asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Stuart Samuel's Commission of inquiry into the pogroms in Poland was sent to that country to inquire into the alleged atrocities on behalf of Parliament; whether pledges were given to this House on behalf of His Majesty's Government that the Report of the Commission would be laid before Parliament; what has been the approximate cost of the Commission; what country or countries will find this money; whether he is aware that Jews are still being ill-treated in Poland; and why public opinion is not being sought for the aid of the League of Nations by the publication of the Report?

Sir Stuart Samuel's Commission was sent to Poland by His Majesty's Government. As regards the second part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I have already explained to the House that His Majesty's Government intend to instruct the British representative on the Council of the League of Nations to bring the Report to the notice of the Council, and until this has been done it would be undesirable to lay it on the Table of the House; no pledge was ever given to lay the Report before the House by a given date. The cost of the Commission was approximately £830, which is being borne by His Majesty's Government; the answer to the fifth part of the question is, so far as I am aware, in the negative. As regards the sixth part, I have already stated in my reply to the hon. Member for North Lanark on the 3rd instant that alleged infractions of the Minority Clauses of the Treaty with Poland must be in the first instance brought to the notice of the League of Nations, who are well able to take action without awaiting pressure from public opinion.

Why should this country pay the whole cost of the Commission in view of the fact that Parliament is not going to have the Report until it is dealt with by the League of Nations? Why should not the Signatory Powers and the Council of the League of Nations bear their share of the cost?

Well, the Commission was sent out by His Majesty's Government alone, and not by the Allied and Associated Powers.

In that case why is the report not to be laid on the Table of the House? Why is it undesirable to delay it until months have elapsed?

It is to be laid upon the Table of the House.

Why should it not be laid now?

It is more in conformity with the usual practice to follow the course we are adopting.

asked the Prime Minister by what authority are Polish forces occupying the Lithuanian city of Vilna; and whether it is proposed to request Poland to cease from the occupation of Lithuanian territory?

By a decision of the Supreme Council of July last, Vilna was provisionally allotted to the Poles without prejudice to the final frontiers of either Poland or Lithuania.

Is it not a fact that the Poles have advanced beyond the line laid down by the Supreme Council, and what steps have been taken to have its decisions respected?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice.

asked the under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make any statement as to the augmentation of the pensions of ex-employés of the Egyptian and Sudan Government services?

The Egyptian Government has recently granted a temporary increase of those pensions not exceeding £E.300 a year, and state that this is the utmost they are able to afford. The Sudan Government is not yet able to make definite proposals, but the matter is receiving earnest consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Auckland Geddes, the British Ambassador to the United States, has yet been officially received by the President; and, if not, whether he can state the cause of the delay?

Sir Auckland Geddes has not yet had an opportunity of presenting his credentials to the President of the United States, presumably on account of the ill-health of the latter. Pending this formality, it is understood that he has been admitted to the exercised of his Ambassadorial functions, and he will, of course, avail himself of the earliest opportunity to present his credentials to President Wilson.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware of the continual and alarming rise in the incidence of venereal disease amongst the British troops in France and Germany; whether he will take all possible steps to combat this; and whether in particular the privilege of free leave passes to Great Britain, recently withdrawn from these troops, can now be restored?

I am aware that there has been a rise in the incidence of venereal disease amongst the troops in France and Germany since the Armistice. The subject has received anxious consideration for some months past, and I am satisfied that the authorities on the spot are taking all possible steps to combat it. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my replies on 20th April and 6th May to the hon. Members for Bassetlaw and Lincoln respectively. The decision was only reached after very careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that many men who have re-enlisted for general service are also drawing pensions for wounds received in the recent War; whether general experience has shown the folly of taking unfit men into the Army; and whether a man suffering from a physical disability so great that he is in receipt of a State pension on that account ought to be selected to fight for his life?

A few men in receipt of disability pensions for wounds received in the recent War have been re-enlisted in the Army. The majority of these are not serving in combatant units; but in specialist corps, and they have not been found unfit for the duties upon which they are employed. The Regulations provide that, in the case of men discharged on medical grounds applying for re-enlistment, the Medical Officer should consult the former discharge documents showing the cause of discharge before certifying the man fit for re-enlistment. During the rush of recruiting last year a few men were enlisted, and subsequently found to be unfit for further service, but steps have been taken to obviate such mistakes arising in future. In view of the present position of recruiting, orders have been issued that ex-soldiers in receipt of disability pensions are not to be re-enlisted.

If I give my right hon. Friend particulars of men actually in combatant units and cavalry regiments who are in receipt of disability pensions, will he take steps to look into the cases?

Well, Sir, I should like to deal with each case separately. If a man has been wounded, and still wishes to go on in the Service, and his military superiors think he can do useful work, I certainly should not subject him to the same rigid examination from the point of view of health as an absolutely new man.

Is it a question for his military superiors? Is it not rather a question for the medical authorities, who are able to say whether or not a man will ultimately break down from the strain of service, though he may be perfectly fit for peace soldiering? But is it wise to inflate the totals of the Army? Was that not a disastrous policy previously?

I am afraid I do not altogether agree. In regard to recruiting for the Territorial Army, I have given directions that men who have got disability pensions are not for that reason —if there is no other—to be refused. There are many officers in the Army who like the idea of continuing service with their old comrades—men who served in the Boer War and in the Great War.

Is it not the fact that pensions are granted for slight disability that does not interfere with a man's usual work?

In some cases the pension is on account of the amount of disablement; in other cases the amount of suffering and injury that individual has received.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that new men who are physically unfit are being recruited into the Army at the present time?

I am doing my best to stiffen the standard of recruiting. We have got a certain amount of reserve power in hand that will enable me to stiffen the standard. In the first instance we had to take anybody we could get.

Could not the men physically unfit be discharged from the Army?

It is not intended to stop recruiting, but to stiffen the standards, and by a refining process to get rid of the men who were not physically fit. In regard to wounded soldiers, we should be specially careful to try and study their wishes.

asked the Secretary, off State for War and Air whether, on 10th March last, an official letter was circulated to the effect that a Royal Warrant would shortly be issued for establishing the new Army education corps; what is the reason for the delay in the publication of the Royal Warrant; and whether, in view of the serious dissatisfaction existing in the corps of Army schoolmasters through this delay, he will state when the document will be published?

The general decision was circulated as soon as sanction had been obtained, but the hon. and gallant Member will understand that, since it involves the establishment of a permanent Corps of the Army, there are many matters of detail to be con- sidered before a Royal Warrant can be issued. No avoidable time has been lost, and I hope to be in a position to submit the Warrant to His Majesty for approval in the course of a few days.

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that the whole of this education work in the Army is in jeopardy owing to the apathy of certain commanding officers; and if that be true will he consider the advisability of taking disciplinary action in the matter?

I do not think it is in jeopardy because the Army Council are resolved that the scheme shall have a thoroughly fair trial. We must not be too ambitious. We must give it a thoroughly fair trial. Naturally the subordinate officers have loyally accepted that decision.

Is this borne on the Army Vote; or is it additional to the expenses of civil education?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether his attention has been called to statements recently made in the Lower House of Convocation, to the effect that houses of ill-fame are officially recognised by the military authorities in certain military establishments abroad, and that the War Office has information concerning confidential orders or circulars, issued under military authority, permitting and regulating resort by members of His Majesty's forces to such places; and whether he can make any statement on this matter?

No such orders have been issued or authorised by the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he has official reports showing that there is a shortage of recruits for the Territorial Army, and that the apparent reluctance to join is due to the fact that it has not yet been decided what units to raise, to the lack of a permanent staff and want of officers, delay on the part of the Army Council in perfecting the necessary machinery, the smallness of the bonus offered, dissatis- faction on the part of suitable men at the treatment meted out to demobilised men in respect to pensions and grants, and lack of enthusiasm and encouragement on the part of headquarters staff; and if he will say what steps he purposes taking to establish permanently a force which rendered great and distinguished service during the War?

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement on Tuesday last. The progress of recruiting is not thought to be definitely unsatisfactory and, generally speaking, the local authorities consider that the numbers required will be obtained in the course of time. With few exceptions the units to be raised have been fixed and allocated to counties, and permanent staff have been appointed. Applications for additional permanent staff for certain units are now being dealt with. The same is true of commanding officers, and as soon as they have made their recommendations the remaining officers can be appointed. Every effort is being made to settle the large number of questions involved in the perfection of the new machinery and substantial progress has been made. I am not aware that there is any general feeling that the amount of the bonuses offered is too small. Certain criticisms have been received regarding the conditions of issue this year and these are being considered. Nor am I aware that men are reluctant to join because they are dissatisfied with their treatment as regards pensions and grants. There is no justification for the statement that there is any lack of enthusiasm on the part of the Government or the military authorities. The exact contrary is the truth.

Is it not a fact that the unusually large number of men who have joined the Regular Army during the last twelve months naturally absorbs part of the supply that might have gone to the Territorial Army; and considering that fact, the present rate of recruiting is not really so bad?

I do not think it is so bad, but I was much impressed by the opinion of the county authorities and the Territorial Forces Associations, and they seem confident that in time, with proper support, they will get their men. They are in touch with large bodies of ex-territorial soldiers, and of course there is coming on the new manhood of the country, which has not had an opportunity of fighting in the War.

Is is not a fact that action in certain quarters is not satisfactory?

We shall have to make a long, persevering, energetic and whole-hearted campaign for the creation of the Territorial Army.

asked for what purpose the motor depôt in Reedworth Street, Kennington, is still kept open; how many motor lorries and cars are garaged there; and what is the total approximate expense per annum of the depôt?

I am informed that this depot is used by the Canadian Army Service Corps for the accommodation of a number of small cars and motor lorries which they have on loan from the War Office. The vehicles are being used for transporting ordnance and aircraft stores to ports for shipment to Canada.

asked whether orders were received in August, 1919, for the closing down of No. 977 Company, Mechanical Transport, at Norwich; why is it still in existence; whether he is aware that, on the completion of the disposal of stores, the men could not be discharged without a medical board and that they have waited a month for the board with nothing to do and are getting out of hand; is he aware that the cost of this company has averaged 25s. per ton mile, whereas a civilian firm would have done the transport work for something approaching 4s. per mile; and whether, seeing that it has already taken eight months to carry out the order of last August, he will issue instructions for the immediate closing down of this establishment?

Orders were issued in September last for this company of the Royal Army Service Corps to be closed down. From this date it ceased to be an effective unit, but 14 other ranks still remained at the end of April for the purpose of clearing up the accounts arising from the disposal of the vehicles, stores, etc. The company will be completely closed down by the 17th instant. A medical board was applied for in connection with five other ranks who were claiming disability. There is no reason to believe that there has been any undue delay in carrying out this formality, nor that the men in question are anything but well conducted. The gross cost per ton mile has never exceeded 7s. 5d., and it only reached this figure just prior to the company closing down; this figure was abnormal owing to the unit being in process of being broken up.

Is it not an extraordinary thing that it should take over seven months to close down one company of the Army Service Corps?

Is it not a fact that these men have been waiting over a month for a medical board?

I cannot answer the last point without notice. As to the other question, it always does take time to go through the winding-up process, and there must be some delay.

Is it not a fact that these men who want to get back into civil life have waited a month for a medical board?

I cannot say, but I will inquire into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air, whether he is aware that on the 10th April, 1920, an officer was instructed by the senior inspector at the mechanical transport headquarters, Norwich, 977 Company, to proceed in a Vauxhall car to Richborough to collect stores (arriving from France to the order of the senior inspector of mechanical transport) and to have them forwarded on a box-van to his office, hut No. 6, Horse Guards; whether the box-van, a 20 h.p. Crossley, arrived at the senior inspector of mechanical transport's office with a case containing 20 bottles of ink, a set of wooden partitions, 7 ft. by 8 ft., value 30s., and some old drawing boards value 20s.; whether the cost of the journey, including Vauxhall car, Crossley box-van, three men's pay for two days, and one officer's pay, three days at 45s., worked out at £26 15s., and that against this the cost per rail at company's risk would be £2 6s. 8d.; and whether, having regard to the need for economy in every branch of the public service, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the working of the mechanical transport headquarters at Norwich?

There were no mechanical transport vehicles with this company at Norwich on the date mentioned, and no officers were sent to Rich-borough. With a view to hastening the disposal of surplus Government stocks at Chatham, Canterbury and Shorncliffe, a representative from the Senior Inspector of Mechanical Transport's Department was detailed on the 8th of April to visit the units at these stations, and, in the interests of economy, the officer detailed was instructed to proceed by car. In the course of his inspection duty, he ascertained that cases containing valuable records, data and testing instruments had arrived at Richborough. These were urgently required, and as cases of a similar nature had been mislaid or met with considerable delay at the hands of the railway company, the Senior Inspector of Mechanical Transport issued instructions for a box van to be sent from Shorncliffe to Richborough to collect the items in question. The cost of the journey was the cost of running the box van with one driver to convey the goods to their destination.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that my facts are inaccurate?

It would appear so.

I shall ask another question, and give the names of the persons concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that National Reservists who re-enlisted for overseas service in 1914 at a Territorial depot received only £5 gratuity, although A.F.B. 218 M. stated that £10 would be paid to men undertaking general service; and whether there was in fact any difference betwen the services rendered by Territorial men undertaking the oversea obligation and other men classified for general service?

The bounty of £10 was issuable only to National Reservists who enlisted in the Regular Army. Territorials, whether they had been National Reservists or not, received no bounty when they volunteered for general service. I am afraid I can hold out no hope that the explicit conditions of this grant can, after this lapse of time, be altered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this decision inflicts a very real grievance upon certain men who have performed equal service with the others?

I am aware that there has been some disappointment, but it cannot now be altered.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that ex-warrant officers who undertook service in the Army Veterinary Corps on the outbreak of war have been refused the privilege of re-enlisted soldiers, on the grounds that they were not required to take the oath; on what authority these men were employed on military duty under military discipline; and whether he can adjust the injustice inflicted on these men?

If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with particulars of the specific cases he has in mind, I will have inquiry made and inform him of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he will reconsider the case of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who served in the Territorial Force before the War but who joined the overseas army on the outbreak of war and who have been awarded either the 1914 or 1915 Star but who are debarred from receiving the Territorial War Medal which, if awarded, would show that they were pre-War soldiers who volunteered?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the answers which I gave to questions regarding this medal on the 9th March last.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will not reconsider this question? Does he not think it a very great hardship that these Territorial officers and men, who were unable to go to the Front, should have no record to show that they served their country before the War?

All these are difficult questions, and a decision was reached on these lines, that those who received the 1914–15 Star and have that decoration should not have the other one—the main principle being that it was thought that three medals were enough for one war. I think it is doubtful whether it is expedient to re-open the subject. After all, the actual grant of the 1914–15 Star is in itself a great privilege, because very hard fighting took place after that which was not specially distinguished by the double medal.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that it would be very much appreciated by these officers and men if they could show that they served their country before the War, and gave their time with that object?

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what is the purchase price from the Army for men with 12 months' service and for men with over 12 months' service?

The new rates and conditions governing the purchase of discharge are shown in Army Order 180 of 1920, which was issued on the 5th instant. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Order.

Can that Army Order be published in the Press, so that anyone desirous of purchasing his son out of the Army can know of it?

I do not know of any rule against it being published in the Press. The Order is available to the public.

Will my hon. Friend see that it is published?

I will inquire into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that considerable unrest prevails in connection with men employed at the Army Ordnance depôt at Devonport gunwharf consequent on the rumour that the strength of the depôt is to be considerably decreased and that a number of civilian workmen employed at the gunwharf are to be discharged; and will he say if there is any possibility of the depôt being closed, or if in the event of further discharges what endeavours are being made by the Government to secure employment for the men discharged?

The closing of the Ordnance depôt at Devonport is not in contemplation, nor is there any immediate prospect of the strength of the depot being appreciably reduced below its pre-War establishment.

asked whether a naval officer who was lent to the Air Service in which he attained the rank of lieutenant-colonel is entitled to retain that rank and to use the designation of lieutenant-colonel after being dismissed His Majesty's service?

A naval officer who has been gazetted as relinquishing his temporary commission as lieutenant-colonel in the Royal Air Force and who has subsequently been dismissed the Naval Service, or whose name has been removed from the Navy List, has no right to use the designation of his former rank in the Royal Air Force without a specific application to the Air Council through the Admiralty. I may add that in such a case it is most improbable that the Air Council would accede to the application.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take immediate steps to see that the military rank shall not be improperly assumed for anti-British purposes?

When these naval officers are transferred to the Air Service, is it for four years and four years in the Reserve?

Does not the fact that a member of His Majesty's service has been dismissed necessarily mean that he reverts to the position of a civilian, and has no right to any military rank whatever?

I have put questions to the authorities on the subject, and I think it must be dealt with on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he is aware that great hardship and much discontent is being caused among members of the medical service of the Royal Air Force by the delay in payment of back pay, now many months over due; and if he will take steps to see that these overdue payments shall be made at once?

The arrangements for remustering Royal Air Force medical personnel to the new rates of pay have been under preparation for some time, and the necessary order was issued last week.

asked (1) what was the corn-position of the court which sentenced Lieut. Jabotinsky to 15 years' penal servitude; whether this sentence was approved by General Lord Allenby; whether an appeal will be allowed against the revised sentence; whether Mr. Jabotinsky is being treated as a political prisoner or as an ordinary criminal;

(2) whether he can now state whether the British military authorities received any warning of the possibility of anti-Jewish rioting in Jerusalem on the occasion of the Moslem pilgrimage on 4th April last; and, if so, what steps were taken to preserve order?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answers to previous questions on this subject. In continuation of my statement of the 4th May, five Jews have since been acquitted on the charge of being in possession of firearms.

The trial of three Moslems who are charged with helping the escape of absconders has been postponed for the production of further witnesses. The trial of one Jew charged with being in possession of firearms and shooting is now in progress and will be followed by the trial of the three Moslems mentioned above.

The following are now awaiting trial:—

2 Jews for being in possession of firearms;

1 Moslem for wounding.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to answer my question about Lieut. Jabotinsky?

I consider that question has been dealt with by my answer to a previous question.

Is it not a fact that the previous answer simply was that the right hon. Gentleman was waiting for further information? When will the right hon. Gentleman have -this further information to enable him to reply to my specific question which was on the paper a week ago?

What is the specific question referred to by the hon. and gallant Gentleman?

The specific question was, what was the composition of the court which sentenced Lieut. Jobotinsky to fifteen years' penal servitude?

I gave the full composition of the court, and if the hon. and gallant Gentleman had been in his place he would have heard my answer, or if he had taken the trouble to consult the records he would have been able to read it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

My second question was whether the sentence was approved by Lord Allenby? Thirdly, whether an appeal will be allowed against the revised sentence; and fourthly, whether Lieut. Jobotinsky is being treated as a political prisoner or as an ordinary criminal?

I replied that the sentence was reduced by Lord Allenby. The ordinary course will be followed in regard to an appeal. I also replied that Lieut. Jobotinsky was being treated in the second division, and with treatment appropriate to that case.

I give notice that I shall repeat this question.

And I give notice that if the hon. and gallant Member does repeat it I shall not allow it to appear on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that ex-soldiers under 21 who have fought in the War, and who are now employed as clerks in record offices and other offices under the War Office, receive a considerably lower rate of pay than clerks over 21; and whether he will at once take steps to rectify this state of things?

War Department offices in this matter follow the rule laid down for the public service generally. For clerks there are special rates of pay varying according to age. I regret that I am not in a position to go outside the scale.

Does the right hon. Baronet think it is really decent or right to say that men are old enough to fight, and, when they come back from fighting, are not old enough to be properly paid?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken to carry out the undertaking of the Government that land should be provided for ex-service men in Ireland, in view of the fact that the Irish Land Commission inspectors, who were endeavouring to buy land for ex-service men in County Galway, have lately received threatening anonymous letters strongly advising them not to buy any farm in the county for ex-service men, which purchase would cause a lot of bloodshed, as the writers are determined at the cost of their lives to keep out any ex-sailor or ex-soldier; and is he aware that other threatening letters have been received showing five plots of land laid out as graves for ex-soldiers and the remaining plots for the inspectors?

The Estates Commissioners are making inquiries and taking such steps as are practicable with a view to the acquisition of land for the purposes of the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919. It is a fact that some of the inspectors have received threatening letters with reference to land which the Commissioners propose to acquire in County Galway for the purposes of the Act. The Government is doing everything in its power to deal with the situation.

In view of the unsatisfactory answer I shall raise this question and the question of ex-service men generally on the Adjournment on Thursday week.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement by the Lord Chancellor in another place the other day that there was not sufficient land in Ireland to go round?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the medical and other officers employed by the Ministry at salaries over £350 a year and who, in addition, are in receipt of income from other public funds are all disabled men; and will he say from which public funds such income is derived and what is the amount in each case apart from disability pension?

With the hon. Member's permission, I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing in detail the particulars for which he asks.

The following is the statement referred to:

The numbers, amount, and source of income from other public funds are as follow:—

The officers referred to are not all disabled, and the amounts given above do not in any case include disability pension.

asked how many ex-service men are employed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Pensions in London; and how many of these are receiving a salary over £295 per annum?

The number of ex-service men employed at headquarters on the 1st May, 1920, was 2,504, and of these 73 are receiving a salary of over £295 a year. In addition, there are at headquarters 30 medical officers who served in the late War in receipt of a salary of over £295 a year.

asked how many individuals other than ex-service men have been appointed as secretaries of local war pensions committees or sub-committees during the last. 12 months?

During the period mentioned there have been 37 such appointments out of a total number of 430. In all of those 37 cases, there were considered to be exceptional circumstances justifying a departure from the general rule which requires the appointment of an ex-service man.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it has been definitely decided that the secretaryship of the Newcastle war pensions committee must be filled by the appointment of an ex-service man; and if he has so informed the local committee?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are more than 5,000 men out of work in Bristol, of whom the great majority are ex-service men; whether assurances were given, with the assent of the Government of the day, that the interests of men returning from military service after the War would be fully protected; and whether steps will be taken at an early date to secure for ex-service men the right to choose and learn a trade and to find employment in that trade.

The number of men registered as unemployed at the Bristol Employment Exchanges is 5,469, of whom 4,358 are ex-service men in receipt of out of-work donation. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the third part of the question, training schemes for disabled ex-service men are in operation, with the assistance of employers and employed in a considerable number of skilled trades, and I shall certainly do all I can to secure their prompt extension. As regards the absorption in civil employment of ex-service men now unemployed, that matter, again, is engaging my closest attention in its several aspects. So far as the Bristol problem is concerned, I saw members of the local employment committee and of the relief committee from Bristol last Monday week, and I have since discussed the matter generally with my hon. colleague the Parliamentary Secretary, who has been so good as to undertake to go to Bristol and discuss personally the situation with the responsible authorities there.

Are the Employment Exchanges really doing any useful work in providing work for these men?

Certainly, they are doing useful work.

Why are they not more successful when there are 5,800 men out of work in Bristol?

Is any of the difficulty of obtaining employment by these men due in any way to the action of any of the trade unions?

Speaking off hand as regards training, I should say that the opportunities of training are being extended rapidly. I think that there have been difficulties in Bristol in that respect, but again I say that, with good will and without recrimination, we shall succeed in removing them.

Have the national roll of employers employed their full percentage of disabled men?

I cannot say. I hope that we may get a large extension of the number of employers who are on that roll, but I have taken every step in that direction.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air how many British troops are at present stationed at Batoum and the Caucasus, and whether it is intended to mobilise these troops against the Soviet forces in the Baku area?

It is not in the public interest to give exact figures at the present time. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. Baku is some distance from Batoum.

Is it to be part of the pleasurable burden of the British taxpayer to police all the disturbed areas throughout the world?

No, Sir. The War Office for a long time would have been glad, on purely military grounds, to withdraw from Batoum, but, as the hon. Member knows, at the present time it is our only means of keeping in touch with the Armenian Republic. Once Batoum is evacuated, all connection is finally severed.

Is there any truth in the statement that the British Military Mission at Batoum has been captured by the Turkish forces?

I should like to have notice of that question. Some Naval personnel have, I believe, been captured.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether any British force was at Baku at the time of its occupation by Soviet forces; and, if so, what has happened to this force?

I have been asked to reply to this question. There was no British Military force at Baku at the time of its occupation by Soviet forces. A Naval Mission consisting of 5 officers and 30 ratings was, however, en route from Batoum to Enzeli, and was at Baku at the time of change of Government. I am ascertaining the latest news regarding the Mission.

Is there any truth in the statement that these officers and men are being held as hostages?

I prefer not to say until I have ascertained all the latest information, and then I will communicate with my Noble and gallant Friend.

If it is proved that these men are captured, will steps be taken to attempt their exchange?

That is hardly a question for me to answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether the British force at Batum has been withdrawn; and, if not, whether it is to be reinforced and used for offensive purposes, or what is the object of its retention there?

The British force is retained at Batoum in pursuance of Allied policy. It is not intended that the force should be used for offensive purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether the statement of the cost of intervention in Russia up to 31st March, 1920, will be comprehensive, and will include the cost of secret service and propaganda in Russia and neighbouring states, and any other items of expenditure attributable to the campaign against Soviet Russia?

The statement is being prepared on the same basis as the earlier statement, as to which I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 28th April to the hon. Member for Clitheroe (Mr. Alfred Davies).

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether Kiev has been captured by the Polish troops; whether they are advancing beyond that point; and what is the strength of the British Mission with the Polish attacking army?

The answer to the first portion of the question is in the affirmative. A wireless message from Moscow announced the capture of Kiev by the Polish forces on the 6th May. As regards the intentions of the Poles, this is a matter for which the Polish Government alone is responsible. With regard to the last portion of the question, there is a small British Military Intelligence Mission in Warsaw. This Mission is not accompanying the Polish forces engaged in the offensive, although it is quite likely that the Head of the Mission may have detailed an officer to keep in touch with military operations. I do not know whether he has done so, or whether the Polish General Staff have permitted any British officer to accompany their forces.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the actual work of the British Mission? What is it kept there for?

Among other things, to enable me to secure information to answer questions which are put to me here.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the British War Office is giving any encouragement or military assistance to the Poles in this adventure?

No, Sir. The general question of Poland has been settled, not by the British War Office, but by the Supreme Council of the Allies. Questions with regard to that matter should be addressed, not to the Minister in charge of any particular Department of any particular country, but to the Head of the Government of the country in question.

Has the Supreme Council directed the British War Office to give assistance to the Poles in this enterprise?

The British War Office have given no assistance to the Poles in this enterprise, but both the French and British Governments in former periods—last year and so on—have helped to strengthen and equip the Polish Army, that being an essential part of the policy of the Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether the volunteer Army in the Crimea is advancing against the Soviet forces, is holding its own, or has decided to surrender; and what instructions have been given to the British military mission with General Wrangel as to the course of action they are to advise?

The volunteer Army in the Crimea is not advancing against the Soviet forces, nor has it decided to surrender, but it is holding its own, in anticipation of the conclusion of a settlement with the Moscow Government. The British military mission gives advice on military questions, and not on policy.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether the office in New York described as British Control, but until the end of last year described as British Military Control, comes under his Department; if so, what is the inclusive cost of this office; and what purpose it serves?

The Military Control Office in New York was abolished in the autumn of last year and a Passport Control Office under the direction of the Foreign Office was established. This office deals with the granting of visas in New York to foreigners desirous of proceeding to British territory. In addition, the Passport Control Officer supervises generally the British passport control system in the United States of America. The office is self-supporting, the cost being defrayed out of the fees received for visas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many borings in Great Britain oil has been discovered; what amount of oil is being produced in each successful case; whether any decision has been reached as to what is to he done with these wells; what is being done with the oil in the meantime; and in how many cases are boring operations now being continued?

Of the eleven wells which have been drilled, one has been abandoned owing to the difficulty of shutting off large quantities of water which were encountered. Traces of oil have been found in five wells, and one well, at Hardstoft, in Derbyshire, has produced oil in quantity. This well has a natural flow of 50 barrels per week. An experiment in baling showed that it would be possible to increase this quantity to 250 barrels per week. The total amount of oil produced to date is about 2,800 barrels, or 100,000 gallons. The oil is being retained in storage pending a decision on the question of oil rights in this country. Drilling is proceeding in nine other wells, and it is hoped that five will shortly be completed.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has now been arrived at regarding the provision of additional travelling facilities by means of half-fare vouchers to men undergoing treatment away from home; and whether, in view of the fact that it is a hardship to disabled men in such circumstances that they can only visit their homes free of cost at infrequent intervals, he will further consider the issue of a free railway ticket every three months, instead of once in every six months, or some similar concession?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Under the present Regulations of the Ministry, a man under treatment away from home may be provided with a free railway ticket after six months, and a further free ticket for each subsequent six months of treatment. In future, four half-fare vouchers may be substituted for two free tickets, and the man who is under treatment for less than six months will thus be able to visit his home at half-fare after three months. Men under treatment in the convalescent centres of the Ministry are considered to need rather more extended facilities for visiting their homes, seeing that they are away for longer periods, and are at the same time in a better condition of health. These men will accordingly be allowed three free tickets, or six half-fare vouchers, instead of four and two respectively. Instructions will at once be issued to give effect to these decisions.

asked the Minister of Pensions why the rates of pay agreed to by the Arbitration Board for the temporary staff of the Scottish region are not being paid; and what is the reason for the smaller amounts which are?

The new rates of pay agreed to by the Arbitration Board, which concerned routine and junior clerks and typists, have been in payment in Scotland since Friday, 30th April. Increased rates have now been sanctioned for the higher grades of the provincial temporary staff, and these rates have been in payment in Scotland since Friday the 7th instant.

That is not the question I put. The question I put was why the rates of pay agreed to by the Arbitration Board are not being paid.

I gave the answer. The new rates agreed to by arbitration have been in payment since Friday, 30th April.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether power can be given to the local war pensions committees for continuing the allowances for motherless children of demobilised or discharged soldiers until such times as the men are in a position to take full charge of the children, rather than such an allowance be limited to one month; and if he will take action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is not prepared to give local war pensions committees the power of indefinitely extending the period after discharge or demobilisation during which allowances may be continued to the motherless children of an ex-service man. As indicated in the reply which was given to the hon. Member on the 30th March last, exceptional cases of difficulty, where some extension of the period appears to be necessary, may be referred to the Special Grants Committee for decision.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to give by His Majesty's Government de jure recognition to the governments of Esthonia, Latvia, and Lithuania?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 22nd of March to a question by my Noble Friend, the Member for Hitchin, which applies to Latvia and Lithuania as well as to Esthonia.

Has progress been made since 22nd March?

On seeing this question I decided to ask the Prime Minister to take it up with the French Prime Minister at their next meeting, which will I think be this week.

asked the Prime Minister whether any estimate has been formed by his military advisers of the strength of the British-Indian force which will be required to maintain law and order in Mesopotamia; and what system will be instituted for the relief of these troops?

The whole matter of the future garrison in Mesopotamia is under consideration. It is hoped to make considerable use of the Air Service with a view to economising troops, but no forecast can be given at present. Units stationed in Mesopotamia will be treated for purposes of reliefs in the same way as units on foreign service in any other part of the world.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland has urged on a deputation the importance of giving increased publicity to reports of crimes in Ireland; whether Sir Nevil Macready has taken a similar line in Dublin, and has established a Press Bureau; whether such activities are part of the Government policy; whether the cost of such Departments is to be met from public funds; and whether he can state with what object the movement has been launched?

It is true that the Irish Government has made arrangements for furnishing to the Press statements of outrages as officially reported to the Government. The sole object is to supply accurate accounts of these occurrences, to show the actual condition of the country. No new Department is being formed, and no additional charge on public funds is being incurred.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that intimation has been given to Conservative Members of the Coalition, through the usual channels, that they may now ask as many questions as they like about outrages in Ireland? What is the object?

So far as I know, no such intimation has been given, and, from my experience, it is unnecessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will call for Reports from the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland and from Mr. Wylie, Crown Counsel it the Lorrha case recently tried in Dublin, with reference to the withholding by Dublin Castle officials of Gilligan's original statement almost until the last moment of the trial; whether he will ascertain the names of the officials who had withheld a document on which the life of the accused depended; whether he will ascertain what officials did in fact interview Gilligan in the interval between his first statement and his sworn evidence; and whether he will cause a searching and independent investigation to be made into the whole incident?

There is no power to call for a Report from the Lord Chief Justice, and the answer to the former question was given after communication with Mr. Wylie. I beg to refer my hon. Friend as regards the last part of his question to my answer of Tuesday last.

What is the objection to letting us have the names of these officials? I should like to ask the Leader of the House whether he seriously proposes to retain in the public service officials who are engaged in suborning evidence against innocent men in a murder trial?

I should need proof of the facts before answering that question.

In the question addressed to the Prime Minister I asked whether an inquiry will be held into this matter. I now ask the Leader of the House whether an inquiry will be held.

We shall judge by the primâ facie evidence whether there is any need for inquiry.

As this is a serious matter may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the comment of the Lord Chief Justice on the verdict of the jury, and whether he is aware that the Crown Counsel in the case stated that the original statement made by Gilligan was only put into his bands at the last moment?

It is quite obvious that I cannot be aware of all these things. The hon. Member must give me notice of such questions.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that in the question on the Paper addressed to the Prime Minister I gave notice?

The question addressed to the Prime Minister was answered.

No. It was evaded. I will put it down again.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is a fact that four policemen were murdered in Ireland yesterday; and whether the Government are taking any steps to prevent these murders by the distribution of bodies of soldiers to support the police in disturbed areas in that country?

I regret to say that it is a fact that two sergeants and two constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary were murdered yesterday. In one case in County Tipperary, Sergeant McDonnell and Constable Hayes, returning to their huts at Clonaulty from Goolds Cross railway station, were suddenly confronted by four men, who called upon them to hold up their hands. The sergeant and the constable refused, and the sergeant was shot dead. Constable Hayes drew his revolver and succeeded in escaping. The constable has identified two of the men. In the other case, near Timoleague, County Cork, Sergeant Flynn and three constables were attacked by armed men in ambush. The sergeant and two constables were shot dead. The fourth member of the party was wounded while replying to the attack. The police and the military are doing all in their power to prevent such incidents.

Have any arrests been made in connection with these outrages?

Seeing that in the first instance I have been informed that the constable has succeeded in identifying two persons, I am pretty sure that these men have been arrested, if at all possible.

If these men are arrested, will they be released again on hunger strike?

Could the Attorney-General assure the House that ample provision is being made by the Government of Ireland for the widows and children of the murdered men?

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say why he thinks that, because these men have been identified, he is pretty sure they have been arrested?

Certainly, I can say that every effort will be made to do it.

May I have an answer to my question?

Yes. In the Constabulary Vote there is provision made for the widows and children, and everything that is allowable under the Statute dealing with the Constabulary will be given in these cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether it is intended, owing to the size of the Gretna factory, to work different portions of the factory alternately; and, if so, whether this proposal will involve greater cost to the country than would be the case if the Waltham factory were retained?

I would refer the hon. Member to the written reply given on Wednesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Epping.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the number of persons employed in the special service branch under Sir Basil Thompson at headquarters and elsewhere?

The regular staff of the Special Branch numbers at headquarters and elsewhere is 133.

Does that include the men employed in secret service in industrial districts?