asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding railway or trunk road communications in Persia completed during the War and such railways as are being surveyed at present, in view to early construction?

The amount of railway construction undertaken in Persia during the War was infinitesimal, and consisted chiefly of a light line laid from Bushire to Borasjun. The main road from the Turco-Persian frontier at Kasrishirin has been improved.

As regards railway development, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer returned to the hon. Member for Stafford on the 18th February last.

asked whether the Government are prepared to aid properly accredited representatives of the Korean people in presenting to the League of Nations a statement of their case against the Japanese administration of their country?

His Majesty's Government have reason to believe that the reforms which the new Governor-General has introduced, and is about to introduce, in the administration of Korea will improve the position of the Korean people.

Japan is herself a member of the League of Nations, and will no doubt consider the interests of her subject people in accordance with the principles of the League.

Any such steps as suggested by the hon. Member would seem, therefore, to lie out-side of the province of His Majesty's Government.

Is there any reason why the Government presume that the Korean people are misgoverned by the Japanese, as would appear from the answer to the question?

I have indicated the policy of His Majesty's Government in the last part of my answer.

asked whether any representations have been made to the Imperial Government of Japan concerning the methods used during the past year in suppressing the pacific protest of the Korean people against the Japanese rule; and whether the Government are prepared to take any steps to help to secure justice and good government for this people?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the subject matter would not appear to lie within the province of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in April, 1919, the Christian men in the Korean village of Cheamni were ordered by soldiers of the 78th Japanese Regiment to assemble in the church, that the doors were then shut and the men shot down, their bodies being bayoneted, and the church and most of the houses in the village set on fire; whether the British consul made any inquiries into this incident; whether any Report has been received; if so, will the Report be published; and whether he has received information that a merely nominal punishment was inflicted on the Japanese officer responsible, after urgent representations had been made to the Japanese Government General at Seoul

The answer to the first four parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards part five of the hon. Member's question, full details were published in the local foreign newspapers in Japan at the time, and in view of the efforts which have since been made to improve matters, there seems to be no necessity now to republish these stories. In this connection, I may refer the hon. Member to a similar question asked by the Noble Lord, the Member for Hitchin, on 7th July, 1919.

As regards part six, according to such official information as we have, the officers and men responsible were punished with 30 days' "close arrest" including reduction of pay and pension and deferment of promotion.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air, if any estimate can be given of the number of machine guns and small arms now in the possession of Germany; and whether Germany is now in the possession of any apparatus for the production and use of poison gas, either immediately or at short notice?

It is impossible to give any accurate estimate of the number of machine guns and rifles now in the possession of Germany until the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control have completed their inspection of all German war material dumps and munition factories. The Commission are now actively engaged in checking and supervising the destruction of German war material, and will report fully in due course. A large amount of war material has already been destroyed.

Similarly, it is impossible to give an answer to the second part of the question until the Commission of Control have completed their work of inspection of the factories.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when the Allied Mission of Control has finished its labours, the report, if any, will be available to Members of the House?

I should think so, but I cannot give any definite undertaking and it must be left to the Allies. I should think the report will be available to the Parliaments of all the countries concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he can give the total number of the British, French, American and Belgian armies now on the Rhine and, if possible, the total number of effectives?

The total number of British troops on the Rhine is approximately 14,000, of whom 13,000 are effectives. The French Army is approximately 95,000, with a fighting strength of 85,000. The total strength of the United States Army of Occupation is about 16,000, and the combatant strength 14,500. Exact figures for the Belgian Army of the Rhine are not available, but the strength is estimated to be approximately 20,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he has now received any report from the British headquarters in Cologne as to the employment of German civilians with the British Army of Occupation; and can he state the number of Germans employed, the duties they perform, their rate of pay, and the reasons for employing them.

asked whether German civilians are employed as batmen, motor drivers, telephone operators, and in similar posts with the British Army of the Rhine; and, if so, what is the approximate number so employed.

The reply is in the affirmative. Owing to a shortage of technical personnel, mainly in the medical and administrative services, it is necessary to employ local personnel as a temporary measure. As a measure of economy a considerable number of local civilians are also employed on labour duties. The total number so employed is 2,949. Skilled tradesmen are being gradually withdrawn as qualified British soldiers become available to replace them. No German clerks are employed at British headquarters or in the staff offices. Pay is at local trade union rates which vary from that for boy messengers upwards.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of effecting further economy by enlisting Germans in the British Army of Occupation?

I understand the difficulties of the right hon. Gentleman, but is it really wise to use Germans to work the telephones?

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of employing ex-service men, now out of work in London, many of whom would be willing to serve?

I am not so sure about that. We are acting with a desire to use combatant men as far as possible. I do not think there is any cause for disquietude on this matter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman asked for volunteers for this specific purpose?

I have not, nor do I think there is any necessity. Local labour is easily obtained for the services required.

Is this the maximum number of men that will be employed or is it intended to still further increase it?

I should think it will be somewhat decreased, but I am not giving any definite pledge.

Are these Germans included in the number of British troops authorised by Treaty, and if not is not the right hon. Gentleman' exceeding his authority?

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether his attention has been called to a statement that a private in the Coldstream Guards has recently returned to this country after having escaped from prison in Germany, where he had been kept in captivity for 5 ½ years, having originally been captured in the Mons retreat; whether he reported that he had seen prisoners of war of various nationalities mixed with German civilian prisoners; and whether any steps have been taken to visit the prisons in Germany to ascertain if anyone of Allied nationality is still being kept in confinement in that country?

Attention had already been drawn to the statement referred to. Full investigations were made immediately, and it was found that there was no truth whatever in the statement. With regard to the last part of the question, as already explained, exhaustive search has been made throughout Germany, and all possible enquiries have been made by the British Military Mission in Berlin, and, in this connection, I would refer to the reply to a question put by the hon. Member for South Hackney (Mr. Bottomley).

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether it is the intention of the Government to destroy or to make use of the German aeroplanes to be delivered as and when they are handed over?

These aeroplanes will be surplus to all possible British requirements, and it has been decided that, except for some machines reserved for exhibition purposes, they shall be reduced to produce and the material sold.

asked what steps his Department is taking to verify the report of the murder and torture of two British officers by the Bolshevists; and whether this can be done by means of an official inquiry from members of the military mission and from refugees who have returned to this country?

As regards the first part of the question inquiries have been made from General Holman (formerly Commander of the British Military Mission in South Russia), since his arrival in England, and it has been ascertained that all information that was in the possession of the mission has already been placed at the disposal of the War Office. Efforts are also being made to obtain further information from refugees now in camps under British control. His Majesty's Government, moreover, have made, and are making, every endeavour to obtain information from the Soviet Government as to the fate of these two officers, but up to the present no definite reply has been received.

As regards the second part of the question, in view of what I have already stated, it is not considered that any further light can be thrown upon the reported murder and torture of the two British officers by the means suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he can now state the total cost of the expeditions to Russia and the assistance of all kinds given to the anti-Soviet forces up to the end of the last financial year; and whether any expenditure of this kind is still being incurred?

This information is not yet available, but I propose to issue a statement shortly. No further War Office expenditure is being incurred except on certain Military Missions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the President and Members of the Centro-sujus or governing body of the Russian co-operative movement are nominated by the Soviet Government and that only those who are approved by the local Soviet official are allowed to present themselves for election on the various local co-operative societies; and whether, in these circumstances, the Government will make it known that the Soviet delegation now on its way here does not consist of co-operators freely chosen to enter into commercial and other arrangements with Great Britain?

I am aware that the statements referred to in the first part of the question have been made. I do not think it is necessary to take action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member in the second part of the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House the names of this deputation, and can he state whether they are the same who are reported to have come some time ago?

They did not come, but I cannot give the names without notice.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider it desirable that there should be someone from the Soviet Government with plenary powers to act? Seeing that one holds a position corresponding to that of the Minister of Transport in this country, and that it is a question of commerce, in which transport is an essential factor, is it not essential that he should come?

That does not arise on the question. The Government have been perfectly ready to allow members of co-operative societies to come here, in order to encourage trade.

Could not the Government find out who these men are? Are they co-operators or simply emissaries of the Soviet Government?

I have been asked that question very often. It is known that the co-operative societies are under

the control of the Soviet Government. It is in the interest of this country as well as of Russia to get trade established.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that they are co-operators?

No, I do not.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made by a member of the Russian trade commission at Copenhagen to the effect that six ships are now ready loaded in the harbour at Petrograd with cargoes for export; and what stops are being taken by His Majesty's Government to carry out the decision of the Allied Council to resume trade with Russia?

I have seen in the Press a statement to the effect indicated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject to the hon. and gallant Members for Central Hull and Finchley on the 21st instant.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether four British warships have recently left Malta for the Black Sea; what is the present strength of the naval forces in the Black Sea; and for what purposes they are being kept there?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative: but the movement is not in any way extraordinary and implies no augmentation of strength in the Black Sea. His Majesty's ships return to Malta from the Eastern Mediterranean regularly to refit and give leave.

As to the second part of the question, the strength of the naval forces in the Black Sea varies from day to day; but an average is:— 2 battleships, 2 light cruisers, 8 destroyers, 1 aircraft carrier, 2 sloops. These vessels are maintained there in order to ensure the safety of our troops at Batum and the military mission in the Crimea; and generally to protect British subjects at the outlying Turkish ports.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the case for discharge of Private T. Johnson, No.179,599, Machine Gun Corps, who is only 16 years of age, and is suffering from ulcers and tumour on the brain, and for whom instructions to proceed to a dispersal camp for discharge were issued last January?

I am informed that this soldier is being discharged forthwith. Inquiries are being made as to the cause of delay.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether, under the reorganisation scheme of the Territorial Force, he can give the number of brigadier-generals and brigade-majors who will be appointed, together with their respective rates of pay and allowances, and whether any of these officers have been already appointed?

There are no Brigadier-generals in the Territorial Army. Territorial infantry brigades, of which there are 42, will each be commanded by a colonel, who will draw consolidated pay of £1,000 per annum—his sum is inclusive of all allowances, except field and travelling allowance, and no free issues in kind are made.

Forty-two brigade majors will be appointed.

Brigade majors who are Regular officers will receive, if married, pay and allowances amounting to £832 per annum; if unmarried, £790 per annum.

Territorial Force brigade majors will draw 33s. per day and allowances.

Commanders have been appointed for 36 infantry brigades. A few of these who are still serving abroad have not yet assumed duty, but will do so shortly. Brigade majors have been appointed for 41 infantry brigades. The remaining appointments will be made in the course of the next few days.

What will these general officers have to do?

They will be very fully occupied with the general work of training their men and seeing that the drills are carried out throughout the year according to the prescribed routine, and generally maintaining the efficiency of the Territorial Force.

When these officers were appointed were any qualifications with war service insisted upon?

Yes, Sir; these officers were carefully selected by the Committee of Selection at the War Office and they comprise among them an extra-ordinary gathering of officers of the highest reputation in the field.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet arrived at any definite scheme dealing with the Territorial Force, seeing that the people of the country are anxious to take part in it, but lack information?

Yes, Sir; I have lately made several announcements. I regret that none of them have yet reached the ears of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Were the political views of the officers inquired into?

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether there is a fully sufficient supply of small arms ammunition, machine guns and other material available for the training branch of the General Staff to issue for the use of all arms; whether commanding officers are experiencing difficulty in obtaining such stores, material, and equipment to enable them to efficiently and rapidly train the troops under their command; and whether he can take steps to ensure that the Ministry of Munitions Disposals Board do not sell any such material that is required for training purposes until it is clearly proved to be surplus to requirements?

At present there is a large surplus of all the stores mentioned and there is no difficulty in meeting the demands of commanding officers for equipment necessary for training. With regard to the last part of the question, steps have already been taken to ensure that the Disposal Board do not part with any such material that could be utilised eventually to meet possible demands.

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made and find out where the hitch is, seeing that many commanding officers cannot get the necessary equipment for training?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me any such instances, I will make inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether certain British regiments enlisted and paid in England at one rate of pay have, on their arrival in India, been cut down to a lower rate owing to a dispute between the War Office and the India Office; and when will the mistake be rectified?

I should be glad if the hon. Member would address his question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India, who, I understand, will be prepared to reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he will state what numbers of Territorial recruits have been received to date from the Armistice day period; and does he propose to encourage recruiting for officers for the Territorial Force from amongst the ranks of demobilised temporary commissioned officers who have had war experience and service or to take for such recruits officers who have had no field service whatever?

As regards the number of recruits for the Territorial Army, I would refer to the reply given on the 13th April to the hon. Member for Central Hull. As regards the latter part of the question, commanding officers are responsible for the selection of officers, and have been directed to take war service into consideration. Officers of the Special Reserve and New Armies may be considered for appointments.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he could state the total cost of the cables despatched from the War Office to India, and the cabled replies from India to the War Office, in connection with the settlement of soldiers' claims?

I regret that the records in the War Office are not kept in a form which would enable me to give this information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is a great deal of delay, which is causing much inconvenience and discontent?

Yes, I am aware that there has been delay, but the cable has been used when necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether, in view of the present condition of a civil aviation industry in this country, he will issue as a Parliamentary Paper a complete statement in regard to the civil aviation branch of the Air Ministry, showing, separately, what results have actually been accomplished up to date; at what cost and how has the money voted been disbursed; what is the settled policy of that Department to be in carrying out the policy adopted by the Government for the future; and in what manner the Department suggests that efforts may be made to encourage the industries engaged in the manufacture of aeroplanes or parts of aeroplanes in this country?

As I stated in debate on the 11th March last, I hope very shortly to lay before the House a Paper by the Controller-General of Civil Aviation. I think my hon. and gallant Friend will find there the detailed information to which he refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he will state the number of youths at the Royal Air Force school of technical training at Halton Camp, East, whose term of service with the colours expires next year; whether he considers that the cost of the training given will be recouped to the State in those cases where the boys then re-enter civil life; and whether, in the interests of national economy as well as in the interests of the youths themselves, he will consider the desirability of liberating them at once when they have civil employment waiting for them?

I am informed that there are no boys at Halton serving under the conditions described in the first part of the question, and the second and third parts do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether British flying officers en route to Mesopotamia are often stranded for a fortnight in Bombay, with no extra allowance to cover their expenses while there; and whether he will remedy the hardship?

The point has not previously been brought to notice. The officers in question should, on arrival in Mesopotamia, claim from the Command Paymaster there, the travelling allowances due for the period of detention in Bombay. In case there may have been any misunderstanding, special instructions have been sent to the paymaster as to the admissibility of such claims, if received.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what are the existing arrangements as to the length of stay of officers and men in India; and what are the arrangements for married officers and men in that country?

This question was only intended to apply to the Air Force, but someone has put in the words "for War."

I think the answer has been framed by the War Office and is intended to apply to the military. If necessary the hon. Member perhaps will repeat his question. The answer I have to give is as follows:—

The length of stay in India of other ranks depends partly on their colour service and partly on the foreign service roster of the unit in which they are serving. This period averages about 5½ years, but does not exceed six years unless the man volunteers to extend his service for a longer period.

The length of stay of an officer is governed by King's Regulations, which were framed to enable him to transfer to the Home Establishment on completion of six years' continuous service in India if he so desires.

In the case of an officer who has been promoted from the ranks, commissioned and non-commissioned service is taken into account in estimating his period of service abroad.

Married officers make their own arrangements for their families in India.

Warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men, if on the married establishment, are provided with quarters for themselves and their families. The percentage allowed is laid down in paragraph 109 Allowance Regulations.

The difficulty is that the right hon. Gentleman occupies two offices, but surely an hon. Member is entitled to put down, as I did, a question applying simply to the Air Force? Somebody else put in the words for War. Are we not entitled to ask separate questions, and to expect separate answers?

It would have made the question clearer if the hon. Member had, in the body of his question, indicated his intention that it should apply only to officers and men of the Air Force. Had he put in the words to that effect it would have made it clear.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air (1) whether the recent outbreaks of disorder in Jerusalem were preceded by anti-Jewish political demonstrations in that city; whether he has any information to the effect that such demonstrations were worked up by agents from Egypt;

(2) on how many days between the 1st and 10th April rioting took place at Jerusalem between Mohammedans and Jews; what was the total number of casualties in the two communities, respectively; whether any damage was done to religious edifices or private property; if so, has any estimate been made of the amount of the damage; will any compensation be paid; and, if so, by whom?

asked the Prime Minister the nature and composition of the inquiry that is being held into the recent disturbances in Jerusalem; and whether it is being conducted in public?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to the statement that Mr. Vladimir Jabotinsky had been condemned in Jerusalem to 15 years' penal servitude; and, if so, whether, in view of Mr. Jabotinsky's services during the War, he will have inquiries made as to the circumstances which have caused such a sentence?

asked the Under-Secretary for State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Vladimir Jabotinsky has been sentenced to 15 years' penal servitude; whether this is the gentleman who was largely instrumental in raising the 38th Royal Fusiliers, which fought in Palestine by the side of British regiments; on what charge was he tried; what was the composition of the court; whether any appeal will be allowed; and whether any Arabs or Christians have been tried in connection with the recent disturbances in Palestine?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government sent instructions a few months ago to the British administration in Palestine that they were to regard the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine as an accomplished fact; whether M. Vladimir Jabotinski, who raised the first Jewish regiment to fight in the British Army in Palestine, was sentenced a few days ago by a British court-martial to 15 years' penal servitude according to the Ottoman penal code; and whether he will explain the reason for basing the sentence upon this code, in view of the Government's declared policy concerning Palestine?

I have been asked to reply. I shall be much obliged if all these questions are put down again for next Thursday, as the information necessary to enable me to make a statement is still incomplete in several important particulars, and I am awaiting a further telegraphic report from Lord Allen by on various points, including especially the case of Lieutenant Jabotinsky.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Jabotinsky is still in prison, and, if so, where?

I understand that he is confined in Jerusalem.

Have instructions been sent that he shall be properly treated in prison?

I have sent no instructions of that kind, but the British authorities are responsible for the proper treatment of prisoners.

Were the British officers responsible for the pogrom which took place?

Is it not a fact that Mr. Jabotinsky is treated as a political prisoner?

I do not think that is so. I am in communication with Lord Allenby by telegram, and I wished the series of telegrams to be completed before I make a statement to the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether he will give a definition of the words, satisfactory paid military service, as used in Army Order 325, of 1919; whether he will state if, at the time that Order was published, the Army Council had ruled that at least 12 months' satisfactory paid military service must be given during the late War for a pre-War pensioner to qualify for re-assessment of his Service pension; if so, why this period was not laid down in the Order; and whether he will now consider an amendment to this ruling, which involves hardship to a number of men who in many cases made considerable sacrifice when, from patriotic motives, they came forward at a time of national emergency to join the Army, and were discharged, through no fault of their own, before completing 12 months' service in the War?

I am not pre-pared to give a formal definition of the words in question; but the time limit tentatively adopted is no longer operative.

Do I understand that each case is decided on its merits?

I would rather have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the remarks of a Judge of the High Court at the Old Bailey against the trying of certain cases in camera; whether he declared that it was in the public interest that such secret trials should be abolished; and whether he will take the matter into consideration

asked the Attorney-General if his attention has been drawn to Mr. Justice Darling's statement in the Central Criminal Court on Thursday, the 10th April, asserting that it would be to the public advantage that the system of trying cases in secret should cease; and if he will state what steps, if any, he intends to take in the matter?

Yes, I read the remarks of the learned Judge, and they are now under consideration. I cannot say more at present than that legislation will be necessary if it be decided to change the existing law and practice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the event of this rule being sanctioned, the public will lose the greater part of our judicial humour?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill for the revision and consolidation of the Waterworks Clauses Acts, 1874 and 1863; whether he is aware that the matter was considered by the Board of Trade, who are reported to have passed it over to the Ministry of Health, but that Department in turn returned it to the Board of Trade; and, under these conflicting statements, will he state which Department is charged with this revision and consolidation?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Neither the Board of Trade nor the Ministry of Health have undertaken the preparations of a Bill for the revision and consolidation of the Acts referred to.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the recent official statement of the new British Ambassador to the United States of America, in which he declared that proposals for the secession of Ireland from the British Empire have been submitted to the British Cabinet and have been rejected; if he will inform the House who submitted these proposals to the Cabinet; and what precedent exists for a British Cabinet even to consider a suggestion to dismember the British Empire?

The British Ambassador no doubt referred in his speech to the well-known secessionist policy of the Sinn Fein party, which is, of course, repudiated by His Majesty's Government.

Seeing that this is a definite statement, made from the capital of the United States, that a proposal was put before the Cabinet for giving complete independence to Ireland, may we not, here in the House of Commons, know who put that proposal before the Cabinet, and what reason there was for rejecting it?

I have not myself noticed the exact terms of the Ambassador's speech, but I presume it refers to the obvious fact that the Sinn Feiners aim at a republic. It was, of course, never considered in the Cabinet.

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue an authorative denial of this statement, which was reported in all the public Press of this country as having been officially given by the new Ambassador, Sir Auckland Geddes?

I have just made a statement which I think is a denial.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether he is aware that in the Ballina-more district in the county Leitrim since the 1st of this month the following crimes have been committed—shop windows of local postmaster destroyed; evacuated police barracks burned together with the furniture of the caretaker, the wife of one of the constables; masonic hall burned down on the 16th by the mob; the railway line torn up and a train derailed and upset into the bog; a recruit of the Royal Irish Constabulary dragged out of bed and made to swear on his knees that he would not join up; another recruit of the Royal Irish Constabulary has had his leg shot off because he joined the force; a notice was posted stating that if anyone was seen talking to the rate collector he would be shot, and the same day a man working for the rate collector was shot; and further that notices have been posted up stating that the three loyalist shopkeepers in the town will be shot and anyone dealing with them; and what steps he proposes to take to preserve the lives and property of these three loyal men, and also the persecuted ex-service men in the town and district?

The facts are substantially as stated in the question of my hon. and gallant Friend. The Inspector-General, with whom I communicated both before and after I received the question, informs me that he has had every effort made to give adequate protection to the persons referred to in this question.

What I want to know is, are any troops or any extra police being sent down to the district to protect those men?

I only received notice of the question at noon. I communicated at once, and, of course, communication takes some time, but I will have special inquiries made on the subject and let the hon. and gallant Gentleman know the result.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking to the House that protection shall be given to these men?

Certainly.

Does not the Government receive information about these things, without having every day to communicate specially and ask the constabulary whether they are sending protection to particular people or not?

Certainly; but the question asked by the hon. and gallant Gentleman to which I referred was in reference to the troops that were or were not being sent to the district.

Is it not the case that yesterday the right hon. Gentleman apparently knew nothing about events which had taken place at Waterford a few days ago?

Certainly, I knew about the matter, but not to the extent to which I was informed afterwards by an hon. Member who was on the spot.

Are troops being sent there or not?

It is quite impossible for me, when I am asked a question at 12 o'clock about a district in Leitrim, to say offhand whether or not troops have been sent there.

asked the Prime Minister whether the pledge given to the Jewish people by Great Britain, France, Italy, America, and the other Allied Powers to restore Palestine to the Jewish nation has been agreed upon by the Supreme Council; and whether Great Britain is to become the mandatory power under the League of Nations?

The pledges made by the Powers referred to have been adopted by the Supreme Council. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this decision will involve a change in the military governorship of Palestine, and when it is likely that civil administration will be instituted?

That does not arise out of the question.

In view of the fact that in much more recent times the national home of the Anglo-Saxon was Schleswig-Holstein, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the necessity of clearing the English out of England?

The House has not sufficient time to make a historical research of that kind.

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Milner has visited or proposes to visit Zaghloul Pasha, the accredited representative of the Egyptian people, before submitting his report?

The reply is in the negative. It is for Zaghloul Pasha to take the initiative if he wishes Lord Milner to consider his views.

asked the Prime Minister what is the present actual boundary between Lithuania and Poland; and how far it corresponds with the line laid down by the Supreme Council in Paris.

There has been no modification on the part of the Supreme Council of the frontier provisionally set up in Paris. I have not the information which would enable me to define the exact line which is occupied at the present moment by the forces of the two States.

May I ask whether, in point of fact, these States are complying with the line laid down by the Supreme Council?

I believe that at present they do not comply, but there has been no change in the decision in their case.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the great inconvenience caused to travellers by the existing licensing Regulations, steps may be taken to revive the pre-war practice of allowing travellers to obtain refreshments on licensed premises at any hour?

I cannot add anything to previous answers on this subject.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think we ought to extend to people outside this House the same privileges that we enjoy in this House, which enable us to get a drink any time we like?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that many life assurance policies were taken out years ago for the purpose of thrift, and that to encourage this thrift legislation was passed whereby the premiums thereon were allowed as a deduction for Income Tax purposes, he will amend his proposals so as to leave such conditions undisturbed?

My hon. and gallant Friend will find in the White Paper the proposals respecting the allowance in respect of life assurance premiums for Income Tax purposes, and he will see that, although the new methods proposed to be adopted on the recommendation of the Royal Commission for the graduation of the Income Tax involve some corresponding alterations in the practical method of granting the allowance of Income Tax on account of those premiums, the substance of the existing relief's remains unchanged. There are one or two modifications in favour of the taxpayer which have been recommended by the Royal Commission, and which I propose to embody in the Finance Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the sources of Ways and Means advances at the latest date for which particulars can conveniently be given?

The particulars given each week in the return published in the "London Gazette" each Tuesday show that, on the 17th April, Bank Ways and Means amounted to £39,500,000 and Ways and Means advances from other sources to £206,337,000. The other sources are the National Debt Commissioners, the Currency Note Investment Account, and various balances held by the Paymaster-General.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the House an approximate estimate of the loss to the Revenue on Income Tax Account that would result from the separation of the incomes of husband and wife in their returns for payment of Income Tax and Super-tax?

If the marriage allowance which, in pursuance of the recommendations of the Royal Commission, it is now proposed to grant were maintained, and at the same time separate assessment were allowed, it is estimated that the immediate loss to the revenue would be £18,000,000 and that the ultimate loss would exceed £40,000,000. But, as the Royal Commission point out, if separate assessment were granted the marriage allowance should be abolished. In this case there would be an immediate gain of £2,000,000 to the revenue; but again, to quote the Royal Commission, "the result would be a shifting of burdens from the rich to the poor, because in the vast majority of cases the wife has either no separate income at all, or a separate income less than the amount of the present marriage allowance and far less than the allowance we suggest should be made." I should add that the immediate gain would soon be converted into a considerable loss by redistribution of income. In connection with the whole subject I invite the particular attention of the House to paragraphs 256–260 of the Report of the Royal Commission

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if an individual deriving his entire income of £100 a year from dividends on ordinary shares in a company, liable to Corporation Tax, will in fact be taxed to the extent of £5 or £10 as the case may be on such £100; and, as this will be a tax on income, will he be able to recover such tax from the income tax authorities in the same way as he now recovers the 6s. in the £ deducted from his dividends?

The Corporation Tax is not devised as a tax upon the individual, but as an impersonal tax upon the profits of a company chargeable thereto prior to distribution. No question of recovery by an individual shareholder can arise.

Then the ordinary man who has a small income from shares will have this deduction from his income and will not be able to recover it?

He will not be able to recover, but I cannot be taken as assenting to all my hon. Friend's premises.

Will it not be as a fact a tax on the income of such persons?

I suggest that it is more convenient to argue these questions in Committee on the Finance Bill than at question time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if land, mortgage, investment, and trust companies which are not engaged in any trade or manufacture either in Great Britain or abroad will be liable to Corporation Profits Tax?

Limited liability companies of the character referred to by the hon. Member will be liable to the Corporation Profits Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of the Land Valuation Department from its inception to the 5th April, 1919; and what is the estimated cost of it for the year ending the 5th April, 1921?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Penryn and Falmouth.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the total number of valuations made by the Land Valuation Department; and how many were accepted without negotiation and after negotiation and amendment respectively?

The number of valuations made by the Land Valuation Office in connection with the original valuation under Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is about 7,750,000. In addition the Valuation Office has made valuations in connection with Death Duties, Land Values Duties, and for a variety of other purposes; the number of these is very considerable; but no detailed record of them has been kept. No separate record has been kept of the number of valuations accepted without negotiation or otherwise.

Are the establishment charges now going to be reduced?

Very consider able reductions have been made. I have not the particulars present in my mind. As I told the House yesterday, I am inquiring whether further reductions of the staff are not possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been paid by the British Treasury for the relief of the inhabitants of Austria since 1st January; and how much more money is it anticipated will be spent in this way?

The actual cash advances for Austrian relief (including grants to the Vienna Relief Committee) since 1st January last amount to £394,000. £10,000,000 is provided in the Estimates for 1920–21 for relief loans to Austria and Poland, and it seems probable that some £7,000,000 of this will very shortly be spent for this purpose.

asked the Chancellor of the Ex-chequer (1) how many shares the Government has acquired in the Siberian Bank, what is their normal value, what price did it pay for them;

(2) with whom he is negotiating for the sale of the shares which the Government holds in the Siberian Bank; whether he has granted any option for the purchase of these shares; if so, for what consideration;

(3) whether he is advised, and by whom, that the present is a suitable time for selling the shares which it has acquired in the Siberian Bank?

Negotiations in this matter are in progress, and I do not think it would be in the public interest to make any statement on the matter at present.

Is it undesirable in the public interest to state what price the Government have paid for these shares, and how many shares they hold?

I think it is undesirable, while negotiations are going on, that I should make any statement.

How is it possible to sell these shares to the best advantage if it is not known generally how many shares are for sale? Have the negotiations been conducted by the Treasury direct or have they been conducted by the Department of Overseas Trade?

I must have notice of that question.

Arising out of that—

Will the hon. Member put down any further questions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the advisability of publishing a complete balance sheet of the Prize Court Fund, showing the receipts and expenditure in detail under all heads?

Details of the Supreme Court Prize Deposit Account are published annually (see Return 48 of 1920). When the proceeds have been finally allocated between the Exchequer and the Naval Prize Fund I will consider, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, the publication of complete balance sheets under each head.

Is it not a fact that, whilst men who have earned prize money are still waiting for it, the lawyers have already drawn over £6,000,000?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether silver coinage has been exported

from this country for melting purposes owing to the enhanced price of the metal, and what steps are taken to prevent a serious loss to the country from this practice?

The export of British silver coin, except under licence from the Board of Trade, has been forbidden by Order in Council since April, 1918, and so far as I am aware the prohibition has been effective. At the present price of silver there is little or no profit in melting.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when and what means he purposes to adopt to prevent competition between municipal authorities in obtaining municipal loans which at present results in high prices for such loans?

In the case of housing loans I have power, with the concurrence of the Treasury, to limit the rate of interest and thus to some extent to prevent competition. In other cases I have no such power.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that under date March, 1920, appeals for the Hamburg State Lottery, offering prizes to the extent of 13,731,000 marks, are now being issued through the British Post Office by one Samuel Heckscher, the draw to take place next month; and whether steps can be taken to protect the public from, on the one hand, their exploitation by our late enemies and, on the other, from the moral degradation which may ensnare the British public so carefully guarded by official prohibition of all lotteries, including those organised for charities and hospitals?

Steps have been taken to prevent, as far as possible, the distribution of advertisements of this and all similar lotteries through the post.

asked the Home Secretary whether the women police who are patrolling London streets are members of the Metropolitan Police Force; if so, will he state how many women constables there are and what is the rate of pay and hours of duty; and whether, if they are not members of this force, he will state what control the Chief Commissioner has over them and in what way it is given effect to?

There is a body of women police attached to the Metropolitan Police Forces and controlled by the Commissioner. This body consists of 1 superintendent, I assistant superintendent, 10 sergeants, and 100 women police. These women are paid 48s. a week; sergeants, 60s. a week; and their hours of duty are 7 hours a day for 6 days a week. There are also other unofficial bodies of so-called women police, who are not connected with the Metropolitan Police Force and not controlled by the Commissioner.

Who controls these bodies?

They are associations of ladies. The whole question of their employment is before a Committee.

Are we to infer that this kind of voluntary police will now be brought to an end?

I have said it is before a Committee.

Have these people the same power as ordinary policemen of arrest?

They have no power of arrest at all.

Have any cases occurred in which these policewomen have been subjected to rough treatment or indignities while performing their duties?

One woman policeman suffered ill-treatment in Epping Forest. That is the only case brought to my notice.

Are they allowed to join a trade union of their own?

Certainly not.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many so-called massage establishments in London are really houses for the propagation of vice of a particularly decadent character; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to action being taken for their suppression?

Massage establishments are subject to registration and regulations by the London County Council, and if the hon. Member has evidence that any establishment is not properly conducted, he should supply information to the Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have considerable information in my possession, with which I will furnish the London County Council?