asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the Prison Officers Pension Act, passed some months ago, has been so long held up and not promulgated to the Irish prisons' service; whether he is aware than many officers, having reached the age limit under this Act, are anxious to retire on pension; will he see that the provisions of the Act are made known to Irish prison officers without further delay; whether he is aware that, under the recent classification system in practice in the prisons' service, the post of principal warder is stated to be of a superintending nature, next only to that of chief warder; that many of these officers in the Irish prisons' service are performing the duties of ordinary second-class warders; that a recent application from the men in this grade for a recognition of their status as laid down met with a rebuff from the Chairman of the Prisons' Board; and will he see that these officers get fair recognition and treatment according to their position?

The Lord Lieutenant hopes to receive very shortly Treasury approval of the classes of prison and criminal asylum officers to whom the concessions given in the Act will be applied. Principal warders in the Irish prisons' service act in relief of chief warders, aid on other duties of a responsible nature, but the primary duty of all prison officers is to ward prisoners, and it is essential in the interests of the service that principal and all other warders must be at all times available, competent, and willing to perform this primary duty. This fundamental condition of a warder's employment was recently intimated to certain principal warders who had requested that they should be employed on duty of a supervisory character.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can report any improvement in the treatment of ex-service men living in Ireland; and what measures are being taken to stop the persecutions under which they are suffering?

The intimidation of ex-service men only applies to a portion of Ireland, and in any of the districts where it is rife, and where evidence can be procured, prosecution will be instituted.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn by the Comrades of the Great War to the conditions under which ex-service men are living in Ireland, the persecution under which they are suffering, and the danger to their wives and families; and what steps are being taken for their protection?

As I have already stated in reply to similar questions, the Government are doing everything in their power to deal with the situation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the allowances to be given in connection with the increase of pay arising out of the Desborough Commission have not yet been fixed; what is the cause of the delay; and whether, in view of the great strain to which this loyal body is being subjected, steps will be taken to hasten a generous settlement?

An Order under Section 4 of the Constabulary and Police (Ireland) Act, 1919, prescribing a new scale of allowances for the Royal Irish Constabulary, was made on the 13th instant, and will be presented to Parliament forthwith.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether prison warders in England and Wales are paid in cash at the rate of is. 6d. per hour for overtime when on escort duty and for work performed in excess of the 48-hour week; and, if so, in view of the fact that the Treasury has sanctioned similar concessions to the Irish prison warders, will he take steps to see that the latter officers are paid in cash for such overtime and not paid by leave in lieu?

The practice in Ireland is that overtime worked by prison warders on emergency duty (such as escorts) in excess of the 48-hour week is paid for when compensation by way of equivalent leave cannot be given within a reasonable time. This reasonable time need not necessarily be within the week in which the overtime occurred. As regards overtime on ordinary duty, the practice is the same as in England.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that many parishes in Scotland are being put to unusual expense owing to their having to maintain the families of Lithuanian workmen who were sent to Russia under the Convention during the War; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question, though the number of parishes affected is comparatively small. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary for Scotland, has been in communication on the subject with the Treasury which has agreed to refund to those Parish Councils two-thirds of the excess of the cost of maintenance over the proceeds of a 1d. rate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, as stated in the Press recently, owing to the rigid observance of Government Regulations, a consignment of bricks from Dreghorn, Scotland, to Irving, Scotland, a distance of about five miles, was conveyed by railway over a long detour of about 920 miles; and, if the facts are as stated, will he inform the House what steps have been taken to deal with the officials responsible for this bungle?

There is no truth in the absurd statement to which my hon. and gallant Friend calls attention. The short facts are that the bricks in question were consigned from Dreghorn, on the Glasgow and South-Western Railway, to the Caledonian station at Irving. The traffic was in ordinary course routed by Lugton, a total distance of 34 miles. It could, if the senders had so desired, have been forwarded to the Glasgow and South-Western's own station at Irving (about seven and a-half miles), but this was further from the site where the bricks had to be used. No Government Regulation was involved, and the railway company executed the orders of the consignor by the shortest route available.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the size of the naval mission in Poland; how many officers and men are now en route for Poland or detailed for Poland; whether these officers or men are specially selected from those of Catholic faith; and, if so, what proportion are of this denomination?

The Naval Mission to Poland consists of four officers and eight other ratings. No officers or men are now en route for or detailed for Poland. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative, and the fourth therefore does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what is the size of the Military and Air Force Missions in Poland; how many officers and men are now en route for Poland or detailed for Poland; whether these officers and men are specially selected from those of Catholic faith; and, if so, what proportion are of this denomination?

The Military Mission in Poland consists of nine officers, five other ranks, and one civilian clerk. There is no Air Force Mission in Poland. As regards the second part of the question, no officers or men, as far as I am aware, are now en route for Poland or detailed for Poland. There is no foundation whatever for the suggestion contained in the third part of the question, and the last part does not therefore arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether munitions of war have recently been consigned from this country to the Polish Government; whether these transfers are made with the knowledge and approval of His Majesty's Government, and, if so, for what purpose; whether further consignments are waiting in the docks and at Sheffield; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps to stop the despatch of any of these munitions if the trades unions concerned do not succeed in stopping their shippage by other means?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to replies which I gave on Monday last to questions on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who is now representing British interests in Mexico; and whether any steps are being taken for the protection of British property during the revolution?

His Majesty's Government are represented at Mexico City by Mr. Cummins, the Chargé des Archives, and by Mr. King, as acting Consul-General. Mr. Cummins has succeeded in obtaining satisfactory assurances from the revolutionary leaders that the lives and property of British subjects will be respected. He also reported on 16th May that tranquillity prevailed at Mexico City, and that unofficial reports all mention excellent order and respect shown to British interests. The Mexican Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the military authorities endeavour to attend immediately to any complaint that Mr. Cummins may have to make to them. As a precautionary measure, His Majesty's. Ship "Cambrian" has, however, been cruising down the east coast of Mexico during the last few days so as to be able to take off refugees in case of need. It does not appear though that her services will be required in this connection.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the House any information regarding the present situation in Hadjin and Cilicia?

No information has been received indicating any appreciable change in the situation at Hadjin or in Cilicia generally. It is known that the French are sending or have sent reinforcements.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the restrictions on the import of gold into India by the public still continue and what are the reasons for the continuance of the same; whether Indian industrial and commercial opinion has protested against the continuance of such restrictions; whether, as a creditor country with a favourable balance of trade in her favour, India is entitled to receive in gold the balance due to her by other countries; and what is the total amount of profit made by the Government of India on their gold transactions?

There is undoubtedly a considerable feeling in India in favour of a removal of the restrictions which it has been thought necessary to continue in respect of the import of gold for the reasons given in the announcement of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. The announcement recognises the removal of present control as an objective of currency policy in India. The question of profit on the gold transactions of the Government of India is complicated by exchange considerations; taking these transactions as a whole, the Government of India estimated that for the year 1920–21 a net loss would accrue. I am also sending to my hon. Friend a copy of the reference to the subject in the Government of India's budget.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will lay upon the Table the correspondence which may have taken place between the Government of India and himself on the question of imperial preference?

The communications which have passed between the Government of India and myself on this subject were of a confidential character and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by their publication, especially as I understand that the Government of India are now considering the advisability of appointing a Commission to consider the whole question of the future fiscal policy of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction prevailing in India on the action taken by the Government of India on the recommendations of the Majority Report of the Indian Currency Committee; whether the recommendations were published in the Government of India Gazette, or in any other way, in order to enable the Indian public to consider the effect of such recommendations; and whether the policy was undertaken with the entire concurrence of the Government of India?

I am aware that the action taken on the Report has been criticised in certain quarters in India. The nature of the subject was such as to require action immediately on publication of the Report, and as was done in the case of the closing of the mints in 1893, the decisions arrived at were put into effect without previous notice. The Government of India concurred in the main recommendations in the Majority Report which forms the basis of the present policy.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can inform the House as to the reforms the Government of Burma proposes to adopt with the sanction of the Government of India?

I intend very shortly to publish a despatch from the Government of India containing their proposals which have already been published in India. But I am not yet in a position to say whether these proposals will be adopted as they stand by His Majesty's Government as the basis of legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has yet received the Burma reform proposals from the Government of India; if he is aware that educated Burmese condemn those proposals as inconsistent with the spirit of the pronouncement of August, 1917, and also with the recommendations of the Joint Select Committees on the Government of India Bill; has he received any communication from the general council of young men's Buddhist associations and allied associations complaining that these proposals fall short of the Burmese aspirations and condemning particularly the system of indirect election proposed for the rural areas, the insistence upon the residential qualifications and eligibility of village headmen, who are Government agents; does he know that educated Burmese are opposed to the division of the country into urban and rural areas for electoral purposes, to communal representation, to the inadequate percentage of elected members, to the fact that it is proposed they shall have no control over the budget, to deferring the question of Separating the executive from the judicial functions, and to the governor being ex-officio president of the assembly; and will he assure the House that the Burmese will be given full opportunity to make, through their chosen delegates, representations upon the subject before the scheme is given final shape and also that no binding action will be taken by the executive before the House has been given the opportunity to express opinion upon the changes proposed in the constitution of Burma?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day orally to the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees). I have received telegrams from Burma stating the objections quoted. The changes proposed will be placed before the House in the form of a Bill, and no action can be taken on them until Parliament has assented.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in the opinion of the Government of India, the practical application of the recommendation of Lord Selborne's Committee to secure better representation of the wage-earning classes in India is attended with difficulties; whether they propose to restrict such representation to two cities only in the whole of India and on the Provincial Councils; whether he is aware that the problem is no less urgent in many cities, such as Madras and Ahmedabad, than in the cities of Calcutta and Bombay, and that the Government of India has even refused to call for the Report of the Bombay Government on the question of providing representation of the wage-earning class of the city of Ahmedabad; whether the Bombay Government, in their original franchise proposals submitted to the Franchise Committee, included all persons earning Rs. 250 annually; and, if so, what difficulties do the Government of India anticipate if those proposals were accepted?

With regard to parts 1, 2 and 3 of the question, I have not yet received the Government of India's final proposals for franchise rules under the Act of 1919, which will embody their views on this question, but from informal communications I understand that they do anticipate difficulties. I hope to receive these draft rules very shortly and to submit them in due course to the Joint Select Committee and to Parliament.

With regard to parts 4 and 5 of the question, I understand that this is not a correct statement of the case, and that what happened was that in endeavouring to work out a basis for decision as to the number of members to represent each district on the Bombay Provincial Council, the Bombay Government adopted as one of their experimental tests an income of Rs. 250 in order to gain some rough idea of the number of voters each district might be expected to contain. I do not understand that this test was even put forward as a definite proposal for a voting qualification.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the total amount of reverse council bills sold by the Government of India since the new policy of fixing the rate of exchange on the basis of the London-New York rate was introduced, such amount to include remittances made to this country through the Post Office; out of what funds is payment being made here against such bills; what was the rupee equivalent at which these funds were accumulated and stood in the books; what is the rupee amount now realised by such sales; what is the total loss incurred so far by the Government of India by these sales; and against what is it to be debited?

The total amount of "reverse council bills" or sterling transfers, sold since 5th February, 1920, is about £30,000,000. Remittance through the Post Office during February, March, and April, amounted to about £2,000,000. Payment against these transfers is being made from the Paper Currency Reserve and from Treasury. The funds held in the Paper Currency Reserve stand in the books at a rupee equivalent of Rs.15 equal to £1. These funds, as also the Treasury holdings, were laid down in London at rates of exchange varying from s. 4d. to 2s. 4½d. The rupee amount realised by the sales of reverses mentioned above,s approximately Rs.23 crores. The precise loss cannot be calculated, as the funds held in England cannot be earmarked against particular remittances from India, these having been effected, as just mentioned, at varying rates. Moreover, it will in any case be necessary, as recognised by the Currency Committee, to revalue the sterling holdings of the Government on the basis of a 2s. rupee. On this basis the net loss on the sales as measured in sterling is approximately £7,000,000, representing the difference between remittances at 2s. and the rates actually realised by the sales. The net loss incurred by reason of the high rate at which these remittances were effected will ultimately be debited to revenue, which will per contra profit by the fact that under the new policy the Government of India will be able to make the remittances necessary for the purpose of meeting their sterling expenditure in this country at a far more favourable rate than was formerly the case. In this connection it may be mentioned that the rise in exchange above the rate of s. 4d., on which the Government accounts have hitherto been based, led, in the years 1917–19, to an exchange gain on the. Government's total remittances of about £8,000,000.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will lay upon the Table a statement giving the number of all the political offenders, including the detenues, internees, State prisoners, and persons convicted under the Indian penal code or otherwise confined in gaols or kept under restrictions in each province in India and in the Andamans on the 23rd December, 1919; their original sentences or periods of restriction ordered by the executive; the period undergone by each; the number of those who were released under the Amnesty Clause of the Royal Proclamation; and the number and names of those to whom the benefit of the royal amnesty has been refused, with the reasons for such refusal in each case?

The following figures are taken from the statement made by the Secretary to the Government of India in the Imperial Legislative Council on the 24th February:

By comparison of these figures with an earlier return, I gather that the numbers in each of the above classes not released was on that date as follows: ( a ), 40; ( b ), 9; ( c ), —; ( d ), 55; ( e ), 115. I have not inquired the names of these persons. His Majesty's Proclamation directed the Viceroy to exercise clemency in the fullest measure which in his judgment was compatible with the public safety.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the financial effects of the recent increases in the remuneration for the Indian medical service, the Indian police service, the Indian educational service, the Indian Civil Service, and the Indian Army, and lay upon the Table the correspondence on the subject between him and the Government of India on the subject?

The approximate cost per annum of the increases of pay which have been sanctioned is estimated to be:—

The correspondence is very voluminous, and I do not propose to lay it before the House. The usual course is for the Government of India to announce the decisions arrived at in the form of Resolutions promulgated in India. This is, I think, the most convenient procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to provide in the Rules to be made under the new Government of India Act that the Member in charge of a Bill, whether he be official or non-official, shall invariably be the Chairman as well as a Member of the Select Committee on that Bill?

"It is proposed to provide in the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly and the Council of State which will be made under Section 24 (6) of the Government of India Act, 1919, that the Member of the Government in charge of the Department to which a Bill relates shall be the Chairman of the Select Committee, and that the Member of Council, whether official or non-official, who introduced the Bill, shall be a Member of the Select Committee. The Government of India have suggested to Local Governments that the Standing Orders to be made under Section 11 (6) by the Governor in Council should include a similar provision."

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received from Mr. B. G. Horniman a letter controverting the charges made against him by the right hon. Gentleman in this House on 23rd May, 1919; whether he promised to send Mr. Horniman a considered reply to this letter, but afterwards wrote to him saying that he preferred to deal with the matter in Parliament; whether, in these circumstances, he will agree to Mr. Horniman's request for an investigation of these charges by a Parliamentary Committee; and, if so, whether he will make a Motion before the House rises for the appointment of a Committee for that purpose?

I received a letter from Mr. B. G. Horniman, and my con- sidered reply was that any controversy which might arise about the statements I have made in this House should be conducted in the House itself. I am prepared to explain or justify here those statements if they are called in question. But there is, in my opinion, no need of inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether, with reference to the official announcement made by the War Office on 8th May that separation allowances following the death of a serving soldier are to be continued for four weeks only and not for 26 weeks as previously, he can say if this applies to men who joined under the old Regulations and are now serving abroad; and whether he can give an assurance that in case of delay in the notification of death no widow shall be required to refund separation allowances even though more than four weeks have elapsed from the date of the soldier's death?

Separation allowance normally ceases immediately on the death of the soldier. The concession of 26 weeks' notice was granted during the War as a purely war measure, to meet the exceptional circumstances then existing. The new rule is of universal application. It is not contemplated that a case will occur in future in which more than four weeks will elapse before the death is notified, but if such an exceptional case should occur it will be sympathetically considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he is aware of the anxiety that exists amongst the officers of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Special Reserve) as to the future of the regiment; whether he is in a position to give some idea of its organisation and establishment in the post-bellum Army; and whether he is aware that officers who joined after the War and whose commissions ceased on 31st March and who are anxious to return will be lost to the regiment unless an immediate decision is arrived at?

The question of the future reorganisation of the Special Reserve is still under consideration, and I regret that I cannot make any statement on the subject at present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any service touring cars and motor bicycles are now allocated to any stations, bases or establishments in the United Kingdom; if so, what types, how many, and the reasons for their allocation; and what other cars other than the above are in the possession of the Admiralty and how many are actually in use?

Cars are provided as required for Service conditions. The numbers are continually under review and are reduced from time to time. They include cars at temporary depôts, from which they are withdrawn as the depôts close.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a marine who served with the Royal Naval Division all through the War and was wounded three times is debarred from obtaining prize money, although he was in the service of the Admiralty and drawing Navy, not Army, separation allowance; and whether a promise was made at Antwerp in 1914 by the then First Lord of the Admiralty, to the division in which this man was fighting, that it should not be done out of its share of prize money?

In common with other services based on shore, the claims of the Royal Naval Division were fully considered; but, for the reasons given during the Debate on the Second Reading of the Naval Prize Bill in July, 1918, sea service was accepted as the fundamental principle to qualify for an award. I have no information with regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's question. Sailors and marines serving on shore were not entitled to share in prize money in the old wars. They could not capture prizes then, and it is not seen how they could expect to share in the proceeds of prizes taken during the present War.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that 16 cottages at High Wycombe, known as the Barracks and belonging to the War Office, are now standing empty; and whether, in view of the serious shortage of accommodation in the town, he will accede to the request of the town council, first made on 10th February last, that these cottages should be immediately let, and that in letting preference should be given to the families of discharged soldiers?

Although the cottages are empty at present, it has been necessary to consider prospective military requirements before deciding to re-let the premises. It is hoped, however, that at a very early date it will be practicable to let them as desired by the town council.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what was the average annual number of new houses built in Scotland before the War; what is the total number of new houses under the Government scheme for which tenders have been accepted up to date; how many houses under the scheme are now occupied or ready for occupation; and whether he can give any estimate of the total number of houses which will be ready for occupation before the end of this year?

Without further enquiry, I am not in a position to state the average annual number of new houses built in Scotland before the War. I am informed, however, that the number of houses under £20 rental erected in Scotland in 1912 was 1,429, while the number in 1913 was 2,491. Up to the 15th instant the Scottish Board of Health had authorised the acceptance of tenders in respect of the erection of 7,277 houses. According to the latest information available as at 30th April, there were 18 houses occupied and 12 ready for occupancy. In addition, there are 140 houses which are nearing completion, and are expected to be occupied at the end of this month. Ninety temporary houses have been occupied and 10 are ready. It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of the number of houses that will be ready for occupation at the end of the year, but I may say that there are at present over 2,000 under construction.

asked the Minister of Health in which year was the highest percentage of children vaccinated in England and Wales, as recorded in the vaccination officers' returns; in which year was the lowest percentage recorded; and how many deaths from small-pox occurred in each of those years among children under 10 years of age?

The years in question were: 1881 highest percentage and 1917 lowest percentage. The number of deaths in England and Wales from small-pox among children under 10 years of age was 1,078 in 1881 and none in 1917.

asked the Minister of Health if, in the event of Poor Law officers being discharged owing to the reorganisation of Poor Law services, he will see that in every case they shall receive adequate compensation and will withhold his assent to the proposals of guardians until amicable arrangements have been made with the officers concerned?

If, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to the general proposals for the reform of the Poor Law, the Bill which will be introduced for that purpose will contain provisions dealing with the compensation of officers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the auditors of the accounts of local authorities insist upon a stamped receipt being produced for the wages paid to each individual employé; that with the proposed increase in the stamp duty on receipts the grievance felt by employés of local authorities will be accentuated; and whether, in view of the fact that no other employés in industry are called upon to furnish a stamped receipt for their wages, he will advise the auditors that it is unnecessary in the case of employés of local authorities?

I have no authority to dispense with the stamping of receipts in cases where a stamp is legally required. But arrangements are frequently made by local authorities under which the signatures of workmen are dispensed with and receipt stamps are therefore not required.

asked the Minister of Food if sugar is being exported from this country at prices varying from 80s. to 100s. per cwt., whilst his Department are charging manufacturers in this country at 150s. per cent.; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of prohibiting further exportation and the taking over of such sugar, thus helping to reduce present Home prices?

I am not aware that sugar is being exported from this country at the prices quoted, which are considerably below those ruling in the world's markets. No Government sugar may be exported, but, on the other hand, care has been taken not to interfere in any way with the legitimate entrepôt trade carried on by private traders which would otherwise be driven to the Continent.

asked the Parlliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller at what rate of freight per pound British shipowners are being paid for the carriage of sugar from Cuba to the United Kingdom?

The rate works out at a fraction under a halfpenny per pound.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that a firm of Australian merchants has stated that there have been 5,000 tons of Australian jam lying at Liverpool, Hull, Manchester, and London since 1918, and that it could be sold at 9d. per 1b. instead of 1s. 2d. or 1s. 4d. per 1b. current prices; why it has been held back; and what steps he now intends to take in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of Food on the 17th May to the hon. Member for Grimsby (Mr. Tickler).

asked the Minister of Food the reason for the alleged unpopularity in Great Britain of jam mixtures imported from the Commonwealth of Australia; and whether, if it is due largely to the unusual sizes of containers employed, representations have been made to the appropriate authorities as to the advisability of their packing the commodity in measures of weight more in conformity with the insular prejudices of jam consumers in the United Kingdom, having regard to the threatened scarcity of such food in the immediate future?

The Minister of Food is informed that the jam referred to is packed in tins, and consists partly of varieties not wholly familiar to British consumers.

Representatives of the importers have been informed that a more ready sale might probably be secured were the jam packed in units of which the prices could be more easily calculated by the public.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the lack of a uniform system of inspection of meat in England and Wales, and that the want of such a system constitutes a menace to the public health, particularly the poor; and if he will forthwith consider the necessity of establishing a uniform system which will include the ante-mortem and postmortem examination of all animals intended for slaughter for human consumption?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Ormskirk (Mr. J. Bell) on the 21st April, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of condensed milk was imported during the first four months of this year direct from the country of origin; what quantity was imported indirectly through other countries to which it had been shipped, and where there was no consumption; and what proportion of the said imports can be said to be of the standard composi- tion recognised in this country before the Government control, as defined by the Government chemist in his annual Report on condensed milk, namely, milk reduced to two and a half to three times its original bulk by the evaporation of water?

No information is available as to the countries of origin of imports of condensed milk. The following table shows the quantities registered as imported into the United Kingdom during the first four months of 1920, distinguishing the countries whence consigned:—

It is not possible to state what proportion of the imports were of the standard composition referred to by the hon. Member, as only a limited number of consignments imported are sampled.

The number of samples of condensed milk taken at ports by Customs officers and examined at the Government laboratory, under the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1899 (Section 1), during the period 1st January to 31st March, 1920, was 34. Of these, four were samples of unsweetened milk, and they showed a range of concentration of from 2·35 to 2·42. Of 30 samples of sweetened milk, 19 had a concentration less than 2.5 (range 2·06 to 2·49), and 11 had a concentration 2·5 and over (range 2·50 to 2·90).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, seeing that a minimum price for cereals has failed to stimulate production, if the Government's Agricultural Bill, promised for this Session, will contain proposals calculated to increase the acreage of cereal cultivation?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the introduction of the Agricultural Bill, which I propose to present to-morrow.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware of the restriction of powers for the acquisition of land under the compulsory Clauses of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, due to the provision that parish councils desirous of obtaining land for allotments compulsorily can only do so by application to the county council, which only meets quarterly; and whether he will consider the possibility of providing some -quicker method of procedure?

Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Act, 1919, the powers referred to will be exercised by the small holdings and allotments sub-committee of the county agricultural committee, and it will not, therefore, be necessary for such matters to be delayed in future for the quarterly meetings of the County Council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the inadequacy of the catering arrangements at Kew Gardens; is he aware that the accommodation is quite inadequate to cope with the normal number of visitors attending during the summer; that the service of refreshments is slow and inefficient, on the afternoon of Saturday last many hundreds of visitors being unable to obtain refreshments; that the average time for serving those who did was over half-an-hour, tea being regularly served in china which had not been washed after use by a previous customer; and whether he will take immediate steps to have the refreshment department at Kew Gardens placed under the control of a competent caterer?

I am having careful inquiries made as to the possibility of providing further accommodation for refreshments at Kew, although in ordinary circumstances it appears to be sufficient. The number of visitors to Kew this year is unprecedented, and on the day referred to by the hon. Member I understand that 4,000 teas were served between the hours of 4 and 6. The catering is in the hands of the Ministry of Food, who have placed a competent caterer in charge, and they are endeavouring to improve the service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether there is any prospect of the promised Bill dealing with river pollution being introduced during the present Session; and whether any experimental work in connection with this subject is being carried out under the direction of his Department?

I hope to be able to introduce this Session a Fisheries Bill, which will, among other things, deal with river pollution. In reply to the second part of the question, an Inter-Departmental Committee, appointed by the Ministry and the Ministry of Transport, is investigating the question of road tarring in relation to fisheries. Their inquiry necessarily embraces the consideration of other pollutions which may co-exist with road tar pollution. The general question of river pollution is the subject of discussion between the Ministry, the Ministry of Health, and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the fact that the War Pensions Committee of the burgh of Perth resolved to pay the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by candidates for the whole-time secretaryship and treasurership of their committee who were summoned by the Committee for an interview; that the Committee had no intimation of any regulation that it was not the practice to allow such payment to candidates for such an appointment; and that the payment of these out-of-pocket expenses has been disallowed by the director of finance of the Pensions Ministry; and whether, in view of the fact that these payments were promised through the negligence of the Ministry of Pensions in failing to inform the Committee that they were in breach of regulations, he will immediately order the authorisation of a payment of the sum involved?

A general instruction was issued to all local War Pensions Committees in March, 1919, that the travelling expenses of applicants for appointments to their staffs could not be sanctioned by the Ministry. Moreover, by the War Pensions (Proceedings of Committees) Regulations, 1919, administrative expenditure may not be incurred unless it is included in the local Committee's annual or supplementary estimates. In the present case sanction to the expenditure was asked for after it had been incurred. I regret that I am therefore not in a position to authorise payment of the sum involved.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the increasing delays in arranging medical boards arising from the regional headquarters, Manchester, and that in cones- quence a large number of distressing cases are accumulating; and what steps he is taking to adjust the inconvenience and hardship thereby caused?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that there is general delay such as is referred to in the first part of the question; but if the hon. and gallant Member can supply instances of delay in particular cases I shall be glad to make enquiries. As regards the latter part of the question where the circumstances are such that a medical examination cannot be arranged in time to prevent an interruption in the award, arrangements are made to continue for a short period the expiring pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Wybourn, the mother of Private W. J. Wybourn, No. M/331,517, Army Service Corps, killed in action, applied through her trade union on 2nd May, 1919, for a pension on compassionate grounds and, after repeated renewals of application and assurances from the Minister that the case was under consideration, a pension was eventually granted on 11th February, 1920, but again withdrawn on 2nd March, 1920; that Mrs. Wybourn further applied through her trade union for reconsideration of this action, in view of her circumstances, on 6th March, 1920; and that the Minister, on the 24th March, 1920, and again on the 4th April, replied (Ref. G. 7 DP. 3/28,943) stating that the matter was still under consideration; and, in view of the delay which has ensued, what action it is proposed to take in the matter?

As the hon. Member was informed on the 17th February, a pension of 7s. 6d. a week was awarded in this case. Reports subsequently received,. however, showed that Mrs. Wybourn could not, in view of the income of the household, be regarded as in pecuniary need within the meaning of Article 21, 1 ( b ) of the Royal Warrant. As there was no ascertained pre-War dependence, she is also not entitled to an award under Article 21, 1 ( a ). The pension granted could not, therefore, be continued. Should Mrs. Wybourn's circumstances at any time change for the worse, a renewed application made through the Local War Pensions Committee would be carefully and sympathetically considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the number of instances of men whose health has been prejudiced by disability dying from pneumonia or other illness which their constitution, as a result of military service, was too weak to withstand; that tribunals hold in these cases that death was not due to disability contracted on active service; and what steps he will take to avoid and adjust these cases?

My right hon. Friend is aware that a number of men have died since their discharge from pneumonia or other illness, but he is not aware that tribunals have refused to admit entitlement to pension, where it has been established that their health was so prejudiced by disability caused by military service that they were unable to withstand the onset of fresh disease.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether Gunner P. B. Bridgeman, No. 29,482, Royal Field Artillery, who was demobilised from hospital in February, 1919, only received his first issue of disability pension on 7th April, 1920, although he was granted a pension from 17th July, 1919; whether arrears for the period prior to 7th April have not yet been paid to him; what are the reasons for the delay in this case; and whether the persons responsible for this delay will be dealt with?

The arrears of pension referred to (amounting to £27 3s. 3d.) have now been paid to Mr. Bridgeman. My right hon. Friend very much regrets the delay, into which he is having inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Pensions the extent of and the reason for the delay arising at regimental headquarters, Manchester, in the case of Lawrence Burke, No. 94,197, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and Royal Defence Corps, with a view to expediting this case; and what steps he will take?

My right hon. Friend regrets the delay which has arisen in this case. Mr. Burke made application for pension under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant for the disabilities bronchitis and defective vision. The latter disability existed on enlistment, and Mr. Burke's military service has not, in the opinion of the medical authorities, aggravated the condition. No disability has been found in connection with the bronchitis, which, even if there were disability, could not be accepted in this case as either due to or aggravated by service. No award of pension can therefore be made. If Mr. Burke is dissatisfied with the decision arrived at, he should exercise his right of appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal through the local war pensions committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions when a decision will be come to as to whether a pension can be granted to Nurse Hilda Long, of Shirley, Byron Road, Worthing, who worked as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse for nine months during 1914–15, was afterwards at a Red Cross hospital at a command depot until April, 1918, and who, after a severe attack of influenza followed by a nervous breakdown, was removed to the East Sussex County Asylum suffering from delusions in November, 1918?

An award of pension at the rate of £100 a year has now been made in the case of Nurse Long, with effect from 25th November, 1918, to 21st March, 1921, when the case will be further considered. Authority for payment will be given immediately on receipt of a reply from Nurse Long's mother that she is prepared to accept payment on her daughter's behalf. The case was not brought to the notice of the Ministry until about a year after the nurse had terminated her employment; and considerable inquiries, together with a medical reexamination, have since been necessary before a decision could be arrived at.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether the question of granting service pensions to ex-service men who were for a short time during the qualifying period commissioned officers has yet been considered; and, if so, what decision has been arrived at?

I hope to be able to arrange that an ex-soldier who became a temporary officer shall not fail to secure a pension merely because he served as an officer and not in the ranks; but the matter is a complicated one, and I cannot at present make a definite statement.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Private W. J. Cunliffe, No. 406,810, Royal Air Force, of Harrington Avenue, Hoylake, was demobilised on 27th March, 1919, and received his first payment of pension on 28th January, 1920, and that his ring paper and book were called in early in March and, in spite of continued application, have not yet been returned; and, as no further payment has been made since 3rd March, whether he will see that the arrears of pension from this date and any sum that may be owing to Cunliffe from the time of his demobilisation to the first payment of pension shall be promptly paid?

My right hon. Friend is making inquiries into this case, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether an individual being next-of-kin to a soldier killed in the War, and having been awarded the gratuity and credits due on that account, subsequently awarded a pension as a dependant's grant, is liable by Dependant's Form 1 (h) and A.F.W. 3204 to suffer such reduction of that pension over a period of weeks until the total value of such gratuity has been recovered by the public; and whether it is the policy of the Government that the value of the gratuity shall be taken into account in assessing the date upon which the pension will be issuable in full and, if so, on what authority?

The War gratuity of the soldier is not taken into account in the award of a dependant's pension. Under the earlier Regulations for pensions, however, some dependants were not eligible for pension but were allowed a gratuity in lieu thereof. When the later concessions admitted these dependants to pension this gratuity had to be taken into account as it was really a modified pension. The practice is to postpone payment of the pension until the date upon which the gratuity previously awarded converted into a weekly rate of pension, is exhausted. In cases, however, where the dependant is shown to be in pecuniary need adjustment of the gratuity is waived and the full pension is issued.

asked the First Commissioner of Works for what reason motor-cycles bearing manufacturers' identification marks are not allowed to proceed along the Birdcage Walk Road, St. James's Park, in view of the fact that hackney road carriages are allowed to use the road in question?

The identification marks referred to are those used by manufacturers prior to the sale of cars or cycles, and the object of the Regulation is to exclude such cars or cycles which might be introduced for the purpose of conducting trials or other trade purposes.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that some of the huts on the Horse Guards Parade are no longer in use; whether these can be cleared away and the space given up to the public; and what steps are being taken to clear the buildings from the site of the lake in St. James's Park and to replace the water which was such an attractive feature of this park to the people of London and the visitors during the summer months?

Two huts on the Horse Guards Parade at present vacant will shortly be occupied by Government staffs, but all the huts will be removed early next year. As regards the buildings in St. James's Park, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wood Green (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson).

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the total number of persons now employed by his Department?

The total staff employed in the Ministry on the 1st instant was 24,892.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the unestablished clerks employed in the various Government Departments have recently been required to work longer hours than the established clerks; and the reason for this differentiation?

As in the case of established clerks, the hours of attendance of unestablished clerks vary in different Government Departments. If the hon. Member will specify the classes he has in mind, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has compared the turnover of the Ministry of Food with that of Messrs. Lever Brothers, Limited; and whether he will take steps to have the staff of the Ministry reduced to the limit found ample under private enterprise?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but I may inform the hon. Member' that the administrative cost (less the cost of rationing) on the gross sales of the Ministry of Food and Wheat Commission amounts only to 6s. 3d. per £100; this is on a sales turnover to date of nearly £1,600,000,000. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer given by the Minister of Food to the general question on this subject put by the hon. Member on Tuesday the 11th instant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the practice alleged to obtain among dealers at auction sales of Government goods released by the Disposals Board of forming private rings among themselves to keep down prices with the view to enhanced profits on subsequent resale; whether the Board is accustomed to impose any conditions aiming at the prevention of such private amalgamations; and, if not, will he consider as to taking steps in order to stop such actions as are alleged to be employed?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative; the third part does not therefore arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what stock of benzol his Department held on 11th November, 1918; how much of it was subsequently sold; the date at which the last of such benzol was disposed of; and what price was obtained for the same?

The stock of benzol on the 11th November, 1918, which the Ministry held or was under contract to acquire was approximately 11,700 tons of standard benzol and 9,800 tons of pure benzol. All the pure benzol was transferred to the Board of Trade and all the standard benzol was sold by the 7th October, 1919, with the exception of about 100 tons subsequently notified for disposal which was sold by the 20th March, 1920. The average price obtained for the standard benzol was s. 8½d. per gallon as it lay.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether it is the intention of the Government, before the Whitsuntide Adjournment, to present revised Estimates for the Ministry of Munitions to take the place of those recently withdrawn in response to the objections raised to them in this House; is the expenditure of the Ministry of Munitions still being carried on under the scale provided for in the Estimates which were withdrawn from the House; and, when the revised Estimates are brought down to the House, will he see that the full actual expenditure of this Department is stated, including the salaries paid to officials who are borrowed from other Departments?

I regret that it will not be possible to present revised Estimates before the Whitsuntide recess. In the meantime a considerable saving has been effected by the sale of the Slough Depot, and the Ministry has been relieved of certain expenses, liability for which has been accepted by the War Office. A further transfer of liabilities will take effect on 1st June, when the War Office will assume responsibility for Woolwich Arsenal and other Government factories. The full estimated receipts and expenditure of the Ministry, including the salaries of civil servants on loan, will be stated when the revised Estimates are presented.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air how many women are at present employed at Blandford Camp; and whether, in view of the fact that a large number of ex-Service men are still out of employment, it would be possible to replace a large number of these women by ex-Service men?

In reply to the first part of the question, the number of women at present employed at Blandford Camp is 173. With regard to the second part, it is not practicable at the moment to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, as the replacement of these women, who are all trained clerks, would cause serious delay in dealing with work which is already in arrear.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of employes at the Ministry of Pensions, male and female, and in what proportion are ex-Service men and dependants of deceased ex-Service men?

The total staff of the Ministry on the 1st instant was 24,892, of whom 10,466 were males and 14,426 females. 91.4 per cent. of the male staff are ex-Service men. No figures are available of the number of dependants of deceased ex-Service men employed by the Ministry.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is now the practice in Departments of State to give preference to ex-Service men in the case of all appointments for which they are qualified, even when the positions have been previously occupied by women; whether contracts are now refused by all Departments of State to all employers who have not the quota of ex-Service men in their employ; whether employers who have not the required number of ex-Service men in their employ are prohibited from tendering or sub-contracting under qualified employers; and whether due inquiry can be made as to the carrying out of the wishes embodied in the King's scheme?

All Departments of State have for some time past been instructed to give preference to qualified ex-service men for all temporary appointments (except certain posts necessarily reserved to women), and arrangements are being made for continuing the largest possible recruitment of ex-service men, both in permanent and temporary situations. The hon. Member will see from the return presented to the House (Cmd. 644), of which I am sending him a copy, that these arrangements are making substantial progress. Proposals have been made, and are receiving consideration, whereby the distribution of Government contracts might be restricted to firms who appear on the King's National Roll for the employment of ex-service men, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour hopes shortly to be in a position to make a definite recommendation on the subject. I understand that constant inquiries are made both by the Ministry and by local employment committees as to the progress of the King's Scheme.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of setting up a Commission of Inquiry or the formation of an independent arbitration board to consider the claims and grievances of ex-service men engaged as temporary civil servants in Government Departments?

Effective machinery already exists for the consideration of all questions relating to the terms of service of Government employes, whether permanent or temporary; and I am therefore not prepared to accept the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has been advised that the present period of nine months' training for ex-service men who wish to enter commercial careers is sufficient; whether the commercial trainees in the Exeter district have declared that they do not find this period long enough to enable them to become efficient in their work; and whether he will give this matter his consideration?

The period of training required for training ex-service men for commercial work must necessarily vary according to the initial educational equipment of each man in question and the exact scope and object of each course. Generally, I am advised that a period of nine months should be adequate, provided that the applicants for commercial courses are selected with proper care. My attention has been drawn to the views expressed by men in training in commercial work at Exeter. The matter has also been brought to my notice by the Joint Standing Committee that has recently been set up of representatives of Ministry of Labour, the trade unions, and the ex-service men's organisations, and I am having inquiry made into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiry into the case of Gunner F. Chamley, Re.17,358, Royal Garrison Artillery, 34, Harrison Street, Blackburn, who made application for a grant from the Civil Liabilities Committee on the 18th February last to enable him to start business; whether he is aware that no reply has been received to his application; and whether it is now possible to grant this man's request?

I have already communicated with my hon. Friend regarding the case to which reference is made.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to certain allegations made in regard to the administration of the training school for ex-soldiers in the city of Bristol; and if he is in a position to give the House any information on the subject?

Certain allegations have been made regarding the administration of training in Bristol. I have asked my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bradford East to conduct an inquiry for me into the matter, and he will proceed to do so on Friday. Further, apart from this particular matter, my hon. Colleague the Parliamentary Secretary is in Bristol to-day going into the whole question of the re-absorption of ex-service men in civil employment, and he will, no doubt, as opportunity offers, take up any difficulties which may have been experienced in regard to the provision of training for the disabled men who need it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to remit Income Tax in the case of those subjects of His Majesty in the South and West of Ireland whose property the Crown has failed to protect, with the result that in many cases they are unable to derive any income from their property?

Where property has been so far damaged or destroyed as to render it incapable of yielding income to the owner, Income Tax would normally cease to be chargeable in respect of such property.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the full amount paid during the financial year 1919–20 out of the Treasury, or out of local rates, for all forms whatsoever of assistance from public funds to any individuals or sections of the community, including disbursements for bread subsidy, housing subsidy, coal subsidy, railway subsidy, and subsidy to coastal shipping; and the estimated expenditure under the same headings during the current financial year?

The estimates for the particular services specified by my hon. and gallant Friend are as follow:—

For further items which might be regarded as covered by the wide form of words in the hon. and gallant Member's question, I must refer him to the published estimates for the two years; and, as regards local rates, to House of Commons Paper 218 of 1919 which contains the latest information at present available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to be able to announce what action, if any, he proposes to take on the Report of the Select Committee on Increase of Wealth (War), in view of the urgency that the matter should be promptly determined in one direction or the other?

I regret that it will not be possible for me to announce the decision of the Government until after the Whitsuntide recess.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the number of wrecked ships for the salvage of which no attempt is being made; whether he is aware of the outlay involved in attempts at such salvage and the risk of failure and financial loss; and whether he will consent, for the purpose of encouraging salvage operations, to the exemption of them from Excess Profits Duty?

I am not prepared to accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that exemption from Excess Profits Duty should be especially given to the businesses of marine salvage. I would, however, remind him that special risk is one of the factors which is taken into consideration by the Board of Referees in connection with applications made to them by a class of trade or business for an increase in the statutory percentage on capital for the purposes of that duty. The Board has made an order increasing the statutory percentage by 9 per cent. for the business of marine salvage. This makes the rate on pre-War capital 15 per cent. in the case of companies, and 16 per cent. in the case of other concerns, and 18 per cent. and 20 per cent., respectively, in respect of new and increased capital for accounting periods ending after 31st December, 1916.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the quantities of petrol on which duty at full rate and half-rate, respectively, was paid for the month of April, 1920?

The net quantities of motor spirit on which duty at full rate and half-rate, respectively, was paid for the month of April, 1920, are as follow:—

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depreciation in the value of money and the promised legislation of the Finance Bill, as foreshadowed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he will take steps to remove the limit of £200 for shareholder's capital under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts?

I am not aware that there is any real demand for an increase of the limit in question; it is only a very small minority of shareholders who hold the full legal amount of share capital. Many of the societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts are not co-operative societies and carry on business usually conducted under the Companies Act. These concerns are not subject to the restrictions as to prospectus, registration of contracts and charges and other matters, to which limited companies are subject, and it is questionable whether they should be afforded further facilities for their operations by an increase of the present shareholding limit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect has been produced on the revenue and on the use of cheques as a medium for payment by the increase of the stamp on cheques from 1d. to 2d.?

The increased duty on cheques came into force on the 1st September, 1918, and its full effect is therefore first seen in the financial year 1919–20. The yield of the duty for that year was approximately £3,000,000, which compares with £1,300,000 for 1913–14 and £1,350,000 for 1917–18. It will therefore be seen that the number of cheques stamped in 1919–20 was approximately 360,000,000, as compared with 312,000,000 in 1913–14 and 324,000,000 in 1917–18.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the hard case of small investors who bought Consols when they stood at more than double their present price, and whose interest, having regard to the present value of money, is almost infinitesimal; and whether he can devise some scheme of relief for persons who, through no fault of their own, have been placed in this sad position?

Consols are a perpetual annuity at 2½ per cent. interest on the nominal value of the stock, and the value of the annuity necessarily varies with the value of money. So long as this interest is duly paid the bargain of the State with the holder is in every respect carried out. I cannot re-open the bargain at the expense of the taxpayer.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether pensioners who were superannuated since the beginning of the War on the pre-War scale are eligible for pensions on the revised scale now introduced?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a widower with an income under £300, and with children over 16 years of age, will be entitled to the proposed increase in Civil Service pension?

The answer is in the negative unless his total income is under £150 per annum, and he otherwise satisfies the prescribed conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with reference to the increase in the price of domestic coal by 14s. 2d. per ton, and industrial coal by 4s. 2d. per ton, he will state the total increase in the estimated consumption of coal in this country; what proportion of the total increase will be absorbed in the payment of increased wages; what is the estimated decrease in revenue due to the reduction of the export of coal; and in what way the balance of the total increase, apart from wages, is absorbed?

The consumption of coal in this country for the first quarter of 1920 was 2⅔ million tons in excess of the consumption for the corresponding period in 1919. While there are clear indications that inland requirements are still increasing, I am not able to estimate what the total increase will amount to over any given period. The cost of the increased wages amounts to 2s. 10d. per ton of coal raised at the pit-head. It is impossible to estimate what will be the loss of revenue due to the reduction of exports, but I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the object of the recent increase in price was to put industrial and domestic coal upon an economic basis (allowing for the recent increase) and to lender it independent of any subsidy from export profits. To do this absorbs the whole increase.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to the statement giving increased cost of certain goods following upon increase in the price of coal, made in the House of Commons on 14th July, 1909, by the late President of the Board of Trade, whether the figures there quoted can now be revised in the light of recent modifications in coal prices, and the estimated increased cost of certain goods prepared?

I am having an examination made into the question of the effect of the increase in the price of coal upon the cost of production of a number of commodities, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend later.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average selling price per ton of coal at the pit-mouth during the quarter ended 31st March, showing how much of such price has been employed in payment of wages and other costs of production, coal owners' profits, coal control and margin for emergencies?

This information will, in accordance with the provisions of the Coal Mines (Emergency) Act, 1920, be published as soon as it is available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the pit-head price for coal disposable in this country ruling on the 1st January, 1913, 1915 and 1920; and if he can specify the percentage of advance in wages to the miners for the same dates?

Information is not available with regard to the pithead price of coal on the dates mentioned The estimated average value of coal at the pithead for the year 1913 was approximately 10s. 1½d. and for 1915 12s. 5½d. per ton raised. The average pithead price during the last quarter of 1919 was 25s. 9¼d. per ton raised and 28s. 9d. per ton disposable. The latter figures make no allowance for the lower rate at which coal for domestic purposes was sold on and from 1st December, 1919, namely, at 10s. per ton less than that charged for industrial coal. Taking the average earnings of persons engaged in the coal mining industry in 1913 at 100, the figures for 1915 and 1919 would be approximately 128 and 233 respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the spring herring voyage at Lowestoft has been a failure, largely in consequence of the high price of bunker coal, the cost of which has amounted to more than two-thirds of the working expenses; that a large majority of the boats engaged have settled up in debt, and are now laid up and the crews unemployed; that 80 steam trawlers now working from the port and employing about 800 men are likely to be laid up in the near future and their crews discharged if even the present price of bunker coal is maintained, as the vessels have been working at a serious loss during the past two months, principally owing to the price of coal; and whether, in view of the serious position of affairs, which threatens to diminish the supply of fish, he will make provision for exempting the fishing fleet from the proposed increase in the price of coal?

I regret that, as stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Rose) on the 17th May, it is not practicable to exempt the fishing industry from the scope of the recent increase of 4s. 2d. per ton in the price of coal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in connection with the recent advance in the price of household coal as well as in miners' wages, he has made any proposals or arrangements to charge the miners for the coal they use for their own households at not less than the cost price at the pit's mouth; and, if such charge is made, what would be the amount of income from that source as compared with present income, and could such increase be used to reduce the price of household supplies to the poorer users of coal?

No, Sir. I do not think it is desirable to interfere with arrangements customary in the industry for the supply of house coal to miners, for the purpose of subsidising house coal supplied to other consumers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with reference to the actual quantity of coal produced during the quarter ended 31st March last, he can now state the actual value of this quarterly output and give an analysis of the cost of production in the same way as set forth in the reply given to a similar question in the House of Commons on 31st July, 1919?

The figures which my hon. and gallant Friend desires are not yet available, but will, in due course, be published in accordance with the pro visions of the Coal Mines (Emergency) Act, 1920.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now had an opportunity of considering the application of a responsible body of traders for a licence to register the St. Pancras Chamber of Commerce as an association not for profit, and limited by guarantee without the word "limited" in its title; and, if so, whether he will grant such licence in view of the importance and distinctive character of the industries which a St. Pancras Chamber of Commerce would represent?

The application for a licence to register the St. Pancras Chamber of Commerce without the word "Limited" received careful consideration. The reasons for the refusal of the application were fully explained to my hon. and gallant Friend when he raised the question in the House on the 18th December last year, and the position has not since been altered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Russian Government has been invited to join the League of Nations or has been officially informed of its existence?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue as a White Paper a full Report of the proceedings of the General Conference of the International Labour Organisation of the League of Nations, with a view to the assistance of Members in the consideration of legislation based on conventions arrived at by the Conference?

I am sorry to say that the Report of the proceedings of the Conference, which is being printed in the United States by the Government Printing Office, has been delayed, and copies have not yet reached this country. As soon as copies are received, it will be placed on sale by the International Labour Office, and this being so, I do not think it will be necessary to reprint the Report, which is a bulky document, in this country. The text of the Conventions and recommendations adopted by the Conference has already been presented to Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to encouraging thrift amongst the working classes, he will consider the practicability of increasing the present low rate of interest paid by the Post Office Savings Bank to its depositors?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 15th April by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford (Mr. Marriott) and to answers given by me to questions by the hon. Member for Newton (Mr. R. Young) and others on the 20th April.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can make any further statement in reference to the late delivery of letters in Leith?

The first delivery of letters in Leith is in fact made considerably earlier at present than during the War and since the Armistice. But perhaps the hon. Member has in mind only letters brought into Edinburgh from London and the South by the trunk night mail trains. If so, I can only refer him to the answer given on the 12th instant to the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham).

asked the Postmaster-General whether letters are constantly tampered with while in transit in Ireland; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to secure the safety of letters while in transit?

I have no evidence that letters are being opened in the post in Ireland by Post Office servants contrary to their duty. There have been a number of robberies from mails in transit by persons other than Post Office servants, and as stated by the Attorney-General for Ireland, in reply to the hon. Member for Oxford City (Mr. Marriott) on the 6th instant, the Irish Government are taking measures to guard against such attacks.

asked the Postmaster-General what increases, if any, have obtained in quantity and territory of the delivery of letters by aircraft during the periods 1918–19 and 1919–20; if steps are being taken to deal with parcel post by aircraft; and what is the comparison of cost between this speedier method of delivery and that previously obtaining in respect to letters and parcels?

An Air Mail Service between London and Paris has been maintained since November, 1919, and is available for the transmission from the United Kingdom of letters, postcards, printed papers, commercial papers and samples for France and countries served through France, such as Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Until recently there was a single service daily in each direction with a mid-day departure, but since the 12th instant there have been two services daily from London with morning and afternoon departures. The special fee charged, in addition to the ordinary foreign postage, for the transmission of postal packets by air to Paris was originally fixed at 2s. 6d. per ounce, which covered express delivery in the country of destination. It has recently been altered to 2s. per ounce, to which is added 6d. per packet if express delivery is desired. These charges cover the actual additional cost of the service to the Post Office. I hope that the arrangements which I have been concerting with the Dutch Post Office for the establishment of an Air Mail Service between this country and Holland will soon be completed, and that it will also be possible to establish a similar service with Belgium at no distant date. It is not intended at present to arrange for the transmission of parcel mails by air.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the number of girls employed as telegraph messengers by his Department has recently been increased; the total number now employed by the Telegraph Department; the wages and conditions of service of such girls; if they have to attend any educational classes; at what age they are dispensed with; and if any steps are taken to provide them with any future employment?

The number of girls employed as telegraph messengers has been reduced by about 2000 since the beginning of 1919, and their elimination is being gradually effected. About 4900 girls were so employed on the 31st March last. Their wages are based on an agreement arrived at with the Staff Associations, and range from 14s. 6d. to 18s. 6d. for girls under 16 years of age, and from 17s. 6d. to 22s. for girls 16 but under 18 years of age. They are encouraged to attend classes formed by the local education authorities, but attendance is not compulsory. Girls who have not left voluntarily by the age of 18 are not retained long beyond that age. I regret that in the majority of cases it is impracticable to offer the girls a permanent career in the Post Office.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the market prices of gold and silver, respectively, at the present time, being approximately the coinage ratio in Great Britain, the Dominions, the United States, in France, Italy, Belgium, and in Germany, he will consider the desirability of entertaining representations with the view of considering the question of assimilating inter- nationally legal tender metallic currency on the joint basis of both metals by enabling the free coinage of gold and silver at such ratio, with the object of introducing greater stability in monetary exchanges and in the metallic standard of values throughout the world?

I do not think the moment is propitious for re-opening the bimetallic controversy.

asked the Prime Minister under what Government General Wrangel is now acting in South Russia; whether such Government is recognised or supported by this country; and whether such Government or General Wrangel has any representative or agent in London or Paris who has communications with the British Government?

I understand that General Wrangel is working under the same Government as General Denikin, whom he succeeded as commander of the South Russian Forces. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the third part, presumably Monsieur Sabline represents, in a general way, the South Russian Government, but His Majesty's Government have no official relations with him.

asked the Prime Minister what is the present attitude of the Supreme War Council to the Fiume question?

The question of the Adriatic was not settled at the recent conference at San Remo, but was left over for direct discussion between the Italian Government and the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government. His Majesty's Government would warmly welcome any settlement satisfactory to both parties and so, no doubt, would the Supreme Council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Compania Argentina de Pesca holds a lease in South Georgia for whaling purposes; whether a strike of their employés took place on 12th January, and that on 13th January a new agreement was entered into and witnessed by Mr. E. B. Binney, resident magistrate, and stamped with the police seal; whether on 16th January H.M.S. "Dartmouth" visited the port on her annual tour of inspection; whether a body of armed sailors was brought ashore and the workmen called before the manager of the company and the resident magistrate and told that the new agreements were annulled and the old agreements remained in force, and that the company now had the whip-hand and intended to enforce it; whether the men refused to accept this and, in spite of the display of armed force, stopped work; whether they were each fined £5 by the British resident magistrate and some of the men fined, in addition, half their wages and all their bonuses; whether five of the men were given passports endorsed "Deported from South Georgia," by Mr. E. B. Binney, the resident magistrate; whether the statement on their wages sheet says, "Deduction of 50 per cent. for being instigator of a strike"; whether this statement is signed E. B. Binney, and stamped with the official police seal; what steps he proposes to take to deal with the Compania Argentina de Pesca; and if he proposes to take any disciplinary action with regard to this resident magistrate?

The Compania Argentina de Pesca hold a lease in South Georgia for whaling purposes. Thirty-six Russian labourers employed by them struck work on the 11th January and on the following day nearly all their other labourers also struck. The magistrate agreed to assist in drawing up new contracts of employment, but these contracts were never concluded. His Majesty's Ship "Dartford" arrived on the 16th January and landed an armed party. About sixty aliens were fined under the Summary Jurisdiction Ordinance and deported under the Peace Preservation, South Georgia (Aliens) Ordinance. I have no information as to the amount of the fines or deductions from wages. I will, however, make further enquiry with regard to this particular question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a reply from the Chartered Company of North Borneo giving the death rates upon the tobacco and rubber plantations or territory under their administration?