asked the Prime Minister whether he stated, in answer to a deputation from the National Farmers' Union on the 6th February, 1914, that the incidence of local rates inflicted a great grievance on farmers, and that this constituted an injustice the redress of which was of urgent importance; and whether his promise on that occasion to deal with this question in the immediate future, the fulfilment of which was unavoidably postponed by the War, will be redeemed by the introduction of legislation on the subject during the present Session?

I am afraid that it will be quite impossible to introduce legislation dealing with this difficult and highly controversial question in the present Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will give facilities for the passage in this House of the Plumage Bill, which was passed without a Division in another place?

I regret that I can see little hope of time being given by the Government for private Bills.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether at the present moment many businesses are only allowed to be carried on under permit from the Irish Republic; and whether in various districts the republican organisation has taken control of the food supplies and only permits residents to obtain their daily requirements on the production of an Order signed on behalf of the Irish Republic?

The police have no information to show that any business is only allowed to be carried on under permit from the Irish Republic. During the recent two days' strike, to secure the release of the Mountjoy hunger strikers, in some towns where all shops were closed, permits were, it is reported, issued by the leaders to purchase groceries and other goods, during one hour of the day. This, however, applied only to a special occasion, and is not a general practice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that resolutions are now being passed in this country by organisations of ex-service men calling attention to the condition under which their comrades in many parts of Ireland are living, the persecution under which they are suffering, and the danger to their wives and families, and calling upon the Government to take immediate steps to give protection to them; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As I have already stated, the Government is doing everything in its power to deal with the situation.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the persecution to which ex-service men in many parts of Ireland are subjected; and what steps the Government intend taking to give full protection to these men who voluntarily fought for their King and Country during the great War?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Fylde (Colonel Ashley)

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number and value of income tax offices that have been destroyed in Ireland, distinguishing between those which are Government property and the property of private individuals?

Three buildings in Ireland occupied wholly or partly for the purposes of Income Tax Administration have been destroyed. Of these two, valued provisionally at £25,000 were Government buildings and one, valued provisionally at £4,000 was privately owned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the cause of the delay in the delivery of the War trophies to the Ballyclare Urban District Council which were offered by the War Office Trophies Committee in December, 1919?

I have been asked to reply. It is largely owing to difficulties of transport that delivery has been deferred in this and other cases, but I hope the delay will not be unduly prolonged.

asked the Home Secretary whether his Department has refused to allow the claim to the Menzies Scottish baronetcy to go before the Privy Council, notiwthstanding that favourable judgments in reference to the claimant's demand had already been given in the interim between his predecessors' decisions and his own by the competent Scottish Courts; and whether this is a violation of the Act of Union between Scotland and England and a denial of justice to a Scottish subject?

The claim of Mr. Menzies to the Baronetcy of Menzies has been very carefully considered, both by myself and my predecessors in office. Such evidence as the claimant can produce has been investigated by the Lyon King of Arms and the Lord Advocate on several occasions, and I am advised by the Lord Advocate that no primâ facie case has been made out on which I should be justified in referring the claim to the Committee of the Privy Council. Mr. Menzies has not produced any judgment of a competent Scottish Court which supports his claim.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make any further statement about the Edinburgh and Leith plumbers' strike?

I reget to say that the strike in the Edinburgh plumbing trade continues. A meeting of employers and operatives was summoned by the Ministry of Labour last week, but no agreement was reached. I, myself, saw representatives of the Edinburgh and Leith Master Plumbers and have also offered to ask the National Joint Industrial Council in the building trade to send representatives to discuss the matter with the parties. I understand that this proposal has been agreed to and that a meeting will be held at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give a list of the persons against whom the Defence of India Act was used during Sir Michael O'Dwyer's administration of the Punjab; how many persons were prohibited from entering the Punjab; and how many local men were interned during his administration?

There were 145 persons whose movements were restricted under the Defence of India Act in the Punjab at various times, of whom only 24 remained under such restriction on the 1st April, 1919. Four persons were prohibited from entering the Punjab. Besides the number restricted under the Defence of India Act, about 400 were interned at different times in jail, and 1,625 restricted to their own villages, under the Ingress into India Ordinance. In April, 1919, seven of these still remained in jail, and 124 under restriction in their villages. These were men who had returned to India from America and the Far East at the beginning of the War, with the object of causing revolutionary outbreaks.

asked the Secretary of State for India what newspapers edited outside the Punjab were prevented from being circulated in the Punjab during Sir Michael O'Dwyer's administration; from how many newspapers security was demanded; and in how many cases security already deposited was forfeited during that period?

From 1914 to 1918 eight newspapers, including the "Sadaqat," "Jamhur" and "Naqqash" of Calcutta, and "New India of Madras, were kept outside the Punjab. In 1919 twelve such Orders were passed, namely, against the" Congress," "Vijaya," "Inqilab "and "Qaum" of Delhi, the "Medina "of Moradabad, the "Al Khalil "and" Yathrib" of Bijnor, the "Independent "of Allahabad, the "Hamdam" and "Akhuwat of Luck-now, the "Swadesi" of Gorakhpur, and the "Amrita Bazar Patrika "of Calcutta. To the best of my information, security was demanded during Sir Michael O'Dwyer's administration from fourteen newspapers and twenty-four presses. Forfeiture was ordered in the case of one newspaper and four presses. But I am not quite sure that these figures are complete.

asked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether the Hunter Committee, or any of its members personally, visited any of the places affected by martial law; if so, which; and whether the Punjab Sub-Committee of the Indian National Congress, or some of its members, personally visited, during their inquiry, almost all the principal places affected by martial law;

(2) the names of witnesses examined by the Punjab Sub-Committee of the Indian National Congress regarding ill-treatment of women during the administration of martial law, with a brief statement of the allegations made by it?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative; to the second, Amritsar, Gujranwala, Kasur, Lahore, and Ahmedabad. As regards the last part of the hon. member's question and his second question I would refer him to the Report of the Congress Sub-Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to a statement in the French Chamber by the French Minister of War that the total effective German military force is 644,000 men; whether it may be accepted that these are figures accurately drawn up to date by the Allied military mission in Berlin; and whether an arrangement has been made between the Allies and Germany whereby Germany may retain a much larger army at the present time than is permitted under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

I can add nothing to the replies which I gave on this subject on the 15th April. The difference between the French estimate and our own is due to the inclusion or exclusion of certain civil bodies. As regards the last part of the question, no arrangement has been made in contradiction of the terms of the Peace Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if close inquiries have been made into the rumours and statements that a number of British prisoners are still being secretly detained in Germany; and, if so, what action he intends taking to compel their release?

In every case where the statements were sufficiently definite to enable investigations to be made, the fullest inquiries have been instituted and the statements have without exception been proved to be incorrect. No reliable evidence whatever is forthcoming that British prisoners of war are being detained in Germany against their will.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air how many British women clerks are employed in the Army of the Rhine; what is the 'average they each receive in pay and allowances per week; and is it intended to replace them by soldiers?

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office why the civilian subordinates employed by the War Office at Carrickfergus are not in receipt of the rates of pay paid to others similarly employed in the locality, and as determined in the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons?

I am not aware that the position is as stated by the hon. Member, but if he will let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether the regulations laid down in the Royal Warrant for Pay, Articles 483 and 307, apply to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to place the Royal Army Veterinary Corps upon a similar basis as regards half-pay regulations as other arms of the service?

This question is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he will make inquiries as to why Trooper D. Grudgings, No. 4069, A Squadron, 14th Hussars Reserve Regiment, Muttra, has not been released from military service seeing that his services are urgently required by the Finchley local authority, on whose staff he was employed before joining up and who have applied for his discharge?

The question of the release of Trooper Grudgings is already under consideration and I will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air how long the huts and barbed-wire fencing are going to remain on the public ground between the avenue and the railway sidings at King's Lynn; is he aware that such huts are totally unfit for habitation and that no one will use them as such; and, as they are fast deteriorating through varying causes, will he expedite their removal?

I am informed that tiff huts in question were sold on the 5th instant.

asked the Prime Minister whether the agreement arrived at with the French in respect of the oil distribution in Mosul includes a provision that France should contribute to the upkeep of the British Army of Occupation in that area?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether Messrs. Leylands have been, by arrangement with the Disposals Board, using Government ships for shipping lorries from the St. Omer dump from Calais to England; whether this arrangement was holding up the general stores for the Army of Occupation on the Rhine; and whether these facilities have been granted to other firms who have purchased through the Disposals Board in France?

I have been asked to reply. Lorries from the St. Omer dump have been transported by Government barges from Dunkirk and Calais to Richborough on the payment of freight by Messrs. Leylands. This arrangement is in no way holding up stores for the Army of Occupation on the Rhine, ample Richborough barges being available for all Army needs, and only surplus transport is provided for Messrs. Leylands' traffic. Similar facilities could be granted other firms purchasing through the Disposal Board in France under the same circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is prepared to produce a balance sheet of the Woolwich Arsenal hostels and canteens; whether the necessity for these institutions still exists; and whether steps can be taken to close the same and use the hostels as houses?

I have been asked to reply. A balance sheet of the hostels and canteens which were conducted during the War in conjunction with the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, showing the position at 31st March, 1919, is in course of preparation. It is still necessary to maintain a few canteens within the Arsenal. Of the hostels only three are now occupied and that only partially. One is about to be closed and the other two are maintained to meet the strong representations of the tenants as to the impossibility of obtaining accommodation elsewhere. The unoccupied hostels are in the hands of the Disposal Board for sale.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether certain officers were ordered to fly Bristol aeroplanes across the Irish Channel on 21st February; whether the petrol supply of the aeroplanes sent on this flight allowed of practically no margin for any contingency arising from mechanical trouble or weather conditions or deviation from the prescribed course; and what steps he has taken to cause an inquiry into this matter?

The reply to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, I must refer to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on the 23rd April. It is quite incorrect to say that there was practically no margin for any contingency. With regard to the last part of the question, a Court of Inquiry has been held.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what appeal, if any, there is to a ruling of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue upon a question of the payment of Excess Profits Duty by instalments?

Discretionary power to allow payment of Excess Profits Duty to be made by instalments in suit able cases is vested by Statute in the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, and their decision on this point is not a subject of appeal to any other body.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, where a manager's interest is only a partial and not a controlling one, such interest is considered to be proprietary when assessing the salary of such a manager for Excess Profits Duty?

As regards the general question raised by my hon. Friend, I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave on the 11th instant to the hon. Member for Chippenham (Mr. G. Terrell). I am causing a copy of this reply to be sent to my hon. Friend. The question whether in any particular case the remuneration paid to a manager of a business is to be allowed as a deduction in computing the profits of that business for purposes of Excess Profits Duty is one which can only be decided after examination of the full facts and circumstances of the particular case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether ex-service small-holders under the Land Settlement Act are now required to find £20 per acre in place of £10 as hitherto; and what relation this new rule bears to the grants which, under this Act, can be made by county councils to their smallholding tenants?

The Ministry has, informed councils that owing to the high prices at present ruling for live and dead stock, fertilisers, etc., the amount of capital required to farm an ordinary small-holding which, in December, 1918, was stated to be not less than an acre, must now be regarded as not less than £20 an acre. Councils are, however, still empowered to guarantee an advance to their small-holding tenants of an amount equal to the amount of capital otherwise possessed by such tenants.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the proposed new Bill to extend the provisions of the Rent Restriction Acts for a period of three years, full power would be given to the courts under the new Bill to grant to proprietors an order for possession in such cases as the following: an ex-soldier removed under an order of the Court under the Rent Restriction Act of April, 1919, from the house rented by him has since had to live with his wife and two children in one room; he recently, in the belief that he would obtain possession not later than July, 1920, put practically his whole means into the purchase of a house for a home for his wife and family; a service man with a wife and three young children having a house of only two rooms has with the greater part of his savings purchased a house of four rooms, chiefly to provide healthy accommodation for his children, and the present occupants of the purchased house have no children; and a married man, who has been unable for some years to secure a house for himself and his wife, has now purchased at a high price for personal occupation a commodious house, and which house is at present occupied by an unmarried man without dependants?

The attention of the Minister of Health has been drawn to the cases mentioned, and they are under his consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any protests against the alleged unfairness of the Regulations governing the award of grants by the Civil Liabilities Committee to discharged disabled soldiers who have undergone training in other than the pre-war occupation, in that, whilst some men have been awarded grants because public faith had been pledged through the local war pensions committees, others have been refused because no such pledge had been given; and whether, in view of the fact that local war pensions committees had no power to make promises but only to make recommendations, and that therefore the cases put forward by committees who did net exceed their powers are being penalised, he will have the whole matter reconsidered and remove this distinction

In my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Leyton East (Lieut.-Colonel Malone) on 26th April last, I explained the principle upon which the Ministry proceeded in cases of applications for grants by trainees. I have, however, received a number of representations on the point, and I am giving the matter close consideration. Perhaps my hon. Friend would put down a further question on this point?

asked the Minister of Labour what is the cost of the issue of the King's National Roll which has been circulated among employers; and whether it is proposed to issue any further editions?

I am informed by the Controller of His Majesty's Stationery Office that the cost of printing and issue of the King's National Roll in book form for circulation among employers and others who could promote the further success of the scheme was approximately £800. The published Roll gives the names up to 31st December last. It has been decided to proceed immediately with the issue of up-to-date lists of the firms now on the Roll, but these lists will be in respect of counties and a number of the larger cities and towns, not a combined Roll for the whole country. The estimated cost of this is £1,050.

asked the Minister of Pensions the reason for the occasional stoppages of the pension due to Signals-Corporal G. A. Davis, No. 65,228, late 99th-20th brigade, Royal Field Artillery, certificate No. S.E.R. 50,094; is he aware that this soldier has frequently written, but no reply can be got: and, seeing that the allowance as now granted expires this month and no orders as to how the renewal can be made can be secured from the Pensions Department, what action does he propose to take to get the arrears paid up and the instructions for a renewal of the grant sent to the soldier involved?

Mr. Davis was discharged on 15th March, 1919, and was awarded a final allowance of 6s. a week for 52 weeks. The whole of this allowance has been paid. Mr. Davis was informed at the time of the award that if, shortly before its expiration, he claimed still to be suffering from the disability for which it was granted, he should apply to his local war pensions committee who would report the case to the Ministry with a view to its further consideration. I am informed that no such application has been received on behalf of Mr. Davis, but instructions have now been given for his examination by a Medical Board with a view to the further consideration of the case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the widows of non-commissioned officers and men are entitled to a year's pension as a gratuity on remarriage; whether there is any reason why the same principle should not be extended to the widows of officers; and, if not, whether he will take an early opportunity of granting legislation in this respect?

The terms of the Officers' Warrant and the Men's Warrant are dissimilar with regard to the remarriage of widows. The widow of an officer does not obtain the gratuity on remarriage which is made to the widow of a non-commissioned officer or man, but if she should again become a widow the Warrant provides that her pension may be restored if her pecuniary circumstances justify the restoration. This privilege is not afforded to the widows of non-commissioned officers and men. This variation between the two Warrants was brought to the notice of the Select Committee on Pensions, who appear to have seen no reason for any Amendment.

asked the Home Secretary how many members of the Metropolitan Police are now in receipt of Navy and Army pensions in respect of wounds or injuries to health caused whilst serving in the late War; and how many men in receipt of disablement pensions granted on similar grounds have been refused reinstatement in the Metropolitan Police?

The numbers are 475 and 90. Of the latter number, however, 20 are employed as clerks and messengers.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air why the retired pay of officers compulsorily retired on account of wounds is assessed on the Pay Warrant of 1914, and not in accordance with the increased scale allowed under the Royal Warrant of September, 1919; and whether he will take action to remove this hardship on those officers who are more entitled to consideration than those who have not been seriously wounded?

I have been asked to reply to this question which I am glad that my hon. and gallant Friend has put. A regular officer in receipt of a wound pension who is eligible for service retired pay under the Royal Warrant of the 13th September, 1919, may receive that retired pay if more beneficial to him than any other rate to which he is entitled under any other Warrant.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether there is any reason why the nursing sisters employed at the Nell Lane military hospital, West Didsbury, Manchester, should not be paid their war gratuities; and whether he will authorise the immediate payment of gratuities to all nurses who are duly qualified to receive them

The Guardians of Manchester Union, by whom the nurses in question were employed, have been invited to pay the gratuities due, on behalf of the War Department, but prefer not to do so. Steps are being taken to make payment direct.

asked the Minister of Health what percentage of the 1,346 houses and flats reported by him to be complete on 14th April were to be let at rentals of 10s. and under; at 10s. 6d. to 12s. 6d.; at 13s. to 15s.; at 15s. 6d. to 20s.; and in all cases exclusive of rates?

As far as rents have been approved the percentages are as follow:—

asked the Minister of Health whether the first two cases of compulsory purchase of land for housing under the Land Acquisition Act arose in connection with sites required by the Uxbridge urban district council; whether in the first case the area was slightly under four acres and the price awarded was £2,162, and in the second case the price awarded was £487; what was the area in the second case, and the net rateable value at which both sites have been assessed for local rates?

The first two cases of compulsory acquisition of land for housing purposes dealt with by the official arbitrator under the Acquisition of Land Act, related to sites required by the Uxbridge urban district council. In the first case the area was rather less than four acres, the amount claimed was £3,017 and the amount awarded £2,162. This site was not separately rated, but formed part of a larger area of 8½ acres rated at £146. The area of the second site was 3¼ acres, the amount awarded was £487 and the rateable value was £13.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the county borough council, Stoke-on-Trent, to the effect that the housing scheme will be seriously delayed by reason of members of the building trades being members of local authorities, and thus under Section 12 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, are precluded from being directly or indirectly concerned in any contract for erection of houses, etc., and suggesting that a short Act of Parliament be passed to meet this great difficulty; and whether he can indicate the steps the Government will take in dealing with the same?

My attention has not been called to the particular resolution referred to, but I have received similar resolutions from other local authorities. I doubt, however, whether it would be desirable to enable local authorities to enter into contracts with their own members.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take in view of the action of a county council in providing hospitality for an extended period for children of Foreign nations?

The matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to give legislative effect to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Dentists Act, 1878; and, if so, when such legislation will be introduced?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to similar questions from the hon. Members for Leigh (Mr. Raffan) and Central Southwark (Mr. Gilbert) on the 5th May.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in many cases the pensioners of the Port of London Authority are receiving pensions quite inadequate to meet the present cost of living; that the Ministry of Pensions declines to take any action in this matter; and whether, seeing that an adequate living wage should be assured to all persons who have served the community in order to preserve the health of the nation, he is prepared to bring before the House the necessary legislation in order to raise the pensions of the Port of London Authority pensioners to an adequate living wage?

I have no jurisdiction over the Port of London Authority.

asked the Minister of Health whether the incidence of small-pox during the past 10 years has been greater in those sanitary districts showing the highest percentages of abstention of children from vaccination as compared with those districts showing the least percentage of such abstention?

I regret that no statistics are available which would enable reliable deductions to be drawn on the comparative basis suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the staff in pre-War days at 58, Victoria Street, Coastguards and Reserves, was composed of 1 vice-admiral, 1 captain, 1 commander, 1 lieutenant-commander, 1 engineer lieutenant-commander, 1 secretary paymaster, 3 assistant paymasters, 1 chief warrant officer, 6 naval writers, and 4 messengers, making a total of 20; that in April, 1920, it was composed of 1 vice-admiral, 3 captains, 1 secretary pay captain, 1 paymaster-commander, 1 lieutenant-commander, 1 engineer lieutenant-commander, 3 paymaster lieutenant-commanders, 4 paymaster lieutenants, 1 lieutenant, I warrant officer, 1 civil clerk, 7 naval writers, and 12 women clerks, making a total of 37; is he aware that the women clerks do nothing all day, and that one typist could do all the work that is required in that office; and what steps he intends to take to reduce this office to reasonable limits?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The staff of the Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves was increased as necessary to meet requirements daring the War and is now in course of reduction to normal limits, which will, however, be larger than formerly on account of the Departments which are being absorbed therein. At the present moment there are only two captains actually on the staff, one of them being also Head of Auxiliary Patrol Section. The Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves, in addition to his pre-War duties, now acts as President of the Naval Allied Commission for the Disposal of Enemy Vessels for which additional staff is necessary. The numbers given in the question as forming the staff in April, 1920, are not quite correct—the total staff on 30th April, 1920, was 30, not 37, as stated. As regards the occupation of the women clerks of the office of the Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves, it is observed that each one of them is paid for a 44-hour week; this number of hours is invariably worked to. The women clerks are fully employed during the whole time, the staff was specially reviewed on the 31st March, 1920, when the number of women was reduced to nine, which is the absolute minimum that can compete with the very large volume of work in the Department. As regards the third part of the question, no steps appear necessary to reduce the office further than those which have already been taken.

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to give up possession of 33, Havelock Road, Hastings; whether he is aware that the rent which he is paying is much below the market value of the house, and that its continued occupation is involving the owners, who are mortgagees, in considerable financial loss?

I regret that owing to the difficulty in obtaining other suitable accommodation it is not possible at the moment to state a date by which the premises can be returned to the owners. The rent was increased last year by about £63 per annum, but I am willing to consider any grounds for increase which the owners may desire to bring before me.

asked the Minister of Food the number of the present staff; over how many buildings this staff is distributed; and whether it is possible to I arrange some more economical and centralised system of housing?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 3rd instant to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer). The headquarters staff of the Ministry of Food and the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies are now housed in five buildings, as compared with fourteen at the time of the Armistice. It is hoped, after the end of June, to concentrate the whole Ministry of Food at Palace Chambers, except for the branches in liquidation, which will be housed in Cromwell Road.

asked the Minister of Food whether messengers and cleaners in his Department cost £13,000 annually; whether there are, approximately, 75 assistant principal officers in the Ministry of Food with salaries of £700 per annum; when it is proposed to abolish 16 special posts, each carrying a maximum salary of £1,500 per annum; and how, with a reduced headquarters' staff, the increase of £2,000 for travelling expenses during the present year is accounted for?

As regards the first three parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Estimates of the Department which have already been presented to Parliament and considered in Committee on Supply. In those Estimates it will be observed that provision is made for an anticipated reduction of some 25 per cent. in the headquarters staff during the year, and I hope it may be possible to effect further economies, provided additional burdens are not imposed upon my Department. As regards apparently large sum for messengers and cleaners, I would point out that provision for messenger and cleaning services is required for five separate blocks of buildings at present in the occupation of the Ministry. I hope after the end of June to concentrate the whole of the Ministry of Food at Palace Chambers, except those branches in liquidation, which will be housed in a separate building. I might add that the cost of the messenger service has been enhanced by the substitution of ex-service men for girls formerly employed. As regards the last part of the question, the Treasury have recently sanctioned an increase of 25 per cent. in the subsistence rates of officials, who are in fact as much affected by the high cost of living as other sections of the public, and provision for this is included in the estimated figure for travelling expenses. I may perhaps add that the Select Committee on National Expenditure are at the present time engaged in reviewing the contemplated expenditure of my Department in detail.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the serious danger caused by floating and derelict mines, not only at sea, but on the coast where they are occasionally ashore, what action is being taken to search for and destroy them; and the number of such mines destroyed by the Royal Navy during the past three months?

The following action has been taken to destroy drifting mines:—

(1) A destroyer from the nearest naval base investigates all authentic reports of drifting mines.

(2) Fishery Protection Flotilla, stationed on all the principal fishing grounds, destroy all drifting mines met with.

(3) All merchant and fishing craft, with a few exceptions, are supplied with rifles and ammunition on application for mine destroying.

(4) Experts in rendering mines safe are stationed at different places round the coast who render safe all mines washed ashore.

No vessels are solely employed in searching for drifting mines. The number of drifting mines destroyed by His Majesty's ships 1st February to 1st May was 40. The number of mines washed ashore and rendered safe from 1st February to 1st May was 26.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the future of coal control as it affects householders; if control is to be maintained; is he preparing a scheme for re-registration; if not, is it his intention to do so; and when may such scheme become operative if re-registration is adopted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made on Monday in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Colonel Newman). I hope to be able to make a further statement on de-control of inland distribution very shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have definitely decided to introduce a Bill for the purchase of the mineral rights (coal) from the present owners; and, if so, when legislation on this subject will be introduced?

The Government intend to introduce a Bill to provide for the acquisition of mineral rights as soon as possible, but as I pointed out on Monday last, in answer to a question by the hon. Member for the Consett Division of Durham (Mr. A. Williams), I am not yet able to say when the Bill will be introduced.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can now furnish his promised Report of the result of his inquiry into the alleged misuse of wagons by the West Cannock Colliery Company?

Inquiry has been made and it is found that the colliery company, on account of a shortage of their own wagons, utilised a number of private owners' wagons for fuel not intended for those owners. The matter has been taken up by the Coal Controller, who has received an assurance from the colliery company that they will refrain from diverting private owners' wagons in future except in those cases where traders send in more wagons than are necessary to convey the quantity of coal due to them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of coke at the firms of Messrs. Harrison and Company, Lincoln and Hykeham, which has prevented the employment of their workmen on Saturdays during the past few weeks, thus imposing financial loss; and whether he will take steps to ensure an immediate supply of coke?

I was not aware of the shortage to which the hon. Member refers, but inquiries have been instituted and all possible steps will be taken to remedy any deficiency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that about 177,000,000 tons of coal are used in this country in the various industries; that the extra cost of coal will cost the employers of labour £24,000,000 per annum; that the consumer will be charged at least £24,000,000 per annum; if the Government will take action in the matter;

(2) if he is aware that a ton of coal will produce about 10,000 cubic feet of gas; that the extra cost of 4s. 2d. per ton on gas coal will mean that various gas companies will increase the price of gas at least 5d. per 1,000 cubic feet; and that the consumer will be penalised in two ways, by the increase in the price of gas and household coal; if the Government will take action in the matter; and

(3) if he is aware that about 25 cwt. of coal and 12 cwt of coke is used to produce a ton of pig-iron; that the extra cost of coal and coke will be the means of forcing up the price of pigiron to about 9s. per ton, and steel to about 20s. per ton, and of the effect of the increase of the price of coal and coke upon many trades in this country; that every article the people eat and drink will be increased in consequence; and if he will take action in the matter?

I cannot accept as accurate the hon. Member's figures as to the probable effect of the increase in the price of coal, but I may say that the possibility of an increase in the costs of industrial and public utility undertakings which may result from the increase in the price of coal has not been overlooked. The Government, however, consider that present conditions do not justify the continuance of the policy of subsidising coal for home consumption, and that the time has arrived when the price of such coal should be placed upon an economic basis.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the imports and exports of this country with Japan for the year 1920, the quantities or values of our trade with Japan in cotton, silk, and other textiles, also of iron, steel, copper, and other metals, as well as of manufactured articles, and the corresponding figures for the first three months of the present year?

As the answer involves a statistical table, I will, with the permission of the House, have a statement circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as the figures have been prepared.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now aware that best meat is not supplied unless the retailer will take a large proportion of inferior meat at the same price; will he take steps to put Government meat-selling on a practical trade basis, namely, that the price of meat should be based on quality, and that the old stocks and inferior quality should be cleared out at lower prices and will he also correct the statement that meat has been reduced in price to retailers?

I have been asked to reply. I presume that the hon. Member refers to imported meat. The control of this meat has just been transferred to my Department, and I am considering the policy to be adopted. I am aware that imported meat has hitherto been sold wholesale at a flat price, and that the retailer has not been permitted to select only meat of a certain quality. I have, however, already given instructions that, as from 17th May, imported mutton shall be sold wholesale on a schedule of prices which makes provision for a reduction in the case of carcases of low grade, and also distinguishes between carcases which have been cut before shipment and fresh straight carcases. An official statement as to the reduction in price is being issued in the course of the next few days.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the two years' tenure from the end of the War in connection with allotments acquired under the Defence of the Realm Act commences to operate from the date which will be fixed by Order in Council under the Termination of the War (Definition) Act?

The answer to the hon. Member's question, as I understand it, is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he will state if local authorities are entitled to carry any loss incurred in an allotments scheme under the Defence of the Realm Act against a subsequent scheme under the Smallholdings and Allotments Acts, 1908 to 1919?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is, speaking generally, in the negative, but a local authority may charge to the new scheme the value of any fencing, water supply, etc., which is carried over from the previous scheme on the same land.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire Farmers' Union has refused to take part in a conference with the labour organisations in respect of harvest wages; and whether, if this be so, the action is due to any unfriendliness to labour, or because the Government has not yet produced its Agricultural Bill?

I have no information on the matter referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of applications for telephones that remain still unfulfilled of over 12 months' standing in Newcastle-on-Tyne, and in the rest of the country, respectively; and approximately how much longer such would-be subscribers will have to wait before their requirements are met?

The information is not available in the precise form for which the hon. Member asks. On 31st March last there were 832 applications for telephone service in the Newcastle district, which includes North and South Shields, and other towns, and 33,953 in the rest of the country, which had been refused owing to lack of plant. During the year ended March, 1920, 1,750 new installations were provided in the Newcastle district, and 72,466 elsewhere. The arrears of development resulting from the War are being made good as quickly as possible; but there is great difficulty in obtaining adequate supplies of manufactured material, and it is impossible to say, at present, how soon all the outstanding applications for telephone service can be disposed of.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can take steps to modify the system under which sub-postmasters are liable to continuous service without relief; what is the remuneration of sub-postmasters and postmistresses; and whether it is sufficient to meet the present high cost of living?

Sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses are not generally required to devote their whole time to the service of the Post Office, and in these circumstances are not entitled to pension under the provisions of the Superannuation Acts. Those whose conditions of appointment require them to devote their whole time to the public service are placed on the establishment, and qualify for pension.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can see his way to institute money order and savings bank facilities at the post office at Strathnaver, in view of the fact that the numerous residents of this district are compelled to travel from ten to twenty miles to secure those facilities?

In view of the very small amount of business likely to be transacted I regret that the extension of money order and savings bank facilities to Strathnaver would not be warranted.

asked the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been frequently called to the fact that the salaries of teachers in elementary and secondary schools, is, even in the case of headmasters, considerably below the wages paid to working men; and if he will appoint a representative Committee to inquire into the question of such salaries with a view to dealing fairly with a large and deserving class of public and semi-public servants, such Committee to report at an early date?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that a Standing Joint Committee of representatives of associations of local education authorities and of the National Union of Teachers was established by those bodies last autumn for the purpose of securing the orderly and progressive solution of the salary problem in public elementary schools by agreement on a national basis. A report of this Committee upon a provisional minimum scale of salaries for teachers in public elementary schools was presented to Parliament in December last [Cmd. 443]. The Committee is continuing its work. A similar Committee has been established to deal with the salary problem of teachers in secondary schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in certain localities married women are debarred as teachers by local education authorities; whether married women who are properly qualified as teachers should be debarred from continuing their work when married; whether cases of this sort come within the scope of The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, 1919; and, if so, whether he will take steps to put his views before the local authorities concerned?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 18th March to the hon. Member for Moss Side (Lieut.-Colonel Hurst). I am advised that the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, 1919, does not affect the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give to the House with regard to the situation in Mexico?

The revolutionary movement appears to be progressing steadily throughout Mexico, but up to the present there appears to have been little bloodshed. In the majority of cases the Government troops seem to have defected en massé to the rebel forces. The United States Government have received official information to the effect that President Carranza was forced to leave Mexico City on 7th May for Vera Cruz. Later reports indicate that the President has been captured by his adversaries. His Majesty's Consul at Tampico reported on 9th May that the local garrison had revolted that morning, and that by the afternoon the revolutionary party had obtained complete control of the town without opposition. Perfect order prevailed at the time the message was despatched, and His Majesty's Consul stated that the immunity which he had requested for British subjects there was assured. I am glad to be able to state that reports regarding the safety of British subjects in other parts of Mexico continue to be satisfactory. Arrangements are, however, being made for one of His Majesty's ships to proceed to a Mexican port should its presence be required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have approached or will approach the Government of the French Republic with regard to the abolition of the visa on passports?

The answer is in the negative, but an arrangement has been concluded with the French Government whereby the French visa can be obtained on a British passport, which will be valid for one year, and will permit the holder to travel backwards and forwards as often as he wishes without further formality on each occasion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what purpose representatives of the Soviet Government are being per mitted to visit London; and with whom are they expected to confer during their visit?

Russian representatives are being allowed to come to London in order to make general arrangements for the resumption of trade between this country and Soviet Russia. They will confer with the permanent. Committee of the Supreme Economic Council.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the annual cost of printing the House of Commons' Parliamentary Debates; how many copies of such are issued to Government Departments; and how many copies are sold to the public?

The total annual cost of printing the House of Commons' Parliamentary Debates for the Session of 1919 was as follows:—

Of the Daily Parts, about 3,000 copies are printed, 1,600 being issued for official use to the two Houses of Parliament and to Government Departments. About 1,200 copies are sold to the public daily, the annual receipts from sales being approximately £2,000.

Of the bound volumes—of which for the 1919 Session there were thirteen including the volume of the general index-1,200 sets are printed annually, 850 sets being issued for official use to the two Houses of Parliament and to Government Departments. About 175 sets are sold to the public annually, the annual receipts from sales being approximately £400.

The extracts from the Daily Parts are printed for official use, and are issued to the various Departments concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is intended to transfer the transport division of the Ministry of Shipping back to the Admiralty when the Ministry of Shipping is done away with; whether the organisation of that division under the Ministry of Shipping has been very unsatisfactory; and whether, under these circumstances, it is intended to retain it in its present form as a Department of the Board of Trade or Ministry of Transport rather than to introduce a non-fighting organisation into the administrative system of a service department?

This question is engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government, and I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the discontent among the prison staff owing to an alteration in the hours of duty, whereby the split system of shifts has been adopted in some prisons; if the Prison Officers' Representative Board was consulted before the alteration was made in the system of hours with which the whole of the staff was contented; and why these changes have been made in certain prisons?

No such system has been adopted, and the Commissioners are not aware of any discontent among the staff, although they recently conferred with the Prison Officers' Representative Board on the subject. The new 8-hour day for the staff has necessarily led to a diminished time for associated labour, but experiments are being made to see how an improvement of the arrangements in this respect can be reconciled with the interests of the staff and consistently with an 8-hour's spell of duty.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the rejection of the Bill promoted by Edmundson's Electricity Corporation, Limited, and a group of other electric lighting companies, providing for increases in the maximum prices allowed to be charged for the supply of electricity to meet the constantly growing cost of labour and materials owing to which, after providing for working expenses and depreciation, a loss of £28,000 was shown for the year 1919 on a capital of £1,400,000, and in view of many other provincial undertakings being similarly affected by the same conditions, what steps he proposes to take to enable these companies and undertakings similarly situated to carry out their statutory obligations?

I regret I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport to the hon. and gallant Member for Buckingham (Captain Bowyer) on the 10th instant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of all the difficulties in the way of cheap and rapid transport of fresh fish, he will cause a Committee of Inquiry to be set up to ascertain methods by which, if possible, these difficulties can be removed?

On the information in my possession it does not appear that the difficulties experienced by the fish trade are due to conditions within the control of the railway companies, but I shall be very glad to consult with the hon. Member on the subject and if necessary to make further inquiries, though it is undesirable to multiply Committees of Inquiry. I would also refer the hon. Member to the recent reports of the Committee on Wholesale Food Markets and of a Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee on Trusts, both of which have been very carefully investigated in conjunction with the railway companies.