asked the Secretary of State for War and Air the number of troops required to fulfil our commitments in Mesopotamia; and what is the estimated cost of such army?

I can add nothing at present to the answer given on 11th May by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal to the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Lyle).

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the policy of the Government to meet the cost of the Army in Mesopotamia by an immediate and intensive exploitation of the Mosul oilfield; and whether the estimated profit is considered to be sufficient for this purpose?

No estimate could be given of the value of the Mesopotamian old fields, but all the natural resources of the country will, of course, be utilised to assist in defraying the cost of the administration of its Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make an announcement regarding our policy as mandatory in Mesopotamia; whether an Arab sovereign, Arab administration under British guidance, and a locally recruited defence force will be established forthwith; whether the oil or other mineral resources of Mesopotamia will be vested in the new state of Mesopotamia, and royalties on all such products paid to the Government of Mesopotamia?

No announcement of policy in regard to Mesopotamia can be made until the terms of the mandate are settled and approved by the League of Nations, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that we shall abide by the provisions of Article XXII. of the Covenant of the League of Nations, under which Mesopotamia must be recognised as an independent nation, subject to the rendering of administrative advice and assistance by a mandatary until such time as she is able to stand alone.

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided to transfer the Dominions Department of the Colonial Office to that of the Lord President of the Council; whether it is proposed to transfer the responsibilities now undertaken by the Foreign Office in regard to Palestine, Egypt and the Sudan, and by the India Office in regard to Mesopotamia, Central Arabia, and Aden, to the Colonial Office; and, if so, when these transfers will be effected.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, no decision has been taken as to the administration of the mandatory territories under the Turkish Treaty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement with regard to the situation in the Caucasus and the Republic of Erivan; and whether there are any British missions or representatives in those districts?

The reports are too conflicting to allow of any useful statement being made. Commander Luke is Acting Chief Commissioner at Tiflis and is still at his post.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any arrangements have been made for the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance?

The question of the future of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance is under consideration, but the time has not yet arrived for a decision on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air the total amount of land in rural districts which was commandeered by the War Office and which is still in the hands of the War Office although not occupied or used by that authority?

I regret that it is not possible to give this information without calling for returns from all the military commands, and in view of the labour involved I hope the hon. and gallant Member will not press for the preparation of a statement. I may say, however, that so far as I am aware there is no commandeered land in the possession of the Department which is not either being used by the Government or awaiting settlement of re-instatement claims or disposal of buildings. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular case in mind and will let me have the details I shall be glad to investigate it and acquaint him of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is now in a position to make any statement with reference to the application for release on compassionate grounds of Lance-Corporal E. S. Fielden, No. 614,545, Royal Engineers, Mearsfield Park Camp, Uckfield?

I am informed that the release of Lance-Corporal Fielden is dependent on a reply from his prospective employer as to the rate of wages he is to be paid.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air if he is aware that R. J. Lang, late No. 22,776, 2nd battalion Black Watch, but now employed in the office of the Fife education committee at Kirkcaldy, has not yet been settled up with as regards his regimental accounts although he was demobilised on 31st May, 1919; and if he will take steps to ensure that this man's last pay certificate will be sent from India so that he may be settled with?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether the North Durham Cricket Club ground and buildings at Gateshead, which were taken over by his Department in 1914, can now be restored to the condition they were in then and given back to the cricket club; whether a rent of £60 per annum plus rates is being paid for the property, which has not been used for 18 months; and whether he will take steps to restore these grounds at an early date?

Inquiries are being made and I will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether it is the intention of the Government to restore "The Brambles," Lee-on-Solent, to its owner, Colonel Douglas; if so, when such restoration will be effected; and, if not, why the value of the house has not been paid over to him?

Proposals for the purchase of land and buildings (including "The Brambles ") at Lee-on-Solent are now under consideration, and every endeavour will be made to settle the matter promptly.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what aerodromes it is the intention of the Government to maintain on the south coast in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth and Southampton?

It is intended to maintain an aerodrome at Gosport, and two seaplane stations, one at Calshot and one at Lee-on-Solent.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether it is a fact that at the commencement of the present educational session, 1st October, 1919, no course in aeronautics was available for students, either at the Imperial College, or at Cambridge, nor is available at the present time; and whether it is the intention of the Government, in view of the inadequacy of the provision for instruction, to render financial assistance for the teaching of aeronautics at Cambridge and the East London College, or whether it is intended to exclusively confine Government assistance to the work at the Imperial College?

With regard to the first part of the question, there is a Chair of Aeronautical Engineering at Cambridge, and undergraduates reading for an engineering degree can study the aeronautical side of this subject. The course at the Imperial College is a postgraduate one, and though lectures have begun, the scheme will not be in full operation until the commencement of the academic year, next October. With regard to the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Government decisions quoted in the Report, dated 12th December last, to which I drew his attention in my reply to his question on 17th of last month. One Clause of this Report states that applications for assistance in these matters from any university will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air the composition of the Royal Air Force units attached to or co-operating with General Wrangel in the South of Russia?

There are no Royal Air Force units attached to or co-operating with General Wrangel in South Russia. There are, however, seven officers and 21 other ranks, Royal Air Force, temporarily attached to the Military Training Mission in South Russia. They are chiefly employed in dealing with the clearing up of stores' accounts and disposal of material consigned to General Denikin.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Private Fred Wilson, No. 20,571, 3rd Royal Scots Fusiliers, who joined up voluntarily on the 19th November, 1915, a perfectly healthy man, and who was passed fit for general service by three medical boards at Ayr, Greenock, and Fort Matilda; whether he is aware that owing to undue exposure he was put into hospital with acute myalgia, and whilst there a sore broke out at the back of his ear; that he had previously not had a serious sickness or illness in his life; that he was discharged as totally unfit for service on 26th April, 1916, and after many attempts to obtain a pension or hospital treatment was instructed in March, 1919, to report at Manchester for treatment of lupus, which treatment commenced on the 26th March; that on the 15th April, 1919, he received Army Form T.R. 17 and T.R. 18 from the medical referee recommending the treatment to be continued, an appeal also being sent to the Minister of Pensions, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, asking confirmation of same, who replied on Army Form B, dated 17th April, 1918, that the Minister had considered all the facts and had decided to allow the claim at once, and accepting responsibility for lupus, the letter being signed by A. W. Leavack; that he was operated on for lupus on the 27th April, 1919, remaining in hospital 17 weeks, and then as an out-patient treatment continued to September, 1919, when splendid progress was reported, in which month he was informed the Minister of Pensions did not accept responsibility for lupus; that expenses were stopped from that date, when he paid his own expenses; that the hospital authorities in Manchester informed him that they had no such instructions, and continued his treatment; that on 5th February he was asked by the local pensions committee to return Army Form T.R. 17 and 18, and on asking the-pensions committee the reason was informed he was receiving his treatment under false pretences; that he further received from the Ministry of Pensions Form A/5/2 (Reference 209,959/9), informing him that he was granted a pension of 31s. 9d. per week from 11th February, 1920, until 8th June, 1920; that he did not receive a penny piece in spite of repeated applications until 5th May, 1920, when he received the sum of 25s. 9d., 6s. being deducted for some unaccountable reason, although the man is married and has two children depending upon him for support; and that he has since received a letter (Reference 4/M.W./125), undated, acquainting him with the fact that he is not now suffering from the disability for which he was pensioned, though he is still getting treatment for those complaints prescribed for by the pension officials, and the local pensions committee does not answer his letters?

I am having further inquiries made into this case, and will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions whether war pensions sub-committees have a right to decide who shall have the custody of an orphan child of a deceased soldier, or whether the next-of-kin have the primary claim?

In the case of the children of a deceased soldier taken under my care by reason of their having suffered from neglect or want of proper care, the War Pensions Committee concerned are responsible for the children being placed in the custody of a proper person. In other cases of orphans becom- ing motherless, the War Pensions Committee would not interfere with any claim made by the next-of-kin to place the children unless their assistance was asked, but they would report to the Special Grants Committee if they thought it necessary to raise objection to the proposed guardian.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether Captain F. W. Hay, M.C., late of the West Riding Machine Gun Corps, after serving for 14 1/2 years, and having attained the rank of staff quartermaster-sergeant, was given a commission in February, 1916; whether he continued to serve as a commissioned officer until he was demobilised in February, 1920; whether he has been refused a pension; whether if he had declined a commission and continued as a staff quartermaster-sergeant he would have been entitled to a pension of 25s per week; and whether he will take steps to remedy the hardship involved in this and similar cases?

I am making inquiries into this case, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware that J. W. Cumming, 1st A.C.M., No. 404,208, Royal Air Force, who was demobilised in October, 1919, has not yet received his gratuity, owing to the delay in obtaining his accounts from India; and what steps are being taken to obtain the accounts?

War gratuity has now been paid to this man.

asked the Minister of Labour to how many ex-service men in the British Isles have grants been given by the Ministry of Labour to enable them to attend courses of instruction at veterinary colleges for the diploma of M.R.C.V.S.; how many of such ex-service men are in attendance, respectively, at the London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Dublin veterinary schools; whether in any case where a grant has been awarded to an ex-service man it has been made a condition of the award that he should attend any particular veterinary school; if so, how many of such conditional grants have been given; and to which schools have the men been sent?

The total number of ex-service men in Great Britain to whom grants have been given to enable them to attend courses of instruction in veterinary colleges for the diploma of M.R.C.V.S. is 338; in Ireland these grants are administered by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, which Department has awarded 51 grants. In all cases the grants are awarded for study at one or another of the colleges recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. These colleges and the numbers of ex-service students now in attendance are as follow:—

Applications for transfer from one college to another can always be considered.

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of houses now under construction, as compared with the same dates in May and April, under schemes sanctioned by the Ministry; and whether there is any increase in the employment of ex-service men in such building operations during that period?

Complete figures are not yet available showing the number of houses under construction at the beginning of this month, but from Returns received the number may be estimated at approximately 22,500. At the beginning of May the number of houses under construction by local authorities and public utility societies was 16,207, the total number of houses included in contracts on which work had been commenced being 51,000. At the beginning of April the number was 13,355, the total number of houses included in contracts in which work had commenced being 41,402. I have no information as to the number of ex-service men who are being employed on housing schemes.

asked the Prime Minister the number of ex-service men still unemployed; the number of houses still awaiting construction to fulfil the Government's programme; and whether the Government can arrange for a large number of ex-service men to be trained as bricklayers so as to assist in solving both problems?

I have been asked to answer this question. On 21st May, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of men claiming out-of-work donation was 202,300, all of whom, with the exception of about 1,000 merchant seamen, were ex-service men. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that the number of houses actually under construction by local authorities and under the Subsidy Scheme is about 20,000, and work is in progress in respect of contracts covering 51,000 houses. The programme which the Government hope to attain is 200,000 houses in the course of the next year. So far as disabled men are concerned, a scheme of training for bricklayers has been prepared by the National Trade Advisory Committee for the Building Trade, and about 200 disabled men are being trained under this scheme. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I have been in negotiation for some months with the trade unions on the question of training ex-service men, who are not disabled, for the building trades. I understand that a particular scheme for the employment of ex-service men who were at apprenticeship ages when they joined the Colours was submitted to the Joint Industrial Council for the Building Industry at its last meeting, and was then referred to the Building Resettlement Committee of the Council for further consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India if hospital ships from India are carrying officers and others on home leave while officers and men wounded in the recent Waziristan fighting, for whom passages have been applied, are left in India because no passage can be obtained; if His Majesty's transport "Vita," which left India on 2nd April, carried more than two officers wounded in the Waziristan fighting; and if he will inquire into this matter?

I have no reason to believe that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question, but I will enquire. As regards the second part, the "Vita" left India on 1st May, not. 2nd April, having on board two such officers, so far as I am aware. Several others had come home by earlier boats. My hon. and gallant Friend will, of course, appreciate that not all the officers wounded in the Waziristan fighting would require sick leave to the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Sister Eleanor M'Loughlin, after serving eight years under the India Office as nursing sister at the general hospital, Rangoon, Burma, was granted one year's medical leave, and that whilst returning to England on the ss. "Mooltan," which was torpedoed by the enemy, she lost the whole of her personal effects; and whether the Indian Government, in whose service she was at the time, can grant Sister M'Loughlin some compensation for the loss of her kit, seeing that when her claim was laid before the Reparation Claims Department at the Board of Trade the reply was that nothing could be done until Germany paid?

Miss M'Loughlin applied to the Shipping Controller for a free return passage to Rangoon; she did not apply to the India Office for compensation in respect of the loss of her personal effects on the ss. "Mooltan." She was, however, granted a free return passage to Rangoon by the India Office, and was offered, in addition, an advance of one month's pay. Miss M'Loughlin gratefully accepted these concessions. She subsequently resigned her appointment, however, and, in view of the exceptional circumstances, and as a special concession, the usual period of six months' notice for which her agreement stipulated was waived, and she was given a gratuity of two months' pay, and her passage from Rangoon to England was paid. Miss M'Loughlin has expressed her complete satisfaction with the way in which she had been treated. Compensation has not been paid by the India Office in respect of the loss of personal effects by enemy action to officers travelling to or from India, and I regret that I am unable to make an exception in the present case.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why no assistance was given to the ten policemen at Kilmallock, county Limerick, who defended their barracks for upwards of five hours after two of their number had been killed and the west wing of the barracks had been destroyed by fire, against a hostile force numbering at least 200 men; whether any system of military patrols, whether by aeroplane or otherwise, is in force in Southern Ireland; whether the police and loyalists in country districts have been abandoned by the Government; and whether the Government will now proclaim martial law, seeing that the whole of the South and West of Ireland are in open rebellion, and the ordinary law has ceased to operate for many months?

The nearest military station to Kilmallock is 15 miles away. The usual signals were made during the attack, but owing to the fact that all the roads were blocked, and the railway torn up, a considerable time elapsed before their arrival. The matter referred to in the last part of the question is being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what is the number of tanks and aeroplanes, respectively, employed at present in Ireland; whether further additions to the forces are being made; and what is the total number of troops to be drafted there?

There are in Ireland forty tanks and twenty-eight aeroplanes. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not possible to give an answer to the last part of the question, as the number of troops to be drafted to Ireland must depend on the circumstances.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government are aware that in County Galway men have been arrested and imprisoned by order of the Irish Republic for alleged contempt of Republican Courts; and whether steps are being taken for the suppression of these Courts and the protection of persons who refuse to submit to their decrees?

My attention has been called to a number of such cases, but, owing to the refusal of the persons interfered with to assist the Government by giving evidence, it has not been possible to take proceedings.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are aware that compensation for those whose property has been destroyed during the present rebellious movement in Ireland will, under the existing law, be assessed on the ratepayers, a very large percentage of whom are law-abiding persons and opposed to the present campaign of wanton destruction; and whether the Government are prepared to introduce legislation to grant compensation to persons whose property has been destroyed on the same basis as after the rebellion of 1916?

His Majesty's Government is aware that under the existing law compensation for property maliciously destroyed must fall on the ratepayers. The fact that the law may operate harshly in some cases is not a matter for which the Government can accept responsibility, and there- is power under the Act of 1919 for the Judge to exempt from the levy. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General the cost to the State of the new advance in wages recently accorded to the Post Office staff?

The ultimate annual cost of the wages advances recently agreed upon with the Union of Post Office Workers is estimated at £1,379,000, together with a further £1,312,000 in respect of War bonus. The scale of War bonus applicable to the Civil Service generally has recently been revised; and the cost, as regards the Post Office, is estimated at £5,000,000 per annum, in addition to the foregoing figures. The War bonus is liable to periodical adjustment in accordance with changes in the cost of living.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to the inhabitants, and espcially to the business firms, at What stand well, Crich, and Lea Wood, Derbyshire, owing to the Very late delivery of the first letters in the morning; and will he remove this by arranging for morning letters to be delivered at the pre-War time?

I am having inquiry made in the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Miss McSweeney is employed as a sub-office assistant in Rock Street Post Office at Tralee for a total wage of 15s. per week; whether the hours of attendance are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with an interval for dinner; whether he considers the sum paid to be adequate, having regard to the present high prices; and whether he will cause a general inquiry to be made in Ireland with a view to ascertaining whether this is a typical case of the wages paid to the employés of the Post Office?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the number of acres in England and Wales owned by those engaged in cultivating the same; and what ratio this bears to the whole of the cultivated land in England and Wales?

The acreage of land under crops and grass occupied by the owners amounted on 4th June, 1919, to 3,296,452 acres, or 12'3 per cent, of the total acreage under crops and grass. This is exclusive of holdings of 1 acre and under.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the return which his Department are demanding, stated to be in respect of the cultivation of agricultural land, a complete list of saddle horses, carriage, and trap horses in the possession of the occupier is required; what this has to do with the Corn Production Act; why an occupier of land should have to give this information whilst other people who own horses and do not farm are not required to do so; and if he will see that this growing curiosity on the part of officials of the Ministry of Agriculture about people's private concerns is checked?

The object of the inquiry in question is to obtain a complete total of the horses on agricultural holdings. The question has been asked in the same form since 1913. I would remind the hon. Member that the Annual Agricultural Returns, in which the question referred to appears, provide the main basis for all information as to the agricultural industry, and that they are not confined to matters dealt with in the Corn Production Act. I understand that the Board of Trade collect a return from all owners of horses in a form suitable for the use of the War Office, whether the owners occupy agricultural land or not. There does not appear to be anything unreasonable in the inquiry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the total acreage of agricultural land in England and Wales which has changed hands by sale during the past five years; and what proportion this acreage bears to the total agricultural land in England and Wales?

I regret that no official information is collected as to the quantity of agricultural land sold, and I am not in a position therefore to supply my hon. Friend with any figures on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if the defoliation of oak trees in the Home counties, due to the ravages of caterpillars, is this year more serious than ever; and whether the Board of Agriculture will arrange with the Bureau of Imperial Entomology for a further thorough investigation of the causes and effect of this plague?

The Forestry Commissioners are aware that caterpillars are causing a great deal of defoliation of oak trees in the Home counties. The Commission's Entomologist is investigating the question, but the Commissioners would welcome the co-operation of the Bureau of Imperial Entomology, to whom they will communicate the terms of the Noble Lord's question and this reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture whether he has been able to arrange, through the local authorities, any practical scheme whereby the ponies and cattle belonging to the commoners of the New Forest may be protected from injuries caused by motor cars proceeding along the forest roads; and if he has also considered the possibility of working an insurance scheme?

The roads through the forest are public roads, kept up by and under the control of the County Council which alone, under the existing law, has any power to regulate traffic on them. As my hon. Friend is aware, representations have been made to the County Council by my Noble Friend, the Commissioner of Woods and Forests, and their view is that, as the accidents are chiefly caused by motorists who are strangers to the district and unacquainted with the danger of driving motor cars through the forest owing to the animals being at liberty to stray over the road, the erection of notice boards (which will be lighted at night) and the warning of motorists by the police and by motor clubs' scouts are the most practical ways of reducing this evil. An insurance fund has been established by the Verderers and owners can now insure their animals at low cost. I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the number of animals killed and injured since July last has been considerably reduced.

asked the Minister of Food if he intends taking any steps to prevent a great advance in the price of home-fed meat on 4th July, when decontrol takes place, or does he expect the wholesale and retail meat supply associations to use their own methods and influence to prevent such proposed advance in prices; and, with that end, is he taking steps to ensure a plentiful supply of good imported meal at that time, so that the public may be assured of a fair supply at reasonable prices?

It is possible that until the market has stabilised there may be a certain advance in the price of home-produced meat after 4th July, but in any case there need be no anxiety as to supplies of imported meat being ample for all requirements. Recent reductions made by my Department already ensure the supply at reasonable prices, and the wholesale prices of imported meat will continue to be controlled after 4th July.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the shortage of strong spring wheat flour for the Scottish baking trade; and whether there is any prospect of an improvement in the supply?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Every effort is being made by the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies to ensure supplies of flour of the particular qualities most suitable for the trade in the different areas of the United Kingdom.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that certain jam manufacturers were supplied with thousands of tons of sugar at £66 per ton immediately before the advance in price to £114 per ton, followed a few days later by a further rise to £150 per ton; why was the year 1918, a war year, taken as an accounting period for manufacturers' percentages when the jam manufacturers referred to were probably making more jam and marmalade than usual, owing to their supplying Government contracts, whilst other jam makers were making less than usual; and why is preserving sugar supplied to private individuals at 1s. 2d. per pound whilst for the same sugar the jam manufacturer has to pay nearly 1s. 51¼d. per pound?

Owing to a shortage in the supply of sugar at the end of 1919 the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply was compelled to delay allotment to certain manufacturers, who drew for the time upon whatever reserve stocks of privately imported sugar they possessed. As soon as supplies permitted, the arrears in allotment were made up, and consequently the last allotments were made at a time not far removed from that at which the price was raised. The adoption of the year 1918 as a basis for allocation was recommended by a joint meeting of the Food Manufacturers' Federation and the Fruit Preservers' Association which together represent 95 per cent. of the jam-making industry. As regards the price of sugar for domestic preserving, the figure of 1s. 2d. per lb. represents the value of the sugar on the world's market on the date when it was necessary to announce the terms on which the issue would be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether his attention has been drawn to the excessive prices charged for bread and flour in the Channel Islands, due largely to the cost of shipping licences; and whether he will consider the advisa- bility of abolishing these licences which were initiated for the period of the War?

No fees are charged for the licences issued by the Ministry of Shipping, but if the hon. Member will be so good as to give me some more definite information, inquiries will be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of anthracite coal have been supplied for shipment to the North of Ireland; and is he aware of the great demand that exists among manufacturers in Belfast and district for coal of this description?

I am aware of the demand for anthracite coal to which my hon. Friend refers. As he probably knows, a good deal of this kind of coal is produced in Ireland, but in order to supplement those supplies arrangements have been made for the allocation monthly to Ireland of 1,000 tons of large coal and 500 tons of peas and beans from South Wales. I gather that in some instances merchants have failed to make the necessary shipping arrangements to transport this coal, but for this the Coal Controller is not responsible;

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether anthracite coal for lime-burning purposes has been held up for several weeks past, and that the lime-burning industry in the North of Ireland is suffering very seriously in consequence; and whether he will make representations to the proper authorities to have the embargo, which has been placed on the export of anthracite coal from this country into Ireland, removed at an early date?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware that there is an embargo on the supply of anthracite to Ireland. As regards the rest of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given today to the hon. Member for North Down (Mr. T. Brown).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to recent cases in which the British Consuls in Holland and Belgium have been requested to appoint surveyors to attend to the interests of British ships; whether such appointments have sometimes been made of foreign surveyors, although British surveyors have been available on the spot; and whether he will issue general instructions to all British Consuls abroad that where possible preference is to be given to British subjects for the representation of British interests in foreign ports?

I have no information as to any recent cases in which foreign surveyors have been appointed by His Majesty's Consular Officers in Holland and Belgium in preference to British surveyors, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the cases to which he refers, I shall be glad to make inquiries. So far as I am aware, preference is already given wherever possible to British subjects in matters connected with the representation of British interests in foreign ports, but if the particulars asked for reveal the necessity of issuing circular instructions to Consular Officers, I will cause the necessary steps to be taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any representations from the Dar-es-Salaam Chamber of Commerce complaining of the neglect to open up the Tanganyika territory to commerce and, in particular, the failure to establish civil courts and take administrative measures, including the establishment of land and mines departments; and whether he can make any announcement on the subject?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies has received the Resolution of the Dar-es-Salaam Chamber of Commerce to which the hon. Member refers. As I stated in reply to a question on May 20th, the administration of the part of the Tanganyika territory which is in British occupation is still in process of organisation, but the country is open to trade in the same way as the neighbouring British Protectorates. The importance of establishing civil courts in the territory is fully realised, and steps were taken some time ago with a view to the creation of courts as soon as circumstances permit. The question of introducing land and mining legislation is also under consideration, but as existing claims must be ascertained and either rejected or admitted, before it is possible to give a sound title to new applicants, it is evident that some time must elapse before the disposal of land and mining rights in the territory can be begun.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is a shortage of ships' plates; and what steps are being taken to remedy the same?

There is a shortage of almost all kinds of iron and steel plates, including ships' plates, but I understand that a number of important shipbuilding firms have secured their position so far as possible by obtaining control over iron and steel works and plate mills. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Springburn Division (Mr. Macquisten) on the 12th May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing the perilous position of the Cornish tin mines, notices to close down having been given in several cases, the Government intend to take immediate steps to carry out the recommendations of the Non-Ferrous Mines Committee and make suitable grants from the funds in the hands of the Development Commissioners?

The report of the Non-Ferrous Mines Committee is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has authorised the receiver for the Metropolitan police district to buy property within the Metropolitan police area for the housing of police constables; whether he will give the particulars and cost of the various properties acquired and to be acquired; under what statutory powers this action is being taken; whether it is being done under Parliamentary sanction; and under what Vote it can be discussed?

I have sanctioned the purchase of certain properties for this purpose. There has not been time to collect particulars of the various purchases, but I will obtain them and let the hon. and gallant Member have them if he desires it. The receiver has acted under the powers given him by the Metropolitan Police Act, 1829, Section 16, and the Metropolitan Police Act, 1886, Section 2. The matter can be discussed on the Vote of Police, England and Wales.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total annual value of house property on which Income Tax was paid under Schedule A for the year ending 31st March, 1914; and, of that amount, how much was derived from property coming within the scope of the Rent Restrictions Acts?

The estimated gross annual value of dwelling houses brought under review to Income Tax Schedule A. in the United Kingdom for 1913–14 is £163,500,000. "With regard to the last part of the question, I have no information available.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department received on the 19th May all documents and plans showing that a house had been completed in exact accordance with the regulations re grants to private persons under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, from Messrs. Lawrence, surveyors, West Southbourne, Bournemouth (Reference No. 879/5052); whether these were acknowledged by an undated postcard about 20th May; whether his Department wrote a further letter, dated 27th May, stating that no payment could be made until further information had been received from the Bournemouth town council, and that since then not one penny had been received as laid down by the Regulations; and will he get his Department to act promptly.

The claim and certificate were received on the 19th May, the confirmation of the issue of the certificate was received from the local authority on 25th May and payment of the grant was made on 31st May.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Southgate urban district council have built houses by direct labour at a cost of from £690 to £750, according to size and convenience; that the tenders of contractors for these same houses were £1,000; if he will state generally the methods adopted by this council in the initiation and carrying out of the work, who purchased the materials, and if bought in the open market, etc., and if he will cause these particulars to be printed and sent to other authorities who contemplate house-building, for their information and guidance; and whether the rule that tenders must be asked for before local authorities are allowed by the Ministry to employ direct labour is cancelled?

I am aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. The tender which was received worked out at £945 the house, after allowing for certain modifications adopted in the houses which were afterwards erected by the Council. The work is being done by sub-contractors, who are responsible to the assistant surveyor of the council; it is not, therefore, being done by direct labour in the ordinary sense. Part of the materials were purchased in the open market, part through the Director of Building Materials Supply. Sand and gravel are obtained on the site. The scheme is, of course, a small one. I do not think that under present conditions it ' is generally advisable to dispense with tenders, but I am prepared to consent to proposals for building by direct labour when there is a reasonable assurance that this course will be advantageous.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the advisability of instructing the returning officers at Parliamentary elections to keep a record of the number of women who vote?

I have no authority to give any such instructions as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Minister of Health what has been the result of the consideration given to the question whether a county council can properly and legally provide hospitality for children of foreign nations at the expense of the ratepayers?

I am advised that there is no legal authority under which a county council can incur expenditure for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Health what amounts have accumulated up to 31st March, 1920, to meet the liabilities arising out of national health insurance and in what hands; what is the estimated annual liability on the Act recently passed; what annual increase would be caused by increasing the benefits in the Act recently passed so as to make them 140 per cent, greater than under the Act of 1911; and what annual increase would be caused if the benefits to women were on such increased basis made equal to men?

With regard to the first part of the question, the moneys accumulated under the National Health Insurance Acts up to 31st March, 1920, are as follow:—

With regard to the second part of the question, the estimated liability in respect of contributions and State grant arising under the National Health Insurance Act, 1920, for the period July, 1920, to July, 1921, is £36,692,000, of which £14,400,000 will be payable by insured persons, £15,350,000 by their employers, and the balance, namely, £6,942,000, out of moneys provided by Parliament. If sickness, disablement and maternity benefits were increased by 140 per cent. over those provided by the Act of 1911, as suggested in the third part of the question, the corresponding cost, on the present actuarial basis of the scheme, would be increased by £17,950,000, of which £3,400,000 would fall on the Exchequer and the balance on insured persons and their employers. Under the alternative scale for women suggested in the last part of the question, the total cost on the basis indicated would be still further increased by £2,600,000, of which £700,000 would be payable by the State.

asked the Minister of Transport whether a reliable and regular sea service suitable for navigating the strong seas in the North of Scotland is to be instituted at an early date along the North Coast of Sutherland-shire for the conveyance of merchandise; and whether he is aware that service by sea would be a source of economy in the upkeep of roads as well as an indispensable requirement for the inhabitants of these remote parts?

The Minister has no power under the Ministry of Transport Act to establish any transport service by sea other than those defined in Section 30 of the Ministry of Transport Act, and the service proposed by the hon. Member does not appear to fall within that category.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the desirability of permitting registered nurses to travel on railways at reduced rates when engaged in duly certified charitable work; whether it is proposed to make allowance in their favour in the present financial year in view of the increased railway revenue which has accrued from the raising of goods rates; whether it has been decided to issue circular tickets for ordinary travellers; whether the increased rolling-stock now received from France and expected before September will permit of the introduction of excursions, particularly to seaside resorts; and whether, in view of the more favourable general situation as regards the railways, he is able to announce any changes which tend towards greater comfort and cheaper facilities?

I regret that it is not practicable to grant exceptional facilities in the case of nurses when travelling as mentioned. As to the second part of the question, I understand that certain of the railway companies are prepared to issue circular tickets for ordinary travellers at full fares. As regards the third part of the question, I can hold out no hope of any early reduction in the ordinary fares. The hon. Member will appreciate that the return of goods wagons from France would not assist the railway companies to cope with the excursion traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the further demands by railway men for increased wages, he can state the policy of the Government in respect of passing on the extra charge to the public or in increasing the subsidy now paid to the railway companies?

I cannot anticipate the recommendations of the National Wages Board in regard to the recent demands for increased wages. In regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, the settled policy of the Government is that any increased costs of railway transport should be borne by the users in the shape of increased charges and not by the taxpayer in the form of a subsidy. The present Estimates provide for no subsidy to the railways in respect of current operation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the estimated total national income for the year ending 31st March, 1914; what was the total amount of the incomes not subject to Income Tax in that year and of those subject to the tax; and if he can give the corresponding figures estimated for the year ending 31st March, 1921?

:The total amount of income subject to tax, before deduction of the various personal reliefs and allowances, for 1913–14 was about £950,000,000. For 1920–21 it is estimated that the corresponding amount will be in the neighbourhood of £2,200,000,000. The hon. and gallant Member will realise that owing to changes in the law relating to Income Tax, the basis of the estimate for the current year differs materially from that for 1913–14. All estimates of total national income necessarily involve a considerable amount of guess-work, and I am not prepared to give official endorsement to any particular estimate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated amount of excess profits for the year ending 31st March, 1921, upon which Excess Profits Duty will be paid?

The hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that an estimate of the amount of excess profits for the year to March, 1921, lies at present in the region of conjecture. The figure of £300,000,000, which appears in my Budget Estimate as the total anticipated yield of the Excess Profits Duty at 60 per cent. On the basis of the current year's profits, assumes that the amount of Excess Profits yielding duty in the year may reasonably be estimated as in the neighbourhood of £500,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to make some rebate of the horse-power tax on motor cars in the case of medical practitioners, especially those who practice in rural areas, in view of the fact that their work necessitates the use of cars of considerable power and their work leaves them only a small margin of profit?

I have been asked to answer this question. The point mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend has been very carefully considered, but I regret that for the reasons stated in paragraph 23 of the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Taxation of Road Vehicles, the Minister of Transport is unable to recommend a rebate of the proposed taxation of motor vehicles in the case of those used by medical practitioners.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is estimated to be the annual increase in the cost of the Civil Service and Revenue Departments if the principle of equal pay for men and women in similar grades were adopted and applied?

It is estimated that the immediate increased cost would approximate to £6,000,000 per annum.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether since December, 1919, the Kingsbury urban distict council has been endeavouring to obtain payment from the Ministry of Munitions and the Treasury of the district rate in respect of No. 1 Aircraft Salvage Depot, the Hyde, Hendon, N.W.9; whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to small local authorities by such delay in the payment of rates, or payment in lieu of rates, by Government Departments; and whether he will take steps to expedite the settlement of claims in such cases?

The application of the Kingsbury Urban District Council for a grant in lieu of rates in respect of No. 1 Aircraft Salvage Depôt was received in this Department on the 8th May last. Apparently the Council's previous applications have not been made in the proper quarter. Inquiries are being made, and it is hoped that the information, which it is necessary to obtain before the Treasury can deal with the application, will shortly be available. The matter will be expedited as far as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any resolutions protesting against the inadequate nature of instruction given at the Shepherd's Bush women's tailoring centre, and that the training period should be extended until September; and whether he will give this matter his consideration?

"The quality of the work done is excellent, the materials being used by the trainees are of the best. The coats and skirts made are both satisfactory. The work being done by the trainees should enable them to take up positions as good as any in any workroom."

As regards the question of extending the period of training, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western Aberdeen (Lieut.-Colonel A. Murray), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he has received notice of a firm advertising fraudulent goods, Army shirts, trousers, etc., as Government property; if he will call on the firm to refund the money paid for them; and if he will take proceedings of prosecutions against, all such persons?

I have no knowledge of the advertisement referred to in the question, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with further information, I will look into the matter.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many public buildings, hotels, and other establishments are still being retained by the Ministry of Munitions; what is the monthly or yearly rent still being paid by the Government for such places; which Department now has the management of the derelict Ministry of Munitions affairs; and if he can give any approximate date when the establishments indicated will be handed over to their pre-War owners?

I have been asked to reply. The headquarters staff of the Ministry is at present accommodated in 16 buildings. Of these, one is a temporary building, and eight will be given up shortly by the Ministry, owing to transfers to the War Office and reduction of staff. No hotel is now occupied by the staff. The rent of the buildings to be retained for the time being is £39,264. With regard to the last two parts of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer that I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Hogge).

asked the Home Secretary why the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) granted an extension of hours to the on-licence holders in the city of York on the race days, 17th, 18th, and 19th May, namely, from 11 to 12 a.m., and from 4.30 to 6 p.m., on each of those days; and whether he refused a similar extension of hours to the working men's clubs of York on those days?

I am informed that the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) have not granted the extensions of hours indicated in the first paragraph of the question. Any such extension would be a matter, not for that Board, but for the local justices. I have not refused any such extension of hours for clubs, but I am informed that the Central Control Board, on considering an application to that end, were not satisfied that the extension asked for was required to meet the circumstances of the case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Theodore Schlagentweit, who was German consul and was deported from Manchester, visited that city last week; and, if so, why was he allowed to return to Manchester where there is an intensely bitter feeling against him?

I believe that this man has recently visited Manchester. For further information in regard to his presence in the United Kingdom, I would refer to the answers which I have given to-day to the hon. Members for Twickenham (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks) and Hulme (Major Nall).

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the serious loss of revenue sustained by local education authorities through the reduction in the aid received from the Treasury under the necessitous schools grant, he will favourably consider the creation of a new grant to take the form of an extra allowance towards the provision of new school buildings in those areas where the demand for school places is much above the average for the country as a whole?

I do not think a case has been made out for a revision of the formula on which grants are made in aid of elementary education, and I should be very reluctant to propose the establishment of a new and separate grant in aid of the provision of school buildings.