asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to state the decision of the Government with regard to the question of commutation of pensions in the Royal Navy?

This matter is still under consideration, having recently been reviewed by the Welfare Committee, and a decision will be promulgated as soon as practicable.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a man suffering from discharge from the ears, contracted while serving in the Army, is considered as having a disability; and whether he is aware that an ear specialist serving on the Pensions Board, Adelphi Hotel, Glasgow, has passed a man nil-disability though suffering as described?

I am unable to reply to this question without fuller information. A man suffering from a disability attributable to or aggravated by his military service is eligible for an award of pension or gratuity according to the extent of his disablement. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the individual case which he has in mind, I will have inquiries made and will inform him of the result.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office what allowance is granted to the wives of private soldiers serving abroad; and if the Government propose taking any steps to enable them to meet the present abnormal cost of living?

Generally speaking, the wives of soldiers who had served during the War are still drawing the separation allowances given during the War. When the large increase in the soldier's pay was made last autumn, notice was given that these allowances would be liable to reduction or discontinuance, and the future arrangements are now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the remarks made by the Chairman of the Colchester Bench on 30th March strongly deprecating the opening of military canteens and the sale therein of excisable liquors at hours much earlier than such liquors could be supplied in public houses or clubs, and expressing a hope that the matter would be inquired into by the authorities; and whether he intends to take steps with the object of inducing the Army Council to bring the hours of supply in canteens into unison with the hours of supply in public houses and clubs, as laid down in the district by the Central Control Board?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the remarks referred to. Owing to the exigencies of military training, etc., it is not always possible for the hours of supply of liquor in canteens to conform strictly with the hours of supply in public houses. So far as I am aware, however, soldiers are not given any greater facilities for obtaining intoxicating liquor than civilians, and I do not consider that any special action in the matter is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether experiments in wireless telegraphy by officers employed at the signals experimental establishment at Woolwich have now succeeded in transmitting messages over considerable distances at the speed of 100 words per minute and that very much greater speeds have been proved to be attainable; whether this is an advance which opens a prospect of the utmost importance to the future of wireless telegraphy, especially in relation to commercial use; whether the further development of this experimental work is being hampered by lack of sufficient funds, some officers who were pioneers in the work having already left the establishment or been transferred to other duties on this account; whether the expense falls on the Army Estimates although extreme rapidity of transmission is of no special importance for military purposes; and whether, in view of the commercial importance of such research, he will propose to the Board of Trade that that Department make itself responsible for financing the work on a sufficient scale to secure the fullest possible development of the experimnts referred to?

Yes, Sir; at the experimental establishment at Woolwich wireless messages have been transmitted over considerable distances at the speed of 100 words per minute and very much greater speeds have been obtained under laboratory conditions only. Rapidity of transmission is of the highest importance to the Army and the other fighting services as, in the near future, wireless telegraphy will probably be the primary means of intercommunication in these services. The work which is being carried out at Woolwich is experimental and the General Post Office, which is the other Government Department specially interested in the question, is kept very fully informed of all developments. As the hon. Member is aware, the funds at present available for experimental work are limited, owing to the urgent need for economy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are still in existence in this country any prisoners-of-war camps; the number of prisoners in them and the number of British officers and men on duty in such camps?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not therefore arise. The last prisoner was evacuated on Friday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sapper Walter Williams, No. 127,997, of the 2nd Wireless Signal Squadron at Baghdad, who attested on the 10th December, 1915, is still being retained with the military forces in Mesopotamia; whether he is being employed on civilian work; and whether he will issue instructions that no men shall be retained in Mesopotamia under the Army authorities for the purpose of dealing with civilian work?

I am informed that Sapper Walter Williams was demobilised in London on the 5th instant.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether discharge by purchase from the Army will be re-opened on the 30th April, 1920; to whom should a father, anxious to purchase the discharge of his son, make application; and what is the price of purchase in the case of a private in the transport section?

As already stated, discharge from the Army by purchase will be reopened as from the 30th April, and application should be made to the soldier's Commanding Officer. The rates of purchase money are under consideration, and an announcement will be made shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, inasmuch as 10s. 6d. was the pre-war lodging allowance during annual drill and 10s. annual allowance for upkeep of kit of the Royal Fleet Reserve men, what increase, if any, has been made to meet the higher cost of living, material, etc.?

Prior to the War lodging allowance was payable to Royal Fleet Reserve men during annual drill at the rate of 4d. a day. Royal Fleet Reserve men now receive lodging allowance on the same scale as Royal Navy ratings, the present rates being 2s. a day for Chief Petty Officers and 1s. 6d. a day for other ratings. The 10s. annual allowance referred to is not, strictly speaking, an " upkeep allowance," but an allowance paid in lieu of a free kit on enrolment. In view of the exemption of Reservists from drill during the present year it has been decided to defer the consideration of the question of increasing this allowance until next financial year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cost of production per ton of the stone at present being quarried in connection with the extension of the dockyard at Rosyth?

The present cost at Rosyth of producing stone, broken to a size suitable for road bottoming, is six shillings per ton plus one shilling and eightpence per ton for delivery to dockyard; total 7s. 8d. per ton

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the amount provided by each of the chief Powers for expenditure on new naval construction during the current year?

The Admiralty is not in possession of the necessary information to enable a reply to be given to this question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the case of J. J. Edgar, able seaman, alias Wilson, No. 36,753, who was drowned by falling from the ss. "Debola," on which he was serving, at Swansea on or about the 4th June, 1918; whether, this ship was at the time under the control of the Admiralty; and whether some compensation or compassionate allowance will be paid to Mrs. Edgar and her two children, who are in necessitous circumstances?

I have been asked to reply. Nothing is known of a ship of the name mentioned. There was, however, an ex-enemy ship named the "Denebola," trading under the management of the Ministry of Shipping Coasting Trade Office in June, 1918, and inquiries are being made from the managers, whose office is at Newcastle. On receipt of their reply I will communicate direct with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can give any further information as to an increase of the sum allowed for administration to approved societies in Scotland under the National Insurance Act in view of the extent of the increase in their expenses?

In reply I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the Second Reading of the National Health Insurance Bill, in which, speaking on behalf of the Government, he indicated an increase of 1s. per member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the central executive committee of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland has unanimously agreed to support the Diseases of Animals (Scotland) Bill; and whether he will define the attitude of the Ministry towards the proposals contained in the Bill?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the concluding portion, the view of the Ministry is that animal diseases in Great Britain can be best controlled by a uniform administration covering the whole country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the strike of the men employed at the works of the Glasgow and South Western Railway Company at Kilmarnock and Barassie has been settled; and, if not, whether he is taking steps to bring about a settlement?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. A. Shaw) on Tuesday last. The local conciliation officer of the Ministry of Labour at Glasgow has arranged a conference between the parties to be held on Thursday next. I understand that work is being resumed to-day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value of property assessed for Income Tax in Northern and Southern Ireland, as defined in the Government of Ireland Bill, respectively, for each of the financial years 1916-17, 1917-18, 1918-19, and 1919-20?

The detailed information asked for in the question is not available. For the purposes of Cmd. 645 the allocation of the receipt of Income Tax in 1919-20 attributable to Ireland was stated as follows:— Northern Ireland £3,870,000 Southern Ireland £5,350,000

This calculation was based upon the amount of tax as assessed in the respective tax districts in Northern and Southern Ireland and an allocation of the tax centrally assessed in Dublin.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value of property assessed for death duties in Northern and Southern Ireland, as defined in the Government of Ireland Bill, respectively, for each of the financial years 1916-17, 1917-18, 1918-19, and 1919-20?

The information asked for is not available, as statistics have never been collected for Northern and Southern Ireland separately. In Command Paper 645, it was estimated on the basis of an examination of the estates paying duty in Ireland over a period of the three years 1916-17, 1917-18 and 1918-19, that the average apportionment of the Death Duties between Northern and Southern Ireland for 1919-20 was approximately as follows:— Northern Ireland £500,000 Southern Ireland £1,000,000

The results of that examination showed that the receipts in each of the first three years referred to in the question, were made up approximately as follows:— Northern. Southern. £ £ 1916–17 298,000 645,000 1917–18 470,000 711,000 1918–19 341,000 897,000

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the Revenue credited to 1919–20 arises from the sale of war material?

I do not know what definition my hon. and gallant Friend would put on the words "war material." Of the Miscellaneous Revenue 1919-20 amounting to £280,829,000, approximately £251,000,000 arose from war assets, including £69,000,000 from the Ministry of Munitions and £56,000,000 from the Ministry of Shipping, the balance being mainly Wheat Commission and Food Ministry Receipts. The greater part of the Receipts from War Sales was not credited as revenue in 1919-20, but was appropriated in aid of Munitions, Navy and Army Votes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of excess profits duty in assessment, but unpaid, at 5th April, 1920; and what is the estimated amount of the assessments still to be made for excess profits duty in respect of accounting periods ending before that date?

The amount of excess profits duty in assessment, but unpaid, at 5th April last was approximately £250,000,000. It must, however, be anticipated that upon a final adjustment of liabilities this total figure will be substantially reduced. It is estimated that the duty still to be assessed in respect of periods ending before 5th April last is some £150,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the cost to the country of the increase of the rates on Treasury bills to 6½ per cent.; and what is the rate of interest now being paid on Ways and Means advances?

The cost of the increase in the Treasury Bill rate from 5½ per cent. to 6½ per cent. depends on the length of time for which the rate is in force. If there were no reduction in the total bills outstanding, and existing bills were all renewed for a year at 6½ per cent., the extra cost would be, approximately, £10,000,000. The maximum rate for Ways and Means advances is fixed by Act at 5 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reasons why he is not in a position to give the gross assessment for Income Tax for the financial years ending 1918-19 and 1919–20?

The compilation of accurate statistics relating to the tax finally assessed for any period—as distinct from tax collected—cannot be completed on account of disputes, appeals, and so forth, for some considerable time after the end of the period. The figure for 1918–19 will, I hope, be available very shortly.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the arrival in this country on 5th December last of four Russian trades unionists, who had been delegated by the bodies to which they belong to proceed to Western Europe in order to spread information regarding Bolshevik industrial administration and the effect of Soviet Rule on Russian trades unionism; whether he is aware that on their arrival in this country the four Russians in question were conducted to the War Office and subsequently to the Home Office, in spite of the assurance given them by the British High Commissioner at Omsk that they would be received here by British Labour organisations; that the four men, without being given an opportunity of being received by any? Labour organisation, were handed over to the People's League; and whether, seeing that the position of the four delegates has been seriously prejudiced by their public association with that body, to the extent that they are now penniless, they will in some way be compensated for the unnecessary trouble they have endured, and be protected so far as their future movements are concerned?

This matter has been brought to my notice. The men in question were admitted to this country on the recommendation of the British Authorities in Siberia, but I know nothing of the assurance said to have been given them. On their arrival here temporary accommodation was found for them by the War Office, and they were afterwards assisted by the People's League and attended meetings under their auspices. The Foreign Office are providing for their maintenance for the present, and they will be assisted to find suitable work, if that b possible, or, if they so desire, to leave the country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any cargoes have arrived in this country from Soviet Russia or have been despatched from this country to Soviet Russia in pursuance of the proposals made by the Allies in January; and, if not, what is delaying the resumption of trade?

No imports from or exports to Soviet Russia have taken place in pursuance of the Supreme Council's decision to permit the resumption of trade with that country. With regard to the progress of the negotiations with the Russian representatives I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House gave the hon. and gallant Member for East Leyton (Lieut.-Colonel Malone) on April 15th.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what company is referred to in the Report of the Sub-Committee on motor fuel as selling its output of petrol at £10 10s. per ton, 8s. 4d. per gallon; and how much of the said company's petrol is imported into this country?

I am unable to supply the required information. As my Noble d gallant Friend is no doubt aware, information and documents required to be given to a Committee or Tribunal under the Profiteering Act must be treated as confidential unless the person giving or producing the same otherwise agrees. I have no information concerning the amount of petrol imported into the country by the company referred to in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of benzol which was produced at coke ovens and gas works in the year 1919?

The total production of refined benzol at coke ovens and gas works in 1919 was approximately 20,000,000 gallons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many claims for reparation for war damage have now been furnished to the Government; whether there is a time limit for such presentation; and what steps are being taken to expedite settlement?

Particulars of loss or damage in some 28,000 cases are estimated to have been received up to the present by the Reparation Claims Department of the Board of Trade. These are confined to loss or damage suffered by civilians, and are exclusive of loss of or damage to ships and cargoes. I have no knowledge of the number of cases received by other Government Departments, such as the War Office, Admiralty, and Ministry of Shipping. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. Applicants are now being asked for further necessary particulars and for the verification thereof by Statutary Declaration, and every effort will be made to expedite the preparation of the British claim.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the claim to Crown rights in the foreshore at Seaview, Isle of Wight, has been settled; and, if so, the terms of settlement?

Substantial progress has been made with this case, but it is not yet finally settled. I will inform the hon. Member as soon as the final settlement is reached.

asked the Minister of Food the total quantity of sugar allocated for the last half of the year 1919, and for the first half of the year 1920, for the purpose of making jam; the quantity of sugar allocated for the purpose of making chocolates and other confectionery during the corresponding periods; and the policy of the Department in regard to the allocation of sugar for the above two purposes respectively, and the food values of the two methods of consumption in comparison with each other?

The quantity of sugar allocated to jam manufacturers during the last 24 weeks of 1919 was 104,500 tons, and that allocated for the manufacture of confectionery during the same period was 76,700 tons. I am unable to give precise figures for the first half of 1920, as that period has not yet elapsed, but the allocation in respect of sugar for jam and confectionery will be, according to the estimated allocation for the whole year, 73,000 and 41,000 tons respectively. The relative food value of the two commodities is dependent to a large extent upon the proportion of sugar contained therein. I am not prepared to express a definite opinion as to what may be the most nourishing or agreeable form in which sugar may be consumed.

asked the Minister of Food whether a uniform allowance of two pounds of sugar per head is to be granted for the purpose of making jam irrespective of the quantity of fruit that may be grown; and, if this is so, will he at once take steps to cancel such instructions in order that growers of fruit may be given a reasonable allowance of sugar so that they may utilise such fruit and save it from going to waste?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on the 15th instant to the hon. Member for the Barkston Ash Division (Mr. Lane-Fox.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he is now able to fix the minimum price per ton of the 1920 potato crop; and whether he is aware that the growers favour a sum of £10 per ton?

I have been asked to reply. It is not proposed to fix prices for the 1920 potato crop.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the agricultural committees in the various counties work under identical regulations in dealing with claims for compensation for loss incurred in the ploughing up of grass lands; and whether there is anything in the regulations to prevent such committees giving an assurance that the valuers, whose names they submit to the applicant for choice of an arbitrator, shall be men conversant with the soil and the agricultural conditions of the locality in which the claim arises?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There is nothing to prevent the Agricultural Committees giving the assurance suggested, as it would be contrary to their practice and to the desire of the Ministry to suggest the appointment of men who are not conversant with the local conditions. I may point out, however, that claimants for compensation are not bound to accept any of the names suggested by the Agricultural Committee, and that in default of agreement the arbitrator is appointed by the President of the Surveyors' Institution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether Mr. C. J. Hankinson, the late superintendent of the Archives Registry, whose summary dismissal has been the subject of discussion in this House, was responsible for the reception of some 30,000,000 papers and documents, many of them of an important and confidential character, the storage and custody of the same, and the arrangements for housing and preservation of the same; and whether at the date of Mr. Hankinson's appointment he was considered to have special qualifications for the post to which he had been appointed?

Mr. Hankinson was responsible for the reception and sortage of official files numbering about 4½ millions. At the date of his appointment it was considered that Mr. Hankinson's qualifications rendered him a suitable official to occupy the post.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the names of the 35 purchasers of Mesopotamia river craft at the recent Government sale; the number and description of craft sold to each purchaser; whether for use on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers or not; and the actual date of sale or tenders being closed; the numbers and names of those who tendered in Mesopotamia and in India, respectively; the date on which the catalogues were available to intending Mesopotamian purchasers; by whom these catalogues were issued in Mesopotamia; and the number and description of craft still retained by the Government for the requirements of the civil and Military authorities?

These transactions were only carried through towards the end of last month, and my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it is not possible at present to give the very detailed information asked for in the question. It is proposed to publish the essential details of these sales later.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many members of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) were present at the meeting when the Order was made of the 2nd February last prohibiting the formation of any clubs in Carlisle without the sanction of the Board?

As I stated on Wednesday last, in answer to a question put by the hon. Member for Nottingham, I have nothing to add to the replies already given on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that there is general dissatisfaction among the ratepayers of the Itchen urban district council, and that this arises, in part at least, from the failure of the council to receive any contribution from the Government in lieu of rates in respect of the Government rolling mills, Western Grove, Southampton; whether these mills were erected about four years ago and have been assessed by the Poor Law overseers; whether the customary ex gratia payment is likely in this case to be made; and, if so, what period of time must elapse before payment is remitted?

The customary ex gratia payment is likely to be made in this case in a few days.

asked the Minister of Transport whether railway booking clerks are entitled to refuse to accept Treasury notes in payment of railway tickets in the absence of smaller change on the part of the intending passenger and the railway company, and can such passengers travel without a ticket and pay at destination instead of being compelled to miss their trains whilst seeking change outside the station?

There is no legal obligation to give change either for a note or a coin, though as a matter of convenience it is usual to do so, if possible. I understand that railway companies' bylaws require passengers to obtain tickets before entering trains.

asked the Minister of Transport the names of the firms receiving subsidies for carrying by sea traffic usually carried by rail in pre-War days, and what is the amount paid to these firms for such subsidies during the last three months?

Under the coastwise transport scheme more than a thousand traders have made claims for refund of the difference between the freight and charges (other than demurrage) actually paid for traffic sent coastwise and the amount of the railway rates and charges which would have been payable if the traffic had been sent by rail The subsidy is not restricted to particular firms, but may be claimed by any firm forwarding goods by coastwise shipping under the conditions laid down in the Public Notice issued on 20th August, 1919. The claims actually passed for payment during the past three months, which, however, do not correspond with the tonnage carried during that period, amounted to £79,315.

asked the Minister of Transport if the railway companies are now reintroducing facilities for the public to engage special trains; and whether these will be within the reach of working-class organisations anxious to arrange outings on pre-war lines?

The ability of the various companies to run special trains varies according to their position, particularly as regards locomotive power; but, as I have several times stated in reply to questions, owing to the position of the railways as a whole, I can hold out little hope of the restoration of cheap travelling facilities this year.

asked the Minister of Transport the policy of his Department on the demand by various local authorities for a mileage rate for the upkeep of the roads, to be paid by all omnibus companies using them for the purpose of catering for passenger traffic?

I propose to deal with this point in a statement on the Budget Resolutions.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the possibility of reconsidering in the national interest the prices of season tickets upon the railways to travelling students; if he is aware that the proposed increase of 100 per cent. will make it impossible for many able, deserving, but poor students to continue their studies, and that this is doing much to discourage students at the Treforest School of Mines in South Wales, and that many students will have to abandon their educational careers; and if he will therefore endeavour to remove this handicap to the poor student by reverting to the old system of prices?

Season tickets are issued at half rate to students travelling to and from schools or colleges up to 18 years of age in the case of non-wage earners, and up to 16 in the case of wage-earners. This is now the uniform practice throughout the country, and I regret that I can hold out no hope of any further concession.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that under the new rates for the carriage of poultry the railway rates for stock birds are double those for table birds, and that, in the case of injury caused by the negligence of the railway companies servants, the compensation payable is limited to 5s. per bird of either class; and whether he will arrange new rates for carriage and compensation more fairly proportionate to the service rendered and the values of the birds carried?

The present arrangements in regard to this traffic, which I consider to be reasonable, are as follows: Poultry for consumption and prize poultry to and from shows are carried by passenger train at Company's risk at the same rate. In both cases compensation is limited to 5s. per bird, but for more valuable birds insurance can be effected at the rate of 1¼ per cent. Table poultry (live or dead) can be conveyed at owner's risk, in which case a lower scale of rates is charged.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has received complaints from various villages as to the train services on Saturday; is he aware that Saturday is the only day that many working people have for a day's outing; is he aware that teachers of Sunday schools cannot get a Saturday, but Wednesdays are offered; and, if so, will he look into this matter with a view to better railway facilities?

I cannot find that any complaints of the kind mentioned have been received. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the difficulties which he has in mind, I will have inquiries made and advise him of the result.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the 23rd March last an employé at the Hatfield Main Colliery Company met with an accident, having his leg cut off above the knee, and that, although an infirmary was only eight miles distant from the pit, it took several hours to get him there, with the result that he bled to death; and whether he will consider the question of introducing legislation to compel every colliery to be provided with either a horse or motor ambulance?

I find on inquiry that the accident happened at 3.55 p.m.; that the injured man received efficient first-aid treatment within a few minutes, and that a doctor arrived at 4.35 p.m. The doctor, after attending the patient, accompanied him to the Doncaster Infirmary in the colliery horse ambulance which was standing ready, leaving the colliery at 4.55 p.m. It appears that everything possible was done for the unfortunate man and the case does not suggest the need for any further legislation. The General Regulations under the Coal Mines Act already contain a requirement on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will institute inquiries with a view to ascertaining the practicability of dispensing with the use of pit ponies in coal mines?

I do not think any inquiry is necessary as the advantage of mechanical traction is fully recognised by the colliery managements, and its use is encouraged by the Home Office Inspectors. In some mines the physical conditions render it wholly impracticable, but its more general adoption in others is hindered at the present time by the difficulty of obtaining delivery of plant and by the backward state of the roadways in the mines due to the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to acquaint all officials responsible for the empanelling of juries with the provisions of the recent Act prohibiting aliens from serving on such bodies?

The Act in question has been supplied in ordinary course to the proper officers of Courts of Assize and Quarter Sessions, but the hon. Member will observe that, if objection is taken to an alien sitting on a jury, it must be taken, not by the officers of the Court, but by one of the parties to the case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a trade union which has not hitherto paid unemployment pay as one of the benefits provided by the union will be entitled to be regarded as an association under Clause 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Bill upon its complying, on and after 1st October next, with the conditions set out in the proviso to that Clause; and whether a trade union now in process of formation would have the same right, subject to its being in actual operation by 1st October next and to its complying as regards unemployment benefit with the conditions in the before-mentioned proviso?

An arrangement under Clause 17 may be made at any time, provided that the requirements of the Clause are satisfied at the date when the arrangement comes into operation. The date of formation of the association or of commencement of unemployment benefit is not otherwise material, and, in particular, it is not necessary that the association should have been in existence or paid unemployment benefit before the Act comes into force.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received information of a disturbance reported to have occurred at Levuka, Fiji Islands, on Saturday last in favour of Indians awaiting deportation; who these Indians are and for what reason and under whose authority they are to be deported; whether they have been tried by any of the ordinary courts of the Colony; whether there has been a renewal of trouble since the announcement in this House that the situation had been restored; and for what reason New Zealand troops are being kept in the Fiji Islands?

No information has been received from the Governor as to a disturbance having taken place on the day mentioned, or as to there having been a renewal of the recent trouble since my statement in the House on the 3rd March. A telegram has been received from the Governor stating that by an order made under the Peace and Good Order Ordinance, 1875, the following four persons: D. M. Manilal, Mrs. Manilal, Harapal Mahraj, and Fazil Khan, have been prohibited from residing for two years within certain parts of the Colony. The Governor states that he is reporting by mail the grounds for the action taken. As I stated in the House on the 10th March, an armed guard of about 50 men was sent from New Zealand. This small detachment afforded valuable help during the actual rioting, and if they are still being kept in Fiji it is no doubt because their presence is considered desirable by the Governor.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what has been the average balance standing to the credit of the Prize Court Fund during the period of March, 1919–20; in what bank it is deposited, and what rate of interest is paid upon it?

The average balance to the credit of the general Prize Court Fund, which is kept at the pay office, is about £11,000,000. It is not yet possible, pending adjudication, to say how much of this balance may be ultimately due to the Naval Prize Fund, to which considerable sums have already been paid. The balance in the Naval Prize Fund is invested by the Admiralty and earns interest pending distribution which will commence shortly.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the nature of the telephone service in South Wales, and that business men at Cardiff, Swansea, and Aberdare despair of doing business over the telephone owing to the fact that speaking is indistinguishable at both ends of the wires; that experirments have been tried to prove this; that this state of things is very seriously affecting business men in South Wales; that the general public also suffer; and that the present service is being condemned by everyone; and if he will promise to get this put right at once?

Trouble was experienced with the working of some of the South Wales trunk lines a few months ago. The matter received special attention, and I am informed that a considerable improvement was affected. There is, however, still some difficulty with calls for some of the exchanges in the Swansea district. I will communicate with my hon. Friend when the matter has been investigated.