asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in a large number of instances local authorities pay little or no regard to the claims of discharged soldiers who apply for vacant situations in their various departments; and whether he will consider the desirability of impressing upon all bodies having appointments in their gift the necessity of appointing, wherever possible, discharged soldiers to vacant posts.

I have already issued a circular to local authorities urging that in filling vacancies on their staffs local authorities should do their utmost to give preference to competent disabled ex-Service men, and that employment should also be given wherever possible to ex-Service men who are not disabled, and in all cases that have been brought to my notice I have endeavoured to secure that this course is adopted.

asked the Prime Minister whether there are any Government contractors who are not yet enrolled upon the King's National Roll; and, if so whether he will inform these firms that unless they are so enrolled they will be struck off the Government contractors' list?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; with regard to the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Bradford on 18th March.

asked the Minister of Labour if ho will state in detail the number of ex-service men whose training has been sanctioned by the various unions represented at the Trades Union Congress of 1919, and at the same time indicate how many of the ex-service men have actually commenced their training?

No trade union has specified or has been asked to specify the number of men who may be trained in their trade for the country as a whole. As was indicated in my right hon. Friend's answer of the 17th March, the question of how many men should be trained in a particular trade in each locality is regulated with regard to the absorptive capacity of that trade in the locality served by the particular training centre.

asked the Minister of Labour why industrial training has not yet been provided for H. E. Smith, No. 586,873, (Gloucester Regiment, a disabled soldier, living at Upton St. Leonards, (Gloucester, who applied for training in July, 1919, and was accepted for coach-building after being told that electrical engineering was not open?

I regret that there has been considerable delay in providing industrial training for H. E. Smith. The hon. and gallant Member will be aware that there is still a considerable shortage of training facilities. A class in coach-building is now being established at Bristol, and so soon as the necessary equipment has been delivered and Mr. Smith has been accepted by the Local Technical Advisory Committee as suitable for the trade, arrangements will be made for him to start training there.

asked the Minister of Labour why industrial training has not yet been provided for W. T. Baker, Gloucester Regiment, index No. 800, a disabled soldier living at Upton St. Leonards, Gloucester, who applied to be trained in September, 1919, at Gloucester, and was willing to enter the coach-building trade, as suggested, or any suitable trade after being told that motor engineering was not open?

This man, upon his original application for training in motor driving and running repairs, was informed by letter that he could be trained in this occupation if he could produce evidence that satisfactory employment in the occupation would be available to him on the completion of his training. In October last a further letter was sent to him inquiring whether he would be prepared to take training in vehicle building. He does not appear to have replied to either of these letters. If, as appears to be the case, he is prepared to enter upon training in coach-building, arrangements will be made for him to be interviewed by the Local Technical Advisory Committee concerned at an early date, with a view to his being admitted to the appropriate course.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Montenegro has been forcibly annexed; and whether the Power that has occupied her proposes to take responsibility for all Montenegrin debts?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Prime Minister what action is to be taken by His Majesty's Government on the findings of the Board of Trade Departmental Committee on Industrial Assurance Companies?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 23rd March to the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Clough).

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private E. Groves, No. 29,160, 15th Royal Fusiliers, who was transferred to the 434th Agricultural Company, Labour Corps, Chichester, on 3rd September, 1917, and was demobilised on 8th November, 1919, has not yet received his gratuity and credit money due to him?

I am having inquiries made and will let the Noble Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions why Private William Ernest Williams, No. 223,446, of Tuesley, Godalming, who enlisted in the Royal Engineers on 21st September, 1916, and was attached to the 1/lst East Lancashire Ambulance Division until his discharge on 7th March, 1919, has not been granted a pension; and whether, in view of the fact that this man is now entirely incapacitated, he will see that the case is given immediate attention?

The first intimation of Private William's claim to pension was a postcard received from his Local War Pensions Committee on 26th February, stating that a claim under Article 9 was being prepared, but his official documents could not be traced by the Record Officer concerned from the regimental particulars he had given. It has now been ascertained that his Labour regiment was the Royal Army Service Corps (M.T.). His discharge documents have been applied for, and as soon as they are received his claim will be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office why Sergeant W. Aylifie, No. 8,675, late 5th Wilts Regiment, who was transferred to the Army Reserve on 8th December, 1919, has not yet received his war gratuity, bounty, or deferred pay; whether the War Office can only inform this man's branch of the National Federation of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers that the pay certificate has not arrived from India; and, if so, why such neglect of duty is not dealt with and the sums duo to Ayliffe promptly paid?

Enquiries are being made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office the number of ox-soldier or pensioner clerks who requested permission to join up in the recent War, either as commissioned or non-commissioned officers or privates, and were refused; whether he is aware that the men who were ruled out on the ground that they could not be spared are now suffering material loss owing to the non-reassessment of their pensions; and if he will take action to adjust their legitimate grievances?

I regret that I cannot recommend any departure from the rule that pensions are not re-assessed unless the pensioner re-enlisted during the War. I am unable to state the number of the persons referred to in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider the cases of officers who retired on a gratuity and who were recalled for service in the late War, so as to make these officers entitled to have some consideration under Army Order 324 similar to that given to officers who retired on retired pay?

I regret that I am unable to adopt this suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ho is yet in a position to state what provisions as regards pensions are to be made for men who have been invalided from the Army with loss than 21 years' service as foreshadowed in Army Order 325, of 1919?

I hope it will be possible to make an announcement on this point shortly.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will reconsider the Clause in the Royal Warrant which states that any woman who marries a man after his discharge from the forces will not, for purposes of compensation or pension, be considered a widow if the man should die owing to disability certified to have been occasioned by his military or naval service; and whether his attention has been called to instances of great hardship under this Regulation?

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

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the grants which it is proposed to make to naval officers who are surplus to requirements and who are not entitled to retiring pensions will be paid free of Income Tax?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a considerable number of war widows are finding it extremely difficult at the present time to pay the rents of the houses which they occupy from the pensions allowed to them; and whether, in view of the near approach of the time when rents of houses are to be increased, he will consider the propriety of his Department becoming wholly responsible for the payment of their rent subject to the recommendations of the various local war pensions committees?

It would not be practicable to adopt the hon. Member's proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has received resolutions from the Herefordshire Territorial Association, the Herefordshire County Council, the Hereford City Council, and various urban district councils in Herefordshire, protesting against the proposal of the Army Council not to include the 1st Battalion of the Herefordshire Regiment in the new Territorial Army; and whether, having regard to the work performed by this regiment in Gallipoli, Egypt, Palestine, and France, he will allow the 1st Battalion of the Herefordshire Regiment to be retained on the Army strength?

These resolutions have been received. The whole question of the conversion of redundant Territorial battalions is receiving the personal attention of the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the heavy losses of regimental property of Territorial battalions that have occurred, notably by the 5/6th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, arising out of the War while the battalions were on active service, they will be made good by the public, especially as these losses are deterring officers from joining the new Territorial Army; and whether this principle will be followed in other similar cases?

These cases will receive consideration. Until inquiry has been made into the circumstances of each case I cannot say more.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take into consideration the number of old soldiers, National Reservists, and ex-Territorials who joined up for home service in 1914 and who performed arduous services, especially those engaged on the East Coast defences, who now desire some mark of recognition for their services; and whether he is prepared to recommend the grant of a ribbon, preliminary to the issue of a medal, seeing that there are non-combatant units to whom medals have been granted?

As has already been stated on previous occasions, the award of a medal for those who rendered service at home in connection with the War is under consideration. With regard to the second part of the question, I am afraid a riband cannot be granted until the medal to which it is to be attached has been sanctioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the revision of seniority of officers commissioned during the war will be considered by the Army Council?

The question of the revision of the seniority of officers granted permanent Regular commissions during the War is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Nelson Wilkinson, No. 203,920, Lancashire Fusiliers, was killed on the 12th September, 1916, and that the money and effects of this soldier have not yet been handed over to the next-of-kin; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case?

The original amount reported due to this estate, namely, £4 5s. 3d., was paid to his father as next of kin (no will having been traced) in November, 1917, and a further amount due on account of War gratuity, namely, £8 10s. 0d. was paid to the father in September last. The father's receipts for these sums are in the possession of the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the approximate number of casualties during the War in all theatres, distinguishing between killed (including died of wounds and died from other causes), wounded and missing, and prisoners, distinguishing in each case between officers and other ranks; dividing such casualties between Regular and Territorial Forces; Royal Naval Division; Canadians; Australians; New Zealanders; and other Dominion and Colonial troops; and Indian and native troops?

submitted the following approximate number of

—	Killed (including Died from Wounds and Died from other causes)		Wounded		Missing (presumed Dead owing to lapse of time). These should be added to the deaths		Total number of Prisoners captured.†
	Off.	O.R.	Off.	O.R.	Off.	O.R.	Off.	O.R.
Regular and Territorial Forces.	34,206	541,229	80,596	1,567,818	4,140	96,867	6,617	161,317
Canadian Contingent	2,885	53,514	6,346	143,386	—	—	238	3,516
Australian	2,828	55,318	6,304	145,867	—	—	173	3,911
New Zealand	735	15,401	1,688	39,061	—	—	12	490
Other Colonial Contingents.	537	8,579	726	13,857	—	—	77	1,641
Royal Naval Division	425	6,620	777	19,388	38	1,427	64	3,009
					Missing, including Prisoners
Indian and Native Troops.	694	42,512	1,471	63,704	*40	*5,834	258	12,136
* Further details are awaited from India
† A certain number of these died in captivity and also appear under killed, etc

It is the practice of the Dominions to show their missing under killed, as soon as death is presumed.In view of the closing of the Dominion Record Offices in this country, reliable information as to the number originally missing is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the amount of the balance of the canteen fund created at the German prisoners of war camps in this country; and how is that balance to be disposed of now that those camps are closed?

There will be certain charges against these funds not yet adjusted. The disposal of the net balance will then be considered. I will inform the hon. and gallant Member of the decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as the canteens of the Navy and Army Canteen Board are casualties in all theatres during the period of the War:being discontinued in places where they had been established outside camp areas, the retail store situated in the centre of the town of Aldershot is to be discontinued; and whether he is aware that there is actual evidence that persons other than officers, men, and their wives and families have been supplied by this store 2

In answer to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on the 10th March to the hon. and gallant Member for East Leyton (Lieut.-Colonel Malone). With regard to the second part, the hon. and gallant Member no doubt alludes to the fact that, in addition to the officers and men and their wives and families, a certain limited number of civilians permanently employed on military services in barracks or camps or on War Department property were, if recommended by the Commanding Officer of the unit concerned, permitted to deal at the store in question. Such persons were provided with a written pass signed by the Secretary, Navy and Army Canteen Board, which they were required to produce when making purchases, and every precaution was taken to ensure that this privilege was not abused.

asked the Minister of Health whether luxury building is being rigidly suppressed in this country?

Local authorities are empowered by the Housing (Additional Powers) Act of last Session to prohibit within their areas the construction of buildings which are for the time being of less public importance than the provision of dwelling accommodation, and I am urging local authorities to make the fullest use of their power wherever it is necessary to do so.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in many rural districts many houses are only tenanted for a few months in the summer, and are tenantless for the remainder of the year; and whether, in view of the shortage of houses, he will seek power, if such power does not already exist, to deal with the matter?

I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to Section 12 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc. Act, 1919, under which local authorities already have power to acquire houses which might be made suitable for the working classes.

asked the Minister of Health what is the recognised standard of ability which enables a man to be classed as a skilled bricklayer; whether a man who can lay 300, 400, or 500 bricks per day would be entitled to this description; and whether he has any cases within his knowledge where discharged soldiers who can lay as many bricks per day have been refused employment by the unions?

I am not aware that there is any recognised standard based on the number of bricks per day which a man can lay. The reports that have hitherto been made to the Department as to the experience on housing schemes already in progress reveal a great variation in the number of bricks laid per man per day ranging from 250 to about 600. I may add that the Department estimates that the average difference in cost in the erection of houses as between bricklaying at the rate of 300 bricks per day and 600 is £51 19s. 3d. per house. It is estimated, also, that on the average of the houses being built, a man would build 3½ houses per annum if laying bricks at the rate of 300 per day and six houses per annum if working at the rate of 600 bricks per day.

asked the Minister of Health if it is his intention to start sanatoria for early uncertifiable mental cases which do not at first involve detention; and, if so, the approximate cost of such outlay?

I am afraid that I cannot at present add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Thornbury (Mr. Kendall) on the 12th March, when I explained that any such scheme would require legislation, and I am not in a position to say when such legislation will be introduced.

asked the Minister of Health how much a year is deducted by the Insurance Commissioners from the contributions of the National Health Insurance Act and handed over to the Medical Research Committee; and how much of the amount is spent on salaries and wages?

No deduction is made from the contributions under the National Insurance Acts for purposes of research. The sums appropriated for research are paid out of moneys provided by Parliament. An account of the receipts and payments of the Medical Research Committee audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General is submitted each year to Parliament with the annual appropriation account of the National Health Insurance Joint Committee. The account for 1918–19 will be found on page 347 or the Appropriation Accounts of Civil Service and Revenue Departments for 1918–19.

asked the Minister of Health to whom and in what manner it is proposed to transfer the duty of providing sanatorium benefit to insured persons, hitherto performed by the Insurance Committees, under the pro-visions of the new National Health Insurance Bill?

Institutional treatment for insured persons suffering from tuberculosis is already being provided in most areas by the public health authorities under agreements made with the Insurance Committees, and it is proposed to transfer the duty of providing such treatment to appropriate public health authorities. I am hoping to introduce legislation for this purpose at an early date. Domiciliary treatment for insured persons suffering from tuberculosis will be provided by Insurance Committees under Clause 4 (3) of the National Health Insurance Bill as part of medical benefit.

asked the Minister of Food the name of the British moat company from whom the Board of Trade leased the works in Argentina, the names of the directors and the terms and conditions upon which the works were leased?

I have been asked to reply. The Board of Trade in 1915 leased from the British and Argentine Meat Company, Limited, their Las Palmas works; the current contract is terminable at the end of the present year.The directors of the company are:—Sidney Young, O.B.E., Chairman.Walter Blease.Hon. A. P. Henderson.William Higgins.Colonel Woodbine Parish.J. A. Wood.The terms and conditions of the lease provide for a low rental and for remuneration to the company for management on profit-sharing terms, the Government getting the major share of the profits, and no remuneration being payable unless profit is earned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the continued delay in returning the large number of British railway wagons in France and Belgium which the War Office promised last year should be sent back at the rate of 800 to 900 per week, but which have not been delivered at half that rate; how many are still there; and how long it will take to complete their return to this country?

The return of wagons from France to this country is dependent on the capacity of the Train Ferry Service, and it is regretted that it has not been possible, owing to a variety of causes, to maintain the rate of return of 800 to 900 wagons a week as anticipated. The average number of wagons returned during the 33 weeks ending on 7th March was 363 per week. The present rate of return is approximately 500 per week, and it is hoped to increase the number during the summer months. There are still approximately 13,000 wagons in France to be returned to the British railway companies and approximately 4,300 wagons belonging to the War Department which will also be brought to this country. It is anticipated that all the wagons will be returned to this country by the end of the year and possibly before that date.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the apparently unfair discrimination of the railway companies against the cyclist, as shown by the fact that the charges for transporting a cycle accompanied by its owner has been twice increased since March, 1919, and now stands at an increase of 100 per cent., whereas the charge for other goods has only gone up 50 or 60 per cent.; and whether he can promise to go into the matter with a view to rectifying it?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough West (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 15th March. A deputation from the National Cyclists' Union was received on the 23rd March, and they were told that although no immediate alteration could be made their case would receive consideration in the forthcoming general revision of rates.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received the copy of a resolution unanimously adopted at a public meeting held on 13th March last in Mallow, county Cork, and presided over by the Most Reverend Dr. Browne, Bishop of Cloyne, which resolution set forth the claims of the pensioned national school teachers of Ireland; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action?

I have seen the resolution referred to, but I am afraid I can add nothing to the general statement made in this House by the Prime Minister on the 11th instant, regarding increases of pensions.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many hon. Members of this House representing Irish constituencies were arrested during the week ending 20th March; on what charge or charges were they arrested; and whether it is proposed to try the hon. Member or Members?

One Member of Parliament representing an Irish constituency was arrested during the week ending 20th March, 1920. He was arrested, under an Order made in pursuance of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, as a person suspected of having acted and being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the public safety and the defence of the Realm. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the proposal of the Kent Education Authority to establish wholesale and retail stores for the supply of stationery and school requisites; whether a public authority whose resources are derived from the rates has power to enter into competition with private traders and, if so, under what Act of Parliament; and whether it is the policy of the Government to encourage or to sanction such use of public money?

I am aware that the Kent County Council, acting as an education authority, have for some time purchased wholesale the necessary stationery and school requisities for the use of the schools under their control, and in this way have secured a considerable saving to the rates. Such action is within their legal powers under the Education Acts. I understand that proposals have recently been made to extend the system so as to enable the Council to furnish supplies in a similar manner to the schools of other education authorities. I am advised that such proposals would not be within the powers of the Council unless an arrangement for co-operation or combination with other authorities is made under Section 6 of the Education Act, 1918. I do not find that there is any proposal to establish retail stores as suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether female teachers doing the same work as male teachers are receiving the salary fixed for the male teachers; and whether, in the event of such not being done, he is prepared to grant the same?

Men and women teachers employed by local education authorities in public elementary schools are almost invariably paid according to scales which are different for the two sexes. I do not propose to override the discretion of local education authorities and other school authorities in this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of public money invested in registered companies by His Majesty's Government; what are the names of the companies and the amounts invested in each company; and the dates when the different investments were made?

I am taking steps to obtain the information desired by the hon. and gallant Member, and I shall be prepared to publish it in the form of a Parliamentary Paper if the hon. Member will be good enough to move for a Return.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum of money is guaranteed to local authorities in lieu of the carriage licence duties under Section 88 of The Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and the actual proceeds of such duties in the year ended 31st March, 1909, and in the last financial year, respectively?

The annual amount due to local authorities in Great Britain in lieu of carriage licences is £600,856 5s., being the actual net proceeds of the duties in 1908–9. The actual proceeds in 1918–19 were £949,937 6s. 8d.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that for the last two or three years the staffs employed by the banking firms in this country have had a holiday on Easter Saturday; and whether he can make arrangement for Easter Saturday to become a permanent bank holiday?

The hon. Member is mistaken. There was a banking holiday on Easter Saturday last year, but not in 1918. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether there is dissatisfaction among Poor Law officials with the scanty war bonus which they receive; and whether, in view of the fact that the additions to salary which they have received represent only from 50 per cent. to 60 per cent. advances on pre-war wages, while the price of necessary commodities is about 130 per cent. above the pre-war level, he will recommend such an increase of war bonus as will enable these officials to maintain their standard of life?

I have been asked to answer this question. I can only refer the Noble Lord to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Waterloo (Lieut.-Colonel Buckley) on the 2nd instant.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention had been drawn to the discontent amongst the employés of the Ashton-under-Lyne Board of Guardians owing to the refusal of the Board to grant the bonus under Award. 101, authorised by the Ministry of Health for Poor Law employés on the 12th January, 1920; whether this Board have-refused to submit the matter to arbitration; and whether he will have inquiries made into these grievances?

Yes, Sir I am in communication with the guardians and am again pressing them to agree to the reference of the question arising to arbitration.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the study of horticulture can be more definitely encouraged so that British initiative and enterprise may be assisted in competing with foreign stocks; and, for this purpose, whether the authorities of Kew Gardens could issue information that will assist hybridists, since in all branches of horticulture there is a great deal of data appertaining to the work which is difficult to procure and which is probably in possession of Kew Gardens, where it is not readily accessible?

The work suggested is entirely outside the province of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as hybridisation is not one of its functions. The main purpose of the Royal Botanic Gardens is to serve as a centre for the botanical activities of the Empire. Should, however, information be desired by plant breeders it is always supplied as far as may be possible.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the authorities of Kew Gardens hold stocks of various original species of plants to render assistance to hybridists; whether it is important that species such as the Dianthus, possessing little commercial value themselves, and therefore hardly procurable in the market, yet form an important part in the development of new varieties, should be cultivated; whether this instance is true of all other plants, vegetables, etc.; and what action the authorities of Kew Gardens are prepared to take in this matter?

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, attempts to grow-all species of plants likely to be hardy in this country since it is a scientific botanic garden. Kew is always prepared to assist botanists engaged in the study of genetics by supplying them with specimens of any species of which they may be in need. The actual work of hybridisation, etc., is not carried out at Kew, as it is outside the functions of the institution. The John Innes Horticultural Institution at Merton, however, where such work is pursued, is frequently supplied with material from Kew. Species of Dianthus, as of other genera, whether interesting to the florist or not, are, as far as possible, cultivated in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider the advisability of urging upon the authorities of Kew Gardens to take up a neutral position in testing out new varieties of plants in order that the general public may go there and actually see whether varieties of plants sent out by nurserymen in different parts of the country are really all they are represented to be, since genuine nurserymen would be only too willing to give such stock to Kew Gardens for trials to be carried out and the fact of new species being produced proved or disproved?

This work is undertaken by the Royal Horticultural Society in their gardens at Wisley in a purely impartial manner and there is no need for the duplication of such work. The trials at Wisley can be seen by the public and full accounts are published by the Royal Horticultural Society in their journal as well as in the horticultural Press. Even were it desirable to duplicate such work there is no space available at Kew for carrying out trials of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can give an idea as to the progress that has been made in drafting the rules under the Government of India Act; and whether Lord Sinha, Mr. Basu, and Mr. Charles Roberts, late Chairman of the Rules Committee at the India Office, are in any way assisting in the framing of these rules in India?

I understand that satisfactory progress is being made, that the Government of India are in constant consultation with a committee of non-official advisers, and that Local Governments are proceeding on the same lines. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the Government of India published in January for criticism their provisional proposals for the composition of electorates for the Indian Legislature, and I know that the results of this are now-being embodied in rules. If, as, I hope, the Joint Select Committee is shortly re-appointed, I will at once inform them of progress in detail so far as I am able to do so. I have no doubt that the Government of India are making use of the opportunity afforded by the presence in India of the three gentlemen named to consult them as far as is possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what statutory authority the Privy Council acts in granting licences for export?

I am advised that there is no statutory authority but that the power to grant licences for export has been exercised by the Privy Council in time of war at least as far back as the 18th century as one of the powers inherent in the Privy Council. I may add that the issue of licences for export is expressly recognised in Section 4 of the Customs (War Powers) Act, 1915.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is still necessary to obtain a passport to visit the Channel Islands; if so, what advantage is gained thereby; and when will this Regulation be abolished?

As the result of the consultations with the Channel Island authorities, referred to in answer to a similar question last Monday, it has now been arranged that on and after Monday next, the 29th instant, passports will not be required by passengers between the Channel Islands and the United Kingdom.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Report of Sir Stuart Samuel's mission to Poland has yet been received; and, if not, when it is likely to be ready?

The Report has not yet been received, but I understand from Sir Stuart Samuel that it is likely to be sent to the Foreign Office this week.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when it is intended to introduce the Bill dealing with the future working and control of the coal mines?

The Bill is in course of preparation, but I cannot yet give a date when it will be ready for the House. The Government fully realise the desirability of introducing it at as early a date as possible.