asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in deciding to reclothe the Army in uniform of pre-War style and colour, he has considered the cost to officers; and whether, in view of the necessity of making commissioned rank possible to young men of families of moderate means, he will reconsider his decision;

(2) whether, before committing the country to an initial expenditure of £3,000,000 in reclothing the Army in pre-War uniforms, he will give orders for pattern uniforms of khaki to be made with regimental colour and cuff facings and collar badges of one line regiment, one rifle, and one cavalry regiment, and cause these to be displayed in the Tea Room, together with the comparative cost of uniforms so adorned and made at the Pimlico factory compared with the price of pre-War uniforms?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of khaki uniforms now in store, the number of yards of khaki cloth in store, and the number of yards of khaki cloth for which tenders are accepted?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated average initial cost and annual cost of maintenance to each Life Guards officer of the proposed new uniforms, including the horse furniture?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any official reports showing that the esprit de corps of the Army suffered during the War owing to the wearing of khaki; and, if not, if he will explain why it is proposed to expend £3,000,000 in obtaining uniforms of a more expensive type?

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the representations of the families of officers who, in view of the high cost of living, already experience great difficulty in living on the Army rates of pay, and who fear that they will be unable to retain their commissions if they are put to the expense of buying and maintaining pre-War uniforms; and will he take these representations into consideration?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether tenders have yet been invited for re-clothing the Army; and what will be the average cost of providing each soldier with the pre-War uniforms?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the views of the rank and file in the Army on the proposal to re-introduce pre-War uniforms have been ascertained;

(2) whether, in view of the public feeling which has been aroused by the proposal to spend £3,000, on new uniforms for the Army, he will reconsider the decision to revert to pre-War uniforms?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated cost of the fur required for re-clothing the Army in pre-War uniforms?

asked the Secretary of State for War what will be the average cost to each officer of providing himself with the pre-War uniforms; and what proportion of this expense will be contributed by the State?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give details showing how the estimated expenditure of £3,000,000 on re-clothing the Army is arrived at?

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds it is considered that the wearing of khaki with regimental buttons and badges is inimical to esprit de corps?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether recruiting for the Regular Army is at present satisfactory; and, if so, why it is necessary to provide a new uniform as an advertisement for recruits at a cost of £3,000,000?

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the smartly-fitting khaki uniforms of His Majesty's Life Guards now in London; whether, if similar results were produced by regimental tailors in other regiments, all the smartness required for maintaining the efficiency of the Army would be attained; and whether he will reconsider the decision to expend £3,000,000 on new uniforms?

asked the Secretary of State for War how much khaki cloth is now in stock?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office (1) if he will state the detailed items of the estimate of £3,000,000 for the re-clothing of the British Army; what is the cost per yard of scarlet cloth for officers and men respectively; how does this compare with the cost in 1914;

(2) what was the approximate amount of khaki cloth in the hands of the Army authorities at the time of the Armistice and at the opening of the year 1920; what amount of khaki has been handed over to the Disposal Board or otherwise disposed of during the present year; and what is the stock now in hand?

I propose to deal with the general aspect of this matter in a general statement. Although it may not completely answer all the points raised, I think it will be better if hon. Members have the opportunity of having this statement in their minds, and then they can see whether it is necessary to put down further questions next week.

The only expenditure which will fall upon this year's Estimates in regard to full dress for the Army is that in respect of the Foot Guards, which are to be immediately supplied with full dress during the current year. The Household Cavalry have had full dress throughout the War, and it is only a question of maintaining this. The troops, of course, have a free issue.

As regards the officers, new entrants will receive a grant of £150 towards the cost of uniform, and those who joined during the War will get £150, less the amount of outfit grant already received, which in most cases is £42 10s. The re-issue to the Guards and Household Cavalry troops of full dress stands in a special position on account of the ceremonial duties which these troops discharge in the capital of the Empire.

The extension of full dress to the other branches and units of the Service, which my military advisers also consider desirable, will be spread over the next four or five years, unless it should be decided, when the Estimates are reviewed next year, that this programme should be abandoned. Ample notice will be given to all units, and no existing stock, either of khaki or khaki uniforms, will be wasted. Khaki with the cap or steel helmet will remain permanently the working service dress of the whole Army. There is not, nor ever has been, any question of its abolition.

The only question which is now before us is the issue of full dress uniform to the Guards, and the retention of full dress uniform by the Household Cavalry. This involves an expenditure, not of £3,000,000, as one would suppose by reading a certain class of public criticism, but of £140,000 for other ranks and £20,000 for officers. This expenditure has been included in the Estimates of the present year. If we had decided against re-clothing the Guards in full dress and maintaining the full dress of the Household Cavalry, we should have to supply them with another complete new outfit of khaki at a cost of £30,000.

The total avoidable expense is, therefore, not £160,000 but £130,000, and £130,000 and not £3,000,000 is the figure to which the Government is at present committed.

The abolition of full dress for the Household Cavalry and the Guards would mean that the Household Cavalry uniforms and the uniforms of the Household Cavalry and Guards bands, and approximately 7,000 bearskins now in stock, would become useless, and this would involve a waste of fully £80,000. The total net expense involved in re-clothing the Guards and retaining the Household Cavalry in scarlet is thus £130,000, while the total waste involved in discarding the existing stocks of full dress would be approximately £80,000. The transaction would therefore appear to be not unjustified, even from a purely financial standpoint.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard an avoidable expenditure of £130,000 as a matter of no consideration at a time of this kind, and does he share the view that it is necessary to buy esprit de corps at the expense of the British taxpayer?

I need not say that I shall be very ready to debate this matter in the House, if there be a general desire to do so, and an occasion presents itself. I certainly do not take the view that it is necessary to buy recruits with uniforms, but I consider that the historic uniforms of the British Army carry with them a sense of continuity and of regimental tradition, which is valuable not only for recruiting, but for the discipline, conduct and high reputation of British units; and if this can be done thriftily and frugally over a long series of years, using up every scrap of existing material, I believe it is well worth while.

May I ask the Secretary of State what he means when he speaks of an expenditure on the uniform for the Guards to which the War Office and this House are "committed"? Have we no control over that, or has it passed out of the cognisance of this House?

This sum was included in the Estimates. I am proceeding in the general course of the year in accordance with those Estimates, and I have given orders for the looms to be set in motion, and for the uniforms to be made.

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, those Estimates have not yet been discussed by this House in Committee. Are we to understand that, when these Estimates come before us in Committee, this expenditure will already have been incurred, and that we shall be in the particularly foolish position of attempting a reduction of expenditure which has already been incurred?

No, Sir, Considering that the financial year begins on the 1st April, and the discussion of Estimates, block by block, proceeds at varying intervals throughout the year, it is certainly nothing new for the right hon. Gentleman to discover that a large portion of the expenditure has necessarily been incurred before the Estimates are available for discussion in this House. As a matter of fact, the Army Estimates have been debated repeatedly during the course of the present year, and I referred specifically to this subject when they were last debated. The House will be committed in the sense that orders are continuously being given in regard to expenditure, and at any stage it is only possible for the House to reverse a decision which the Government is carrying on in their name by facing the loss involved in a change of Ministry.

In view of the impossibility of debating the matter by question and answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Army Estimates.

Is it not the case that the preponderating opinion amongst regimental officers is in favour of a return to the pre-War uniform, and, further, will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to consider some extension of the grant in the case of poorer officers?

Is it not the case that the majority of the rank and file are in favour of the change?

Is it part of the policy of stimulating esprit de corps to merge the Welsh and Irish Guards in the other regiments?

That is quite irrelevant and quite untrue.

That is another matter altogether.

In view of the statement that £50 is to be granted to officers to buy new uniforms, is there any modification in the uniform to make it less expensive?

There are certain modifications in the Guards uniform, and other modifications are being considered and will be devised during the year before there is any necessity to extend it to the rest of the Army. But it is not only in the character of the uniform that modifications can be made which will avoid expense. It is in the occasions on which the uniform is worn. Those can be greatly reduced so as to make khaki the customary working and service dress, and keep the ceremonial dresses for the occasions for which they are required.

Are the Irish and Welsh Guards included in the Estimates the right hon. Gentleman has given the House?

Yes, they certainly are included. There never has been any intention of abolishing the Irish Guards. With regard to the Welsh Guards the condition of recruiting in that regiment has raised the question of its continuing as a regiment, but I certainly have expressed no opinion on the subject one way or the other. I have allowed the discussion to proceed with the various authorities concerned, and the Army Council and the Secretary of State have reserved their judgment and will be perfectly free to take it at any time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in re-clothing the Army in full-dress uniform he will abolish the former stand-up collar buttoning tightly to the throat which was so irksome to the wearer?

It is not proposed to abolish the stand-up military collar, which should be no more irksome to wear than the stand-up collar worn in civilian dress.

Is it not a fact that the civilian collar has no wire?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds the Treasury sanctioned the proposal to end £3,000,000 on reclothing the Army?

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has to-day made a statement showing the grounds on which this decision was reached by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to grant any extension of the age limit for entry to the staff college, in view of the fact that many officers have been prevented by service in the War from entering the college at the usual time?

In order to provide for officers who have served with special distinction on the staff or in command during the recent War, and who have not hitherto had the opportunity of graduating at the staff college, two courses, each consisting of about 110 officers, specially selected by the Army Council, have already been assembled at the staff college in 1919 and 1920. Entrance to the third post-War course, which commences next January, will again be by direct nomination by the Army Council. This course will be divided into two categories; first, a senior division consisting of officers nominated for one year's course of instruction, and secondly, a junior division consisting of officers nominated for two years. The age limit for nomination to the senior division will be 40 years, and for nomination to the junior division 35 years, though in special cases these limits may be extended by the Army Council. As regards the course commencing January, 1922, and subsequent courses, to which entrance will be by examination, the Army Council have decided, in order to provide for officers who have been prevented by service in the War from entering the College at the usual time, to relax the pre-War restrictions with regard to age as follows: The maximum age at which an officer will be permitted to attend the examination in 1921 (for the course commencing January, 1922) will be 38 years at the date of the examination; to attend the examination in 1922 (for the 1923 course) 37 years at the date of the examination; in 1923, 36 at the date of the examination, in 1924 and subsequent years, 35 years at the date of the examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, considering that under Section 136 of the Army Act officers are entitled to full pay without any deduction while prisoners of war through no fault of their own, and in Section 985 of the Royal Warrant it is laid down that a soldier shall not forfeit his right to pay during his period of absence as a prisoner of war, unless proved to have been taken prisoner through misconduct on his own part, he will state by what Act, or under what Royal Warrant, or by what law passed by the Governor-General of India in Council, he has the right to deprive the officers of the Indian Army taken prisoners of war in the heroic defence of Kut of half their staff pay after the first two months of captivity.

Section 136 of the Army Act does not mean that an officer is entitled to continue to draw full staff pay apart from the conditions as to performance of the duties of the appointment and other matters, under which such staff pay is granted by Regulation. As Indian Regulations made no provision for the continuance of staff pay to an officer taken prisoner of war, a special Regulation was made on the subject, and of this Regulation the officers in question have received the full benefit. Article 985 of the Royal Warrant does not relate to officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he is aware that Private J. H. Johnson, No. 36,740, 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards, was taken into the Army under age, although his mother protested, and that before she could obtain his release she had to pay £20 bounty; and, as Private Johnson was under age, will his mother have the £20 refunded?

Inquiries are being made into this case and I will inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether two British regiments have been for some time past stationed at Hodeidah, on the Red Sea; what useful purpose they fill; and if they are there at the cost of the British or the Indian Governments??

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the latter parts do not, therefore, arise.

If there are not two regiments, what number of troops have been at Hodeidah?

I cannot say offhand, but I do not think any force has been there for any considerable time.

Were there not two regiments there a short while ago, if they are not there at present? My information was a month ago.

I am not quite sure. I have read the answer as it was given me£that there are not two regiments there at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many women are now employed by the War Office on duties formerly performed by the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps, Women's Legion, and the Army Service Corps, women motor drivers, in England and France, respectively; and by what date their demobilisation will be finally completed?

There are at present 62 officials and members of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps employed in France on duties in connection with graves registration, etc. The term of engagement of all these women expires on 31st July next. All members of the Women's Legion, Royal Army Service Corps, have been demobilized, with the exception of one official who is temporarily retained to hand over records. There are two women at home, and about 10 in France temporarily employed as civilian drivers of War Department mechanical transport vehicles. In addition, there are a certain number of women civilians temporarily employed in the commands on clerical duties which were formerly performed by members of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps. The numbers of these could not be given without an enquiry throughout all commands.

May we take it that no women seen in uniform are really employed on military duties, with the exception of those the right hon. Gentleman mentions?

That would appear to be a reasonable inference, but I am not quite sure that there may not be some other cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of troops now stationed at the Tower, Wellington, and Chelsea barracks; what is the number of rounds per man of rifle and machine-gun ball ammunition held in store and on issue at those barracks; and what were the corresponding figures in 1913?

I do not think it is in the public interest to publish information of this nature.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action has been taken for the preservation and upkeep of British soldiers' graves in Austria and Italy?

The work of the Imperial War Graves Commission in Italy is well advanced, all the cemeteries having been taken over for permanent construction. There are in Italy and the Austrian borderland 94 cemeteries containing British graves, of which 17 are sufficiently large to require architectural treatment. Of these 17, contracts have been placed for the construction of 10, and work has already commenced in 5; while the erection of memorials over single graves in other cemeteries has also been started. Seventy-five out of the 94 cemeteries have received horticultural treatment. There are a few graves of prisoners of war in Austria. An officer of the Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries visited Vienna some time ago and arranged to be supplied with lists. These lists have now been received and are believed to be fairly accurate. Owing to conditions in Austria, no other steps have been taken up to the moment, but I hope that it will be possible to send an officer to make further inquiries shortly. As far as our information goes, the graves are well cared for.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action has been taken for the preservation and upkeep of British soldiers' graves in Greece and Turkey?

The Imperial War Graves Commission expect shortly to take over all cemeteries in Macedonia for permanent construction. The architects' designs have been approved, and the Greek Government are being consulted on the form of contract locally applicable. A scheme is under consideration for the concentration and treatment of graves scattered throughout the islands of the Ægean, and meanwhile the graves are being well cared for by the islanders. A unit of the Directorate of the Graves Registration and Inquiries is in Turkey (Asia Minor), registering and identifying graves and selecting sites for cemeteries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say what kind of support is being given to Huessin, King of the Hedjaz; when this support was first given; and if this support is being used against the Emir of Nejde?

In answer to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Wrekin on 3rd June. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, on 22nd May, the War Office accompanied its account of the military position in the Polish war with a defence of the action of the Poles in launching the attack, why no mention was made of the Soviet Government's statement that they were willing to accept any town for a peace conference in a neutral or entente country, even Paris or London, but that they could not accept a place situated in the war zone unless an armistice was first concluded?

The War Office account, to which the hon. Member refers, was merely an account of the Polish reasons for assuming the offensive. As regards the omission of which the hon. Member complains these War Office accounts do not profess to deal exhaustively with the political situation; this aspect, in fact, is only touched upon in so far as it is relevant to, and affects, the military situation. The hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that the Poles were agreeable to a cessation of hostilities on the sector of front east of Borisov, the place suggested by them for negotiations.

Why does the War Office father this Polish offensive in the way of publishing military communiques about it, and does not that look rather like propaganda in favour of the Poles? Why is the War Office called upon to give these explanations at all?

It has been customary during the War for communications to be made by the War Office on military matters, and no decision has been taken to terminate them. I think it is very often convenient that the information which is in possession of the War Office should be made public. I fancy it is welcomed by the Press.

asked the Prime Minister whether the area claimed by the Poles outside their frontiers assigned to them by the Peace Conference contains a population of 73.2 per cent. of Russians, 4.67 per cent. Poles, 13.43 per cent. Jews, and 8.70 per cent. of other races?

As the proposed negotiations between the Polish Government and the Soviet Government have not yet taken place, I am unable to say what may be the Polish claims or what the population of the area which they may desire to occupy.

Has not the Peace Conference laid down provisionally the frontiers of Poland? Surely the hon. Gentleman knows the portions which are outside or inside those frontiers?

Until we know definitely the claims of the Polish Government I should not like to say anything.

May we take it that His Majesty's Government are not supporting in any way those claims outside the frontiers laid down provisionally for Poland at the Peace Conference?

I would rather have notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to order an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the recent overpowering of an armed guard of His Majesty's forces in Dublin, without any member of the guard in question firing a shot, or, alternatively, if he will order a court-martial upon the officer command- ing the battalion to which the guard belongs for allowing his battalion to be in such a state that a guard provided by it can be overawed and overpowered by a gang of desperadoes?

A Court of Inquiry has been held and further action is sub-judice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any orders have been given to the General Officer Commanding in Ireland to the effect that armed guards of His Majesty's forces when attacked by desperadoes, in the possession of arms, are not to fire if they can avoid it?

No such orders have been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the "Tsaritza," which took about 1,000 Cameron Highlanders to Queenstown at the end of May, is the same vessel that took the so-called relief force to Archangel in May of last year; whether the "Tsar" is also employed in the transport of troops to Ireland; and whether these vessels are owned by the British Government?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative, and to the second and last parts in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether troops in Ireland are not permitted to fire on men engaged in attacking police barracks when they happen to surprise them as at Mullinavat, County Kilkenny?

No, Sir. When troops come upon men attacking police barracks they will, and do, open fire.

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what duties the British Military and Air Missions are now performing in the Crimea and South Russia; when it is intended to withdraw them; and whether it is expected that their withdrawal will be hastened, as a result of the conversations proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the representatives of the Russian Soviet Government now in London?

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to his question on the 20th April last and to the question put by the hon. Member for Leyton (East) on 3rd June.

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to accelerate the withdrawal of these officers, and can he say whether it is quite consistent with the policy laid down by the Government to keep a Military Mission of 300 officers in the Crimea fighting against the rest of the Russian people?

They are not engaged in combatant duties. Of course, they are playing a part in the reorganisation of the Army. I think the time is not far distant when their work there will be completed, and when an opportunity for withdrawing them will occur.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Air officers are not engaged in combatant duties?

No, Sir. The Air squadrons with General Denikin have been withdrawn and there are only a few officers employed there, clearing up stores and so on.

asked the Prime Minister whether any progress has been made either in diplomatic or commercial relations with the Russian Soviet Government?

I have nothing to add to the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Council of the League of Nations has tried in vain for the past seven weeks to get a definite reply from the Soviet Government for permission for a commission from the League to enter Russia and make an impartial examination of the conditions in that country?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Is it not a fact that the Soviet Government, on the other hand, is encouraging personally conducted tours of Labour leaders and Members of the House of Commons?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

asked whether the British Treasury at any time since March, 1917, paid or guaranteed the payment of the coupons or interest falling due on Russian State obligations; if so, what amount was thus paid or guaranteed, and when were the payments made; whether the British Treasury or any Department of the British Government now holds any such coupons or claims any such interest; and, if so, what is the amount in Russian roubles of such coupons or interest?

In reply to the first and second parts of the question, as was officially announced in the Press on 28th March, 1918, the British Government from the date of the Russian Revolution up to 31st March, 1918, provided funds to meet coupons payable in London on the direct State debt of Russia and on securities having the guarantee of that country. The amount thus provided was £62,855. No similar payments have been made since that date. In reply to the third and fourth parts of the question, the coupons are held by the paying agents for the loans in question. The amount advanced constitutes a liability to His Majesty's Government of any future recognised Government of Russia.

asked whether the British Treasury at any time between July, 1914, and March, 1917, at the request of the Czarist Government, provided or guaranteed money for the pay of Russian State coupons or interest to holders in this country; if so, what amount was so provided and guaranteed; whether payments so provided or guaranteed were at any time made good or liquidated by any Russian Government; and whether the obligation to make good any such pay- ments still outstanding has been recognised by or been the subject of negotiations with any Russian Government or any Government holding sway in any part of the old Russian Czarist Empire?

Loans were made by His Majesty's Government to the Russian Government during the period in question, but it is not possible to give an exact figure as to the extent to which the proceeds of these loans were used by the Russian Government for the service of the Russian State and guaranteed loans in this country. As regards the last part of the question, I think that I have seen statements purporting to emanate from the present Russian Government that they were prepared, under certain conditions, to recognise the international obligations of their predecessors.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that an assurance is obtained from the representative of the Soviet Government at present in this country as to Russian indebtedness to Great Britain, before trade relations are resumed with that country?

I cannot undertake to deal with any negotiations that are being conducted by means of question and answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made during the past few months in the reduction of the staff of the War Office?

Since the 1st February last, the actual staff of the War Office has been reduced by 16 per cent. In addition, the hours of overtime worked by the remainder of the staff have been reduced by 9 per cent., which is equivalent to a further reduction of about 8 per cent. in staff, making a total reduction of 24 per cent. During the same period the in-take of papers from the public has fallen by 24 per cent., so that there has been a pari passu reduction of staff.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the question of General Dyer's conduct whilst in com- mand in India has been referred to the Army Council; if so, when; and with what result?

Yes, Sir. As is stated in the published despatch of the Secretary of State for India to the Viceroy on this subject, the circumstances of the case of General Dyer, have been brought to notice of the Army Council by the Secretary of State for India. Secondly, the Commander-in-Chief in India has recommended that General Dyer should be retired from the Army. Thirdly, General Dyer himself has written to the War Office requesting to be allowed to make a further statement. A preliminary discussion has taken place in the Army Council, and it has been decided to allow General Dyer to submit in writing the further statement which he wishes to make.

Is the opinion of the Army Council in unison with the opinion expressed in Lord Hunter's Report?

It would be improper for the hon. and gallant Gentleman to ask questions in regard to confidential business of a Council of this character, and it would certainly be very improper for me to offer him any enlightenment.

asked whether considerable economies, without loss of service efficiency, could be obtained by holding staff appointments to the Territorial Forces, with the exception of the general officer commanding the division and a staff captain, in abeyance until such time as the Territorial Army has been fully raised by the county associations; and whether further economies, without loss of efficiency, could be effected by dispensing with commandants commanding brigades and brigade-majors to the Territorial Forces except when such force are undergoing their training?

No, Sir. The work of reconstructing the Territorial Force demands the services of the full staff allowed by establishments and all the officers are actively employed. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would point out that it is during the period of individual training that brigade commanders and their staffs are afforded an opportunity of gaining personal knowledge and experience of subordinate officers which are of such value when the higher training is carried out.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office what gratuity it has been decided to allow to commissioned acting-paymasters in respect of their service; and why these officers are not graded with regard to gratuity in the same manner as other commissioned officers in His Majesty's forces of corresponding rank?

These officers receive a gratuity under Army Order 437 of 1919, namely, one month's pay for each complete year of service. If the hon. Member will refer to the Army Order he will see that they are treated in the same manner as other classes of officers not remunerated at Pay Warrant rates.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in spite of what he has said, considerable dissatisfaction exists among this class of officer, and will he be prepared to see a small deputation and allow them to state their own case to him?

I think it would be better in the first instance if the hon. member would convey to me the dissatisfaction that he says exists, and then I will have it considered.

Is it not a fact that the men have been pressing their case on the War Office for the last 18 months, and repeated applications have been made to the right hon. Gentleman and his predecessor to consider this case, which is quite anomalous in regard to the commissioned officer?

I am not aware of what took place before I took office; but there have been some applications.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a small deputation on the subject?

I will give the matter consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the cost of administration, the number of pensions, and cost per pension awarded during the quarter ended 31st March, 1920, for the United Kingdom and each region, respectively?

The total cost of administration (including the staff of the Ministry, the regions and local war pensions committees, and the cost of operating medical boards, but excluding Ministry hospitals) was about £1,100,000 for the quarter ended 31st March last. During that quarter about 106,000 first awards of pension or gratuity were made, and 280,000 were renewed on further medical examination. The total expenditure cannot as yet be fully apportioned among the various regions, because not all the regional offices have yet been able to take over the full quota of cases. The cost of administration divided by the number of cases in which pension or gratuity (including allowances to dependants) were warded or in payment during the quarter was approximately 6s. 3d. per case, but I would point out that this figure is wholly misleading, since it takes no account of the very large number of cases dealt with under other provisions of the Warrant or Regulations, e.g., by medical treatment, by supplementary allowance, etc.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the cost of the regions is higher than in London?

The cost of the new regional arrangements can only be ascertained when it has been working some time.

Does the hon. Gentleman anticipate that the cost of administering pensions will go down in future years?

I hope the administration will be greatly reduced. It is obvious that as time goes on, the number of Medical Boards will be reduced, and they form a very heavy item in the expenditure.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of cases in which pension committees have been obliged to advance money to persons on account of the non-receipt of or errors in ring papers from the Pension Issue Office and the total amount of such advances for the quarter ended 31st March, 1920?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not at present available.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the present difficulty in issuing pensions from the Pension Issue Office, Baker Street?

I do not know to what difficulty the hon. Gentleman refers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the administration of the issue of pensions from Baker Street was never worse than it is at the present moment?

I am not prepared to accept that statement, but anything we can do to improve it will be gladly done.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether inquiries respecting pre-War earnings of applicants for alternative pensions have been transferred to county court registrars; whether such inquiries are made by the registrar personally or by bailiffs of the county courts; what fee is paid; and to whom?

Inquiries respecting the pre-War earnings of men in employment are now being carried out generally by registrars of county courts, except in the London area and in Scotland, where the work is done by special whole or part-time inquiry officers in the direct employ of the Ministry. The registrar is directly responsible to the Ministry for the inquiries which he makes personally or which are made under his direction by his staff. The Ministry reserve the right to cancel the arrangement in any case where they consider it is not working satisfactorily. A fee of 10s. is paid to the registrar for each case, except where the registrar is a permanent Civil servant, when a reduced fee is payable.

Is it the fact that a bailiff has the right to investigate the domestic affairs of the widow of a soldier?

The second part of my answer mentions powers reserved by the Minister enabling him to deal with this point.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the widows of these men do not have their domestic affairs investigated by an ordinary bailiff?

This objection will certainly be considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Burton Court, Chelsea, was only leased to the Government for the duration of the War; and, if so, what is his reason for attempting to make it the permanent centre for his scheme of pensions decentralisation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that the responsibility for providing accommodation for the staff of this Department rests with my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works

Do I understand from the hon. Gentleman that the plan for the decentralisation department going to Burton Court in no way prejudices the question at issue as to the occupation of Burton Court by Government offices?

May I ask if the Ministry of Pensions insist on staying on and are pressing on the First Commissioner of Works to let them remain on there?

We cannot undertake to remove at an early date seeing that the whole of our machinery and records are installed there.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware they will have to leave if the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital refuse to continue the lease?

I hope the Commissioners will bear in mind the necessities of the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is intended to be done with the ex-German rigid airship L 71; will it eventually be used for commercial, naval, or military purposes; and, if commissioned for Government use, what will be the estimated annual cost to the Crown?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether L 71 Zeppelin airship has as yet been surrendered; where she will be stationed and to what use it is proposed to put this airship; how many airships are now under construction; and what use it is proposed to make of them when completed?

The airship L 71 has not yet been surrendered. It is expected that she will be handed over within the next few weeks, and the intention is that she should be housed in the first instance at Pulham, Norfolk, Airship Station. Airships under construction at the end of the War and still completing are R 36, R 37, R 38, and R 80. Of these the R 38 will be handed over under arrangements made for sale to the United States of America when completed. Work on the other three is proceeding slowly in anticipation of an arrangement being made for their employment for commercial purposes. This question, it is hoped, will shortly be decided. The ultimate disposal of L 71 will also be settled in all probability by the same decision. In any case, it is anticipated that information of great value will be obtained from the trials of this German airship. The annual cost to the Crown if this vessel were to be commissioned for Government use, will be very largely dependent on the amount of airship material obtainable under the terms of the Peace Treaty from Germany and the present condition of the ship. It is, therefore, impossible at present to give any useful estimate of the amount.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this airship has not already been handed over by Germany? Was it not completed?

Yes. I think it was completed. We are not at all dissatisfied with the way they are carrying out this portion of the Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether, under the new constitution of the Czecho-Slovakian Republic, any question of war must be brought before the Chamber; whether, for a declaration of war, the presence of two-thirds and a majority of two-thirds of the Chamber is necessary; and whether he will consider the advisability of instituting by legislation a similar check on the power of the executive of this country?

Under the constitution of Czecho-Slovakia the President can only declare war with the consent of the Assembly. This assent must be given by a three-fifths majority of all members. I do not think there is any need to alter the constitution of this country in the manner suggested.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state what is the financial position of the Home Produced Sugar Company, Limited, in relation to the Government; what is the capital of the said company; whether any part of such capital is found by the Government; whether any of the directors of the company are Members of Parliament; if so, what are their names, and what yearly fee or salary is paid to each; whether the Government have any voice in the appointment of such Members as directors; and whether the Government pay the whole or part of such directors' salaries?

The company known as Home Grown Sugar, Ltd., to which the hon. Member presumably refers, was registered on the 13th February, 1920, with a nominal capital of £1,000,000, divided into 1,000,000 ordinary shares of each. The Government agreed to subscribe for a number of ordinary shares (not exceeding 250,000), equivalent to the number allotted to public subscribers. The total number of shares issued by the company is 500,000, of which 250,000 have been allotted to the Government. No shares have been allotted otherwise than for cash. The Government have guaranteed a dividend of 5 per cent. per annum upon the capital subscribed by the public up to 250,000 shares for the period ending 31st March, 1930. The directors may at any time after repayment to the Minister of Agriculture of any sum paid to the company under the guarantee call upon the Minister to sell his shares upon payment of their par value, together with a deferred dividend of 5 per cent. upon such shares as from the date of allotment.

Three of the directors of the company are Members of Parliament, namely, the hon. and gallant Member for the Ludlow Division of Salop; the hon. and gallant Member for the Rye Division of Sussex; and the right hon. Member for Norwich.

The remuneration of the directors, other than the managing directors, is at the rate of £300 per annum for each director, and an additional sum of £100 per annum is paid to the chairman for the time being of the board of directors. The Government have no voice in the appointment of Members of Parliament as directors. The Minister of Agriculture is, however, entitled to appoint a director of the company to act as the Government's financial representative, and such financial representative has been appointed. The directors' fees are paid by the company, but the fees of the financial representative are paid over to the Ministry, and the financial representative is paid an equivalent amount by the Ministry in place of receiving his remuneration direct from the company.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is advised that the draft articles declaratory of the constitution of the Church of Scotland in matters spiritual, if given legislative effect to, would render it possible for the funds which are the religious patrimony of the Scottish nation to, be diverted without the consent of the State from the support of the doctrines to which they are at present by Act of the Scottish Parliament devoted, and devoted to the support of the religious doctrines of a body which might by successive schisms be reduced to a small section of the nation; whether he is aware that many members of the Church and others believe that the power given by Article 8 to the Church to interpret, modify, or add to the articles would make this possible; and whether, before committing the Government to support legislation embodying these articles, he will provide facilities for such proposed legislation being discussed in the House.

I have already informed my hon. Friend, in reply to questions put yesterday and in the course of last week, that the Government are aware of the point of view stated in his question, and that it will receive consideration in consultation with their legal advisers. I fear I can give no undertaking in the sense suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consider the appointment of a Select Committee of this House, with power to take evidence, for the purpose of estimating the amount of public expenditure that this country can reasonably afford, taking its income into account?

I do not think that the appointment of such a Committee would lead to any useful result.

Have the Government made any estimate as to what approximately is the national expenditure?

The work suggested for this Committee is precisely the work that has to be done by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Are the figures used as a basis for all Government expenditure?

I do not follow what my hon. Friend means.

Have the Government got the figures showing what the national income is, and are those figures used as a basis for what the Government ought to spend on public purposes?

The Government have not formed the idea that they are able to take the whole of the national income.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is in a position to make any definite statement respecting the levy on War fortunes in lieu of the increase of the tax on excess profits to the extent of an additional 20 per cent.; and, in view of the anxiety in business circles, and the uncertainty on the part of the investing public, when he will be in a position to make a final pronouncement on the matter?

The decision of the Government was announced yesterday. For any further information, I must ask my hon. Friend to await this afternoon's discussion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many millions of pounds were paid away in War stock interest on the 1st instant, which would have remained in hand if interest had been taxed at the source; and, seeing that the Revenue loses the use of this money for an average of 15 months, employs a large extra staff in the effort to collect it, and loses a large percentage of it in bad debts, will he consider whether a statement of Income Tax can be sent with the warrant, offering a discount if paid within a month, the receipt for its payment by the bank from which the warrant is issued being the voucher to the Inland Revenue authorities, and corresponding to the vouchers attached by joint stock companies to their payments of interest or dividend?

The amount paid in interest on 5 per cent. War Loan and 5 per cent. Exchequer Bonds, 1920, was approximately 444,500,000, on which Income Tax at 6s. in the pound would be nearly £13,500,000, much of which would be subject to claims for abatement. Payment without deduction at the source was promised to registered holders under the prospectuses of these issues, and I cannot vary this arrangement. Moreover, I am advised that, in view of the character and methods of graduation of the Income Tax, my hon. Friend's proposal would not be practicable. The Royal Commission on the Income Tax reported against any extension of discount for prepayment of tax.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of allowing the Bank of England to retain the Income Tax, provided the owner of the stock gives a written request that such Income Tax may be retained?

I certainly will consider that.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think that the use of £13,500,000 for 15 months is a serious question worth considering? He has himself invited Members of this House to make suggestions, and I think that is a business suggestion.

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to read the answer, he will see that the £13,500,000 never reaches the Exchequer. That would be the amount if all the recipients were liable to the full rate of the tax.

Is the tax not deducted at the source at 6s. in the pound, irespective of what it may ultimately have to be? Therefore the £13,500,000 is deducted at the source.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the amount of the Excess Profits Duty collected in Ireland during the financial year 1919–20?

The Excess Profits Duty collected in Ireland during the financial year 1919–20 amounted to £7,198,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet received any refund of the moneys advanced to the Agricultural Wholesale Society to liquidate their commitments in cattle-feeding stuffs; if so, how much has been received; and, if not, what prospect is there of obtaining a refund?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government has yet received any refund of the moneys advanced to the Agricultural Wholesale Society to liquidate their commitments in cattle-feeding stuffs; if so, how much; and, if not, what prospect is there of obtaining such refund?

I have been asked to reply. Amounts have been received from time to time against sales in respect of stocks taken over by the Ministry of Food on account of the Agricultural Wholesale Society and in reduction of the advance to the Society. The total receipts to date amount to £208,837.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant the return asked for by the Member for West Derbyshire [ Members of Parliament ( Salaries, etc. ),—Return giving the names of all Members of Parliament holding any Government office in the financial year ending on the 31st day of March, 1920, the amount of any salary, fees, subsidies, grants, or expenses paid or allowed to each such Member during that period apart from any salary he may receive as Member of Parliament, together with the date of such appointment; the names of any Members of Parliament who have received briefs from the Treasury or any other Government Department during that period, together with the fees paid in respect of such briefs; and also any fees and expenses paid or allowed to any Member of Parliament not holding Government office in respect of any services rendered during that period.]

The preparation of such a Return as that asked for by my hon. Friend would involve a considerable amount of clerical labour and the value of the Return would be in no way commensurate with the work entailed. But if, however, the purposes for which the hon. Gentleman desires the information would be met by a Return on the lines of the somewhat similar Return prepared in 1918 on an Order of the House dated 21st February, 1918, I should be glad to issue the necessary directions.

I shall have to be satisfied with what I can get.

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to look into it to see whether it is worth having. I do not want to go to that length unless he thinks that it is worth having.

I have made up my mind on that point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can arrange that orders for payment to Members of this House shall be either stamped or freed of stamp so that enfacement or endorsement of signature will be sufficient discharge for the amount involved?

The question whether it would be possible to arrange that orders for payment to Members of this House should bear an embossed stamp would be one for the consideration of the Clerk of the Fees whose duty it would be to ensure that the appropriate deduction on account of Stamp Duty should be made from the amount of salary paid to Members. The exemption of these orders from payment of Stamp Duty would require legislation and I see no reason why exceptionally favourable treatment should be accorded in this matter to Members while no such concession is made in the case of any other salaries paid by the Crown.

Why, when an ordinary payment is made by cheque which bears an embossed stamp the signature of the payee is considered a sufficient discharge, should there be this pettifogging exception in the case of Members of Parliament?

I think that the hon. Member is mistaken if he supposes that the endorsement on a cheque is proof of payment. It may be prima facie evidence, but, speaking subject to correction, I do not think that it is proof.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he expects the public to subscribe in any quantity to the 5 and 6 per cent. Housing Bonds when there are other Government securities available for 7 per cent.?

I have been asked to answer this question. Experience gained up to the present indicates that Housing Bonds, the interest on which is usually 6 per cent., have been taken up readily in many parts of the country, and I have every hope that the issues will be successful if they receive the support to which they are entitled on all sides. My hon. Friend should remember that the interest on Housing Bonds is assured for a term of years, whilst there is no security that the rates of interest to which he otherwise refers will continue to be received.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the success of these bonds is gravely imperilled, owing to the impression that the cost of housing is very much in excess of the real requirements?

Of course the cost of housing must, to a certain extent, I agree, affect the matter prejudicially, but I would welcome any practical suggestion as to how that cost should be reduced.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the issue of these Housing Bonds, and the campaign that is being conducted to make them a success, is resulting in numerous persons who have lent money to local authorities at low rates of interest calling up those loans, and thus reducing many local authorities to a state bordering on bankruptcy?

I have no information to that effect

asked the Home Secretary whether the licensing regulations are in force in certain coast areas in North Wales on excursion steamers sailing on Sundays between Liverpool, Llandudno, and Anglesea, while compulsory Sunday closing of public-houses obtains in all Welsh areas; is he aware that numbers of men make a practice of travelling both ways by these steamers that day and drinking continuously, landing at Llandudno and elsewhere in an intoxicated condition, to the great annoyance of the inhabitants; and what action, if any, can be taken to stop this Sunday drink traffic?

I have made inquiry of the police of Liverpool, Carnarvonshire (for Llandudno), and Anglesey, and their reports do not support the allegations contained in the second paragraph of the question. The reports, dated 4th and 5th June, show that no trouble has arisen during the two previous Sundays during which the steamers in question have plied this year.

May I ask whether the bar of a steamer is considered to be "licensed premises"?

They can sell liquor at the bar of a steamer, if that is what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a petition from the inhabitants of Hampstead as to the treatment of a dog at Mount Vernon; and, if so, what action does he intend taking?

I have received a memorial from certain residents at Hampstead, complaining of the barking of a dog at the Institute at Mount Vernon, on and between 1st April and 7th May. I have made inquiry, and am assured that there was no dog at the Institute during a considerable part of that time. I am satisfied that the memorialists must have made a mistake as to the place from which the noise they complain of proceeded.

asked the Home Secretary the number of German aliens who have been allowed to land on these shores since the signing of the Armistice; how many of these have been admitted since the beginning of the present year; and what steps are being taken to prevent the landing of German aliens under cover of Swiss and Scandinavian passports?

Detailed statistics from the date of the Armistice up to 1st July, 1919, are not available, but practically the only persons of German nationality who were admitted to the United Kingdom during that period were British-born wives or widows and their children. Between 1st July and 31st December, 1919, 925 Germans were admitted, of whom 550 were British-born wives or widows, and of the remainder, the great majority were the children of such wives or widows. Between 1st January and 30th April, 1920, 1,554 Germans were admitted, of whom 586 were British-born wives or widows and their children. The hon. Member will recollect that the landing of former enemy aliens, other than British-born women, in this country is governed by Section 10 (1) of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, which lays down inter alia that permission may be given only for short periods. The passports and other papers of all aliens entering the United Kingdom are carefully scrutinised, and there is no reason to fear that Germans are gaining admission under the guise of Swiss or Swedish subjects.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to give the number of Soviet committees established in South Wales, in Glasgow and Scotland generally, and the industrial centres of England; if there are very strong bodies of the same at Slough motor depôt; and what steps, if any, are being taken to ascertain and make public the source whence the funds are derived to carry on the active propaganda disclosed during a recent trial, when certain Irish Guardsmen admitted to having received various sums of money from a Bolshevist agent who was sentenced to a term of imprisonment?