asked the First Commissioner of Works the total sum arranged to be spent in the current financial year on the improvement of existing, and the erection of new, labour exchanges throughout the country; and whether, having regard to the failure of the exchanges to benefit the working man and the need in the interest of the taxpayer for revising estimates wherever possible, he will have inquiry made into the measure of real need for the spending of more money on improvements and buildings, and so help to save the country from further unnecessary and wasteful expenditure?

Provision has been made in the Estimates for possible expenditure not exceeding £500,000. The remainder of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister for Labour, as my Department is only concerned with providing the accommodation which the Minister, with the approval of the Treasury, considers essential for the needs of his Department.

asked the Minister of Labour the total cost of the labour exchanges throughout the country; what staffs are employed by them; and whether he has any figures to show how far they have been successful in securing employment for applicants?

The cost of the employment exchanges and divisional offices during the financial year 1919–20, including the local administration of out-of-work donation and unemployment insurance, as well as a great variety of other matters, was about £3,100,000, after taking into account charges (including capital expenditure) borne on the Votes of Departments other than the Ministry of Labour. The number of staff employed, including part-time officers, reached a maximum of 21,165 (of whom 18,312 were temporary) on 7th June, 1919, and was reduced to 12,154 (of whom 9,162 were temporary) by the end of the financial year 1919–20. During the year the exchanges found employment for about 1,040,000 separate individuals, of whom 253,000 were ex-service men, and in addition did a great deal of work, either directly or through the local employment committees, in facilitating the re-employment of ex-service men. In order to give some idea of the volume of work discharged by the exchanges, in addition to their normal task of finding employment, I may mention that during the financial year 1919–20 over 32,000,000 separate payments of donation and unemployment benefit were made, 1,360,000 claims to donation were reviewed by local employment committees, and 332,000 claims to benefit were referred to courts of referees.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the whole or part of the building known as Queen Anne's Chambers, with a front to both Tothill Street and the Broadway, has been or is to be purchased or leased for his Department; what are the terms of the arrangement; and what public expenditure is involved?

The lease of the premises in question which has over 900 years to run was purchased by my Department for the sum of £235,000. The expenditure was sanctioned by the House in March last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how long the Development Commission has been in existence; what have been up to date the results of its labours; and what has been its cost to the taxpayer?

The Development Commission has been in existence since May, 1910. The result of its operations are published in its annual reports. The sum that has been voted and paid into the Development Fund is £2,900,000. The sum left in the Development Fund on 31st March last was £1,161,325 12s. The cost of administration has averaged £8,000 per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether all temporary women clerks in the War Office have had their positions lowered by one grade; and whether he will state the reason?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative. When work falls off, it is of course necessary to reconsider the grading of the staff engaged upon it.

asked the Prime Minister how many women are still employed by the Government and the numbers in each Department?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Command Paper 643, the latest of the series of monthly returns of staffs of Government Departments. The next return is now in the printer's hands.

asked the Minister of Food what saving in staff he anticipates being able to effect by the decontrol of fish?

The Headquarters Staff of the Fish Section has now been reduced to three officers, who are being retained in order to deal with outstanding questions, with the work of the Fair Trading Council, and with the collection and tabulation of information required by the Food Controller. It will be necessary to maintain for a time a small provincial organisation under the Divisional Food Commissioners, but this will be dispensed with at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Minister of Food the amount of expenditure by the Ministry for travelling allowances for the past 12 months, and how this sum compares with the amount spent during the preceding 12 months; and whether he can make a considerable reduction in this item of expenditure?

The total amount expended on travelling by the officials of the Ministry of Food during the year ended 31st March, 1919, was £179,713, and for the year ended 31st March, 1920, approximately £109,700. The estimated expenditure for the year ending 31st March, 1921, is £75,000, the greater part of which will be incurred by officials engaged on costings investigations, and Enforcement Inspectors, whose duties necessitate constant travelling. I may add that the estimate has been considerably enhanced by reason of the recent increase of 25 per cent. in the subsistence allowances.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether new arrangements have recently been made with the shipping companies for the carriage of Government foodstuffs from North America; and, if so, what the rates are, showing what is the cost per pound?

An arrangement was recently made with the North Atlantic Lines for the carriage of Government foodstuffs from North America during the months of April, May and June, and the basis rates from the East Coast United States ports to this country work out as follow:—

asked the Minister of Food if 9,000,000 pounds of jam are being held up in the various ports by the Government of the United Kingdom; and if it is the intention to liberate this supply to the trade before it deteriorates and becomes unsaleable?

No jam is being held up in the various ports or elsewhere by the Government of the United Kingdom. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Minister of Food if there are 9,000,000 pounds of Australian jam stored in this country; and, if so, will he take steps for the gradual release of these supplies in order to bring down the present prices that are being charged for English jam?

A considerable quantity of Australian jam is understood to be in this country. It is not the property of the Government, and the owners of it are free to dispose of it without restrictions as to price or distribution.

asked the Minister of Food whether the person who was the postmaster of Portsmouth, and is now in receipt of a pension of £350 a year, has been appointed divisional food commissioner for the South Midland division; if so, this gentleman's qualifications for the position; and whether there was no ex-service man or other person requiring employment who would have been suitable for the position?

It is the case that the present Divisional Food Commissioner for the South Midland Division was formerly postmaster of Portsmouth, and that he has been in receipt of a pension from the Post Office. His pension, however, under the provisions of the Superannuation Act, will be suspended while he holds his present post. He was appointed Commissioner after two years of valuable service in the divisional office, for five months of which he had held the rank of acting Commissioner. His long administrative experience in the postal service, combined with the knowledge of food control work acquired during his service as Assistant Commissioner, render him specially qualified to perform the duties of the post, and it would have been undesirable from the point of view of efficiency to fill the vacant Commissionership by the appointment of a candidate from outside.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will have prepared and forthwith lay upon the Table a Return giving particulars respecting the operations of the official committee for relief in Europe and the administration of the pound-for-pound grant of £400,000 Voted by Parliament, such Return to show who constitute the committee; how the fund is administered; to what relief societies and under what circumstances grants have been made; why grants have been refused and the grounds for such refusal; and under what head these funds are granted?

I hope my hon. Friend will not think it necessary for me to incur the expense of a Return. The particulars he desires are as follows: The Official Committee for Relief in Europe is composed of the Central Trustees of Controlled War Charaties, appointed by the Charity Commissioners, to which members are added by the Treasury. The office staff consisting of a secretary, assistant secretary, and one clerk, is borne on the Diplomatic and Consular Services Vote. At 15th May, 1920, the members of the committee were as follows:—Sir Melvill Beacheroft, chairman; Messrs. Arthur Franklin, Percy Straus, Arthur Prideaux, Central Trustees of Controlled War Charities; Sir Cyril K. Butler, K.B.E., Sir William Goode, British Director of Relief, ex-officio, Mrs. J. R. Brooke (Miss D. Lamb) secretary; Miss I. Newson, assistant secretary.

The Treasury deals with applications for "pound-for-pound "grants only through the official committee for relief, whose duty it is to examine applications made through them and to recommend to the Treasury to what societies and for what amounts grants should be made. Societies wishing to obtain pound-for-pound grants send applications to the secretary, Official Committee for Relief in Europe, room 530, Palace Chambers, S.W.1. Applications, unless good reasons are stated to the contrary, are sent in monthly, and before being considered by the committee are submitted for inspection and report to the committee's auditors, Messrs. W. B. Peat & Co., 11, Ironmonger Lane, E.C. The grants are available for money raised and spent from 1st June, 1919, on relief supplies as defined by the finance section of the supreme economic council and on expenses incurred in the administration of relief for such amounts as the Official Committee may decide in each case. The countries for which grants are available are those which were entitled to the benefit of the £12,500,000 granted for relief in the Estimates for 1919–20.

Application for grants have been received from twenty-two relief societies. Grants have been made as follow:

Societies applying are required to show evidence that they are registered under the War Charities Act, to supply particulars of their committee and officers, and of their work in general, and an audited statement of their receipts and expediture, with details of the expenditure of any previous Treasury grant. The Official Committee also satisfy themselves by independent inquiry as to the methods of distribution of each society in the area in which their relief is carried on.

Grants have been refused for various reasons, either because (1) the relief expenditure did not fall within the definition of relief laid down for the use of the Official Committee, or (2) because the society applying did not fulfil the requirements of the Official Committee, or (3) because a society's accounts showed excessive expenditure on administration as against the relief carried out, or (4) because inadequate accounts were rendered. Grants have been suspended or postponed for a particular month or period in which application was made because no relief expenditure was shown, or until a previous Treasury grant has been entirely expended or accounted for.

Provision is made for grants under their scheme in the Estimate for Loans and Relief Grants, 1919–20 and 1920–21. (Civil Service Estimates, unclassified Services Vote 10).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the operations of the Tyre Investment Trust, which was registered in August, 1917, and which is paying a dividend of 200 per cent. for the year ended February, 1920; and will he make inquiries into the matter?

I am aware that the Tyre Investment Trust, Limited, has paid a dividend of 200 per cent. on its ordinary capital for the year ending February, 1920, but I find that the ordinary capital, on which this dividend was paid, amounts to £50,000 only, while the total issued capital is £1,600,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an opportunity was given to ordinary debtors to the enemy to get rid of their debts during the War; and, if no opportunity was given, how can a charge of interest at 5 per cent. per annum to British debtors to Germany be justified?

Under the provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, which was passed on the 27th January, 1916, power was given to the Board of Trade to vest in the Custodian any debts due to enemies, and this power was exercised in cases where application was made by persons who desired to discharge their debts. The charge of interest at 5 per cent. per annum is in accordance with the Treaty of Peace with Germany, and I would point out that British debtors to German nationals have had the use of the money owing to their German creditors, and during the War it has been possible to earn interest at or in excess of the rate now payable.

asked the Minister of Food whether his Department has yet noticed any downward tendency in the prices of food commodities; and, in that case, will he state what they are?

There has been no general decline noticeable in the prices of the main articles of food, except those subject to seasonal variations, and imported meat. Some few minor commodities have fallen in price. The Index Number published by the Ministry of Labour, showing changes in the prices of foodstuffs only, has advanced to 246 as on 1st May. This rise is mainly due to the increase in the price of bread, sugar and potatoes. Had these articles followed the normal course as to price, the decline in the price of seasonal foods, such as milk, eggs and fish, would have brought about a fall in this Index Number.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department has yet recorded any downward movement, and, if so, what in the prices of any articles of personal attire or household use?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The commodities in respect of which the Labour Ministry collects information as to retail prices are food, clothing (including suits, overcoats, underclothing and hosiery, textile materials and boots), coal, gas, oil, candles, matches, soap, soda, domestic ironmongery, brushware and pottery, tobacco and newspapers. My hon. Friend's questions is not intended, apparently, to apply to food, though there have been important reductions this year in the retail prices of imported meat (by or 2d. per lb.), fish (averaging 15 per cent.), and, largely owing to season, with milk and eggs, as well as with some other foods of minor importance. Retail prices of articles other than food, so far as we have statistics, have generally shown either no change or some increase in average level. In some cases there have been decreases in prices at some establishments, but these have been at least counterbalanced by increases elsewhere in the prices of the same articles. The only exception is soap, the price of which has recently fallen by rather less than 1d. per lb. on the average.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what classes of work-people are in receipt of wages which increase with rises in the index figure of the cost of living?

I have been asked to reply. The principal classes of work people whose wages are regulated by agreements providing for the regular adjustment of wage rates in correspondence with changes in our "Labour Gazette" index number of retail prices (including rents) are the following:—

Railway Servants (Traffic Grades, including Supervisory Staff and Clerks).

Wool Textile Operatives in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Leicester and Wales.

Bleachers, Dyers, Printers, Finishers, &c., of Textile Fabrics in the North of England and in Scotland.

Government Employes (permanent staffs).

Asbestos Workers generally.

Shuttle Makers in Lancashire.

Bedstead Makers in the Midlands.

Gold, Silver, Electro-plate and Jewellery Workers in London. Military Musical Instrument Makers in London.

Makers-up, Packers and Textile Warehousmen in Manchester.

There are also a number of individual firms known to the Department who have similar arrangements in force for regulating their employâs wages. The total number of workpeople included above, though not known precisely, is estimated to be rather more than a million. As already stated, the particulars given above relate to cases in which the regulation of wages in accordance with the "Labour Gazette "index number is effected periodically and automatically under the provisions of signed agreements. It may be observed, however, that as the progress of our index number is very carefully watched both by employers and workpeople, and the figures are practically always quoted in wage negotiations, in actual practice the wages of the great majority of workpeople are, in fact, influenced by the movements in prices which it records.

asked what effect the increase in the price of household coal will have on the official cost of living figure as published in the "Labour Gazette"?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is estimated that the increase of 14s. 2d. per ton in the price of coal for domestic purposes will raise the Ministry of Labour retail prices index number, as published in the "Labour Gazette," by between 3½ and 4 points.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply particulars of the present prices at which the more important foodstuffs are being sold in this country as compared with the United States, France, Spain, Italy, and Holland; and whether it is possible to state what percentage of advances these prices show over pre-War figures?

I have been asked to take this question. I need scarcely remind my hon. Friend that the value of international comparisons of actual prices, such as he asks for in this case, is necessarily very restricted at the present time owing to the abnormal state of forign exchanges, and the impossibility of securing, in regard to foreign countries, official figures of so recent a date as those available for this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the vessel the "Flush," owned by the Bulk Oil Transports, Incorporated, of New York, but carrying a crew of whom 16 belonged to Blyth, whilst the captain and chief officer came from Newport, Monmouthshire, was lost in the Baltic in November last; that the dependants of the English crew can get no reply from the owners or from Messrs. Hannevig, Brothers, of 3, St. Helen's Place, London, their agents, to repeated applications for compensation; that, owing to no intimation having been received by his Department, the dependants are prevented from obtaining even the small sums due to them as death benefit from friendly and other societies in this country, and that many of them consequently have been compelled to sell their homes and exist upon charity; and whether he will cause representations to be made to the American Government upon the matter?

The s.s. "Flush" was at the time of loss registered at St. Johns, Newfoundland, in the name of the Newfoundland Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., of Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. Application was made in January last to the owners for a list of the crew of the vessel who were lost, and the Superintendent at St. Johns, Newfoundland, has also been asked to obtain this information from the owners. Until this list is received, the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen has no authority to issue certificates of death. I understand, however, that the representative of the owners has stated that they will compensate the relatives when the various financial matters arising out of the lost vessel have been settled.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. R. Burns, 23, Cornwall Street, Glasgow, late corporal, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, No. 351,440, had his pension discontinued at the end of 1918, although he has lost one eye, and has a mother, four brothers, and one sister dependent on him; whether he is also aware that the Minister of Pensions was asked to expedite a settlement of this case in March, but that no reply has been received; and if he will take steps to obtain a decision without further delay?

Mr. Burns was discharged in June, 1918, on account of a gun shot wound, for which he received a pension until December, 1918, when disablement ceased. A claim in respect of defective vision was rejected on the ground that that disability could not be regarded as due to or aggravated by service. There is no trace of an appeal against the latter decision before March, 1920. The appeal which has now been received from the local committee has been transmitted to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, from whom Mr. Burns will hear in due course.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the claim of Mrs. Smith, 137, Shields Road, Glasgow, for pension on account of her late stepson, Driver A. B. Smith, No. T4/240,706, Royal Army Service Corps, was referred to the Special Grants Committee last March, but that no reply has been received; and if he will take steps to obtain a decision in the matter without further delay?

The Special Grants Committee have awarded a supplementary allowance of 10s. a week in this case with effect from 21st January, 1920. My right hon. Friend is informed that the Committee experienced difficulty in obtaining the information necessary to enable them to make a grant.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the Special Grants Committee agreed last December to reconsider the claim made by Mrs. Morrison, 52, Nelson Street, Glasgow, for increase of pension for her late son, Private J. S. W. Campbell, No. 42,459, 1st Corsets (pension No. DP 131/C Dorsets), in view of the fact that he specially went to Canada to enlist, being too young to enlist in Scotland, and that whilst at home he contributed 50s. a week to his mother's support; that no reply has yet been received; and if he will take steps to expedite a decision without further delay?

The Special Grants Committee have now decided that the late soldier did not contribute to his mother's support for a reasonable period prior to enlistment. It has also been found that Mrs. Morrison is not wholly or partly incapable of self-support from age or infirmity and in pecuniary need. It is' not therefore possible under the Warrant to grant any increase in the flat rate pension of 5s. a week already in payment. My right hon. Friend regrets that the inquiries which have been necessary in this case have taken longer than usual.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether men who on demobilisation did not make any claim under Article 9 are now suffering great suffering, and have to resort to poor relief until their applications are considered and answered; and whether he will take steps to sanction War Pensions Committees to grant advances if a certificate is obtained by the man from the medical referee?

Under existing arrangements local committees are authorised to make recoverable advances in the cases of men claiming pension under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant pending settlement of their claims, if the Medical Referee or (in certain cases) the Regional Medical Officer certifies that the disability is either attributable to or aggravated by service and if the man is in need. I have caused inquiry to be made locally as to whether the present arrangements are working satisfactorily.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he can give any indication that the agricultural workers will accept the proposed minimum rates of 42s. 6d. a week; what is the minimum demanded by the workers; and what is the estimated difference in the total cost between the minimum rates fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board and the demands of the workers?

The Wages Board's Proposal of the 8th March to raise the weekly minimum rates for adult male workers to 42s., with a minimum increase of 4s. in any one area, was confirmed by an Order dated 12th April, and the revised rates have been in force since the 19th of that month. It is understood, however, that at the last meeting of the Wages Board the representative of workers formulated an application for a general minimum rate of 50s. for adult male workers throughout the country, and that the matter will come up for further consideration at the meeting of the Board to be held on the 20th instant. If by the latter part of the hon. Member's question is meant the difference in the farmers throughout the country, I regret that such an estimate to be reliable could not be prepared without special investigation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he will give a Return of the prices paid month by month for wheat grown in the United Kingdom and overseas, country by country, since control was first introduced?

The following table gives the monthly average prices of British wheat per Imperial Quarter in England and Wales since the introduction of control. Any question with regard to the prices paid for wheat from overseas should be addressed to the Ministry of Food.

Monthly average prices of British Wheat, per Imperial Quarter, in England and Wales, as ascertained under the Corn Returns Act, 1882.

NOTE.—All sales by weight or weighed measure are converted into the Imperial Quarter at the rate of 480 lbs. per quarter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether farm-training courses for girls have been carried on at Craibstone, Aberdeen; whether they have been a success and been well attended; and whether it is now proposed to discontinue the courses?

I have been asked to take this question. I understand that the training scheme referred to by my hon. Friend is in every way (including attendance) a success. As at present arranged, these courses will terminate on 30th June next.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many free meals were given to school children in 1913–14 and in 1919–20; whether he has any figures for the various Parliamentary Divisions of Lambeth; and if he has any other statistics which would show the improved condition of children in public schools?

The number of meals provided by local education authorities under the Provision of Meals Act in 1913–14 was 14,525,593, at a net cost of £142,857, to which parents contributed £2,997. In 1818–19, the last year for which returns are available, the corresponding figures were 5,647,954, £111,596, and £21,902. The amount spent on meals in 1918–19 was the lowest since 1908–9, and the amount contributed by parents was the highest recorded. Detailed particu- lars of the provision of meals by local education authorities will be found in the Annual Reports of the Chief Medical Officer of the Board of Education, but no particulars are available for any subs. division of an area of a local education authority. It is hardly possible to show by statistics the improved condition of children in public schools. A short review, however, of the work of the School Medical Service for the 10 years 19071917, which may be found in the Annual Report of the Board's Chief Medical Officer for 1917, especially paragraphs 200–204, will supply some interesting information on the point.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that members of insurance committees and county agricultural committees are entitled to reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of public business, he will consider the propriety of conferring such power upon county education committees as will enable them, where they are of opinion that the circumstances of the case require it, to pay the expenses of a member or members incurred in the performance of his or their duties other than attendance at ordinary meetings?

The suggestion of the hon. Member raises, as I am sure he recognises, an important question of principle, on which I cannot properly say anything without consulting my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that both the War Office and the Admiralty have paid from time to time the various awards to the Government employés working in the dockyards, arsenals, and other departments; whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to pay the whole of the men in the dockyards the last award of 3s. as from 4th April and another 3s. as from 6th June; and if he will take action in the matter?

The practice has been, as stated by my hon. Friend, to extend to Workman generally in the Royal Dock- yards and Admiralty Establishments the general war advances in wages which have from time to time been paid to the workmen of the engineering and shipbuilding trades. The further advance in accordance with Awards Nos. 180 and 181 of the Industrial Court has been applied to workmen employed in the Engineering and Shipbuilding Departments of H.M. Dockyards, etc.; and the requisite authority having now been obtained, instructions are on the point of being issued to extend the advance to practically all classes of workmen in H.M. dockyards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the agreement that has been arrived at between the National Council of Port Labour Employers, representing employers of dock labour in the various ports mentioned in the agreement, and the National Transport Workers Federation which fixes the men's daily wage on the half-daily basis for the greater ports at 16s., and for the small ports at 15s., for labourers whether casually or regularly engaged; if he is aware that these duties comprise actual handling of cargo in or on ship, quay, warehouse, or craft as from 10th May, 1920; whether the same rate of pay will be paid to the men loading and unloading ships in the naval stores, officers' department; and if he will take action in the matter?

The Admiralty are apprised of the Agreement referred to by the hon. Member and of the classes of workmen and employment to which it relates. It is not proposed to adopt the rates of pay specified in the Agreement to any classes of workmen in the direct employment of the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that in 1908 the Dover Corporation made an agreement with the Admiralty for the supply of electric current to Dover Harbour; that, after the outbreak of war, the Admiralty obtained advantageous terms for an additional supply of electricity required for the extension of naval activities in Dover; that in December, 1917, the Corporation asked the Admiralty for increases in the contract rates as a result of increased expenditure in respect of fuel, labour, and other charges; that no settlement was arrived at and that the Admiralty disregarded the views of the Board of Trade; that an examination by the Admiralty of the Corporation books in January of this year showed that a very considerable sum should be paid to the Corporation; that, in spite of an undertaking by the Admiralty on 24th March that the matter would be settled without further delay, the financial year closed without any payment having been received and that no payment has been made up to date; that this is a very serious matter for the Corporation and that the auditor has called attention to the unsatisfactory state of their electricity account; and whether he will give the matter his urgent attention so that payment may be made without further delay?

The Dover Corporation made an agreement with the Admiralty in 1906 for the supply of electric current to Dover Harbour. This was subsequently extended to cover external establishments. An increase in the rates was applied for as stated, and, in view of the complicated nature of the transaction, it became necessary to examine the hooks of the Corporation in order to determine the amount payable. The report of the accountant is now under consideration, and it has been necessary to investigate several points raised in connection with the account, thereby postponing settlement. It is anticipated that this will be reached very shortly. The case forms part of a larger question in which many contracts are involved. It may be observed that payments at the rates authorised by the agreement have been made regularly to the Corporation. It is merely the increase over and above these that is in dispute.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number and types of vessels and the amount of munitions of war transferred to Poland since the Armistice?

No British ships of war nor British naval munitions of war have been transferred.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government or the Supreme Council have informed the Polish Government that, whatever the result of Poland's war with Soviet Russia, Poland will not be allowed to extend her boundaries beyond those laid down by the Supreme Council; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Government or the Supreme Council will immediately take that step?

As has been repeatedly stated, the Supreme Council have given no advice to the Polish Government on this question. The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. Poland's boundaries have never been definitely fixed by the Supreme Council.

asked the Prime Minister what steps it is proposed to take in regard to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Departmental Committee on the superannuation of persons employed by local authorities in England and Wales, which was presented July, 1919; and whether the recommendations, if adopted, will be extended to Scotland?

The Government have not yet decided as to the action to be taken upon the Report to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether widowers who are householders and have children, though over 18 Mears, to be housed and looked after and generally provided for, and have in consequence to employ a housekeeper, may have the same abatement of Income Tax as is given to married couples without children and not be treated as bachelors for the purpose of Income Tax?

The personal allowance to be given, under the Budget proposals, in the case of a married couple is given in respect of the two persons and is not applicable to any single individual whether a bachelor or spinster, a widower or a widow. The deductions for children and the deduction in respect of the widower's or widow's housekeeper, are separate and distinct, and my hon. and gallant Friend will find full particulars of these deductions and of the conditions governing them in Clauses 20 and 18 of the Finance Bill which is now before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether time spent in hospital counts as leave within the meaning of Article 305, Royal Warrant; on what grounds such ruling is justified, in view of the fact that officers in hospital are not on leave but on duty; and whether or not in these circumstances, if an officer broke out of hospital and absented himself, he can be tried for his offence?

I am looking into this question, and hope to write to the hon. Member at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether the camp at Bakonba is still maintained; if so, whether the whole expense falls upon the British taxpayer; and, if so, for what reason?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last two parts, I can add nothing to the previous replies given on the subject to the hon. Member except to state that every effort is being made to effect repatriation during the present summer.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he is aware that the wife and two children of Lieutenant R. McCondach, Royal Highlanders, attached Chinese Labour Corps, are almost destitute and largely dependent upon charity; that the wife only receives 10s. per week through Messrs. Cox and Company, and during a recent confinement she had to seek the assistance of the Poor Law authorities; whether sufficient money can be withheld from Lieutenant McCondach's Army pay to maintain Mrs. McCondach and her two children, and paid over to her; and, if so, if he will have the case attended to at an early date?

This case has already been brought to my notice by the Wigan Local War Pensions Committee, who have been informed of the position of an officer as regards the maintenance of his wife and family. The Army Council have no power to withhold an officer's pay or allowances for the maintenance of his wife or family. An officer is in this respect in precisely the same position as a civilian. Steps have already been taken to bring to the notice of Lieutenant McCondach the situation of his wife and family as reported by the Local Pensions Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether George Lankstead, No. 3,928, first quartermaster-sergeant, D squadron, 7th Hussars, was discharged from his regiment, time expired, when stationed at Bangalore, on 25th December, 1913, his pay and mess books having been first audited and found correct; whether on 12th March, 1914, a letter from the War Office was despatched to Lankstead stating that a board of inquiry had found him guilty of certain offences; whether such inquiry was held in the absence of Lankstead; whether the life pension of 2s. 6d. per day which had been granted to him was stopped; and whether he will now afford Lankstead an opportunity of meeting such charges?

This non-commissioned officer was afforded the desired opportunity in May, 1915, and failed to give a satisfactory explanation of the circumstances with which the Board of Inquiry had dealt. The Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital then dealt with the case under the powers conferred upon them by the Pay Warrant. It is not proposed to re-open it.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air under what statutory authority possession is retained of the portion of Wimbledon Common used as a military camp; and whether he is now in a position to say when the site, or any part of it, will be evacuated by the military authorities?

The site was taken over, and possession thereof is retained, by arrangement with the Conservators and under the powers conferred by the Defence of the Realm Acts and Regulations. I would also refer the hon. Member to the provisions of Section 1 of the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, 1916. As regards the last part of the question, I regret I can add nothing to the letter addressed to the hon. Member on the 6th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if any British troops still remain in Vladivostock; if so, the numbers; and for what purpose do they remain?

Two British officers assisting the British Military Attaché at Tokyo are under orders to proceed to Vladivostock, to be attached to Japanese forces. The remainder of the British Mission, as announced in the Press on the 11th instant, have already left Vladivostock.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether his attention has been called to a communication dated 5th March, 1920, forwarded to his Department, referring to the case of Mr. Thomas Greene, 40, Newfield Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, and stating that Greene had been employed at the Territorial Force Association offices, Stafford, from 15th January, 1915, to 31st January, 1920; that he received pay for his services rising from £2 per week in January, 1915, to 10s. in December, 1919: that the increases were given him largely on account of his increased efficiency and responsibilities; that during the time he was not paid any bonus: that, from April, 1917, he was called on to work overtime on an average of 20 hours per week, for which he was not paid; that he has asked repeatedly to be paid the bonus per week in accordance with the Army Council Instruction, namely, on salaries exceeding £2, but not exceeding £2 per week; and whether he can say what steps he proposes to take respecting the same?

The awards of war bonus to War Department employés in receipt of pre-War rates of pay are not applicable to Mr. Greene, who was not in the direct employment of the Government. The Territorial Force Association fix the pay and conditions of service of their own employés, with reference to the rates, etc., prevailing locally, and it is for their consideration whether a war bonus is appropriate in any particular case. The communication referred to in the question has been forwarded to the Staffordshire Territorial Force Association.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he has been informed of the case of Flight-Cadet Bridge, now deceased, who died on 7th November, 1919, whilst in the Royal Air Force, and whose father has not yet received the arrears arising out of his late son's rank as an officer, together with £50 kit allowance and payment of personal expenses in connection with the funeral; and, if so, whether he will take early steps to ensure that this shall be done?

The late Flight Cadet Bridge had not, at the time of his death, qualified for a commission, and was not, therefore, entitled to an officer's pay or £50 kit allowance. A payment of £21 17s. 6d. has, however, been allowed to cover his actual expenditure, as ascertained, on kit, and this sum is being paid to his father. Expenses in connection with the funeral to the extent of £14 have also been met from public funds.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that the Manchester and Salford Cooperative Society has purchased a block of premises in Piccadilly, Manchester, and served notices to quit upon the small traders now carrying on business therein; and whether he will consider the expe- diency of averting their ejectment by legislation;

(2) whether he is aware of the panic caused among tenants of business premises in Manchester by the service of notices to quit, without options to purchase, upon several hundreds of firms occupying offices in Lever Street, Stevenson Square, Silver Street, Piccadilly, Rook Street, Brazil Street, Aytoun Street, and Portland Street; and whether he is now in a position to promise statutory protection to such firms before 24th June?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health why, in view of the fact that a loss is incurred on the production of the journal "Housing," advertisements are not accepted?

After considering the views of representatives of the London and Provincial Press, I came to the conclusion that the circulation of information on the various aspects of the housing question would best be secured if the official journal did not compete with the Press by taking advertisements.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the opinion expressed by Dr. R. J. Reece, on page 92 of the Medical Supplement of the Forty-eight Annual Report of the Local Government Board, that at any isolation hospital which is likely to receive smallpox cases the staff should always be protected beforehand by efficient revaccination, he will state what constitutes an efficient revaccination and how long it may be presumed to remain efficient; and whether and, if so, what steps have been taken by the Ministry of Health to inform those in charge of isolation hospitals as to the views of the Ministry on the subject?

I am advised that efficient revaccination should result in the appearance of either vesicles, normal or modified, or papules surrounded by areola,. If no such result is obtained and some years have elapsed since the last successful vaccination or revaccination, the operation should be repeated if the person is especially liable to exposure to small-pox infection. A successful revaccination ordinarily protects those exposed to infection for many years against the occurrence of severe or fatal small-pox, and for a shorter period against the occurrence of a mild or modified attack. I am, however, advised that persons whose duties at isolation hospitals render them especially liable to exposure to small-pox infection should renew their protection by vaccination at least every ten years. These views are in accordance with generally accepted medical opinion, and I scarcely think it necessary to communicate them to those in charge of isolation hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of and deaths from small-pox have occurred in each county of England and Wales from 1908 to the last year for which the returns are ready; how many of such cases and deaths, respectively, had been vaccinated: whether the incidence of the disease on children under 10 years of age has been greater since 1908 than in the years prior to the passing of the Yaccination Act of 1907; and whether the child population in the counties where vaccination has been most neglected since 1907 suffered in any greater degree. from small-pox than the child population in the counties where the greatest number of births have been vaccinated?

The preparation of the information desired by the hon. Member will take some little time, but I will supply him with a statement on these points as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in fixing the maximum scale of election expenses provided by the Representation of the People Act, 1918, the increased charges for stationery, printing, advertising, committee rooms, clerks' wages, and postages were taken into consideration;

(2) whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the cost of printing, stationery, committee rooms, and clerks' wages at municipal and Parliamentary elections preceding and subsequent to the passing of the Representation of the People Act, 1918; in the event of it being shown that the present maximum scales are inadequate to enable a candidate for municipal or Parliamentary elections to efficiently place his views before the electors, will he promote legislation for the purpose of adequately increasing the present scale of expenses;

(3) whether he is aware that in the recent election of guardians in Liverpool one township contained 40,353 electors, and that, after treating husband and wife as one for the purpose of postal communications, the candidates found the total postage amounted to £52 5s. 3d.; that the proposal of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to increase the postal rate on printed matter will have the effect of more than doubling this amount and thereby make the total cost of such guardian elections an impossible burden to persons of moderate means who desire to serve as guardians; will he take measures to prevent this increase in postal rates in connection with elections

(4) whether, when the Local Elections (Expenses) Act, 1919, which reduced the maximum expenditure from 3d. to 2d. per elector at municipal elections, was passed, the question of increased postal charges was taken into consideration; and, if not, will he take measures to remedy the handicap placed upon candidates at municipal elections by this reduced maximum expenditure and increased postal charges?

The maximum scale of candidates' expenses at Parliamentary elections, as prescribed by the Representation of the People Act, 1918, is in accordance with the recommendation of the Speakers' Conference on Electoral Reform, who were strongly of opinion that the expenses of candidates at contested elections should be materially reduced. The reduction in the scale of expenses of candidates at municipal elections by the Local Elections (Expenses) Act, 1919, was made, upon the representation of local authorities, in consequence of the great increase in the number of local government electors. The effect of increases in the postal rates in relation to the scales of maximum expenses of candidates at elections will be considered.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what are the allowances made by way of pension to the widows and children of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who have been assassinated whilst in discharge of their duties; and whether any special allowance is made in such cases?

The pensions and allowances payable to widows and children of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in the circumstances mentioned are those prescribed in the Constabulary Acts, including the special increase by one-half of the pensions of the widows of members who lose their lives in the execution of their duty, for which provision is made in the Acts of 1908 and 1914. These pay-

In the year 1905 there were 217 cases in which diplomas were not awarded, but this number included cases in which owing to the death of the teacher, or other causes, the requisite period of service could not be completed. In 1905, moreover, a large number of cases in which action had for several years been suspended were finally disposed of. In 1919, 16 diplomas were disallowed, and there were 16 cases in which no award could be made owing to insufficient service. It is to be noted that the training diploma is granted only after the completion of two years' continuous successful teaching subsequent to leaving the training colleges, and that the number of cases in any year in which awards are not made would refer not to any particular training course, but to several training courses completed two or more years previously.

ments by the Crown are exclusive and independent of any sums that may be recovered from the local authorities by way of compensation for criminal injuries. No extra statutory allowances are paid.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what were the numbers of male and female students in Irish training colleges in the years 1904–5 and 1918–19, respectively; what were the numbers of such students who failed to pass the July examinations in 1905 and 1919, respectively; and what was the number of teachers in Irish national schools, who were refused training diplomas in 1905 and the corresponding number in 1919?

The following table gives the information asked for in the first part of the question:

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Rev. T. G. Wilkinson was shot at and seriously wounded at Downpatrick on 13th May while endeavouring to protect the caretaker at the Excise office against armed attackers; and whether any of his assailants have been arrested?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. None of the Rev. Mr. Wilkinson assailants has been arrested. This gentleman behaved with the greatest courage.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any increase of pension will be granted to retired members of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

The retired members of the Royal Irish. Constabulary will be eligible for increases of pension on the same lines and subject to the same conditions as other pre-War State pensioners.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many German oil-tankers are still lying in Leith docks; whether an undertaking was given some months ago that they should be removed; and whether he is aware that the presence of these ships unemployed keeps out other vessels which might be giving employment to seafarers of the port?

There are seven ex-German tankers lying at Leith. The allocation of these vessels rests, not with the Ministry of Shipping, but with the Reparation Commission. Representations have been made to the Commission, and I hope the matter will be settled satisfactorily very shortly; but in any case it is clear that the vessels will have to be moved very soon from Leith.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller on what grounds the pay of Mr. William Day, of Firstow, Kirkwall, has been withheld for months; and if proceedings can be taken to compel the owners to pay what is due to him and give him a proper discharge?

The owners have not informed me why the pay was withheld in this case, but a telegram has been received from them stating that they have posted to Mr. Hay all money due to him. I am making further inquiries with regard to the discharge certificate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of men who are at present employed in East Sutherland upon lumbering work; and whether he can give a date when this work will have been brought to a conclusion?

Twenty-six men are employed in East Sutherland by the Timber Supply Department at present. They are engaged in carting timber to pier for shipment and on making good damage to grounds and fences. The whole of the timber owned by the Department in this district is now advertised for sale, and offers are receivable by the 22nd instant. The date of the cessation of all Departmental operations will depend on the result of the advertisement of the timber.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if 52 ex-soldiers are being discharged from the Furniture Department, Lambeth Palace Road; and, if so, how many men who have not served in His Majesty's Forces are being retained?

Forty ex-service and eight non-service men were discharged last week. The staff retained consists of 143 ex-service and 97 non-service men, of whom all except 6 were ineligible throughout for military service, and many of whom have been in the service of the Department for a great number of wars.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many women are employed in the Ministry of Pensions; and what efforts he has made to fill the clerical posts with discharged soldiers?

The total number of women employed in the Ministry of Pensions on the 1st May was 14,426, of whom 3,258 were attached to hospitals and institutions and a further 736 were employed on cleaning duties, etc. The substitution of ex-service men for women in certain branches of the Ministry has been proceeding for some time, and since the 1st December last, 4,304 additional ex-service men have been appointed to the staff.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what are the centres at which demobilised officers and men of the Air Service can obtain at the present time instruction in aeronautical engineering; whether the facilities at the centres in question are adequate; and to what extent the Air Ministry or other Government Department is at the present time giving financial or other assistance to these centres for the specific purpose of developing instruction in aeronautical engineering?

The whole question of education and research in aeronautics was considered by a Committee under the Chairmanship of Sir Richard Glaze-brook. My hon. Friend can obtain a copy of this Committee's Report dated 12th December last, which has been adopted by the Government and which sets forth proposals for the establishment of a School of Aeronautics at the Imperial College, South Kensington. Instruction in the subject is also given, I understand, at East London College and at Cambridge University. I do not think it is possible to say at this stage whether the facilities provided will prove to be adequate. With regard to the last part of the quesion, my hon. Friend will find that the Report provides for an annual expenditure of approximately £10,000 in connection with the South Kensington scheme. 'Ms charge will be borne, during the current year, by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the temporary night staff of His Majesty's prisons in England and Wales do about 64 hours per week actual duty; whether nearly all the men concerned are ex-service men; and if he will apply the principle of the 48-hour week to Government Departments as well as to private employers, and thus absorb into thee Departments as many as possible of the 218,000 ex-service men who are out of employment?

It has been decided that the 8-hour system cannot be applied to the temporary night patrols, as their conditions of employment are quite different from the day staff. It is a duty of patrol only—which may necessarily extend to 9 or 10 hours. Most of them are in receipt of pensions and are desirous of taking up an occupation which involves but little strain and adds to their income.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed at an open air mass meeting of ex-service men and the general public endorsing the policy of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers, as submitted by their deputation to the Prime Minister on the 6th February last, complaining of the attitude of the Prime Minister as unsatisfactory and a contravention of the pledges made to the ex-service men by the Government and by him, calling upon the Government to deal with the unemployment question, to adopt a scheme whereby ex-service men may secure employment, to provide adequate facilities for the training of disabled men, to grant an equitable war gratuity, to increase the pensions of men whose small allowance as pre-War pensioners is totally Made quate, and to administer efficiently the Pensions Department, demanding immediate cessation of the discharge of ex-service men from Government factories and dockyards, Woolwich and elsewhere, pending the adoption of suitable schemes for the absorption of men who have served their country in the field and the factory, and demanding that the Home Secretary order a public inquiry into the action of the police on the occasion of the demonstration of ex-service men held on 1st March, 1920, and adding that, pending the solution of these questions, the meeting regarded his reference to a land fit for heroes to be a travesty and an insult to all men who have served their country and whether he can indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the matters referred to?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The intentions of the Government in regard to these matters have been repeatedly stated.

asked the Secretary of State for India what further steps are being taken by the Government of Madras to bring to justice the murderer of Mr. De la Hey and to elucidate the facts connected with the Newington school at the time of the murder; and whether any provision has been made for the widow?

I have asked the Government of Madras, and expect a report very shortly. Provision has been made for Mr. De la Hey's widow and son.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the resolution passed at the All-India Shiah Conference, held at Nagina on the 3rd April last, regarding the Khaliphate agitation and affirming their loyalty to the British Government; and what proportion the Shiahs of India bear to the whole of the Mohammedan population of India?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I regret that the Indian Census Report does not distinguish between Sunnis and Shiahs.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that cables dealing with important commercial matters occupy some four days in transmission from this country to Buenos Ayres, while a cable at the same period giving the result of the boat race was transmitted to Buenos Ayres within a few hours after the completion of the race; and will he take steps to see that important commercial cables are transmitted without delay?

It has been ascertained from the Eastern Telegraph Company that the present delay on telegrams for Buenos Ayres is about 24 hours; and this has been the approximate delay during the past six weeks. Previously the direct cables from this country to the Argentine had been much congested in consequence of the diversion to them of much of the traffic between North and South America, owing to the interruption of the route by the West Coast of South America; and the delay was then about four days. The interrupted cables were repaired by the 21st March. The congestion had consequently been largely reduced by Saturday, the 27th March, when the University Boat Race took place, and this no doubt accounts for the speedy transmission of a message giving the result of the race, which, it has been ascertained, was sent as an urgent telegram at triple rates.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give details of the underground telephone cable construction in hand between Hull and London and Hull and other provincial towns and cities; when the work was started; and when it is expected to be completed?

The following main underground lines will affect the Hull trunk service:

(i) London-Manchester: begun in July last.

(ii) Liverpool-Manchester: begun in October last.

The construction of an underground cable from Hull to Grimsby will be begun as soon as materials are available. Provision is proposed in the current year's programme for a further cable on the London-Manchester route as far as Derby and thence to Leeds, Newcastle and Scotland; also for a new underground cable between Manchester and Huddersfield. Wires in these main cables will be linked up with spare wires in the existing cable between Hull and Leeds to form circuits from Hull to London, Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool. When the new routes have been completed it will probably be possible to provide direct circuits from Hull to several other towns in Lancashire and Yorkshire and the trunk service to the Midlands and Scotland will be considerably improved. Approximate dates for completion cannot be given at present, as progress has been delayed by difficulties in obtaining the necessary materials.

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

The normal remuneration of scale payment sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses is based on the volume of Post Office business transacted at the office; and in addition they receive war bonus to meet the increased cost of living. Scale payment sub-post offices are usually held by persons with a private business. The post office work at the smaller offices does not amount to a full duty and the payment at such offices is not intended to be a sole means of livelihood. Where a sub-postmaster is responsible for a telephone exchange at which a continuous service is afforded, there is no practicable alternative to requiring him to provide such service, but it is open to him to employ assistants to do the work. The question of improving the remuneration for this work is now under consideration, and a further increase of war bonus is in contemplation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions (1) the cost of the erection and equipment of the national factories which have been sold;

(2) the purchase price of the national factories disposed of?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on the 11th instant.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the Government took possession of a piece of land at Ellesmere Port in June, 1917, belonging to the Rev. Percy Douglas and eight other owners, acquired by them as residuary legatees of the late Mr. Peter Brownrigg; that some of the legatees are very poor people, to whom some rent is of the utmost importance; that up to date no rent has been paid to the legatees, who are prevented from selling the land owing to the Government occupation of it; and whether he can see his way to either pay some rent for the site, or release it and restore it to its rightful owners, so that they can dispose of it should they be able to find a buyer?

Possession of two acres of this piece of land, which extended to four acres in all, was taken at the end of June, 1917, for a dump. The owners are not prevented from selling or leasing the land, and should they receive an offer for the property which they are willing to accept, the Ministry will arrange to vacate it. In the meantime, the owners receive the same rent as before the Government occupation; they will be indemnified against payment of rates and tenants taxes, and the question of reinstatement will be considered should an offer for the property be received.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has yet considered the installation of automatic couplings, not only as a means of saving life, but of expediting traffic; and, if not, is he prepared to consider the matter and issue a White Paper in the form of a Report?

The Railway Employment (Safety Appliances) Committee, examined some years ago a large number of automatic couplers of different designs, and came to the conclusion that they were not suitable for wagons of the type commonly in use on British railways. In any case, the general installation of automatic couplers on railway wagon stock would take a number of years to effect and involve great expense, and the Minister of Transport is not prepared at the present time to issue a Report.

asked the Minister of Transport what quantity of rolling-stock still remains in France; and if he can give any idea as to the output of new wagons?

On the 9th instant there were 7,713 railway-owned wagons still to be returned from France. The number of new wagons put into traffic during the first quarter of the current year was 5,332, including 923 wagons constructed by outside firms.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any national programme has been presented by the National Foremen's Association of Engineering and Allied Trades; whether they have been informed that a counter-programme has been drawn up by the general managers' committee, which is awaiting the sanction of the Ministry of Transport; what is the nature of the counter-programme; and when will it be sanctioned?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, for over two and a half years, the National Foremen's Association of Engineering and Allied Trades have been asking for advance of salaries for their railway members; that the chief officials under whom they are employed recognise the reasonableness of the workmen's demands, but are helpless as they are under Government control; that, in view of the high cost of living, the need for increased salaries is urgent; whether the whole matter was submitted by the joint committee of the Foremen's and Supervisors' Association, on behalf of their railway members in September, 1919, to the Ministry of Transport; whether any and, if so, what steps have been, or are being taken, by him to meet the demand; and whether there is any prospect of an early settlement of the claim???

A national programme was submitted by this association for their members in railway service in September last, and was considered by the Railway Executive Committee. An agreement was come to in April in regard to the salaries and conditions of service of certain classes of the men concerned, and in regard to the remaining classes, proposals have been made by the General Managers' Committee for the revision of salaries, which have been approved by the Minister of Transport. It is hoped to apply the new salaries at an early date with retrospective effect from August last.

asked the Minister of Transport the sum paid for salaries to the administrative Departments, and also the sums paid for wages to the railwaymen on the controlled railways, which would apply to the official figures for the deficit on the railways; and if he will supply figures for these items for the corresponding 11 months of a standard year when these railways were free from control?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the statement of revenue and expenditure of the controlled Railways for the first 11 months of the last financial year. I regret that it is not practicable to show separately the railway expenditure on wages and on salaries in administrative Departments.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that between the small towns of Nailsworth and Stroud, in Gloucestershire, a distance of four miles on a rural main road, 45 omnibuses belonging to three different companies run daily, some at intervals of only five minutes, thereby ruining the road and adding largely to the cost of upkeep without conferring corresponding benefits on the public; and whether he can suggest a remedy?

The facts are generally as described by my hon. and gallant Friend. My information is, however, that the omnibuses running over the road referred to belong to two companies only. I have caused representations to be made to the companies as to the undesirability of running unnecessary services, and pointing out that they may render themselves liable to action for extraordinary traffic. I have no power to restrict such competition.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a workman by the name of Henry J. Cooper, policy number A27/069,854, builders labourer, was working for A. C. Billings and Son, builders, Cheltenham, and that the man Cooper lost his employment through a stoppage of work caused through a trade dispute; if he is aware that work was suspended on account of the bricklayers' strike; if he is aware that the labourer in question was discharged by the employers and the referee disqualified him from receiving unemployment pay; whether, in consequence of the man being discharged, the referee made a mistake in disqualifying the man; and whether he will take action in the matter?

The Court of Referees held in this case that the work- man referred to lost his employment by reason of a stoppage of work due to a strike of bricklayers at the premises at which he was employed, and was therefore disqualified for donation under the provisions of the donation scheme. The umpire, with whom an appeal was lodged, confirmed this decision, and his decision is final. I should add that it was contended on behalf of the workman that the work on which he was employed was not affected by the bricklayers' strike, and that his discharge was not therefore due to this cause. The Court of Referees, however, and the umpire did not accept this contention.

asked the Minister of Labour if an ex-service man, having obtained employment and subsequently leaving the same without adequate reason, is entitled to again receive unemployment pay for the full time that pay has been promised, namely, until July?

A man who leaves his employment voluntarily without just cause is disqualified for the receipt of out-of-work donation for a period of six weeks from the date on which he so left his employment. At the end of this period, if he remains unemployed, he would normally be entitled to donation subject to the usual conditions, one of which is that he should not refuse an offer of suitable employment.

asked the Minister of Labour if the special training schemes for women are intended to come to an end in June; and, if so, whether, in view of the excellent work done by the women's training department, he will consider the advisability of continuing them for a longer period?

As at present arranged these courses will terminate on 30th June next.

asked the Minister of Labour when it is proposed to introduce the minimum wage for toy-makers

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, a Special Order applying the Trade Boards Act to the toy trade has been made. Owing to the lack of organisation in this trade the selection of suitable representative members has presented difficulty, and the establishment of the Trade Board has consequently been delayed. It is hoped, however, that it will be practicable to constitute the Board in the near future. It will be the duty of the Board to fix minimum rates. of wages for toy workers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the misunderstanding that prevails, both inside and outside Parliament, as to the designations Dominion and Colony, he will explain to the House the official meaning attaching to these terms?

The term "Dominion" is used officially as a convenient abbreviation of the complete designation "self-governing Dominion." The term "Colony" is an abbreviation of the official designation "Colony not possessing responsible Government," and includes all such Colonies whether or not they possess an elective Legislature, but does not include Protectorates or Protected States. It may be convenient to add that the term "Crown Colonies" is properly applicable only to those Colonies in which the Crown retains control of legislation.

asked the, Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. whether whaling companies using the island of South Georgia are working under any concessions from the British Government, and, if so, their general nature; and whether the British Government have any control over the pay and conditions of labour of the workers employed by those companies?

The whaling companies using the island of South Georgia hold leases of land for whaling purposes granted by the Government of" the Falkland Island for terms of 21 years, running from various dates between 1906 and 1911. Each company has the right to employ from two to four steam whalers. The magistrate has occasionally given assistance in the settlement of labour disputes, but beyond this the Colonial Government has not intervened directly in matters of wages or conditions of labour. I understand conditions of labour are in every way satisfactory. Wages have risen considerably since the War, and are supplemented by a bonus depending on the catch made.

asked the Home Secretary whether a German officer of the name of Goetz Mertens has recently become a naturalised British subject;, and, if so, the reasons for such naturalisation?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the Government intend to take in view of the intense distress existing among Moslem refugees beyond Aidin, i.e., outside the Greek zone, seeing that the distress and starvation now being experienced by these refugees is likely to engender a spirit of hostility towards the Allies?

The distress among Moslem refugees near Aidin, beyond the Greek zone, has recently been brought to the attention of His Majesty's Government by the President of the British Red Crescent Society, and the British High Commissioner at Constantinople has been asked to telegraph his views as to possible methods of relief. The hon. and gallant Member will understand that in present circumstances such relief is a matter for private organisation rather than for 'the intervention of His Majesty's Government, who, while anxious to do all in their power to alleviate the sufferings of Moslems and Christians alike in Asia Minor, are faced by the further difficulty of the disturbed conditions in that country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russo-Japanese Treaty of July, 1916, has been denounced by Japan or is in any way operative whether its full terms have been communicated to the British Government or the League of Nations; and whether any recent action of Japan in Siberia or rights territorial or otherwise are based on this Treaty?

With regard to the first part of the question, His Majesty's Government have no information; the answer to the second part is in the affirmative; with respect to the communication of this and other treaties to the League of Nations, His Majesty's Government understand that this question is now occupying the attention of the Council of the League; with regard to the third part of the question, His Majesty's Government are not prepared at this stage to express an opinion as to the operation of the Treaty.