asked the Secretary of State for India whether revised scales of pay have been given to the Indian Civil Service, the Public Works Department, and the educational services; whether the increase has been granted to those recruited in Britain as an overseas allowance; whether the British mechanics working on Indian railways requested such an allowance, which was refused, prior to the grant to Indian civil servants; and whether the concession now made to civil servants will be enjoyed by British recruited mechanics on the railways?

Revised scales of pay have recently been sanctioned for various services which are recruited partly in England and partly in India, the pay of the officers domiciled elsewhere than in India being fixed on the basis of that of the officers domiciled in India plus an overseas allowance. Overseas allowances were not granted as a method of increasing pay, but as a method of defining an important element in that pay. I am not aware of any request for overseas allowance by British mechanics working on Indian railways, and I do not think such an allowance would be appropriate in their case. They do not belong to a regular service of which the pay can advantageously be fixed on this basis, but are engaged under agreement on rates of pay which vary according to circumstances, and there would appear to be no object in dividing their pay into Indian pay and overseas allowance. They have been granted substantial increases of pay since the beginning of the War, including separation allowances up to the 31st March, 1920, to their wives and families in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is obligatory for those in control of the Indian railways to maintain among their employés a battalion or other number of volunteers; whether, to enable this to be done, soldiers taking their discharge in India are engaged as guards, firemen, etc.; and whether he will state the hours of employment and the wages paid for such work, apart from overtime payments, to ex-soldiers so employed?

It is not obligatory on the several Indian railway administrations to maintain volunteer forces from among their employees, although most of them do so. Discharged soldiers are engaged as guards, firemen, etc., not with the object of maintaining the volunteer corps, but because they are suitable for work which the railways have to offer. Their hours of employment and wages are the same as for other railway employees of the same class. A normal day's work is usually reckoned as eight hours. Wages vary on different lines, and in the case of both guards and firemen are usually made up of a fixed amount plus a mileage allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for India under what Laws, Rules, or Regulations a British subject can be indefinitely excluded from British India; what are the exact terms of the provision or Rule by which Mr. B. G. Horniman is thus excluded from British India; and under what Act covering such Rule or provision the order of exclusion is made?

Mr. Horniman was excluded under the terms of Rule 3 (d) of the Defence of India Rules, 1915, a copy of which I have placed in the library. The Rule was made by the Government of India in the exercise of powers conferred on them by India Act No. IV., of 1915.

When does the Defence of India Act come to an end?

To the best of my recollection, six months after the conclusion of peace.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, having regard to the recent refusal of the Government of India to allow Mr. B. G. Horniman to re turn to India and the statement made by him on 23rd May last in this House regarding Mr. Horniman that there was plenty of case to put before the courts, and the fact that Mr. Horniman has publicly asked to be put on his trial, he will order such trial to be held or communicate to the House the materials on which his statement was made or, in the alternative, withdraw the statement?

The question of putting Mr. Horniman on his trial is one within the discretion of the Government of Bombay.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not think that so serious a decision as the exclusion of a man from India should not take place in peace time without trial, and possibly conviction, and nothing else?

Is it not the case that this gentleman's removal was ordered by Sir George Lloyd, who is by no means an autocratic tyrant, and that his action has met with general approval on account of the manner in which this gentleman conducted himself?

Is the House to understand that this gentleman has been deported from India without trial, when he denies totally the allegations made against him?

The question of trial entirely lies with the Governor of Bombay. I would appeal to the House to support the Governor in the exercise of a discretion which has been given to him by Acts passed by a competent legislative. Sir George Lloyd would, of course, be the first to admit that trial is always preferable, but he must have regard to all the circumstances of the case.

Would it not be better to appeal to this House to give the ordinary rights of fair play to a British subject who cannot find out what his offence is?

There is no question of finding out what the offence is; Mr. Horniman knows perfectly well.

I merely want to know whether the right hon. Gentleman proposes to recommend to the Government of India eventually, not now perhaps, that this man shall not be kept out of India without a fair trial, and also conviction if that trial shows him to be guilty?

I am prepared to repose complete confidence in the Governor, Sir George Lloyd.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any investigation has been made into the grave charges made against Mr. B. G. Horniman by him in this House in his speech on the East Indian Revenue Accounts on 23rd May, 1919, in justification of the deportation of that gentleman from India by the Government of Bombay without charge or trial; and whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the full correspondence passing between the Government of India, the Government of Bombay, and the India Office regarding this matter, and any other papers concerning it which may be available, and in particular the details of such charges as have been made by the Government of India and the Government of Bombay against Mr. Horniman?

The statements made regarding Mr. Horniman were based upon the contents of the issues of the paper which he edited. There is no need of any inquiry regarding them. I will place a copy of the orders of the Government of Bombay on Mr. Horniman's deportation in the Library.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a resolution dealing with Mr. Horniman's case was disallowed in the Bombay Council, and can he give a reason for that decision?

What reason?

For the refusal to allow discussion on a resolution with regard to Mr. Horniman.

No, I cannot, but I will certainly make inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year there was an extensively signed petition by hundreds of the leading residents of Bombay sent to the Government asking for the reconsideration of Mr. Horniman's case, and does the right hon. Gentleman know what reception that appeal got?

I was not aware of the fact, but I can quite accept it from the hon. Gentleman. I would point out that the system of deporting necessarily leads to the difficult question when that deporting is to come to an end. On that question I propose to leave the matter entirely to the Government of Bombay.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, under Lord Meston's award, non-Brahmins receive 28 out of 65 elective seats in the Provincial Legislative Council of the Madras Presidency; and whether this award has been accepted by him and becomes operative when the Government of India Amendment Act comes into force?

The first part of the question is correct, according to the telegraphic information I have received from the Government of India. The award will become operative when it is embodied in rules under the Act and the rules have received the approval of Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he proposes to take any action on the memorial submitted to the Governor-General in Council by the Madras Zamindars' and Landowners' Association regarding the inadequate representation proposed for the zamindars of the Madras Presidency in all the three councils to be constituted under the Reform Act; whether he is aware of the desirability of adequately interesting this loyal class in the new reforms; and whether he has himself received representations on the subject?

I have not seen the memorial referred to, but have received telegraphic representations from three Madras landholders on the subject. The draft rules have not yet reached this country.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India proposes at an early date to deal with the Vizagapatam Harbour and Raipur-Vizagapatam Railway project?

It is the intention of the Government of India that the Vizagapatam Harbour and Raipur-Vizagapatam Railway project shall be proceeded with as soon as the necessary funds can be made available.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the issue of nickel coinage; and whether the issue of such coins of values higher than eight annas is contemplated?

In September, 1919, legislation was passed in India authorising the issue, in addition to the existing two anna and one anna nickel coins, of eight anna and four anna nickel pieces. These coins are legal tender for payments up to one rupee. The object of the measure was to conserve the available supplies of silver for the coinage of rupees and consequently to reduce the demands of the Government of India on the silver market.

Up to the end of February the absorption of nickel coins exceeded in value 5 crores of rupees. Th coins, with the exception of the 8 anna piece, the mintage of which has been temporarily discontinued, were well received by the Indian public. The recent Indian Currency Committee pronounced against the issue of a nickel rupee, and I am not at present contemplating the coinage of nickel pieces of any new denomination.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can state what is the present shortage of officers in the Indian Army; and what steps are being taken to remedy it?

Until the post-war establishment of the Indian Army is finally decided it is not possible to determine whether there is any shortage among regular Indian Army Officers. To meet difficulties caused by the demobilisation of a large number of temporary Officers, about 550 Officers have recently been engaged for temporary service with Indian units.

Is there any chance of any more being engaged in the immediate future?

I am not aware of the necessity, but we are still making some appointments from the Regular Indian Army.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now state what medal is to be given for the operations on the Afghan frontier last year; and when orders for the wearing of the ribbon will be issued?

The recommendation of the Government of India has now been received. I hope that an announcement will be made at an early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the sale of any ships of the Royal Navy to foreign countries, without any stipulation as to their being broken up, is contemplated; and, if so, which are they?

The reply to my Noble and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative; but pending completion of the negotiations, I am afraid that particulars as to the countries and vessels concerned cannot usefully be given.

Have these transactions been considered by the League of Nations?

Is it not possible to give the House particulars of the sales of these vessels, and is it not a matter for the Members of this House as to the advisability of disposing of these vessels and the eventualities?

Of course, the House has a right to know all that is going on, but, as I have just said, this information cannot be given now. There is no desire to withhold any information.

When can it be given?

It is quite obvious that the House cannot be consulted in the details from step to step regarding these negotiations.

Is it not a question of change of principle, and is it not a fact that prior to the War the Government of this country did not dispose of vessels in this way, and has the right hon. Gentleman consulted this House as to whether it is a reasonable change of principle?

There are plenty of opportunities for the House to discuss it on the Navy Estimates. As regards the change of principle between now and before the War, my hon. Friend knows that the circumstances are entirely different.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that these vessels shall not be disposed of till the House has had the opportunity of discussing the principle involved?

No, I could not give any assurance of the kind. There is no intention whatever to withhold information that hon. Members are entitled to have, and I do not think hon. Members are entitled to press me further.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think it will be possible to give the House the information it seeks?

I cannot give an exact date. We shall have the Navy Estimates under discussion again very shortly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there is no danger of these vessels passing into the hands of potential enemies?

I think my hon. Friend may rest assured that the Board of Admiralty are as anxious as he is to prevent that.

Does the contract of sale provide that they shall not be re-disposed of without the consent of the Government itself?

I think I would like to have notice of that. Every precaution is taken that we think necessary, and I should think that is probably covered, but I would rather have notice of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, under the new naval pension scheme, officers who retire will, if called up, retain their pensions, and if any service during war or on emergency will count for an increase of pension; whether the proposed arrangements will be confirmed by an Order in Council; and, if so, whether such Order will deal clearly with this point to guard against the injustice done in this respect to retired royal naval and royal marine officers who were called up during the late War.

It is assumed that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the scheme recently published for clearing the lists of surplus officers. On this point I would observe that, with the exception of warrant officers and, in some cases, of mates, officers who retire under this scheme will only receive a pension if over the age of 36. An officer retiring on pension under this scheme if called up will not be paid his pension in addition to full pay, nor will his service during war or emergency count for increase of pension. Instead of his service counting for increase, the bonus on full pay payable under existing Regulations will be granted.

The scales of gratuities and pensions will be confirmed by Order in Council, but as indicated in the answer to the first part of the question, nothing will be inserted in the Order varying existing Regulations bearing on the points in question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the reiterated statements on behalf of the Admiralty that the distribution of prize money would take place in the early part of spring of the present year, if he will state how many officers and men have received their grants up to the present time; how much has been distributed; and if the Board are aware of the fact that many of those entitled to the said money are being handicapped by the delay in paying it?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what is the approximate total amount of the Prize Fund; whether any estimate can now be given of the amount available for distribution to the Royal Navy; if there is likely to be a balance between these two sums; whether any payments have yet been made out of the Prize Fund for any purpose; when a distribution will begin; and if the amount of one share can yet be stated?

The Admiralty are only concerned with the Naval Prize Fund, and not with the Prize Court Fund generally. The Court cases are not yet sufficiently advanced to enable an estimate to be made of the total amount of the Naval Prize Fund, but a sum of £5,600,000 is now in hand. There will, of course, be a balance between the Prize Court Fund and the Naval Prize Fund, but the Admiralty are only entitled, on behalf of the Naval Prize Fund, to Droits of the Crown, and are not concerned with the balance. Payments to the amount of about £1,300 for various charges have been made under Schedule 2 of the Naval Prize Act. A distribution of the sum in hand will begin forthwith, and an announcement to that effect is being published in Fleet Orders of this week.

The amount of one share for the present distribution is 50s.

Payment to Naval officers and men still serving with the Fleet and in Naval Establishments will be undertaken forthwith.

Payment to discharged and to demobilised officers and men, and to the representatives of those deceased who are eligible to participate, will begin early in June—due notice of which will be given in the Press. No applications made prior to the issue of such notice can be dealt with.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the fact that certain classes of the Army Reserve are receiving an additional grant of 6d. per day, making the amount they receive 1s. per day, if he will state what action is being taken by the Admiralty to place the Royal Fleet Reserve on a similar footing?

The conditions prevailing in the two Services are not analogous. Substantial benefits have, however, recently been granted to the Royal Fleet Reserve, as stated in the House on the 18th ultimo by my right hon. Friend the late Financial Secretary to the Admiralty, and reported in Volume 126, No. 28, Columns 2503 and 2504 of the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in the April Navy List only four officers are shown under the heading of surgeon rear-admiral, and that no surgeon captains have, been promoted to fill the two vacancies created by the retirement in February last of Surgeon Rear-Admiral Dimsey, D.S.O., and the addition of one surgeon rear-admiral to the list as announced in March, and whether he is aware of any reason why surgeon captains should not be promoted at once, on the occurrence of vacancies in the same way as captains in the executive branch are promoted to fill vacancies in the rear-admirals' list?

The question of promoting officers to fill the vacancies on the surgeon rear-admirals' list is now under the consideration of the Board of Admiralty, and it is hoped to announce the promotions at an early date.

With regard to the second part of the question, the reason is that promotion to the rank of surgeon rear-admiral is by selection, whereas promotion to rear-admiral is normally made by seniority.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to keep a British squadron in the Baltic this year; if so, what its functions will be; and whether it is intended to interfere with merchant ships bound to and from Russia?

It is intended to maintain a few vessels in the Baltic for the present, in order to show the Flag and to maintain touch with British missions in plebiscite areas such as Plensburg and Dantzic. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Naval vessels were used in the transport of the remains of General Denikin's army from Novorossisk or other ports to the Crimea.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Cairns), a copy of which I am forwarding to him.

asked the Prime Minister where the Commercial Mission which left Russia for this country, headed by M. Krassin, is now; what is the reason for the delay in its reaching this country; and when it is hoped to commence exchanging commodities with Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether M. Krassin and a deputation from Russia, as rpresenting the co-operative movement in Russia, is about to visit this country; whether he is aware that the co-operative movement in Russia has been suppressed for some time past; whether this deputation is coming on its own initiative or at the request of the Government of this country; and whether it will pay its own expenses while in England, or whether its members are to be treated as guests and accommodated at a leading London hotel?

A trade deputation from Russia is at present in Copenhagen, and preliminary discussions have taken place between the delegation and representatives of the Supreme Economic Council.

Further progress has been delayed pending consideration by the Allied Governments of certain questions of principle raised by the Russian delegates.

The Russian trade delegation is coming as the result of a request addressed by the Russian Central Union of Co-operative Societies to the British Government through the London offices of the Russian Co-operative Societies. Its expenses in England, and the expenses of its journey to England, will be paid by the Russian Co-operative Societies or by their existing representatives in London.

Is it not the fact that this deputation declines to come to England because we declined to allow M. Litvinoff to come here?

That point has been raised; I believe there are others; but I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

In view of the circumstances would it not be possible for the Government to reconsider their attitude?

Is it not a fact that the co-operative movement has been suppressed by the Soviet Government?

I do not know exactly what has happened, but I think the movement is under the control of the Soviet Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether private firms will be allowed to negotiate business with these people independent of the Supreme Council?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that large numbers of Russians of the bourgeois or middle-class have, as the result of recent events, been driven to the sea coast in Southern Russia, and are in danger of being massacred by their Bolshevist enemies unless they can obtain succour; and will the Government immediately despatch a sufficient number of ships to the Black Sea to bring away these unfortunate people?

Large numbers of refugees from the whole of South Russia congregated at Novorossisk before its evacuation by the Volunteer Army, and several thousands were evacuated largely through the instrumentality of the British Fleet. It is materially impossible to evacuate and maintain an appreciably greater number than those who have already been moved.

The Volunteer Army hold a defensible position in the Crimea, and His Majesty's Government do not consider that they would be justified in acting on the suggestion made in the last part of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the present extent of the United Services Fund; who is responsible for its administration; and what proposals are intended for its administration in the future?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Pending the completion of the realisation of the surplus assets of Army canteens, it is not possible to say what sums will ultimately be available for the United Services Fund, but approximately £2,500,000 has already been handed over. A scheme has been drawn up by which the Fund is administered by a Council of Management, of which General Lord Byng is Chairman, and which includes representatives of the principal ex-service organisations.

May I ask whether it is still the intention of the War Office or of the Department that is responsible to continue to call this Fund the United Services Fund, in view of the decision of the Navy upon that?

I cannot answer that without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman issue a statement to Members of the House showing the allocation of the Fund that has already been made by this Committee?

I think if the hon. Member will write to those who have the Fund in hand, he may be able to obtain the information direct.

asked the Minister of Labour whether ex-Army students at the University of Liverpool proceeding through a five years' course to a degree in veterinary surgery may be granted an equal subsidy to that given to medical students, seeing that for the first two years the standard required for both classes is identical and training practically identical and that the expense to the student for both is the same.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to his question of 24th March. As stated in that reply, the maximum annual awards permissible under the Training Grant Scheme for students proceeding to veterinary degrees at the University of Liverpool are the same as for medical students at the Institution. The scheme provides machinery whereby a student who feels that the amount of his award is inadequate, can appeal for an increase within the maximum permissible. Actually, owing to the continued high cost of living, the average awards now being made are on a somewhat higher scale than they were three or four months ago. In view of the fact that cases are dealt with individually and that adequate machinery exists for remedying defects in assessment of grants, a general equalisation does not seem to be called for. I might add, however, that instructions have been given to the District Director to make fuller inquiry into the question, which will be further considered on receipt of his report. If my hon. Friend has in mind any individual case of hardship, I shall be glad if he will furnish me with particulars of it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the National Trade Advisory Committee of the Boot and Shoe Trade have made any recom- mendation as to the future training of disabled soldiers; that there is no further opening in the industry for men trained in boot repairing, but that men can be trained in hand-sewn making; and will he state whether they have recommended the setting up of national factories whereby these men can be guaranteed employment after they have been trained?

The functions of the National Trade Advisory Committee for the training of disabled men in the boot and shoe trade have now been taken over by the Boot and Shoe Trade Board, and this Board have passed resolutions in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend. It is correct that the National Trade Advisory Committee pressed for the establishment of national factories for the employment of ex-service men in this trade, for the purposes of supplying the forces of the Crown with hand-sewn boots and shoes. After giving the matter careful consideration, in consultation with the Supply Departments, my Department was unable to concur.

May I ask whether it is impossible to go on training these men unless there is some guarantee of employment, and whether it is not obligatory on the Government to do all possible to help these men after training?

We must do all we can to help them, obviously. I have had the pleasure myself of seeing four men in training from Northampton a few days ago, and I have also been to another training centre. Certainly it is up to us to do all we can, but if there are not these posts for these men I do not see how we can create them.

Would it not be possible to absorb these men in the trade, if the trade unions would agree to them being absorbed?

Could the right hon. Gentleman give us some reason why it is impossible to start factories to provide boots for the Army? To the ordinary man it seems quite an easy thing to do, and one wonders why the "No" answer is given.

I speak subject to correction, but I presume that the supply for a long time ahead must have already been provided by the contracts which were running.

Could the right hon. Gentleman find out and let us know if it is so?

Yes, if my hon. Friend will put a question down.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the action of the electrical trade union with regard to membership by employés of the Southampton electricity department of the Electrical Power Engineers' Association; and if, in view of the recent statement by his predecessor that the association is a bonâ fide trade union and recognised by the Government as such, it is proposed to take any action to prevent the electrical union employing such methods of intimidation?

My Department offered its services in this dispute, and an agreement was reached on Monday night. I am glad to say that work has now been resumed.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is yet in a position to state when the King's Roll of the employers of ex-service men will be published according to towns and districts?

The first edition of the roll was arranged by counties, and it is not proposed to re-issue these names at present. Preparations are being made for the issue of a supplementary edition, in connection with which my hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind; but this supplementary edition cannot appear for some time.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the King's Roll as at present constituted does not fulfil the purpose for which it was created; and, secondly, whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that his predecessor clearly indicated the intention of publishing the roll according to towns and districts?

If that undertaking were given, it must be fulfilled; but, in any case, I should be glad to confer on the point.

Has anything been done in the way of posting this roll in the Post Offices throughout the country?

The matter has been taken in hand, bue I am not sure what stage it has reached. I will let my hon. Friend know.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the number of strikes and lock-outs, working people directly and indirectly involved, and the aggregate duration in working days of strikes and lock-outs during the year 1919?

The number of strikes and lock-outs reported to the Minister of Labour during 1919 was 1,413. The total number of workpeople directly and indirectly involved, at the establishments where the disputes occurred, was about 2,580,000, and the aggregate duration of the disputes was about 34,480,000 working days. These figures are exclusive of some small disputes, involving insignificant numbers of workpeople, as to which statistics are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is his intention to introduce a measure to prohibit night work in the baking trade?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am afraid I can only refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on the 17th March last to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for the Silvertown and Newton Divisions, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of discontent in consequence of the Government not having introduced a Bill?

I was not aware of the existence of that. The answer to which I referred was that it was the intention of the Government to introduce legislation, but we are not yet in a position to give a date.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman considered the advisability of hearing representations from the bakers before introducing it?

I will bear that in mind.

Is it the intention of the Government to see that the first two Clauses of the Bill contain provisions for the abolition of night work in the House of Commons and the Post Office?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Minutes of Evidence of the Dockers' Court of Inquiry will be published; and, if so, when?

Yes, Sir. The whole of the evidence will be published as soon as possible; it is now in course of preparation for publication.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the necessity of closer medical supervision of elementary schools; and if he can arrange for a weekly attendance of a doctor at each school, when he can pass the children in review, thereby anticipating illness and improving the health of the children and also saving parents loss of time, worry, and expense?

My hon. Friend may be assured that the necessity of doing all that is practicable in this matter is fully recognised, but it is not, I think, necessary or practicable to ask authorities to arrange for the weekly attendance of school doctors at each school as suggested by my hon. Friend. I may remind him also that in 310 out of the 318 local education authorities in England and Wales there are school nurses performing some of the functions to which he refers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of introducing tooth-cleaning drill in the mornings for small children, having regard to the extraordinarily beneficial effect clean teeth have on small children?

I think it is already in operation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in New York, and certainly in some countries, a daily review of children takes place; and is it not a fact that there is a daily variation in the health of children?

That is quite so; it depends on the reviews you have. There are not enough doctors and nurses in the country to review every child.

In the cases I have mentioned there are men qualified.

The hon. Gentleman may be assured that the school teachers review these children every day, and the children are well trained and instructed in this matter. I do not think it requires special action.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the shortage of housing accommodation is aggravated in many industrial areas by owners purposely keeping houses unoccupied; and is he prepared to deal with this matter by immediate legislation, either in the new Rents Restriction Amendment Act or by a special Act empowering local authorities to require the immediate usage of all such buildings as domestic dwellings?

As I have stated in reply to previous questions, the Housing Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, already empowers local authorities to deal with this matter, and I do not think that further legislation is necessary. Effective local action would meet the necessities, of the case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the powers they have are only powers of purchase, which means a considerable cost and delay? Is he aware that if the procedure suggested of compelling usage, were adopted, it would give an immediate supply of a large number of houses at present kept empty?

They are able to acquire any property that is available.

asked the Minister of Health whether any constructive scheme for house building has been furnished to the Department by the National Executive of the Labour party; whether he is aware that this organisation issued a manifesto at the general ejection in favour of building at once 1,000,000 new houses at the State's expense to be let at fair rents; and whether he has ascertained the cost of 1,000,000 such houses and what is a fair rent on them?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question may I ask whether it was the Coalition party and not the Labour party?

I am aware of the manifesto to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, but no constructive scheme or practical suggestions for giving effect to its extensive programme has been laid before me.

As the Labour party now has a general staff, could not my right hon. Friend invite them to produce a scheme?

I invited the Labour party and other people on numberless occasions to make suggestions, and I am still awaiting their answer.

Was not that manifesto based upon the assumption that the same service during the War would apply in times of peace; and is it not a fact that the increased cost of building is due to rings, trusts and combines?

Is it not a fact that a certain proportion of the increased cost of building is caused through a large number of bricklayers not laying so many bricks as they might?

The state of mind to which my hon. Friend (Mr. Smith) refers is, I am afraid, an expectation, and I wish I could see it realised.

asked the Minister of Health how many men are now in the building trade, and how many men would be required for the programme put forward by the national executive of the Labour party of building 1,000,000 new houses at once, allowing for men engaged on normal work outside this building effort?

I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the full statement as to skilled labour available for building work which was circulated by the Prime Minister in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Spen Valley on the 15th ultimo, but I may say that house building at the rate of 200,000 houses per annum would absorb almost all the present supply of skilled bricklayers and more than all the slaters and plasterers at present available.

In view of the answer, as it would take five or six times as many men as are now in the building trade, could the right hon. Gentleman induce the Labour party to extend the facilities for men to join the building trade?

I am quite certain that, if the housing programme is to be completed, facilities must be provided for more men joining the trade.

Is it not a fact that at Newbury the Labour party there have taken part in a scheme which is facilitating the erection of houses on very sound lines; and if that policy were extended, would it not help in the erection of houses?

Yes, I think the experience of Newbury is very encouraging. At the same time, if that were universally adopted, there would still be a great shortage in the labour required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an Albanian Government has been elected by the people and is working well; and whether, in view of the general acceptance of the principle of self-determination by the Peace Conference, it is proposed to recognise this Government?

There is a provisional Government in Albania, nominated by the National Albanian Assembly. The information at my disposal does not enable me to form any very exact estimate of its work.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since the French withdrawal from Albania, a Serb army has been concentrated just across the Boyana threatening Scutari, the Albanian capital; whether a Greek army is also concentrated in the South close to the Albanian town of Koritza; whether the pledge given by Great Britain in 1913 that the frontiers then drawn will not be infringed upon still holds good; and whether steps will be taken to secure the withdrawals of the Serb and Greek armies which are now causing anxiety to the Albanians?

His Majesty's Government have no very recent information with regard to the disposition of the troops in the districts referred to, but they have reason to believe that the advance of the Serbian troops on the Boyana was undertaken as a police measure before the withdrawal of the French troops and was sanctioned by the French General commanding the Inter-Allied Forces. It was clearly understood that this movement of troops could not prejudice any eventual decision of the Allies. We have no official information in regard to the position of the Greek troops in the South.

The question of the future frontiers of Albania is receiving the consideration of the Supreme Council.

May I ask whether both the British military and diplomatic representatives are now being withdrawn from Albania; and if so, will the hon. Gentleman consider sending them back so that the presence of impartial witnesses may discourage aggression by both Serbs and Greeks?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice of the first part of the question?

How did the hon. Gentleman get his information and what is going on in Albania now that there are no British representatives there? [An HON. MEMBER: "From the Italians!"]

I should like to have notice of that question, too.

Is it the fact that one of our representatives here, Mr. Eden, probably knows more about Albania than any other Englishman, and would it not be a calamity if he is withdrawn? But has he been withdrawn?

That point is being considered with the other questions.

asked whether Captain Morton Eden is being withdrawn from Albania and, if so, what British officer is going to replace him in that country; and whether his withdrawal will be postponed until the replacement has taken place in order that the British military authorities may be kept closely informed regarding any military or political developments in the independent parts of Albania?

Mr. Morton Eden, who has never held military rank, was withdrawn from Albania in January, 1920, with the concurrence of the Foreign Office. As it was considered that there was no longer any necessity for such services as had been rendered by Mr. Eden, he was not replaced by any other British representative. An answer to the second part of the question does not now arise.

Is it not a fact that this gentleman also held the position of vice-Consul; and, if so, how are we to get on without consular representation in Albania?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when the Orders in Council regulating the admission of women to the Civil Service under the Sex Disqualification Removal Act will be laid upon the Table?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 17th February, the question of the recruitment of women to the Civil Service was referred, with other questions, to the joint committee of the Civil Service National Whitley Council. That committee has now submitted a report on the main point of its reference, but a number of subsidiary questions remain to be discussed, and it is not yet possible to draft Orders in Council embodying the changes to be made.

Can any date be given for the draft Orders?

I am afraid I cannot give a date yet; there is a good deal of detail to be arranged.

Are there any women representatives on the National Whitley Council?

My impression is that there are.

Very few!

asked the Prime Minister the exact extent to which the Germans have carried out the handing over of livestock as stipulated by the Peace Treaty, with the object of partially making good German depredations in the War?

asked the Lord Privy Seal if Germany has delivered to France the coal to which she is entitled under the provisions of the Peace Treaty, and, if not, will he state the extent of such noncompliance?

I have not the information necessary to enable me to answer either of these questions.

asked the Prime Minister if he will inform the House of the progress and results of the self-determination of various peoples included in the former German Empire as stipulated by the Peace Treaty?

The only plébiscite which has yet ben held under the Treaty of Versailles is that of Schleswig. There the result of the vote in the Northern Plébiscite Zone was in favour of Denmark, and that in the Southern Plebiscite Zone was in favour of Germany. The International Commission charged with administering the vote will presumably shortly submit their Report to the Ambassadors' Conference, by whom the final decision as to the disposal of this area will be taken. Arrangements for holding the other plebiscites necessitated by the Treaty are making progress.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation during the present Session of Parliament for the purpose of carrying out the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Dentists Act, 1878?

I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 19th February.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when he is likely to be able to make a statement?

I should think very shortly, possibly before Whitsuntide.

May I put a question down in a fortnight?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the lack of a uniform system for the inspection of meat and that the want of such a system constitutes a menace to the public health; and whether he will arrange for the establishment of a uniform system which will include the ante-mortem and post-mortem examination of all animals intended for human consumption?

I am aware of the desirability of securing uniformity in meat inspection in the interests of public health, and I am considering what steps can best be taken and what further powers may be necessary to that end.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, under the present system of flour milling, the germ and certain other constituents of wheat necessary for the provision of the most nutritious form of bread are removed from the flour; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to enable the public to obtain bread made from flour containing the germ and other essential constituents, in addition to the percentage of extraction required by regulation?

I understand that the percentage of extraction required by regulation is a minimum. There is nothing to prevent the making of bread from flour containing a higher percentage of the wheat if the demand for it exists.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the great increase in the weekly cost of maintenance of patients in county lunatic asylums and in view of the additional burdens of a national character thus thrown upon the rapidly increasing local rates without any corresponding increase of the amounts of grants-in-aid, the Government will consider the revision of the insufficient scale of payments now made to boards of guardians throughout the country in respect, particularly, of the maintenance of lunatics and union officers' salaries, the present grants being inadequate to meet the purposes for which they were originally made?

As regards the maintenance of lunatics, I can only refer to the reply given on the 15th instant to the Member for Bedwelty. The considerations mentioned in that reply apply with equal force to the other grant mentioned in the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of a man, his wife, and one child, who are reported to have died of starvation in Bermondsey Hospital; whether he can state how such a thing was possible; and what action he has taken, if possible?

Yes, Sir. Immediately my attention was called to the case I instructed one of my Inspectors to report upon it. The Medical Superintendent of the Infirmary reports that the man, his wife, and a child of four years old were admitted to the Infirmary on the 10th instant, all three suffering from pneumonia. The man died from pneumonia on the 13th instant. The wife was delivered of a still-born child on the 12th instant, and died of pneumonia on the 13th instant. The child of four is still in hospital. I propose to make further inquiries into this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in making inquiries, strictly investigate the houses in which the people are living?

I shall certainly do that.

Having regard to the circumstances which have come to light, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of a change in the present Regulations under which this type of case is catered for; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically there is no relief in this particular type of case under the present poor law administration?

I do not know to what my hon. Friend is referring.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability, in calling for a report on the cases that still exist in London, of seeing whether some comprehensive scheme could be introduced into the poor law administration with the view to preventing death rather than burying people after death?

All I can say is, that for several months we have been considering a comprehensive scheme relating to poor law reform and other matters arising out of it

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consent to pay to boards of guardians the old-age pension due to some of the inmates of the workhouse and the infirmary, and thus to that extent relieve the local rates?

I have no power under the Old-Age Pensions Acts to take such action as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Prime Minister whether a steamer purporting to contain a cargo of lager beer from Germany was recently detained at a port in the United Kingdom and on examination was found to contain machine guns, light artillery, rifles, and ammunition, all of German manufacture; whether these warlike munitions were forwarded by persons in Germany for the purpose of aiding the Irish Sinn Feiners in their treasonable campaign against His Majesty and the British Empire; and what steps His Majesty's Government have taken, or intend to take, to prevent a renewal of the secret conspiracy between Germany and Ireland which existed during the War?

This question presumably refers to the ships in regard to which an answer was given yesterday by the Admiralty, to which I can add nothing.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has obtained any Report on the working in Denmark of courts composed of representatives of landlords, tenants, and the local authority, with an impartial chairman, empowered to decide questions between landlord and tenant; and, if so, has he been able to consider the setting up of similar rent courts in this country?

I regret that I have not yet received the report, but I hope to do so immediately.

asked whether an inquiry has been ordered by the Foreign Office into the recent outbreaks of disorder and fanaticism in Jerusalem, involving the killing and wounding of a large number of Jews; whether the Mohammedans' ringleaders have been arrested and tried; and whether the chief administrator has been instructed that the Zionist Commission is to continue its work and that the declaration of November, 1917, is to guide the administration in its future policy.

An inquiry into the causes which led up to the recent outbreaks in Jerusalem has been instituted by the Military Administration, which is under the orders of Field-Marshal Lord Allenby. The majority of the leaders have been arrested and will be tried for inciting to disturbances. No fresh instructions have been sent to the Chief Administrator, nor are any considered necessary, and no change has been made in the status of the Zionist Commission.