asked the Prime Minister whether the Allies have decided, without reference to the wishes of the people of Montenegro, that that country is not to be an independent kingdom, but is to be a part of the Serb-Croat-Slovene kingdom?

No decision has yet been arrived at with regard to the future of Montenegro.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the farm of Maryfield, near Dumfries, has been let or sold in whole or in part by the Scottish Board of Agriculture to an applicant who is not an ex-service man; whether a number of ex-service men have applied for holdings in the neighbourhood of this farm, some of whom had expected to be settled upon Maryfield at Whit Sunday and have made arrangements accordingly; and whether, if the sale or let has taken place, and if loss or hardship can be shown, he will undertake that the claims of these disappointed applicants receive special consideration?

Negotiations are in progress for the sale of the greater part of the farm. The prospective purchaser is not an ex-service man. The farm, which was bought as part of a large estate, is less suitable than other places which the Board have in view, and they consider that the capital invested in its purchase could be more usefully employed in providing for ex-service men elsewhere. Several ex-service men have applied for holdings on Terregles Estate, of which the farm forms part, but none of them has been promised a holding. The claims of all suitable ex-service applicants are receiving special consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of applications for small holdings received since the Armistice from ex-service men and others in the islands of Lewis, Harris, North Dist, South Dist, including Benbicula, and Bara; the number of small holdings granted in satisfaction of these requests; and, specifically, the number granted since the passing of the Land Settlement Act?

Six hundred and sixty-two applications have been received and 67 new holdings or enlargements granted, all before the passing of the recent Act. It is hoped that a large additional number of applications will be dealt with at the ensuing Whitsunday and Martinmas terms.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Board of Agriculture have now come to a decision with regard to the application by ex-service men for small holdings on the farm of Askernish, in South Dist; whether he is aware that the applicants, owing to the delay in granting their claims, are in sore straits for a means of livelihood; and whether, if not already decided on, he will take steps to have the land scheduled without delay?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that after negotiations which have been going on for some time, the proprietrix has offered to make the farm available for small holdings at Whitsunday, 1920. The present tenant holds the farm under lease. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland have accepted the offer of the proprietrix, and have communicated with the tenant with a view to obtaining entry with the least possible delay. I am aware of the urgency of the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can now announce the decision of the Board of Agriculture with regard to the applications for small holdings on various farms in the island of Lewis?

I regret I am not yet in a position to make the announcement desired by my hon. Friend. The negotiations with the proprietor, to which I have referred in previous replies, are still pro- ceeding, but the action which has been taken and persisted in by a few inhabitants in Lewis is a great difficulty in the way to agreement and may have a serious effect upon the island as a whole.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he has now made further inquiries into the circumstances attaching to the proposed eviction from his holding of Mr. T. R. Burges, of Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire; whether he has ascertained that Mr. Burges does not hold land elsewhere, that his youngest son (who is a joint tenant) and his daughter live on the farm, and that two ex-soldiers, namely, a son and son-in-law, are tenants of the only land owned by Mr. Burges; and whether, if the facts are as stated, fresh consideration may be given to the whole case?

I am advised that Mr. Burges is joint tenant with his youngest son of a farm at Sutton Bridge, lately acquired by the Ministry, but he himself is understood to have retired and to be living elsewhere. It is further understood that Mr. Burges owns land elsewhere, which is tenanted by two ex-soldiers, namely, a son and son-in-law, but the Ministry has nothing to do with such land. The offer to Mr. Burges to negotiate voluntarily for the surrender of his lease at Michaelmas next is still open, but, in the event of that offer not being accepted, the Ministry have decided that they must exercise their compulsory powers in order that ex-service men may be settled.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that educational progress in Argyllshire is being hindered by the lack of adequate communication between village and village, with the result that there are nearly 200 schools, including over 80 one-teacher schools, in some cases with only half-a-dozen pupils; that in a consolidated community all the pupils of Argyllshire could be taught in 20 moderate sized schools; and whether, in view of the fact that, with a development of transport facilities, it would be possible to give the children an education similar to that received in towns, by conveying them daily to and from some well-equipped and well-staffed centre, and at the same time help to solve the difficulties of staffing, he will consider the necessity for taking action in this direction?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I cannot accept the view that it is desirable, even if it were possible, that all the pupils in Argyllshire should be taught in 20 moderately sized schools. On the contrary, I think the aim should be to make a primary school for the younger children accessible, as far as possible, to them near their own homes. Concentration of the older pupils for more advanced education is in some degree feasible, and is being provided for. In particular cases some concentration of the provision of even primary school instruction may be effected by the development of transport facilities, and I have no doubt this possibility is receiving the consideration of the education authority.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the minimum national scale of salaries of teachers issued by the Scottish Education Department in August last provided for a scale of payment for graduates considerably higher than for non-graduates; whether, in view of the fact that graduation in the past was in many cases rendered impracticable by the Regulations of the Department, it was also provided in a footnote to the scales that existing non-graduate teachers might, if judged to be competent, be admitted at the discretion of the education authority to the benefit of the higher scales; whether, under Circular 24, issued in March last, it is provided that the education authority shall be unable to recover the full 50 per cent. grant in respect of the salaries of any competent non-graduate teachers who have thus been put on the higher scale; and whether he will withdraw this prohibitive restriction, which defeats the purpose of the footnote to the original scale?

The narrative embodied in my hon. Friend's question is substan- tially accurate, except that I am at a loss to understand the suggestion that graduation in the past was in many cases rendered impracticable by the regulations of the Department, and I cannot admit that the purpose of the footnote has been defeated. In point of fact many authorities have not only given effect to it, but have interpreted it in the most generous manner. The sum for distribution was limited, and if the course suggested by my hon. Friend had been taken it would not have been possible to pay the full 50 per cent. grant all round. Nor would such a course have been equitable, for the poorer education areas would have had to suffer in order that their richer neighbours might be subsidised. Circular 24 merely makes effective a decision the possibility of which was clearly intimated to all education authorities before their salary schemes were finally adopted, and I am not, as at present advised, prepared to reverse it.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the total cost, since the commencement of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, of the payment of expenses of members of the Fife County Education Authority and of members of school management committees in Fife; and what is the average cost of holding a meeting of these bodies so far as is due to these causes?

The total cost since the commencement of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, to date of the payment of expenses of members in attending meetings of the County of Fife Education Authority and committees thereof, including school management committees, is £789. The Authority state that the average cost per meeting is as follows:—

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the salary of the Director of Education under the County of Fife Education Authority; how many Deputy or Assistant Directors are there; and what are their salaries and duties?

The salary of the Director of Education under the County of Fife Education Authority, as intimated in the estimates of the authority, is £780 per annum. Last November an Assistant Director was appointed at a salary of £540 per annum. His duties are generally to assist the Director in his daily work, and in particular to supervise the organisation of evening and continuation classes. The appointment is for the present of a temporary character.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how much has been paid to Highland parishes in extra grants to meet the increased expenses due to the Scotch Education Act of 1918?

The special grants provided for in the Minute of the Scottish Education Department, dated 9th December, 1919, are payable to the education authorities for the Highland counties named in that Minute, not to Highland parishes. The actual amount to be paid to these Highland counties in terms of the Minute in excess of the normal grant of 50 per cent. of approved expenditure has not been finally determined. But if the expenditure of the authorities in question approximates to the estimates they submitted, the amount of extra grant will be about £130,000.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the polls to be taken this year under the Temperance (Scotland) Act, 1913, he will issue an instruction to all local authorities in Scotland to afford to electors qualified to vote at these polls all statistical and other information in their possession bearing upon the question of the direct or indirect connection between intemperance and crime, poverty, and disease collected between the period of their last annual report or statement and the date of the polls?

It is, of course, open to any local authority which collects annual statistics to take action on the lines suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I am not aware that I have any power to issue instructions in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what provision has been made for securing a reliable and complete register of local government electors in county districts for the purposes of the requisition and polls under the Tern-penance (Scotland) Act, 1913, in those cases where the county council has passed a Resolution under Section 43 (18) of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, not to show or distinguish in the register, except in the years in which county council elections fall to be held, the names of persons entitled to vote as local government electors?

Where a Resolution under Sub-section (18) of Section 43 of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, has been passed, the Act provides that the last preceding local government register shall remain in force. Accordingly in such cases the local government register for autumn, 1919, will operate this year for the purposes of requisitions and polls under the Temperance (Scotland) Act, 1913. I may add that very few authorities appear to have passed such Resolutions.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the method by which the sub-committees of the advisory council for education are to be constituted; and whether the representatives of the teachers are to be elected by the vote of the teachers?

With regard to the first part of the question, the Order in Council establishing an Advisory Council of the Scottish Education Department provides that the Vice-President of the Department may for special purposes appoint sub-committees of the council, and may appoint thereto such number of persons not being members of the council as he may deem desirable for the special purpose. It follows that the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The Department, however, acting in consultation with the teachers on the Advisory Council, will give full consideration to the representation of teachers on any sub-committee, regard being had to the special purpose for which the sub-committee may be set up.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, unless the amending Rent Restriction Bill promised by the Government becomes Law before the House rises for Whitsuntide, it will not be possible to prevent tenants in Scotland, who are at present outside the Acts but whom it is intended to include, from being evicted where notices have been served on them, as the term day in Scotland falls on 29th May whilst the English quarter day falls on 24th June; and, in view of this fact, what steps he proposes to take to prevent any injustice being done?

The intentions of the Government will be embodied in the Bill which will be introduced at an early date. I am aware of the special difficulty constituted by the term day in Scotland.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Amending Rent Restriction Bill, which will be introduced, will bring shops, offices, and workshops in Scotland within the scope of the Acts?

I regret that I can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given in the House yesterday by the Minister of Health in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Moss Side (Lieut.-Colonel Hurst).

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the erection of houses in Scotland is being considerably hampered by the prices of all building material and that the price of these articles is still on the increase; and whether he proposes to take any action with a view of restricting the cost of building material?

I am aware that the price of building materials has recently increased. The whole subject is being investigated by a Central Committee set up under the Profiteering Act.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made with any scheme to build on the large area between Upper Kennington Lane and Kennington Park Road, now mainly consisting of unoccupied land and derelict houses; and whether his Department will take action, in view of the urgent need of additional housing accommodation in the locality?

:I presume that the hon. Member has in mind the area comprising the Regency Square and Lower Kennington Lane sites? The Borough Council have been in negotiation with the Duchy of Cornwall for the acquisition of these sites, but an agreement has not yet been reached. The Borough Council are proceeding with a number of schemes on other sites, and work is in progress on two of them.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government have yet come to any decision as to an alternative being offered to local authorities of receiving a subsidy for any houses they erect if they sell them instead of the financial assistance given for the erection and letting of houses?

Yes, Sir. Local authorities will be able to adopt the alternative referred to.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the 30,000 houses on which work has begun are being erected by direct labour, by guilds of building workers, and by private contractors, respectively?

Of the houses on which work had been started on the 1st April 700 were being erected by direct labour, and the remainder by private contractors. Approval has been given to the erection of altogether 1,694 houses by direct labour. Work has not yet begun on any of the schemes for building by guilds.

asked the Minister of Health if he can furnish the latest figures showing the rateable value of the Metropolitan area of London and of Greater London, and the amount of rates paid by built-on land, agricultural land, and by unused land suitable for housing?

At the commencement of the last financial year the rateable value of all the properties within Greater London (including the Administrative County of London) was £63,700,000. The amount of rates paid during that year in respect of agricultural land in that area was £65,000 approximately. Built-on land and the buildings thereon are rated together. The amount of rates paid in respect of the land alone is not shown separately in the rate-books and cannot be stated. Under the general law rates are not payable in respect of unoccupied land.

asked the Minister of Health whether, during the past 10 years, fewer children have been vaccinated in England and Wales than in any previous decade of the statistical history of vaccination; whether, during the same 10 years, there have been fewer small-pox deaths recorded than in any previous decade; and, if so, whether he will give instructions to his Department to publish them widely so that the misapprehensions of the position, which are widespread in official medical circles, may be removed?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The statistics as regards vaccination and small-pox have been published year by year in the Reports of the Local Government Board, and I am not aware of any misapprehension of the position in official medical circles. But I may point out that a consideration of these statistics, without regard to other relevant facts, may result in a misapprehension of the protective value of vaccination against small-pox. This matter was referred to recently in the 48th Annual Report of the Local Government Board (Medical Supplement), 1918–19, Cmd. 462, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that no grant has yet been made by the War Office towards the cost of reinstatement of the Midland Agricultural and Dairy College, Sutton Bonington, rendered necessary by the occupation of the buildings for a long period by German prisoners of war; and whether, in view of the fact that the neglect on the part of the War Office authorities to deal with the matter is causing the work of the college to be seriously impeded, he will give directions that the claim of the governors be adjudicated upon without delay, and in the meantime that a substantial payment on account be forthwith made in respect of the sums already expended?

The delay in dealing with this matter is entirely due to the fact that the applicants have not put in a claim in accordance with the repeated requests of the War Department Valuer. Instructions have, however, been sent to the valuer which will, it is hoped, enable him to make a payment on account.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the rates of pay of first-class and second-class masters and of first and second engineers, respectively, who serve on War Department vessels for duties in connection with the Royal Garrison Artillery and the Royal Army Ordnance Department; and whether these officers are entitled to be pensioned off at 65 yars of age and on what basis are the pensions computed?

The weekly rates are:—

In addition the following emoluments are payable to officers on sea-going vessels:—

Sea-going Allowance.

War Risk Allowance.

Masters and engineers: 4s. 8d. a week for such voyages as necessitate passage through uncleared mine areas.

Masters, 1st and 2nd classes, and engineers, 1st class, are pensionable. The pension is assessed in accordance with the Superannuation Acts, 1834 to 1914. Retirement is compulsory on attaining the age of sixty-five, but an officer may be called upon to retire at any time after reaching the age of sixty.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether release by purchase from the Army has commenced; and, if so, the rates of purchase?

Discharge from the Army by purchase was re-opened as and from the 1st May. The rates are given in Army Order 180 of 1920, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether War Office Telegram No. 39,313, of 19th March, 1920, Mob. 2, states that all non-regular officers are liable to retention beyond 30th April, 1920, irrespective as to whether they do or do not volunteer service; whether, in the case of medical students especially whose services are being retained in Mesopotamia, this War Office Instruction is a reversal of the policy laid down in a speech delivered by him on 23rd February, in which it was stated that all such officers would be demobilised by the end of April; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will give special consideration to medical students who are desirous of immediately returning home to continue their studies enabling them to qualify for the medical profession?

The telegram mentioned stated that non-regular officers may be retained beyond 30th April, 1920, provided that the following conditions were fulfilled:—

( a ) They fill an appointment within an authorised establishment.

( b ) No regular officers are available to replace them.

( c ) It is quite impossible to dispense with their services without relief.

The telegram also stated that as soon as regular officers are available to replace them, all non-regular officers must be demobilised.

In my speech on the 23rd February last I referred only to the release of con- scripts. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that officers hold their commissions during His Majesty's pleasure. At the same time, every effort has been and is being made to replace temporary officers, and I regret that I am unable to take any exceptional action in the case of medical students.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he is aware that a soldier who was serving on a normal peace-time engagement on 4th August, 1914, and ordered to rejoin his unit, and was requested after some time to accept a commission, which he did, yet though such was done in the interests of his country finds himself, after many years' service, pre-War and War-time, now dismissed without a pension or retired pay; and is he prepared to review the position, as the cases are numerous?

I do not know what my hon. Friend means exactly by many years' service; but if the soldier he refers to had 18 years' service and sufficient qualifying service when he was commissioned, he is in any case entitled to a pension; and if he was given a permanent combatant commission he is entitled to retired pay after a still shorter period. If he will furnish me with the name of the officer he has in mind, I will have the case inquired into.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Department was aware that General Wrangel intended to conduct an offensive when His Majesty's Government appealed to the Soviet Government to show mercy to their opponents in South Russia?

I would refer the hon. Member to a reply given yesterday to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for East Leyton (Lieut.-Colonel Malone).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether licences are freely granted for exports to Russia?

I hope to make an announcement on the subject of trading with Russia in the course of a day or two.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Lieutenant-Commander Lloyd Hirst, R.N., is Naval Attaché to the British Legation in Mexico; whether this officer frequently visits Mexico; whether the naval forces of that Republic consist of one or two small ships; and what useful purpose a Naval Attaché serves?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The officer referred to is Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander Lloyd Hirst. He is not a Naval Attaché but his appointment is Assistant Naval Attaché accredited to all the South American Republics and Mexico. He has never been to Mexico. As regards the latter portion of the question, the naval forces of the Mexican Republic are as stated, I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that the useful services rendered by a Naval Attaché are too many to enumerate within the limits of an answer to a question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the proposals of the Government of India for new rates of pay for the Indian unattached list of departmental Warrant officers consequent on the new rates laid down in Army Order 325 of 1919 have been considered; and whether, in view of the fact that this matter has now been under consideration for more than six months past, a decision may shortly be expected?

A decision has been reached and has probably already been promulgated by the Government of India. I will send the hon. Baronet a copy of the orders passed as soon as they reach me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tons of iron and steel bars which have been exported from this country for the years 1918 and 1919 and for the first three months of 1920?

The quantities of iron and steel bars, rods, angles and shapes exported from the United Kingdom during the periods specified were as follow:—

Separate figures relating to bars are not available.

The above figures for the first three months of 1920 are exclusive of bars, etc., of special steel. The total exports of special steel during the first three months of 1920 amounted to 3,081 tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the scarcity of supplies of iron and steel in the Black Country district; whether he is aware that a belief is prevalent among employers of labour and others that the said scarcity is due to the diversion of considerable quantities of iron and steel from home to foreign consumers; and whether he can take any steps to ensure the satisfaction of home requirements first?

I have received representations from various interests in the Midlands as to the shortage of supplies of pig iron and of plates and sheets, but I have no reason to think that this is due to any considerable extent to the cause suggested in the question. I am in communication on the matter with the trades concerned as consumers, and also with the producers of the materials in question, but though it may be possible to alleviate the situation to some extent I fear that there must be a shortage for some considerable time to come. The whole matter is receiving my earnest attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what quantity of coal has been sent from 1st January to date from Northumberland and Durham by rail to Scottish and Bristol Channel ports to within a radius of 40 miles of the latter by rail;

(2) if he is aware that, notwithstanding the decreased production through under-employment on the northeast coast caused by the inability of the North Eastern Railway Company to supply the necessary truck facilities to the steel and other works, his department is continuing to send quantities of coal to Scottish and Welsh ports, and districts close thereto, by rail instead of utilising steamers which are laid up for want of cargoes; and, if so, will he give instructions which will terminate this arrangement and so liberate the necessary trucks required for the trade of the district?

I am not aware that any coal has been sent recently by rail from Northumberland and Durham to Scottish or Welsh ports. Endeavours are made wherever practicable to send supplies by sea rather than by rail. It has not, however, been found feasible to deal with large sea-borne supplies at Bristol, owing partly to congestion and partly to limited storage facilities. To meet emergencies, approximately 26,000 tons of gas coal have been sent this year by rail to places within 40 miles of Bristol.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of men employed in the mining industry in 1913, 1915, and at the present time, and how output has been affected by these numbers?

The number of persons employed in and about coal mines was 1,110,884 in 1913, 939,604 in 1915, and 1,191,515 at the end of March last. The output of coal at mines in 1913 was 287,412,000 tons, and 253,179,000 tons in 1915, of which 64,326,000 tons were raised in the first quarter. During the first quarter of 1920, 62,086,000 tons of coal were raised at mines in the United Kingdom, the hours of labour of the work-people employed below ground during this period being limited to seven each day, as compared with eight hours in the other periods mentioned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what authority motor cycles provided for the use of foremen engaged in connection with timber-felling operations are exempted from Revenue Tax?

The practice of not paying Revenue tax on motor cycles provided by the Timber Supply Department to their foremen engaged in connection with timber felling operations is based on the principle that as the Crown is not mentioned in the Statute, it is not subject to the tax

asked the Minister of Food the price of flour exported to the Channel Islands; whether any export duty is charged on flour forwarded to these islands; whether he is aware that the price per 4lb. loaf has been raised to s. 5d. local currency, or is. 4⅝d. British money; and whether, in view of this excessive charge, he will have inquiries made into this matter?

Flour for consignment to the Channel Islands is sold at the same price as flour for consumption in the United Kingdom, and shipment licences are granted under the Flour and Bread (Prices) Order, 1920, on payment of a sum approximately equivalent to the rate of the bread subsidy in this country. My powers do not extend to these Islands, but I am given to understand by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that the current price of bread is that stated by the hon. Member. Any inquiry as to the propriety of these charges would appear to be a matter in the first instance for the local Legislature and not for my Department.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the National Union of Allotment Holders represents 250,000 allotment holders; whether it proposed amalgamation with the Agricultural Organisation Society for the purposes of promoting co-operation among allotment holders without any subsidy from the State; why amalgamation was rejected; whether it is possible for the Ministry of Agriculture to effect amalgamation on a self-supporting basis and thus save large sums of public money; and how many farmers' societies and allotment societies pay affiliation fees to the Agricultural Organisation Society, and how many individual members belong to these societies?

replied as follows:

National Union of Allotment Holders. —I have no precise information as to the membership of the National Union of Allotment Holders. The general secretary of the union has, however, furnished me with the following statement:

"The federations, associations and societies affiliated to the National Union direct and through such bodies as the Vacant Land Cultivation Society and the London, Southern, Yorkshire, Welsh, North Eastern, North Western, Midland and South Western Sections, represent a membership of 250,000."

"The number of single societies or groups, and societies which come via sections and federations, is 1,050. This number represents an advance of roughly 450 societies since last year. Included are federations and societies which have formally decided to affiliate, and which do not pay fees for some little time yet. Everyone affiliated through a federation, association, or society, pays a fee. Our year commenced three months ago, and the various affiliated bodies are now collecting their members' contributions."

Agricultural Organisation Society. The number and membership of the societies which have paid affiliation fees to the Agricultural Organisation Society for the year ending 31st March, 1920, is as follows:—

These figures do not include the whole of the societies affiliated to the Agricultural Organisation Society, inasmuch as there are a number which, for one reason or another, are in arrears with the payment of affiliation fees. They are now being pressed to pay up their arrears or, penalty of disaffiliation. If these societies were included and account taken of the fact that the affiliation fees for 1919–20 are based on membership as disclosed by the Annual Return for 31st December, 1918, the total membership of societies affiliated to the Agricultural Organisation Society would be raised to approximately 90,000 farmers and 150,000 allotment holders.

For some time the Ministry has been endeavouring to make arrangements which would prevent any possibility of overlapping between the work of these two bodies. In the course of the negotiations, the National Union suggested that the Allotment Sections of the Agricultural Organisation Society and the National Union should both be wound up and that a new body representative of all classes of allotment holders should be established. This proposal was carefully considered, but the Minister was unable to adopt it as, in his opinion, it would not be in the best interests of the allotment movement to organise allotment holders entirely apart from all other persons interested in the production of food.

The Ministry submitted, as an alternative, suggestions for delimiting the functions of each body, the principle of which was that, while each association would preserve its present independence, its work for the allotment holder would be complementary to that undertaken by the other association and by the Ministry itself. This proposal, however, has not met with the approval of the National Union, and has, therefore, been abandoned for the present.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Corporation of the Borough of Croydon has made a compulsory Order for the acquisition, for the purposes of the Education Acts, 1870–1918, of a playing field in use for more than 20 years by a large school at Croydon; and whether, seeing that there is no other playing field available for this school, he will take such steps as may be necessary to prevent the school being deprived of ground which is now being used for the purposes of physical education?

My right hon. Friend understands that the Croydon local education authority have made an Order for the compulsory acquisition of land, but it has not yet been submitted to the Board of Education for confirmation, and he is consequently not fully informed as to the facts. Under the Statutes governing the matter, if a person interested in the land objects to the Order, it cannot be confirmed until after a public inquiry held by an impartial person not in the employment of any Government Department. There will, consequently, be ample opportunities for any person interested to raise objections to the Order, and these objections will be fully considered.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Middlesbrough education committee has recommended the purchase of a site of land for an open-air school at a cost of £1,000 per acre; and, seeing that the average price paid throughout the country for land for housing, purchased with the assistance of the Land Valuation Department has only been £186 per acre, will he withhold his consent to this purchase until the Land Valuation Department has had an opportunity of securing an equally suitable site at a much less figure?

The Board do not appear to have received any information with regard to this proposal. If an application is made to them to sanction the proposal, the quesion of price will be carefully considered.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can state approximately the number of the training colleges for teachers and of secondary and elementary schools on the grant list still in the occupation of the military authorities?

The figures are as follow:

Training colleges, 1 (partial occupation).

Secondary schools, 2 (partial occupation).

Elementary schools, 85; according to the latest information in the Board's possession (this information is, however, not complete up to date, and the figure given may now be in excess of the facts).

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in appointing the Committee to administer the £500,000 of public funds which have been allocated to the scheme of the Ministry of Labour for the training of women war-workers, he will see that representatives of university women and of the Middle Class Union are included?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Colonel Newman) on 28th April last. I am sending him a copy of this reply, together with a list of the Committee as at present constituted. As regards the addition of representatives of university women, I doubt whether this is necessary, as the Committee gives every consideration to this class of applicant, and in every case where a university training is under consideration a representative of the academic authority concerned sits on the Board which interviews applicants. I may add that the Committee already consists of 22 women.

asked the Minister of Labour if, having regard to the great anxiety that millions of working men and women feel concerning the fear of unemployment, and the disastrous effect this is having upon production generally, and also the keen interest that the Government's proposals for dealing with this grave problem have roused amongst all sections of the working classes, he will consider the advisability of calling a conference of, or consulting with, representatives of the workers' organisations and employers' associations for the purpose of devising the most suitable machinery for approved societies that may desire to administer the Act when it is passed?

I assume that my hon. Friend's question refers to Clause 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Bill and the main Amendment to that Clause made in Standing Committee. I shall always he ready to consider proposals for administering the scheme by any association which is able to satisfy the statutory conditions, but I do not think any useful purpose would be served by holding a conference at the present time. I am giving the most careful consideration to the advice I shall have to tender the Government in order that the Bill, when in operation, may prove an effective instrument for the purpose it seeks to achieve.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, seeing that Whitley Industrial Councils cover all sections of workers and employers in their respective industries, and are therefore in a position to so organise those industries as to reduce unemployment to a minimum or even to abolish it altogether, he will consider the advisability of refusing to allow any organisation or society that is not a part of such industrial councils to administer unemployment benefits when the Unemployment Insurance Bill becomes law?

If a joint industrial council is desirous of establishing a special scheme for the industry which it covers, full opportunity for setting up such a scheme is given to it by Clause 18 of the Bill. In any industry in which a special scheme is not set up, I should certainly propose to consult the industrial council, if such a council exists, and to invite its assistance with regard to the administration of the general scheme within its sphere. It would not, however, be practicable to make it a rule that arrangements for payment of State benefit in accordance with Clause 17 of the Bill should be confined to organisa- tions which form part of an industrial council.

asked the Minister of Labour if, seeing that the only people concerned with the problem of unemployment are the workers and the employers, many of whom already have their organisations, which organisations it has been found necessary to reduce to one for each side to prevent overlapping and confusion, he will give some indication as to the approved society (as mentioned in Clause 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Bill) that would be accepted, which included a large number of competing friendly and collecting societies for health insurance, in addition to the trade unions and employers' associations concerned, that would not cause confusion and dislocation of industry?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Amendment made in the Bill on this point was carried against the Government, and the action to be taken on Report is still under consideration. In the meantime, I am not in a position to say what class of association will ultimately come within the terms of the Clause.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were employed by his Department on the following dates, respectively, 1st July, 1914, 1st December, 1918, 1st January, 1920, and 1st May, 1920?

The Ministry of Labour was not in existence on 1st July, 1914, but certain Departments now under the Ministry of Labour were at that time under the Board of Trade. The number of persons employed by the Ministry of Labour on the dates further specified by my hon. Friend (including part-time officials) in London and throughout the United Kingdom was as follows:—

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons were employed by his Department on the following dates, respectively: 1st July, 1914, 1st December, 1918, 1st January, 1920, and 1st May, 1920; how many persons were employed on the same dates by the Timber Supply Department and the Coal Control Department; and when he anticipates that these two Departments will be closed down?

asked the Minister of Food what are the precise duties of the headquarter staff of his Ministry; whether he can take steps to have the 2,209 persons employed on that staff to be forthwith reduced to under 500; and whether he has taken precautions to compare the amount of work performed daily in his Ministry with the offices under private enterprise?

It is impossible within the limits of a Parliamentary reply to give an adequate answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question, or to do

As regards the last part of the question, the future of the Coal Mines Department is still under consideration, and it is not yet possible to say when the Timber Supplies Department will be closed down. It is, however, anticipated that the Divisional Offices of the latter Department will be closed by the end of the present year.

The following Statement shows the Staff of the Board of Trade on 1st July, 1914, 11th November, 1918, 1st January, 1920, and 1st May, 1920, and the numbers employed in the Timber Supplies Department and Coal Mines Department on the same dates.

(Figures relating to the Staff on 1st December, 1918, are not easily obtainable, but the Board have corresponding figures for 11th Novembers, 1918, and it is hoped that these will sufficiently serve the hon. Member's purpose.)

more than attempt in the briefest way to outline the manifold duties of the Headquarters staff of the Ministry of Food. That staff is generally responsible for supplies, prices, treatment and distribution of the various foods consumed in this country to the value of £900,000,000 a year, and controls by Statutory Orders a large number of commodities. It directs the commercial activities of the Department, which still involve an annual trading turnover which exceeds £200,000,000. It is responsible for all arrangements connected with the rationing of sugar, by which at the present time an economy of approximately £83,000,000 is secured in the national food budget. It has to carry out administrative work entailed by the continuance of the bread subsidy. I am not aware of any private enterprise in this country whose operations are comparable with those of the Ministry of Food. I am satisfied that the amount of work performed daily in the Ministry by the Headquarters staff compares favourably, both as regards the hours worked and in efficiency, with private enterprise. The hours permitted by trade union regulations are far exceeded by the officials of the Ministry. I would remind the hon. Member that there has been a drastic and continuous reduction of the staff of the Ministry, and that reduction is still proceeding. I hope to effect a further reduction of, approximately, some 25 per cent. of the Headquarters staff in the course of the present year. If the Ministry of Food ceased to exist to-morrow, the efficient and economic liquidation of what has been of its kind the largest commercial concern in the world would involve for some time the retention of a considerable staff.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what duties are performed by the Roads and Bridges Branch of the War Office, the Roadstone Control Committee, and the Joint Roads Committee in the house at 29, Gledhow Gardens?

The Roads and Bridges Branch of the War Office is the Administrative Branch of the Joint Roads Committee, which is the authority under Defence of the Realm Regulation 5A for assessing the amounts to be paid respectively by local authorities and others in respect of the maintenance and repair of highways used for extraordinary. Government traffic. This committee is engaged on the disposal of outstanding claims for damage to such highways. The Road Stone Control Committee came to an end on 22nd November, 1919.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he is aware that the ex-German steamship "Johann Heinrich Burchart," Hamburg-America Line has been transferred to the Royal Holland Lloyd Line and is advertised to sail from Plymouth on 21st May under the name Limburgia," in spite of the fact that neutral Governments were warned that no transfer of enemy ships to neutral flags would be recognised; and if he can say if any action is to be taken in the matter?

My attention has already been called to the proposed sailing of the vessel to which the hon. Member refers, and I had taken steps to bring the matter to the notice of the Reparation Commission. I understand that that body is at present engaged in making inquiries into the status of this vessel.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the police barracks at Smithborough, Scotstown, and Clontibret, in County Monaghan, have recently been destroyed; and whether any military force was or is available in the county to assist the police in protecting the property and lives of His Majesty's subjects in that county?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There are no troops in the immediate locality, but they are available from elsewhere if, and when, called upon.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the case that five women made the voyage as stowaways in the Peruvian steamship "Huallaga," from Liverpool to Peru in November last, through the connivance or compulsion of the crew; whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the master of the vessel as to the alleged laxity of control over the sailings of vessels from the port of Liverpool; whether there have been other similar cases in Liverpool and other ports; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to the scandal?

Five women made the voyage, evidently with the connivance of those on board. There are no grounds for suggesting that any compulsion was used. The vessel had been berthed at Birkenhead for several weeks, during which time special police supervision was afforded, but at the master's request this supervision was withdrawn two days before the ship left that port. She called at Glasgow and Liverpool before she sailed for Peru, and it is not known at which port the women embarked. The police have no general authority to stop women voluntarily going on board ships while in port. I am satisfied that they were in no way to blame for what occurred in this case, and that the master had no just cause for complaint.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the s.s. "Hunslet," formerly known as the s.s. "Tannenfels," and then as the s.s. "Basilon," was a German-owned ship which was captured in September, 1914, and condemned as a prize in the local prize court at Hong Kong on 8th December, 1914; that the ship has since that time been retained by the Government and has earned large sums in freights; that a claim was laid before the Prize Claims Committee by Messrs. Yuills, Limited, British subjects, five years ago, for the sum of £680 17s. 2d. and interest for bunker coal supplied to this ship in May, 1914, and not paid for, and that the claim was rejected by the Prize Claims Committee on the ground that there is no fund out of which a grant can be made, and if any other claims have been put forward to the Committee in respect of this ship, and, if so, the aggregate amount of them; if the sum credited to the prize fund, and the profits earned by the ship and paid to His Majesty's Government are

more than sufficient to provide for payment of the whole of these claims; and, if so, why the claim for £680 17s. 2d. and interest has not been paid?

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question, except that the Prize Claims Committee have not rejected the claim, but have deferred their recommendation pending the adjustment of the accounts and the decision of the Naval Prize Tribunal as to whether payments in respect of such claims are a charge on the Naval Prize Fund. That decision is expected very shortly, and when it is received I will endeavour to expedite a general decision as to claims of this nature.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he will circulate a statement showing the number of national factories existing at the Armistice; the number since sold; the cost of erection and equipment of each; the purchase price of each sold; and the name of the buyer in each case?

At the date of the Armistice there were 225 factories under the Ministry of Munitions. The number now sold or for which contracts for sale are now in preparation is 69. The number of properties surrendered is 90. It is at present proposed to retain 11 factories on a permanent basis. The number held temporarily, or which are in the hands of the Disposal Board for sale, is 35. The publication at this juncture of the information called for in the third and fourth parts of the question would prejudice future sales, but the following list give the names of the purchasers of the factories that have been sold. The above totals should be taken as approximate only.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the motor car of Mr. T. Desnos, of Richmond, Surrey, which was impressed during the War and used by the Government for the conveyance of staff officers and other purposes, has been returned to him after two years' wear and tear on his paying the sum of £2,600, being exactly double the price paid to him by the Government when the car was impressed; whether this is the usual practice in such transactions; and, in view of the arbitrary treatment of this case, whether he will consider it with a view to redressing the undeniable grievance which this transaction has created?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Vehicles commandeered by the War Office were valued and bought outright, thereupon becoming the absolute property of the Government. Under Section 109 of the Army Act, however, the owner had an opportunity, when the vehicle was commandeered, of appealing against the price paid. When no longer required for military purposes they have been notified to the Disposals Board as surplus property and, in accordance with the general policy of the Board, they have been sold for the highest price obtainable based upon current market value.