wagon standing with his hands over his head stretched to their fullest extent and obviously in pain; that, shortly after the wagon passed, two colleagues of these witnesses mentioned that they too had seen Alderman O'Brien with his hands fastened above his head; and whether, in view of these statements, he will have inquiries made of Alderman O'Brien in order to ascertain the truth?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on the 11th inst to the question on this subject addressed to me by my hon. Friend. There is no foundation for the allegation that the alderman was treated in the manner suggested.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what is the present state of health of Mr. William O'Brien?

Alderman O'Brien is at present on hunger strike.

What is the state of his health?

If he had been a prisoner in Germany he would have been better treated.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House when it is likely that this man will be brought to trial, and what is the charge against him?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether these questions are put for the purpose of influencing votes at Stockport?

We cannot.

With regard to the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to what has been said. Alderman O'Brien was deported under the Defense of the Realm Regulations. There is no intention of bringing him to trial.

I could not hear the right hon. Gentleman's reply as to the state of Mr. O'Brien's health.

The hon. Member will see it in the papers.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the passing of the Government of Ireland Bill, he will consider submitting this Measure, with other alternatives, to a referendum of the Irish people, or by any other means obtaining the opinion and wishes of the Irish electorate?

I am not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any fresh information regarding the political situation in Japan?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, in consequence of the Board of Education fixing 48d. as the prescribed amount under Article 6 (2) of the Regulations for substantive grant of public elementary education, it will make a difference in the Borough of West Ham of £53,000 per annum, which is equivalent to a 10½d. rate; whether he can state that any other district in the different parts of the country will be affected to the same extent; and whether it is the intention of the Board of Education to alter the Regulations so as to enable the various local authorities to receive the same proportion of grants as granted before the new Regulations were made?

I am doubtful whether my hon. Friend's calculation is correct. But I shall be glad to look into the figures on which the calculation is based if my hon. Friend will furnish me with them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation on that subject.

indicated assent.

asked the Home Secretary under which Regulation bicycles are required to carry rear lights and when such Regulation expires; and whether he is aware that this Regulation is causing unnecessary annoyance to more than three million cyclists?

The Order under which rear lights are to be carried is the Lights (Vehicles) Order of 30th September, 1919. The Order is retained pending regulation which, I understand, is under consideration by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the watch committee of Wallasey refuse to pay the amount of back pay due to ex-Constable E. T. Jones, who was dismissed in August last for withdrawing his services; and whether, in view of the fact that all other police authorities have long since paid the amounts due to the other men dismissed, he will make representations to the Wallasey watch committee with a view to the reconsideration of their decision?

The matter rests with the police authority, and my right hon. Friend does not see his way to intervene.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Police pensioner Philemore Pippen, of Brislington, Bristol, who had a good record during 24 years' service in the Somerset police force; was invalided out in 1904, and has an invalid wife and three children; has been unable to do any regular work since owing to chronic bronchitis; is now expected to keep himself and family on 12s. 10½d. a week; and whether this is one of the hard cases for which immediate consideration has teen promised?

The attention of the Home Office has not been previously called to this case. A Cabinet Committee is now considering whether any relief can be given from public funds in such cases.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that full details of this case have been put before the Home Office and have been preliminarily turned down, and may I ask whether, in a case of this sort, after 24 years' service, an ex-police pensioner is asked to live and keep his family, a chronic invalid himself, on 12s. 10½d. a week, and whether it does not call for urgent attention?

My information was that the case had not been brought to the attention of the Home Office. I will look further into it. Obviously, it is of the nature of case for which a Cabinet Committee has been set up.

May I ask whether a case similar to this is to be considered a hard case?

That is, I think, a matter for the Cabinet Committee?

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Head of his Department to arrange to make these cases retrospective in the event of the finding being in their favour, and so enable some of these men to get out of debt?

I do not think I can add anything to what was said by my right hon. Friend in Debate, namely, that he would see what could be done to meet these cases.

Do the Cabinet Committee propose to deal with individual cases one by one, or are they endeavouring to arrive at some general principle applicable to certain categories of cases?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the decision of his Committee as to the relief to be given to the old (previous to 1st April, 1919) police pensioners who are in necessitous circumstances owing to the increase in the cost of living?

I am unable to make any statement on the subject, as the Cabinet Committee has not yet reported.

May I ask whether we are likely to get any decision before Easter; and may I further ask whether on the matters referred to this Committee such a csae as that mentioned in question No. 21, and to which I hope the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called, and which has been turned down by the Home Secretary as a case practically that cannot be dealt with as a hard case, will come before the Committee; and whether the right hon. Gentleman is of opinion that 12s. 10½d. per week is sufficient for a family to live on?

The hon. Gentleman had better give notice of some of that question.

On a point of Order. The question is already down on the Paper.

In a question to the Prime Minister the hon. Gentleman calls attention to a question put by somebody else, and asks what is the Prime Minister's view about certain matters, and so on and so on, which he cannot really be expected to answer without notice.

I apologise to you, Sir, for appearing to argue against your ruling. What I sought to ask was, as the right hon. Gentleman has so often said that hard cases should be dealt with, whether a case of 12s. 10½d. per week for a whole family to live on, with two invalids and three children, would be one of the hard cases.

Notice should be given of a question of that sort dealing with details.

May I ask whether the Cabinet Committee are really considering individual hard cases, or whether they are considering categories of cases?

No, they are considering the whole problem with a view to arriving at some definite principle which can be applied.

Shall we have a decision before Easter?

I understand the Committee are working very hard, and it is not a very easy decision to come to, but I can assure my hon. Friend there is no time being wasted.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Broughshane, Co. Antrim, part of the Comrades of the Great War have applied for grants of land under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, for certain ex-service men; whether the Local Government Board have replied that the grants cannot be given; whether there is suitable land available in the vicinity; and what steps it is proposed to take to furnish the applicants with land under the Act?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Local Government Board are advised that they are not authorised by the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, to provide allotments for men who served in the War where the necessity for a cottage does not exist. The Secretary to the Comrades of the Great War, Broughshane, was informed that the Board had no power to entertain the application, attention being at the same time directed to the powers of the Estates Commissioners under the Act, to provide small holdings for men who served in the War.

Does the statement made on the Second Reading of the Act, namely, that there was sufficient land for all ex-service men who applied for it, still hold good?

Certainly it does. I understand the point is whether the Local Government Board has power to provide the land. The Local Government Board provides houses. The Estates Commissioners are the body to provide the land.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the twelve special trades for which local technical advisory committees have been appointed under the Ministry of Labour scheme for training disabled sailors and soldiers, upwards of 400,000 persons were employed before the War within the London area; whether for the same area only about 3,500 disabled sailors and soldiers are allowed to be trained per annum for such trades under the scheme'; whether the smallness of this number is due to restrictions imposed by the local technical advisory committees; whether he will inform the House of the nature of such restrictions in the several trades and to what influences they are due; whether over 5,000 disabled sailors and soldiers within the said area are waiting for training in these trades under the scheme; and what steps he proposes to take to remove these restrictions as to number so as to enable these men to enjoy the advantage of training under the said scheme.

I have been asked to reply to this question. The number of special trades for which local technical advisory committees have been set up in London is 17, and, according to the 1911 census, the number of persons employed in these trades within the London area was about 318,000. Such restrictions as exist in the London area and elsewhere are often necessary in the interests of the men themselves to prevent the overcrowding of any particular trade and the training of men in trades for which they are not suitable, with consequent unemployment. The number of ex-service men applying for training in the special trades in London appears to be about 3,000. Should it appear that any local technical advisory committee is unreasonably restricting the number of men for training, the Department would take the question up with the Committee and with the national advisory committee for the trade in question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will state the grounds upon which the Government arrived at the decision that grants shall not be paid to disabled men acquiring land or small holdings under a county council scheme; whether this sets aside the provisions of the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Act established to assist men unable to resume their pre-war occupations; does he realise that, unless a grant is available for such ex-service men, none will be able to procure land unless they possess private means; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction produced by the decision referred to among many who have already been accepted as suitable applicants for small holdings and that, in the absence of anticipated financial assistance, it will be impossible to establish many men in this most suitable occupation; and can he see his way to reconsider the decision, with the view to avoiding suffering and hardship among many deserving of every consideration and assistance from the State for services rendered?

It has been decided that assistance may be given under the Civil Liabilities Scheme, 1918, to applicants acquiring land under a County Council Scheme subject to the same considerations as apply in other cases. I should add that the scheme is not governed by an Act, as suggested by the hon. Member, but by Treasury Regulations.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men are unemployed in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, respectively; and how many in each case are disabled men?

At 12th March, 1920, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 207,396 ex-service men in receipt of out-of-work donation in England, 25,064 in Scotland, 22,884 in Ireland, and 7,318 in Wales. At the same date there were on the registers of the Employment Exchanges 19,374 disabled ex-service men in England, 4,477 in Scotland, 4,026 in Ireland, and 918 in Wales.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a resolution from the Grays employment committee urging the Department to press upon the Civil Service Commissioners the claims of disabled ex-serviee men over 25 years of age now rendering efficient service on the temporary staff of the Department for admission to the established staff; that, for admission purposes, the age of such men be taken as at the date of their joining such temporary staff and not at the actual date of the examination, and that the maximum age be raised at least to the maximum permissible to women, namely, 30 years of age; and whether he will give this matter his consideration.

My right hon. Friend is aware that the resolution referred has been received from the Grays' Employment Committee, and that similar resolutions have also been passed by employment committees in other parts of the country. I am informed that the whole question of the establishment of temporary staffs in Government Departments is now under the consideration of the National Whitley Council for the Civil Service, and, until he has seen its report, my right hon. Friend is not prepared to make any recommendations on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he can state the number of ex-service men who have been re-settled upon the land?

According to the latest information in possession of the Ministry the number of ex-service men settled on the land is as follows:—

In view of the very small number that have been resettled I would like to ask if there are any trade union Regulations standing in the way?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many soldiers have applied for small holdings whose applications are still unsatisfied?

That does not arise.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer apply only to this country or to Ireland as well?

I must ask for Notice.

asked the Pensions Minister how many sanatoria are provided by his Department for the benefit of uncertifiable border-line cases of loss of mental balance occurring among ex-soldiers as distinguished from neurasthenics of a psuedo-paralytic type; where are they situated; what accommodation do they furnish; and are facilities afforded for interesting occupations for the purpose of promoting an early return to the conditions of industrial life?

Eighteen institutions, providing 2,046 beds, have been set up by the Ministry to deal with the cases described. They are situated at Edinburgh, Shotley Bridge, Leeds (2), Altrincham, Woolton, Stockport, Leicester, Maidenhead, Bath, Exeter, Orpington, Tooting, Denmark Hill, Roehampton, Chepstow, Craigend, and Leopardstown.

Further institutions are in course of preparation. Occupational training has been provided at the majority of these homes, and, at the remainder, is being instituted as rapidly as possible.

Accommodation in the Treatment and Training centres will also be available for the convalescent cases which still require treatment and training. There are in addition clinics at Lancaster Gate, Manchester, and elsewhere, where out-patient treatment is given for the milder type of neurasthenic, such as the pseudo-paralytic type.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations for peace have been commenced between the White Russian forces, including the volunteer army, in South Russia and the Soviet Government of Russia; if so, whether His Majesty's Government is represented at these negotiations; whether negotiations have commenced between the volunteer army leaders and the Republics of Georgia and Azerbaijan; and whether His Majesty's representatives in the Caucasus are using their good offices to bring about peace between the various opposing forces?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise. As regards the third part, according to the latest reports, General Denikin has entered into negotiations with the Georgian Government, and has expressed his willingness to negotiate similarly with the Azerbaijan Government. As regards the fourth part, it has always been the constant endeavour of His Majesty's representatives in the Caucasus to foster good relations between the various neighbouring Governments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman referring to the representative of the Foreign Office or of the War Office?

I think the representative of the Foreign Office. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice of that?

asked the Prime Minister whether the names of the commissions of investigation into the Russian situation, appointed by the Council of the League of Nations and by the international labour section, can now be announced; and when it is hoped that these commissions will proceed to Russia?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Stoke-on-Trent and to the hon. Member for Kettering on the 23rd instant.

Will those names be given to the House of Commons in any way for approval?

I do not think so. They are being selected by the Council of the League of Nations.

Have we any sort of say in the matter? [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the neglect to call important medical evidence at the trial of Arthur Barker, lately sentenced at the Stafford Assies to four months' imprisonment for manslaughter, whereby a miscarriage of justice would appear to have taken place, he will cause this expert evidence to be taken prior to giving his decision respecting the appeal made to him for a revision of the sentence?

My right hon. Friend has gone very carefully into this case and can find no ground which would justify him in interfering.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received protests from Indians in the East African Protectorate and elsewhere against the Segregation of Races Bill; and whether ho will instruct the Government of the Protectorate not to proceed with the Bill in view of the effect that such a measure will have on Indian sentiment throughout the Empire?

I would invite the hon. Member's attention to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme on the 18th of March.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state what relaxation of regulations by the trade unions would increase the number of skilled workmen as distinct from unskilled workmen, and within what period of time such relaxation would become effective in increasing the number of bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, plumbers, and painters, giving the estimated period in each case?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement circulated in reply to the question put by the hon. Member for Spen Valley on the 22nd instant, which enumerates the trade practices, the relaxation of which by trade unions would lead to an increase in the number of skilled men in the building industry. Opinions differ with regard to the period of time required to make an appreciable increase by such means, but there is no doubt that the course would accelerate very considerably the restoration of the industry to its pre-war numerical strength.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if there is going to be any attempt made to have a conference with the trade unions in order to arrive at a satisfactory settlement?

I believe there was a conference for about four hours yesterday on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the facts which were produced at that conference and is he now prepared to withdraw the charges made against trade unions?

No, I certainly am not. Naturally I do not want to make charges at a time when we are endeavouring to remove difficulties. I certainly am not prepared to withdraw anything.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the trade unions produced evidence to demonstrate that the charges which you made originally are not true.

No. I know perfectly well the figures which were laid before the conference, but that does not in the least remove what I pointed out. I am very hopeful something will be done to induce trade unions to assist.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to read the report of yesterday's proceedings when it is printed, and he will find out for himself the true facts?

Having regard to the fact that these houses are needed for the working classes, will he make an appeal to the trade unions to treat the housing question in this country the same as they did the general production of war material during the War?

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to stop the building of all luxury buildings?

We have already passed a Bill authorising local authorities to stop all luxury building in their areas.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware—

We cannot pursue this Debate now.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of introducing into the new Rent Restrictions Bill some protection for business premises as well as dwelling-houses?

The question whether it would be practicable to extend the operation of the Rent Restrictions Acts to business premises is being considered by the Committee which is now sitting, and I cannot make any statement upon this question in anticipation of the Committee's report.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will show consideration to those small shopkeepers who are finding themselves in a very difficult position owing to the sale or letting of their premises over their heads?

I know the Committee have been giving most careful consideration to the whole case.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to appoint a minister plenipotentiary to represent the Dominion of Canada at Washington; and, if so, will he define the duties and powers of the Canadian Minister and the position that he will occupy vis-à-vis the British Ambassador.

asked the Prime Minister what information has been received in connection with the suggested appointment of a Canadian Minister to Washington; and whether any specific name has been put forward in that connection?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Kincardine and Western Aberdeen on Thursday last.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in arranging the terms of Peace to be imposed upon Turkey, it will be made a condition that the thousands of Christian women and girls now retained against their will in Turkish harems shall be set at liberty and restored to places of safety?

The problem of the Christian women and girls who may have been retained against their will in Turkish households has been considered during the discussions regarding the Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now inform the House what progress has been made with measures for the protection of the lives of the subject races in Asiatic Turkey, particularly of those who fought on the side of this country during the late War?

I would refer my hon. Friend to answers given on 17th March to questions on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and by my hon. Friend himself.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any further information on the subject?

asked the Prime Minister if Germany is entitled under the Peace Treaty to sell, either directly or indirectly through other countries, upon the London market quantities of bonds and securities which depress both the markets of the bonds sold and the other markets; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to this practice if it should prove in fact to prevail extensively?

Securities relating to property rights and interests within His Majesty's Dominions or Protectorates of German nationals at the date of the coming into force of the Treaty have to be delivered by Germany to this country or to the Dominions, as the case may be, within six months of that date. Such securities are charged by Article XVI of the Peace Treaty Order, 1919, and dealings in them in this country are prohibited. The sale of neutral securities held abroad at the coming into force of the Treaty by Germans is not illegal, and provides a most useful and necessary source out of which, without resort to borrowing in any form in this country or elsewhere, Germany can pay for food and raw materials and place herself in a position to fulfil her obligations under the Reparation Clauses of the Peace Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether the German Government has paid to the Allies the cost of the Army of Occupation or if any part of the money is still owing to the British authorities; and, if so, if he will state how much, and what steps are being taken to secure the amount?

Apart from certain payments in local currency for the use of the occupying forces, no payments have yet been made by the German Government in respect of the cost of the British Army of Occupation. The amount of the British claim is approximately £46,000,000 up to the 31st instant. The question is being dealt with by the Reparation Commission on behalf of the Allies.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Report of the Milner Commission to Egypt has yet been received; and when it will be published?

As I stated in the reply to a question put on Tuesday by the hon. Member for East Leyton, the Report of the Milner Commission has not yet been received by the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state what decision has been arrived at with regard to the maintenance of the British Mission to the Vatican; and what this Mission has cost from the 31st March, 1919, to date?

With regard to the first part of the question, I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to a statement which I made in the House on this subject on March 22nd. The total cost of the Mission to the Vatican from April 1st to September 30th, 1919—the latest date up to which complete accounts have been rendered—amounted to £2,196 10s. 10d.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform us what is the cost of the Mission to Berlin in the meantime?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state to what Minister questions as to the decisions and actions of the League of Nations should be addressed?

Questions on this subject should be addressed to the Lord President of the Council and, in his absence, to the Prime Minister.

On which day will the Lord President of the Council be prepared to answer?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the Reports of Committees appointed under the Profiteering Act; whether such Reports indicate that profiteering is taking place; and, if so, what action, if any, does he propose to take?

I have been asked to reply. The Reports made by the Sub-Committees appointed by the Central Committee under the Profiteering Act, many of which raise difficult questions which do not admit of a decision being given off-hand, are receiving the most careful consideration. While one or two Reports suggest that there has been profiteering, the Committees have in a number of Reports stated that there has been no profiteering.

May I ask if he is aware of the cost of these Profiteering Committees to the nation, and whether under the circumstances he will leave it to the Committees to make their fines large enough to pay their own expenses?

When may we expect any Report on the woollen trade and woollen products?

I am not quite sure; I should like notice of that.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to greater efficiency and economy in administration, he will appoint a committee to investigate the financial relations between the central and municipal authorities and recommend the proper division of local expenditure between the national and local exchequers?

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that this question was exhaustively investigated by a committee which reported just before the War, but I am afraid I cannot at the present time add anything to the answer which I gave him on the 1st of March.

May I ask the Prime Minister, to whom this question is addressed, as it is a question of public policy, whether he is aware that nine months ago a Minister gave a definite assurance to this House that the question was under serious consideration by the Government?

The hon. Member should give notice of a question of that sort.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Income Tax, that assessing authorities should be empowered to require Super-tax returns from husband and wife separately and to make separate assessments, he will provide in his forthcoming Budget for tax to be payable on such separate assessments and not on the joint income of the husband and wife added together, whereby a husband and wife are at present often made liable to the payment of Super-tax who would not be liable if their incomes were assessed separately, a liability which is not incurred by unmarried persona living together?

I am unable to make any statement with regard to possible changes of taxation until the Budget is opened.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to give very careful consideration to this matter, as, having regard to the suggestion of the Commissioners that Super-tax on incomes over £2,000 a year should be greatly increased to pay for the reductions of the lower incomes, very serious hardships will arise on married people who have their incomes added together?

The hon. Member had better repeat that speech on the Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the dirty condition of many of the Treasury 10s. notes; and, seeing that the fact that they are made of thinner paper than the £l notes militates against their preservation, will he see what can be done in the matter?

Arrangements are already in force under which soiled currency notes returning to the Bank of England are not put again into circulation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the duty levied on sugar in the year 1914; what is the duty now levied; and has this duty increased by something over 1,000 per cent.?

The standard rate of duty on sugar in 1914 was 1s. 10d. the cwt. The present rate is £1 5s. 8d. the cwt., which is reduced by one-sixth in the case of sugar of Empire origin. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total amount of the financial assistance granted to industrial undertakings of all kinds during the war; what is the number of undertakings so assisted; in how many cases are there outstanding obligations on the part of the Government; and what is the total amount of such obligation?

The hon. and gallant Member's question is a very wide one, and would require a detailed examination of an immense number of transactions from the outbreak of war onwards. I do not think that the result which might be obtained would justify the expenditure of time and labour involved in this examination, but the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull had an unstarred question on the paper for Friday, 5th March, asking for a statement of public money invested in registered companies, the names of the companies, and the amounts and dates of each investment. To answer this question will take time, for I have to obtain information from several Departments, but when I have obtained it I will embody it in a Parliamentary Return, and I hope that this Return will supply the hon. and gallant Member for Central Aberdeen with the material part of the information for which he asks.

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer inform the House how many concerns there are in which the Government own all the shares?

Speaking from memory, I do not know of any company in which that is the case, but the Return which I will ask the hon. Member for Hull to move for, and which I will supply as soon as I am able to get the information, will say exactly what the Government holding in companies are.

When may we expect that Return?

I cannot name a date. I have got to communicate with several other Government Departments and get the information from them, but there will be no unnecessary delay.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he has received protests from county councils against the increase in taxation necessitated by carrying out the provisions of recent Acts of Parliament and the constant fresh requirements emanating from Government Departments; and whether the Treasury will oppose Acts of Parliament being passed which involve fresh burdens being placed on the ratepayer?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. While I am in a position to sympathise with the difficulties with which other financial authorities are faced, I do not think that the duty suggested can properly be regarded as part of the functions of the Treasury.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the extremely heavy rates which are crushing industries throughout the country?

My right hon. Friend some time ago asked me whether I was not the guardian of the rates. That is not my function. It is rather that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. My relations to the ratepayers are of a different kind. They are amongst my most dangerous enemies.

May I ask whether he and his right hon. Friend will look after each other to protect the ratepayers and taxpayers?

I think we shall do better if we each attend to our own business.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is any general scheme of revision of the travelling allowances of civil servants under consideration at the present time; and, if not, when the scheme of revision can be entered upon?

Departments have been asked to furnish to the Treasury statements of the travelling allowances drawn by various classes of Civil Servants. Until this information has been received, I am unable to say whether any revision will be considered necessary.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether we shall get a reply fairly soon?

I cannot say when.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, after the rebellion in 1896, the late Mr. Cecil Rhodes promised the Rhodesian settlers who fought in that campaign a tract of land for farming purposes; that land on the Wankie was given them but was found to be uninhabitable, and that after many applications the case was laid before Lord Cave's Commission, but the settlers were again referred to the Wankie district; and whether, seeing that the wish of the late Mr. Cecil Rhodes is still unfulfilled and that consequently the volunteer settlers are suffering a grave injustice, he will make inquiries into the matter?

I understand the position to be that Mr. Rhodes is stated to have made a verbal promise of the grant of farms to certain of the volunteers at the time of the 1896 rebellion. Certain farms were offered by the British South Africa Company in pursuance of this promise, but it appears that some of the volunteers are not satisfied with the conditions attached to the proposed grants or the locality of the farms offered. I am not aware that any injustice has been suffered, and the matter is one in which previous Secretaries of State have not thought it necessary to intervene.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the decision regarding the change of the currency in British East Africa from rupees to florins is final; when it will take effect; whether the new currency will extend to the Tanganyika territory; and whether all existing silver rupees, rupee notes, and rupee stamps will be withdrawn from circulation in both territories?

The decision to change the currency system in the East Africa Protectorate, Uganda, and the Tanganyika Territory from the rupee to the florin, fixed at one-tenth of the pound sterling, is final. The new currency will be put into circulation as soon as it is available in sufficient quantities. The existing silver coins and rupee notes will be withdrawn as rapidly as possible when the new currency is available, and steps will also be taken to replace those stamps the values of which are at present expressed in rupees.

Would it not simplify the whole of our Colonial currency system if the hon. and gallant Gentleman called the rupee a florin and the half-rupee a shilling?

I think I mentioned, in answer to a question some little time ago, that the half-rupee would be called a shilling.

Will debts incurred in rupees be repayable in these florins, and, if so, at what rate?

Yes, Sir, for the purposes of repayment of debt and on contracts, the new florin will rank as the new rupee.

Is not the effect of that decision to increase the debts of everyone of the settlers in East Africa by 50 per cent., since debts incurred at 1s. 4d. will be repaid at 2s.?

In so far as people are owners of sterling, and have to pay out of sterling funds here, I am afraid it does increase their indebtedness. In so far as they are owners of rupees, and have debts to repay, it diminishes it.

Does not that mean—

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is not asking for information, but giving it.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the rapidly deteriorating surface of Birdcage Walk and the Mall; and whether any steps will be taken to institute the necessary repairs at an early date in order to avoid a greater expenditure in the future?

Birdcage Walk will be repaired during the coming financial year, if funds are voted by Parliament for the purpose. The surface of the Mall will be repaired, where actually necessary, this year, but the entire relaying of the wood pavement will probably be postponed for a period.

asked the First Commissioner of Works who is now occupying the Russian Embassy in Chesham Place; and whether any charges fall upon His Majesty's Government for the upkeep of that building?

The Russian Embassy is at present inhabited by Monsieur Sabline, the successor of Monsieur Nabokoff, and his staff; and it also provides workrooms for the Russian Relief Fund, the Russian Red Cross and Lady Georgina Buchanan's Relief Committee, numbering approximately sixty ladies. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, but a proportion of the local rates on the building is defrayed by the Treasury.