asked the Pensions Minister if he will consider the advisability of issuing a tabulated statement showing the extent to which the Government have accepted or rejected the recommendations of the Select Committee on pensions?

As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, the extent to which the recommendations in the First Report were accepted by the Government was fully explained in the course of the Debate on the Ministry of Pensions Vote on 31st July last. Similarly the recommendations of the Second Report were dealt with in detail in a written statement circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 4th ultimo. In these circumstances it does not appear to my right hon. Friend that the expense of preparing and printing a tabulated statement would be justified.

asked the Pensions Minister if, in accordance with the recommendation of the Select Committee on Pensions, the constant attendance allowance is now made to totally disabled soldiers wounded prior to 1914?

The answer is in the negative. If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the statement circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 4th March, he will see that the only additional benefit which it was found practicable to give to pensioners of former wars, as a result of the Select Committee's recommendation, was the grant of rank pensions to the widows of non-commissioned officers.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that the grant of £7 10s. allowed by the Ministry to cover the cost of burying ex-soldiers who have died from causes attributable to military service is at the present time inadequate, and that cases have arisen in which soldiers who have died penniless and with- out friends have been buried in paupers' graves; and if he will consider the advisability of giving discretionary powers to local war pensions committees to make special grants in certain circumstances?

I am glad to inform the hon. and gallant Member that arrangements are now being completed under which the funeral of a disabled ex-service man who dies from causes attributable to military service will in future be provided out of public funds and without expense to the relatives. The new procedure will be notified to local war pensions committees at an early date.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will inform the House how many soldiers totally blinded in the War are now in receipt of pensions; whether there are any such blinded soldiers who are not reveiving pensions; if so, how many; if he will state the reasons for such non-receipt of pensions; whether any responsibility is accepted by his Ministry for keeping in touch with such blinded men, even if they do not receive pensions, to see that they do not fall on evil days; what is the maximum weekly pension for disablement by blindness; and if any investigations are made to ascertain if it is adequate?

Approximately 1,300 soldiers discharged for total blind- ness have been pensioned under the Royal Warrant, and 110 have been refused pensions. The latter are men whose blindness arose from causes not connected with their military service or was due to their own serious negligence or misconduct. All men discharged for blindness are sent to "St. Dunstan's" (or in Scotland to Newington House, Edinburgh), where they are trained in new occupations, suitable to their condition, before returning to their homes. After their return the institutions mentioned continue to keep in touch with them by means of local representatives. The disablement pension for total blindness varies from 40s. to 60s., according to rank, together with a constant attendant allowance of 10s. to 20s. a week, a wife's allowance of 10s. a week, and additional allowances for children.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say what is being done with the 110 odd blinded men who have not been pensioned; whether anything is being done for them, or whether they are being thrown on the rates?

If they are at St. Dun- stan's they are provided for.

What can they do after they leave St. Dunstan's?

Is it a fact that no provision is made for blind men who have lost their sight in the service of their country?

If they lose their sight in the service of their country they are provided for.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a blind procession is now approaching London, men who have been blinded in the War, and have they hopes of a sympathetic reception at his hands?

If they have been blinded in the service of their country during the War, they are, of course, entitled to pensions.

asked the Pensions Minister whether a considerable number of retired Regular naval and military medical men employed by the Minis—try are in receipt of pensions from £600 to £1,000 a year; whether demobilised temporary doctors whose sole source of income such an appointment frequently is are still in need of employment, and who, through the appointment of these pensioned officers, are frequently precluded from some of the better appointments; and whether pre-War rank is often considered as a sine qua non of medical efficiency?

Of the twelve retired Regular naval and military medical men employed as full time medical officers in the Ministry, six are in receipt of pensions of £600 a year or more. This rep-resents little more than one per cent, of the total number of medical men employed, and it is not therefore the fact that the employment of these gentlemen has any appreciable effect on the prospects of demobilised temporary doctors. The medical officers of the Ministry are selected according to their qualifications for the particular work to be performed.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any decision has yet been reached as to the increase of pensions to ex-policemen in Ireland?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Government have yet come to a decision as to increased pensions for police pensioners in Ireland?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given by the Leader of the House to questions on this subject on Monday last.

Can my right hon. Friend say definitely whether the Committee that is sitting on this question is considering the case of these Irish pensioners or not?

Yes, that fact was stated by my right hon. Friend on Monday last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great hard- ships these men have gone through in the service of their country and the fact that they are unable to get employment owing to their past service?

Certainly, that is being considered.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say under what Section of the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act are the Local Government Board entitled to refuse the grant of cottages and allotments to ex-service men who apply for them on the ground that the necessity for a house does not exist?

Section 4 of the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, provides that the suitability of the applicant is to be decided by the Local Government Board, and as the Act is, primarily, one for the provision of proper housing accommodation of men who served in the War, the board cannot hold that an applicant whose housing conditions are good, is a fit and suitable person for whom further housing accommodation should be provided at the expense of the State.

Does that mean that this Act is practically confined to a very small number of ex-service men in Ireland, and does not apply to a great many who wish to take advantage of it?

No, I do not think that is a fair construction of the Act, but if my hon. and gallant Friend would give me any concrete case, I should be very pleased to bring it to the attention of the Local Government Board.

Will the right hon. Gentleman define what he means by "suitability of the applicant"? Is not every demobilised soldier a suitable applicant?

Certainly, but obviously demobilised soldiers who already have proper housing accommodation would be to some extent on a different footing from people who have absolutely no accommodation at all.

How many demobilised soldiers have proper accommodation?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of allowing those people who may have proper housing accommodation to get allotments?

Certainly, I will represent that to the Local Government Board.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the finding of the coroner's jury on the murder of the late Lord Mayor of Cork, Alderman Thomas MacCurtain; whether the Government have proofs that this gentleman was murdered by a secret society; and, if so, why this evidence was not brought forward at the inquest on the deceased?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to his previous question on this subject.

May I ask whether that reply given to my previous question was that nothing could be done because the case was sub judice? Now the inquest is over, may I have a reply as to why the evidence that this late Mr. MacCurtain was murdered by a secret society was not produced before the coroner's inquest?

I regret that I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend any further information, as it is a matter affecting the public service.

Then may I have an answer as to the public reasons why this evidence was not produced before the inquest?

I regret I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend any further information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why Lord French, after his interview with a representative of the "Daily Express," having given evidence to a newspaper correspondent in this country, did not give that information, which he gave to the "Daily Express" correspondent, in Court before the only tribunal that was capable of determining this matter?

My only information on the subject is derived from the public Press, and from the same source I have observed that a controversy exists on the matter.

Is it a fact that Lord French is not returning to Ireland?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the persons indicted by the coroner's jury are to be brought to trial?

I am awaiting the official report of the evidence before the coroner's jury, and I will consider the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing this matter?

That is not a matter for me.

May I ask whether it is in order for Ministers of the Crown who have been accused of wilful murderߞ

Order, order!

Is it in order for hon. Members to prevent us getting at the truth on this question?

Hon. Members have had a very fair chance.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a crowd of civilians, including women and children, was fired upon by soldiers and police in the streets of Milltown Malbay, County Clare, on the night of Wednesday, 14th April; whether three men were killed and a number of persons wounded; whether the crowd were celebrating the release of political prisoners on hunger strike from Mountjoy Prison and had lighted a bonfire; why the crowd was interfered with by the military and police; what warning was given before fire was opened; and whether there will be an inquiry into this episode?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given to questions asked on this subject yesterday, and to the Debate on the Adjournment on Monday last.

Why was this crowd interfered with at all; why was any attempt made on this particular occasion to break this crowd up?

I dealt with that question as fully as time permitted in the Debate on the Adjournment, and I answered two questions asked by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. O'Connor) also on the subject.

Is there going to be an inquiry into this whole episode?

May I ask whether this occurred in Hull or in Ireland?

May I have an answer?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether an inquiry is going to take place, in view of the fact that most responsible people have declared that the whole information which has been supplied to the right hon. Gentleman, and which he has given to the House as the Government's answer, is a series of falsehoods?

No, no!

I repeat, a series of false-hoods, and I want to know whether an impartial inquiry will be set up to probe this thing to the bottom?

No, no!

What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of letting the country know the real truth?

The inquest which is being held on these men has not yet concluded, and the whole matter will be considered by the Irish Government.

On a point of Order. May I inquire, with reference to a question asked by the hon. Member for Wrekin (Mr. Palmer), whether Members are here only to look after the interests of their own constituencies, or whether they are here to ask questions affecting the credit of the whole country? I would like your ruling in view of the sympathetic cheers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, according to Sub-section (2) of Section 4 of The Constabulary and Police (Ireland Act, 1919, a draft of any Order proposed to be made by the Lord Lieutenant, in respect of pay, etc., of the Irish police forces, shall be submitted to the representative body or bodies representing any rank or ranks affected, and before making the Order the Lord Lieutenant shall consider any representations made by such body or bodies; and, if so, will he favourably consider the advisability of extending that privilege to the Irish Prisons Officers' Representative Council?

In the case of orders under Section 4 of the Constabulary and Police (Ireland) Act, 1919, the procedure is as stated in the first part of the question. The suggested extension of that privilege to the Irish Prisons Officers' Representative Council is receiving the Lord Lieutenant's consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Mr. Cathal O'Shannon, editor of the " Watch- word of Labour," has been arrested; whether he is being detained in prison; and what charge, if any, has been preferred against him?

This man is under arrest. He is being proceeded against under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, on the charge of unlawful assembly.

Is that because he called a general strike?

No, Sir, but because it, was considered that he was guilty of un- lawful assembly.

Is this gentleman's offence that he is editor of the "Watch- word of Labour?" Is there any other charge against him?

I have already said that the charge against him is that of unlawful assembly.

Has he been tried for that offence?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why he was not tried?

We hope to try him as speedily as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings before Judge Moore at Thurles Sessions, on 7th April, in connection with compensation claims for damage done by the Thurles police on the night of 20th January, when they broke loose, fired into houses, smashed windows, and carried out other damages; and whether, in view of the judge's statement that the damage was admittedly done by the police and that the claims should be met by the Crown, the Government propose to take that course?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter part of the question, the matter is under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the police have been withdrawn from the barracks at Blessington, county Wicklow, and that a wide area is without any police protection whatever; and whether he will undertake to restore the police to their barracks at an early date?

The Royal Irish Constabulary barracks at Blessington has been temporarily closed, and the police sta- tioned there have been withdrawn. I am, unable to say when it will be possible to re-open this barrack.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, during the Easter Recess, at Russborough I was entirely with- out police protection of any sort, and was in grave and imminent danger of being murdered?

And you look as happy as ever.

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention to the fact that last Friday I handed in a question—

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman raise his point at the end of Questions?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he proposes to close Dublin Castle?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Majesty's Government has sent a wireless telegraphic message to the Russian National Commissary for Foreign Affairs asking for special consideration to be shown to the remnants of the Volunteer Army in the Crimea; whether any similar appeal on behalf of the victims of the white terror in Hungary has been made; and whether an appeal has been, or will be, made to the German Government to protect the workmen in the Ruhr Valley from excesses by the Reichswehr?

With regard to the first part of the question, the information of the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull is substantially correct. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend has already several times informed the House of the result of inquiries made in regard to the proceedings of the present Hungarian Government for the punishment of offences committed under the late Com- munist régime, and of the counsels of moderation given to the Hungarian Government. With regard to the third part of the question, the answer is in the negative. Representations have, however, recently been made to the German Government as to the desirability of giving guarantees of adequate protection on their return to the workmen who took refuge in occupied territory during the recent disturbances in the Ruhr district.

With reference to the last part of the answer, why only recently have these representations been made, and why were they not made at the time that the Prussian troops were executing every workman they could lay hands on?

Is it because all the leaders of the Communist parties have already been executed?

I do not accept the imputations of the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations for peace are now proceeding between the Russian Soviet Government and the Governments of Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland; and whether His Majesty's Government is represented in these countries by diplomatic or military missions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative as regards Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland. As regards Poland, it has not yet been decided between that country and Soviet Russia where such negotiations are to be held. The answer to the second part is that His Majesty's Government is represented in Finland and Poland by regular diplomatic missions, and in Latvia and Lithuania by a Com-missioner with diplomatic functions.

Are these diplomatic representatives of His Majesty watching events for us, or are they taking any part at all in these negotiations?

They are watching events. That is what they are out there for.

But are we taking part through our representatives in these very important negotiations?

asked the Prime Minister whether Rear-Admiral T. W. Kemp was recently mentioned in despatches for his services in North Russia; whether the services of military officers in this area similarly mentioned have been recognised very fully; and, if so, whether it is proposed to recognise the services of Admiral Kemp?

Rear-Admiral Kemp was mentioned in General Poole's despatches, and his war services have been recognised by the following awards:—

The services of military officers in this area were recognised on the same scale as that which prevailed in other theatres of war.

Is it not very much to be deprecated asking for honours and recognition through the medium of this House?

I quite agree with my hon. and learned Friend, but I understood that the object of this question was to find out whether this particular army was treated in the same way as the others.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Russian Soviet Government has expressed its willingness to receive the missions proposed to be sent by the Council of the League of Nations and by the International Labour Section of the League of Nations; and whether it is still the policy of the Allies to despatch these missions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part of the question the hon. Member is doubtless aware that the Council of the League of Nations made the proposal to despatch a mission of inquiry to Russia at the instance of the Supreme Council.

Was not the reason for this refusal the peculiarity of the conditions we put forward which were considered detrimental and insulting by the Soviet Government?

I have no information to that effect: perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman has?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government of the United States has refused to be associated with the work of the proposed Commission of Inquiry into conditions in Soviet Russia to be sent by the League of Nations?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Is the United States associated in any way with the League of Nations?

Is there a League of Nations?

asked whether General Denikin is being entertained in England at the expense of the British taxpayer; and, if so, under what Vote this charge will be found?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Emir Feisul, the self-appointed King of Syria and Palestine, intends to present himself before the Conference at San Remo and claim a mandate for the territories in question; and whether he is aware of the determination of the people of this country that Jerusalem and Palestine shall not, like Constantinople, be allowed to remain under non-Christian rule, but shall be administered by this country whether by mandate of the League of Nations or by agreement with France and Italy?

An invitation has been extended to the Emir Feisul to appear before the Peace Conference, and state his claims in person. Until he does so, it is impossible to say what those claims may be. The future of Jerusalem and Palestine is at present under consideration by the Peace Conference, and the House may rest assured that the views of the people of this country are adequately represented by the British Delegation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the statement in the question that the Emir Feisul was self-appointed King of Syria is not accurate, and that he was appointed by a delegation representing all the people in the territory in question; and, further, is he aware that the Emir Feisul is a staunch ally, and during the War has never taken up an anti-Christian attitude?

My answer to that is that I do not accept the description given in the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the terms of the Treaty of Peace, the total cost of the Army of Occupation in Germany is to be paid for by that country; whether he is aware that for the United States Government the cost of the Army of Occupation commences from the embarkation of troops, stores, and material in America, and for the French Government in a distance of 400 kilometres from the points of occupation; whether the cost to this country commences when troops or stores are embarked at a British port; and, if so, why are we paying to Belgium heavy sums for the transport of our troops through Belgian territory?

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir; Germany is to pay, in the form of a commuted rate, the full cost of the Army of Occupation, including cost of trans-port, not only from the British port of embarkation, but also for a railway journey of an average distance in this country. Payments to the United States and French Governments are to be based on a similar principle. When the troops travel through Belgium, the transport charges are paid by the British Government in the first instance, but they are included in the commuted rate payable by Germany.

How much, up to date, has been paid by Germany for this Army of Occupation?

I am unable to answer.

Has any of it been collected?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will lay before the League of Nations proposals for an agreement to prohibit the use of black troops in Europe, whether for garrison or other duties?

The answer is in the negative.

Is there any reason for casting this slur upon brave people who are British subjects, and who have fought for this country? Is this what the League of Nations is for?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has made representations to the French Government against the use of black troops in Europe, and especially in the occupied territories of Germany; and what further action it is proposed to take in the matter?

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

Is there any chance of His Majesty's Government making any protest against this outrage?

You are an outrage here—three of you are " Bolshies"!

I do not think it is part of the duty of the Government, or this House, to judge the action of another Government.

asked the Prime Minister how much reparation has so far been made by Germany to the Allies under the Peace Treaty?

Considerable deliveries have been received in kind— e.g., ships, coal, etc.—but I am not yet in a position to state their values in money. The only cash received up to the present is that required for meeting the current expenses of the Commission.

Is there any reason to think that there is any weakening on the part of the Allies on this question?

I know of none.

May I ask whether in budgeting for this year the right hon. Gentleman made any provision for moneys coming from Germany?

I have already said that I have taken no credit for any moneys on account of reparation from Germany.

Has any date been given to Germany for making payments?

If the hon. Gentleman will consult the Treaty he will find a full answer to his question.

Is the cost of the Army of Occupation included in the Budget?

Yes, Sir. I have included the amount to be expended this year on the Army of Occupation, and such recoveries as we may expect to receive during the year in respect of the Army of Occupation.

Is it the intention of the Government to issue any sort of balance sheet from time to time showing what payments have been made?

When repayments are made, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman is probably aware, the date and conditions must be settled by the Reparation Commission. This is not a British Government Department: it is an Inter-Allied authority for which I cannot undertake to answer as I would be able to answer for an ordinary British Government Department in my charge. But I shall be glad to give the House, from time to time, such information as is available.

Is there any reason to suppose that, because Germany can do little or nothing at the present time, that when matters settle down she will not be able to pay?

I see no reason to suppose that she will not be able to pay substantial contributions when she has settled down.

asked if the Reparation Commission appointed under Article 233 has notified the German Government the amount of damage for which compensation is to be made by Germany; what is the extent of that Government's obligations; if due facilities have been allowed to the Germans to give evidence; and what is the composition of the Commission?

According to the latest information in the possession of His Majesty's Government, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second and third parts do not therefore arise. The composition of the Commission is as follows:— France.—M. Poincaré (Chairman), M. Mauclerc. Britain.—Sir John Bradbury, G.C.B., Sir Hugh Levick, K.B.E. Italy.—Signor Bertolini, Signor d'Amelio. Belgium.—M. Theunis, M. Bemel- mans. Japan.—M. Mori, M. Sekiba. U.S.A. (unofficial representatives).—Mr. Rathbone (recently succeeded by Mr. B. W. Boyden), Mr. Logan.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is represented in the Ruhr district by military missions or members of diplomatic or consular services; and, if so, whether any report has been received as to the alleged atrocities and slaughter carried out by the German Government's troops against the workers in the Ruhr?

No report as to the alleged atrocities committed by German troops has been received from His Majesty's Consul- General at Cologne, who, pending the definitive demarcation of consular districts in Germany, has been asked to report for the Ruhr district. His Majesty's Government have at present no official representatives in the district.

asked the Prime Minister whether any of the war criminals on the lists presented to Germany are now in the hands of Great Britain or the Allies; if so, what action is contemplated with regard to them; and whether any statement can be made as to whether, in all the circumstances, the Allies now propose to take any further steps for the surrender and trial of war criminals at present in Germany or elsewhere?

asked the Prime Minister whether the negotiations with Germany as to the trial before the Leipzig courts of German war criminals has nearly reached a conclusion; and whether he will, in concert with France, inform the German Government that until satisfactory arrangements have been made for the trial of all the German war criminals, no facilities will be given for the importation of food stuffs and raw materials into Germany?

asked the Prime Minister, whether the trial has already taken place at Leipzig of any Germans accused of cruelty to British prisoners of war; if not, when it is anticipated that the first trial will take place; who will be tried; what arrangements have been made for the attendance and summoning of English witnesses; whether he can state if any and, if so, how many of the accused persons are in custody pending trial; and, if not, what precautions have been taken to prevent those whose names are on the list of accused persons supplied to Germany by the Allies from evading trial by leaving the country?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that the Supreme Council have decided not to employ force in order to extradite the ex-Kaiser, whether all war criminals who dare not face a court of justice will be equally able to find sanctuary in Holland?

I cannot add anything in regard to the negotiations on this subject to previous answers, but I understand that the subect will be discussed and, I hope, disposed of at the Conference at San Remo. There are some prisoners in our hands who are in the list of those accused as war criminals, and none of them have been released.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman say whether any pressure is being brought to bear upon the German Government to prevent their persistent evasion of Treaty obligations by Germany and to bring these persons speedily to trial?

I said in my answer that the subject is now being discussed at San Remo, and I do not think that anything can be said until that Conference is over.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any steps are being taken to prevent ordinary War criminals taking sanctuary in Holland in view of the fact that the Hohenzollerns have taken refuge there?

Will the Government take steps to see that those men do not escape, and will the German Government be held responsible for their appearance at the trial?

Yes. The House is aware—I think despatches were published—as to what has taken place in regard to this subject. There has been no change except that negotiations are proceeding. But, as I have said, the subject is one that will be discussed at San Remo.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Is there to be one law for the Hohenzollerns and another for the ordinary War criminal?

Of course there is!

Action in respect to the Hohenzollerns does not depend upon this Government, but upon the Dutch Government.

Is it not the fact that the Hohenzollerns and the head of the Hohenzollerns have taken sanctuary in Holland; will the same sanctuary be accorded to any ordinary War criminal who does not believe in facing his trial?

The hon. and gallant Member must ask that question of the Dutch Government.

asked the Prime Minister if any steam trawlers have been yet ceded to the Allied and Associated Governments under Section 1, Annex III., Part VIII., of the Peace Treaty; to what nations have they been allotted; and how is the Government disposing of them?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the question of the steam trawlers which are to be delivered by Germany to the Allied and Associated Governments under the Peace Treaty is at present under the consideration of the Reparation Commission. No vessels of the type referred to have yet been delivered by Germany.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the statement made on Thursday last by the Secretary of State for War to the effect that over 12,000 war planes were still in the possession of the Germans, whether any date has been specified for their surrender; and, if so, what date and how many?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The points raised are already answered, so far as I am in a position to answer them, by the statement which I made on the 15th instant in reply to the Noble Lord the Member for Battersea (South) and in my supplementary answers on that occasion. I am not in a position to add anything further.

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House what excuse is put forward by the German Government for the non-delivery of over 12,000 war planes

Is it a fact that there are still 12,000 war planes in Germany?

Yes, Sir; but the aerial material is being handed over and the question of its destination is in the hands of the Allied Council.

Is not all this paraphernalia of war, and is there anything so easy to hand over as war planes?

They are being handed over and their destruction is now being taken in hand.

Why do you want to destroy them?

asked, in view of the vital necessity of coal to France, whether Germany has fulfilled her pledges in regard to the surrender of coal; if not, to what degree she has defaulted; and what steps the Allied Governments are taking to enforce the observance' of the Peace Treaty in this respect?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Dulwich yesterday.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the sum of £40, a part of the balance used in building St. Mary's School, Romney Marsh, Kent, and which by deed of the 30th August, 1871, was conveyed to the rector and churchwardens in trust for a school, has been used for the erection of a clock on St. Mary's Church; and whether he will make inquiry as to the legality of the money being used for this purpose?

The Board received a communication on this subject recently, but as the writer of the letter was unwilling that it should be sent to the managers of the school for their observations, the Board did not feel able to pursue the matter. The letter stated that the money in question was collected by public subscription. If this is so, the Board have no jurisdiction and no power to direct that an inquiry should be held on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps are being taken to create facilities for the training of teachers of physical training in schools; and how many counties and county boroughs have appointed organisers of physical training?

As the answer is a long one, perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer: —

The Board have made arrangements with the Local Education Authority and managers for a one-year's course of training for men teachers to be given at the Sheffield Training College, especially for those who intend to take up work as organisers of physical training. At Reading University College a course of the same duration is conducted for certificated women teachers, mainly with a view to work in continuation schools. The Board understand that proposals for providing facilities for the teachers of physical training are being formulated by other authorities.

Summer courses for this purpose, generally of a month's duration, are organised by the Educational Handwork Association at Scarborough and St. Anne's, and by the Local Education Authorities of the West Riding and Glamorgan at Ilkley and Barry, respectively; there are other courses in subjects related to physical training at Bingley and Bangor. All these classes are aided by the Board; and maintenance and travelling allowances are offered by the Board to some 300 teachers towards the cost of attending the summer courses at Scarborough, Ilkley and Barry. Several physical training colleges for women under private management provide a two or three- years' course for the training of expert women teachers of physical exercises.

The following table shows the number of local education authorities who have appointed organisers of physical training up to date: England. Wales. Total. Counties 17 3 20 County Boroughs 29 3 32 Boroughs 6 — 6 Urban Districts 2 3 5 54 9 63

asked the Home Secretary when the General Report, with Statistics, for Mines and Quarries will be published?

I am unable to say at present. The Report will appear in three parts as usual. In normal circumstances Part I, containing the divisional statistics and reports, ought to be ready for publication in June, and Parts II and III, containing respectively the Report of the Chief Inspector and the statistics of output, should be issued in the summer I fear, however, that this year the Report may be delayed owing to the absence through serious illness of the Chief Inspector.

Would my right hon. Friend give instructions to inspectors in future to prepare their reports a little sooner?

asked the Prime Minister whether a military alliance has recently been formed or is now being negotiated between the Governments of France and Belgium, and whether His Majesty's Government has pointed out to these Governments the effect that separate agreements of this nature must have upon the stability of the League of Nations?

I cannot give information about negotiations which may or may not be going on between two foreign Governments.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any resolutions from clubs in the district of Carlisle calling upon the Government to take whatever steps are necessary for the cancellation of the Order issued by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), dated 11th February, 1920; and whether he can state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cumberland N., to which I have nothing to add.

May I inquire whether the restrictions in the Carlisle area are serving any useful purpose at all—are they not the first step to " Pussy -footism"?

Why should Carlisle be the jumping-off place for "Pussy-footism "?

I thought " Pussy-footism—was not being able to get anything to drink. That is not the case in Carlisle.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where Pussyfoot is just now?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has taken the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to the legality of the Order made by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), Carlisle, dated 12th February, 1920; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of doing so, in view of the fact that the Order purports to override the statutory powers of justices to grant licences?

In view of the powers which are conferred upon the Board under the Act of 1915, there seems to be no reason for specially referring the question to the Law Officers for their opinion, but the Attorney-General has already stated that the Central Control Board have been advised that the making of the Order is within their powers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this Board is going to be abolished?

I cannot add anything to what I have already said on this question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether an Order was issued by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), dated 12th February, under which it arrogates to itself the right to forbid the supply of intoxicating liquor to clubs formed in the Carlisle area after that date, thus overriding the Statute Law; and, if so, will he take immediate steps to have this Order cancelled?

A reply to a similar question has been already given by the Leader of the House.

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?

hadgiven notice of a similar question.

I can only repeat that I have nothing to add to the replies that have been given to previous questions on this subject.

But will the right hon. Gentleman state whether there was more than one member present at that meeting?

I do not know. The Central Control Board are under no obligation to publish minutes of their meetings.

asked the Prime Minister if it is his intention personally to interview the deputation of the blind on the 26th or 27th of this month?

The Prime Minister has informed the deputation that if he is in London when they arrive he will be pleased to receive them, and in the event of his being still away he suggested that I should receive them on his behalf.

Have any steps been taken by the Government to provide any sort of accommodation for these people on their arrival; or would the right hon. Gentleman speak to one of his Departments?