asked the Minister of Food whether the new Food Commissioner for Scotland devotes his whole time to the duties of his office; and whether, before making the appointment, he consulted the Ministry of Labour as to whether they had upon their books the names of any ex-service men competent to do the work of the office?

As the appointment is of a temporary nature, with provision for a month's notice on either side, arrangements have been made to enable Sir John Lorne Macleod to continue his own business, but he has undertaken and has made arrangements not to allow any private work to interfere with the full discharge of the office of Food Commissioner. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. I have always given special consideration to the claims of ex-service men for appointment under the Ministry, but I am satisfied that his previous experience in administrative work, together with his wide knowledge of Scottish conditions, render Sir John Lorne Macleod exceptionally fitted for this particular position.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is still holding stocks of frozen sides of bacon; if so, in what quantity; whether this bacon is defrozen and distributed among bacon curers, by whom it is recured, and then placed on the market in an unpalatable condition; how long this kind of thing is likely to continue, and why Danish and Irish bacon is not freely obtainable; and when he proposes to stop the exportation of the best English pigs to America?

So long as bulk of the bacon supplies available for this country has to be obtained from inland centres in America, it is necessary to hold reserves here as a safeguard against delays and dislocation of transport. Such reserves are held in cold store to minimise the possibility of deterioration, and the quantity so held varies from time to time. Bacon from cold stores is not sent to curers to be recured. Practically all bacon is smoked, dried, or rolled by the wholesaler or retailer before it is sold, and bacon from cold stores neither requires, nor is submitted to, any special treatment. Supplies of Danish and Irish bacon are still far below the pre-War production, but the whole exportable surplus of both countries comes to this market. Questions with regard to the exportation of live stock should be addressed to the Minister of Agriculture.

asked the Minister of Food whether the local Food Control Committees will be dissolved at the end of June; whether, if this is so, he consulted the Consumers' Council before he took this step, or whether any other body or bodies were taken into consultation; and, if so, will he give the names of such body or bodies?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Divisional Food Commissioners, who are in close touch with the administrative work of all Food Control Committees, were also taken into consultation on the matter.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has contemplated or is contemplating the establishment of councils of traders for each trade to advise him in matters concerning supplies and price movements; and, if so, what relations he contemplates such councils will have with the Consumers Council?

During the period of transition from the war period to more normal conditions of supply and trading the method of control by means of statutory maximum prices has ceased in some cases to be practicable and in others to be of advantage to the consumer. It has, therefore, been my policy to substitute for rigid statutory controls, wherever practicable, other and more elastic methods. With this object in view, Fair Trading Councils have already been set up in the fish and jam trades, while the formation of a Council for fruit and vegetables has been agreed and sanctioned. The members of these Councils are not nominated by the Ministry of Food, but by the various federations, associations, and unions covering the respective industries. Their establishment does not in any way affect the functions of the Consumers' Councils, which will continue to advise me from the special point of view of the consumer.

Mr. LUNN asked the Minister of Food if a Fair Trading Council for the jam industry has been formed; if so, will he give the membership and terms of reference of this council, giving the body or bodies which are represented on it; and whether these councils are purely advisory bodies or whether they have any administrative functions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Council is a voluntary organisation of representatives of the various branches of the industry nominated by the respective associations, among which are The Food Manufacturers' Federation. The Fruit Preservers' Association. The Co-operative Wholesale Society, Ltd. The Scottish Wholesale Provision Merchants' Association. The Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society, Ltd. The Scottish Federation of Grocers and Provision Merchants' Association. The National Federation of Grocers' Associations. The Workers' Union. I am sending the hon. Member a full list of the members of the Council. The Council will advise me with regard to all subjects on which its advice is sought, and will further supply information as to supplies, cost of production and distribution, prices, and trade conditions generally. It will make recommendations on matters in which the action of my Department is considered desirable, and will endeavour as far as possible to moderate prices and profits by agreement. The functions of the Council are purely advisory in character.

asked the Minister of Food whether stocks of Argentine butter were recently offered in London at 200s. per cwt.; and at what price this butter could be profitably retailed?

I am not aware of the particular offer referred to, but Argen- tine butter has in fact been purchased by my Department at a price somewhat lower than that quoted in the question. With regard to the latter part of the question, the practice of the Ministry of Food is to pool all purchases of butter and to sell them at a flat retail price based upon the average cost of supplies.

asked the Minister of Food whether traders are willing to sell dried fruits at £75 per ton; whether the Ministry of Food forbids them to do so in this country; and, if so, for what reason?

The fixed maxium wholesale prices of dried fruits range from £196 to £60 13s. 4d. per ton, according to variety. These prices are maxima, and there is nothing to prevent wholesalers making sales at lower prices. Several varieties of dried fruits are, in fact, frequently sold at varying prices below the maxima fixed by the Dried Fruits (Wholesale Prices) Order, 1919. I may add that, as stated last week, it is my intention to remove statutory control of dried fruits as from 2nd August.

asked the Minister of Food what were the stocks of dried fruit in the United Kingdom on 30th April, 1919, and 30th April, 1920, respectively; what was the average import price of these various dried fruits, customs duty included; and what is the average price at present being charged to retailers and to the public respectively?

I am unable to give the figures asked for in the first part of the question, as official records are only kept of stocks of currants and raisins. On 30th April, 1919, the importation of dried fruits was in private hands, and on 30th April, 1920, the importation of a considerable number of varieties of dried fruits was also in private hands. It is not, therefore, possible to give the average import price on the dates in question. The average maximum price to retailers of the dried fruits scheduled in the Dried Fruits (Wholesale Prices) Order, 1919, is 127s. 2d. per cwt., and the average maximum price to the public of the dried fruits scheduled in the Dried Fruits (Retail Prices) Order, 1918, is 1s. 5d. per lb. (to the nearest penny). I may add that sales below these maxima are of frequent occurrence, and that it is intended to revoke both Orders as from 2nd August.

asked the Minister of Food whether 1,000,000 tons of sugar was stored in this country in March last; whether the normal amount stored before the War was 450,000 tons; whether the former amount would be sufficient to ration the people at half a pound per head per week for two years and a half; whether the effect of the 6d. per lb. just put on will mean a profit of £;56,000,000 to the Government; and if he will take steps to see that this profiteering by the Government on the people's food shall be put a stop to?

There is no truth whatever in the suggestions contained in this question. The total amount of bonded sugar in store in this country on the 31st March last was 265,000 tons. The price of sugar is fixed merely with a view to preventing an ultimate loss to the taxpayer. For grocery sugar the prices charged are far below those prevailing in other parts of the world.

asked the Minister of Food what was the average import price per cwt. of sugar during the first four months of 1920, the amount per cwt. of import duty, and the average price per cwt. received on sale to manufacturers and to retailers for domestic consumption, respectively?

I am not quite clear as to the exact meaning attached by my hon. and gallant Friend to the term "import price," but according to the returns published in the accounts relating to the trade and navigation of the United Kingdom, the average value per cwt. declared in the case of sugar imported into this country during the first four months of 1920, was 56s. in the case of refined, and 41s. 5d. in the case of unrefined sugar. The amount of the import duty is 25s. 8d. per cwt. The average prices at which the Sugar Commission sold granulated sugar during these months, were 69s. 6d. per cwt. for grocery purposes, and 108s. 6d. per cwt. for manufacturing purposes, duty paid, ex store, less 1½ per cent. discount.

asked the Minister of Food whether there is sufficient mutton in this country at present, together with the Colonial supplies already assured, to supply the population for 12 months; whether, during the last three months, eight vessels carrying meat have been detained in port on an average six weeks; whether £500 per day has been paid for demurrage and other charges; what effect this has on the price to the consumer, and if he will see that this meat is distributed, and thus avoid delay in unloading, and consequently lower prices?

Any answer to the first part of this question can only be in the nature of an estimate, dependent upon the rate of consumption of mutton in this country during the next 12 months, and the quantities which may ultimately he tendered under contracts which have not yet terminated. I can only say that at the present rate of consumption the Colonial supplies at present in store in this country, and in the Australasian freezing works, would not satisfy the Home demand for the period mentioned. As regards the second part of the question, there has been some delay of vessels discharging in the port of London, but at the present time no vessel is being held up for lack of storage accommodation for her cargo. The claims for demurrage have not yet been settled, but I am informed that they will not in any case approach the figure suggested in the question. The price of meat to the consumer has not been affected by any charges of this nature and, in fact, the price of mutton recently has been substantially reduced. I am glad to be able to state that the reduction in price, and the publicity which has been given to this matter, together with other steps which I have taken, have resulted in a substantial increase in the consumption of this Australasian mutton amounting to about 40 per cent. above the pre-War demand.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Government has sold best quality New Zealand lamb to the United States, shipped direct; if so, at what price f.o.b., New Zealand; and whether a profit or a loss was made on the transaction?

Sales have been made of New Zealand lambs for shipment to the United States, at prices which will leave a margin of profit to the Government. Further negotiations are in progress, and I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to defer asking for information which might prejudice these negotiations.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether over 1,000 awards of pensions have been made in the case of sailors' and soldiers' widows whose husbands died in circumstances other than through the direct result of the Great War; whether the pensions are only temporary, and no allowances for children are permissible under the articles in the Royal Warrant in which these pensions are issued; and whether, in view of the increased cost of living and the impending increase in house rents, he will consider the advisability of granting an addition to the pension in the form of a bonus on compassionate grounds?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As these pensions are in the nature of a compassionate allowance, granted under circumstances which cannot be said to impose any liability for maintenance from the State, they were, as the hon. Member was informed on the 27th November last, excluded from the scope of the bonus, and I am not prepared to recommend an alteration of the decision then arrived at by the Government.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many soldiers who are suffering from the amputation of a leg have been provided with their second artificial limb; and how many such soldiers are still waiting for the said limb?

My right hon. Friend is having a statement prepared giving the figures asked for by the hon. and gallant Member and will communicate with him as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether paragraph 11, National Reserve Regulations of 1913, states that if a National Reservist who is a pensioner be re-called or re-enlisted on account of imminent national danger the period of service will count towards increase of pension; and, if so, the reason for the refusal of the Commissioners, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, to grant the increase to such Reservists who are entitled to an increase of pension under the above-mentioned regulations?

When pension is drawn concurrently with pay during re-enlisted service, that service does not count for increase of pension. The regulations governing the action of the Chelsea Commissioners in this matter are those contained in Article 1158 of the Royal Warrant for Pay, 1914, which, under the terms of its Preamble, is to be obeyed as the sole authority in such matters. The change in this respect from the earlier regulation, which allowed a pensioner to count service for increase of pension, but not to draw pension concurrently with pay, was made in the edition of the Royal Warrant published in August, 1913.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state the result of the inquiries into the case of Mr. J. Perkins, No. 74,651, late Royal Engineers?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON: No, Sir. The matter has involved considerable correspondence, but I am hoping to be in a position to communicate the results to the hon. Member shortly.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private H. F. Adams, No. L. 29,594, late Royal Field Artillery, who lost his right hand whilst on leave from France during an air raid at Bow on the 23rd September, 1916; whether this man's claim for a pension has been disallowed on the ground that the disability is not attributable to war service, whether, in the event of a simi- lar occurrence happening whilst a soldier was on leave in France, he would have been entitled to a pension; and whether, in view of the fact that the man is entirely dependent on charity and has applied to the Poplar guardians for relief, he will have further inquiries made into this matter?

Private Adams' case has been before the Independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal. They were not able to regard his injury as due to or aggravated by military service. I understand that the Ministry of Health, who deal with civil claims arising out of injuries by air raids in this country, have granted an allowance of 15s. a week in respect of Private Adams' injury.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British and Indian troops respectively are now stationed in Mesopotamia and Persia; what is the approximate weekly cost of the garrisons; whether any portion of this cost is borne by the revenues of Mesopotamia, Persia, or India, and, if so, what; whether large permanent barracks are being erected at Baghdad, and at what cost; and whether the estimate of £18,890,500 as the War Office expenditure in Mesopotamia in the current year over and above the cost of Civil administration is now likely to be exceeded?

The approximate strength of the force in Mesopotamia and North-West Persia is 13,500 British and 66,000 Indian troops, and the weekly cost is about £475,000. No portion of this expenditure is borne by the Governments mentioned in the question. There is also a force of some 9,000 Indian troops in East Persia, administered by India and now being withdrawn I apprehend that the cost of this force will be charged upon the War Office. The question of permanent barracks for the force is Mesopotamia is still under consideration. I am relaxing none of my efforts to reduce this garrison and to reduce the commitments which render it necessary on a scale so fatal to the economic solvency of Mesopotamia. I trust that the amount taken in Estimates will prove adequate, provided, of course, that no exceptional military measures are necessitated by events in the Middle East.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the pay of the administrative officers of the Remount Department at home is at present over £40,000 per annum; and if, in view of the reduction in the number of horses in the Army, he will consider the excessive cost of administering this department and take steps to reduce the expenditure?

The cost is approximately as stated. The present establishment of remount officers is less than in 1914, but the establishment of horses is about, the same. All the officers are fully employed and it would be impossible to make any reduction without a serious loss of efficiency. I would point out that since 1914 the inspection of horses boarded out with civilians in all parts of the country under the Territorial Scheme has been added to the duties of remount officers.

asked the Prime Minister whether in the event of the British refugees, now housed in the Mitcham workhouse, holding Russian roubles of the Kerensky and Czarist régimes, the Treasury will consider advancing them a certain amount of money against such holdings with a view to their starting small businesses?

I regret that I cannot authorise the advance of public money in the circumstances described.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that several of the unmarried male British refugees from Russia have been turned out from the Mitcham Union, and have been given 27s. a week and told to find work; whether he is aware that, owing to their residence in Russia and consequent poor knowledge of the English language, they find this very difficult and are in an indigent condition; and what steps the Government is taking to see that the officials of the Mitcham Union treat these distressed persons with more consideration?

As stated by the Prime Minister yesterday the United Russian Societies' Association at Mitcham is undertaking the care of friendless or homeless cases. The last part of the question does not arise as the matter is in the hands of a private committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to make any statement as to the official attitude of Japan with regard to Eastern Siberia?

The Japanese Government have declared their intention of withdrawing their troops from Eastern Siberia when order is established in that country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Persian diplomatic mission has arrived at Moscow; and if its composition and purpose is known to His Majesty's Government?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many Russian merchant ships, not privately owned, are at present under the British flag or under British control; when they were requisitioned; and when it is intended to return these ships to the Russian Government?

There are 11 Russian merchant ships, not privately owned, under the British flag. They were requisitioned in May, 1918. No decision has been arrived at as to the release of these ships.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the transport "Hunts-green," formerly the Norddeutscher Lloyd S.S. "Derfflinger," which sailed from this country on or about 19th March last for Bombay, Singapore, and Hong Kong, em- barked a large number of troops, families, ladies, and repatriated officers and men; whether he is aware that, whilst no complaint was made in connection with the first-class accommodation, the allocation of same and the arrangements in connection with the embarkation of the passengers were deplorable; that a large portion of the second-class accommodation was used for officers and their wives and families entitled to first-class accommodation, and that to gain access to this second-class accommodation the occupants, including the ladies, required to pass along the after well deck occupied by troops, latrines, and washhouses, often in a filthy condition; that as these second-class cabins, occupied by first-class passengers, were aft of the second-class saloon, it was necessary for the ladies frequently to pass through the saloon whilst the warrant and non-commissioned officers were at their meals; that, while the ladies were subjected to this inconvenience, a number of unmarried subalterns were quartered in the first-class state rooms; that no intimation of having to accept second-class accommodation, under the circumstances was given to anyone until actually on board; that a captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps, his wife, and four daughters aged 22, 20, 14, and 12 were allotted to and expected to occupy one four-berth cabin in the second-class accommodation; and that for 13 days during the voyage no fresh water was obtainable in the second-class cabins; which Government Department was responsible for the unsatisfactory conditions attending the embarkation of the passengers and the allocation of cabins and berths; and can he give any assurance that further passengers proceeding to the East shall receive better consideration and conditions?

I am afraid I cannot undertake to give detailed answers to all the numerous points raised in this long question, and I had not previously heard that complaints had been made as to the character of the accommodation provided on this vessel. I have gone very carefully into each of the points mentioned in the question, and am satisfied that, though owing to extreme pressure on passenger accommodation to the Far East, it was not possible to give precisely the same character of accommodation as under normal conditions, every effort was made by the officers of the Ministry of Shipping and War Office to secure that the ship would be in every respect fit for the carriage of the passengers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if staff officials and foremen were included in the recent increases of wages in the national shipyards at Beachley, Chepstow, Portbury, etc. and whether these increases will be retrospective?

The question of increases of pay of the small administrative and clerical staff still at Beachley, and engaged on clearing up work in regard to the national shipyards, is now before the Treasury, and it is anticipated that a decision will be given shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that under the new Government of India Act the Government of India can at any time recommend a further transfer of subjects to any province, it is proposed, for the information and guidance of the new Legislative Council and the public generally, to lay down in the rules to be made in the new Government of India Act definite principles governing the revision of the list of transferred subjects from time to time within 10 years?

I would refer the hon. Member to the recommendation made by the Joint Select Committee, in the first sentence of their remarks on Clause 41 of the Government of India Bill. The formulation of principles such as he suggests would be inconsistent with that recommendation.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, after the Royal Proclamation, the district magistrate of Jullunder, in the Punjab, has refused to renew licences under the Arms Act to several applicants on the ground that they had attended the Indian National Congress, which he said had passed seditious resolutions; whether he refused to forward to the Government of the Punjab a representation on the subject made by the Jullunder District Congress Committee, on the ground that that body was irresponsible and self-constituted; whether a series of questions on this subject, of which notices were given by several members of the Indian Legislative Council, were disallowed by His Excellency the President during the last session; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have no information beyond some complaints made in the Press. I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to secure that the public-houses and other premises owned and occupied by the Central Control (Liquor Traffic) in Annan and other districts in Scotland, in respect of which no certificates have been issued by the licensing courts, shall be brought within the local option provisions of the Temperance (Scotland) Act and made subject to the popular vote at the polls in November and December of this year?

I am in consultation in this matter, which raises issues of considerable importance, with the Central Control Board and other Departments interested. The decision of the Government will be announced in due course.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether legislation will be introduced for the purpose of bringing Scotland into line with England and Wales in the matter of the public library rate; and, if so, at what date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dumbarton (Sir W. Raeburn).

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the event of the two Parliaments being set up in Ireland, all the official letters of the Irish Governments will be carried free by the Post Office?

The Post Office keeps an account against every Department of the Government in Dublin (as in London) in respect of letters conveyed on its service. If the Department concerned is not one whose whole expenses are defrayed by a Vote of Parliament, it actually pays its postage. As the expenses of the two Irish Governments proposed to be set up by the Bill will not be defrayed by a Vote of the Imperial Parliament, and as the Post Office will remain an Imperial Department, the two Irish Governments should actually pay their postage.

( Clitheroe ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the difficult nature of the prison warders' duties and the present isolated nature of their position and families, he will take steps to have these officers paid in cash for overtime performed on escort duty, as obtains in the English prison service; whether he is aware that overtime performed on escort duty involves extra expense to the officers, which is paid from their own pockets, and that time off in lieu cannot possibly compensate these officers as in the case of overtime performed in their own prison; and whether he will give this matter his consideration?

The question of overtime in the Irish prison service is being considered in connection with the representations on the subject from the Prison Officers' Representative Council.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland what steps he proposes to take to secure freedom to Irish electors in the choice of their representatives, in view of the fact that on 2nd June, in the Westmeath County and District Council Elections, the Sinn Fein candidates were elected through the intimidation practised by the members of the Irish Republican Army, who took complete charge of the polling booths under the Republican flag and conveyed the ballot boxes to the counting hall?

No complaint has been received of any intimidation or interference at the County Westmeath Elections, the polling for which took place on 31st ultimo, not on 2nd instant. The ballot boxes were conveyed from outlying districts by motor-cars accompanied by the presiding officers and agents. In some instances there were escorts of Sinn Feiners with the ballot boxes. No such body as that alleged in the question took control of the polling booths. A Sinn Fein flag was flown over the County Hall, Mullingar, in which there was a polling booth.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the basis of the calculation as to the distribution of Revenue from Customs, Excise, and Income Tax between Great Britain and Ireland and between Southern and Northern Ireland, as shown in the table on page 4 of Command Paper, No. 645, of 1920?

Full information as to apportionment between Great Britain and Ireland is given in the Annual Return of Revenue and Expenditure (England, Scotland and Ireland)—H.C. 163 of 1919. Customs and Excise Revenue, except in the case of licences and Entertainments Duty where the locality from which the revenue is derived is ascertainable, is divided between Southern and Northern Ireland in proportion to population, 28½ per cent. being credited to Northern Ireland and 71½ per cent. to Southern Ireland. The division of the total Income Tax attributed to Ireland as between Northern and Southern Ireland is based on returns showing the amount of tax dealt with in the various tax districts in the respective areas of Northern and Southern Ireland; the proceeds of the tax under Schedule C which is assessed centrally in Dublin are distributed in the same proportions as are arrived at, from the returns mentioned, from the other schedules of the tax. The Super-tax is apportioned in the same ratio as is arrived at for the respective contributions of Income Tax from Northern and Southern Ireland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated maximum sum that would have to be paid into the Irish Land Purchase Fund or Account in any one year under Section 24, Sub-section (2), of the Government of Ireland Bill, 1920?

The future amounts of existing annuities are subject to conditions which cannot be accurately foreseen, but it is estimated that the maximum will slightly exceed £3,800,000.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what buildings in London are being used to house the library and other officers of the War Museum; what is the total annual charge for these buildings and the staffs therein; and whether it is intended to vacate these buildings, and to remove the contents to the Crystal Palace?

The library is installed at 45, Buckingham Palace Road, at a rental of £450 per annum, exclusive of rates and taxes, and there is no intention of removing it to the Crystal Palace, as it is considered that it should be in a more easily accessible place for research purposes. The cost of the staff amounts to £1,280 per annum.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what answer the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital have made to his request for an extension of the lease of Burton Court, Chelsea?

As an alternative to a lease the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital have offered to place Burton Court at the disposal of my Department free of charge until the 1st July, 1924, subject to an undertaking that no additional buildings shall be erected and that all existing buildings shall be evacuated by that date.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the financial responsibility of the Government in con- nection with the Victory Exhibition at the Crystal Palace; and whether there is any financial connection between the manager of this exhibition and the trustees of the War Museum?

The Imperial War Museum has no connection with the Victory Exhibition, which is installed in an entirely separate part of the Crystal Palace.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation at an early date to enlarge the powers of the Ancient Monuments Commission so as to extend protection to the cathedrals and parish churches of this country?

I am considering the appointment of a committee to advise on the question of amending and strengthening the existing Ancient Monuments Act and also to consider whether the powers conferred by Parliament should be widened so as to cover the points referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the nature of the agreements entered into between the Government and the British America Nickel Corporation; whether the Government is bound by any such agreement to purchase the product of that corporation; and, if so, at what price and for what period?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Major M. Wood) on the 29th March last. I do not think it would be proper for me to give more precise details of a commercial contract.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an applicant for an export licence must produce a manufacturer's certificate to the effect that the goods are required for export purposes, and that such export would not be detrimental to supplies required for home consumption and, if so, whether the effect has been to limit exports?

Applicants for export licenses for certain coal tar products are required to produce a certificate from the actual manufacturers to the effect that they can supply the quantity of goods in question for export without detriment to their deliveries to domestic consumers. It is obviously in the interests of the export trade generally that the requirements of the users of these commodities in the United Kingdom should be supplied so far as practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether priority for exports of coal from the United Kingdom has been granted to France and Italy, and what was the amount of such exports respectively to those countries in the months of March, April and May?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him yesterday on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a telegram from the Hull Chamber of Commerce and Shipping protesting against the total prohibition of exporting coal from the Humber; and if he will meet a deputation from Hull on the matter?

A deputation was received on Thursday last by the Controller of Coal Mines, and a Committee was appointed to examine the representations and suggestions then made. In these circumstances, I am not prepared to receive a further deputation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the waste of good fish that is going on owing to the poor facilities existing for its conveyance to inland towns and cities; and whether any steps are being taken to provide cold storage and refrigerator railway wagons in order to avoid this loss of food?.

Similar questions were also addressed by the same hon. Member to the Minister of Food and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any steps are being taken to provide more refrigerator trucks for the conveyance of fresh fish?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. As the hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware, this Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have been in consultation with the trade associations upon the general question of facilities for transport and distribution of fish, with the result that a conference is to be held on the 15th instant for the purpose of seeing what the difficulties are and what improvements can be introduced. I would point out, however, that the railway companies are carrying a very heavy fish traffic, as is instanced by the fact that the deliveries of rail-borne fish at Billingsgate are now more than double the average volume for 1913, whilst at the same time they have not overtaken the arrears of construction of wagons caused by the War. The Minister is already investigating with them the adequacy of the present and prospective provision of rolling stock for the conveyance of fish. I am informed that freezing fish for storage is a difficult operation, but experiments in that direction are at present being conducted. The Minister of Food is enquiring into the question of the provision of suitable accommodation for such fish as cannot be immediately disposed of in inland markets.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that chartered accountants are making large fortunes entirely due to the Excess Profits Duty; and whether, in view of this fact, he will take steps so that this duty shall apply to this profession; (2) whether, in view of the fact that barristers can earn £40,000 per annum and more, he will take steps in order that the Excess Profits Duty shall apply to this profession?

I am not prepared to adopt the suggestions of my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it is that individuals who, as a result of their claims, get a refund of Income Tax, are unable to obtain from the Inland Revenue authorities the necessary particulars and vouchers on which the amount of the refund is based; and whether, in view of the fact that in such cases the Inland Revenue have obtained money to which they are not entitled, it is their duty to furnish the taxpayer for inspection if he requires it all the vouchers necessary to explain the account on which the refund is calculated?

The suggestion contained in the question must, I think, be based upon a misapprehension. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind any specific case in which a claimant has been unable to obtain the necessary explanation of the amount of his Income Tax repayment I shall be pleased to look into the matter on receiving particulars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the estimate of the Inland Revenue of £4,000,000,000 as being the increase in War wealth is made up, giving separately the figures for each class of property?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Memoranda laid before the Select Committee on Increases of Wealth (War) by the Board of Inland Revenue (Cmd. 594 of 1920)—a copy of which I am sending him—and particularly to Table 1 on page 16.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the actual return of the duties imposed under the preferential and protective clauses of The Finance Act, 1919?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that, except in the case of spirits, preference was granted by way of a reduction in duty, and, with that exception, there can therefore be no question of duties being "imposed" under the Clauses of the Finance Act, 1919, referred to. The yield of the special surtax on foreign spirits was £226,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why export bills of lading have to be stamped, whilst import bills of lading have not to be stamped?

Import bills of lading are not liable to Stamp Duty under the existing law. Such Bills are executed abroad, and as at present advised I do not consider that the revenue to be expected from extending the charge would be considerable enough to compensate for the inconvenience to the commercial community.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of War Savings Certificates taken up in the three months ending 1st May?

The number of certificates applied for in the three months ending 1st May was 17,090,332, in 15s. 6d. units, representing a cash value of approximately £13,250,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give any indication as to the date when the Income Tax Bill will be introduced?

I regret that I am at present unable to say when it will be possible to introduce the Revenue Bill, dealing with the remaining recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax.

asked the Minister of Health how many issues of local Housing Bonds have been made and for what amount; and how much has been subscribed up to date?

Dr. ADDISON: According to the Returns received to date, the issue of Housing Bonds has been begun by 163 authorities, the amount already raised being £4,100,000. This sum is in addition to the sums raised for housing purposes by issues of stock and by ordinary mortgage of rates.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many housing schemes have been finally approved in the constituency of East Fife, including the burghs and the county district, and for how many houses; how many houses have been completed; and how many are in progress?

Eleven housing schemes have been approved in the constituency of East Fife, involving the erection of 482 houses by August, 1922. None of the schemes for new houses in this area has yet reached the building stage. In one case, however, work in connection with the reconstruction of 11 tenement houses is in progress, and in other two cases tenders for street construction in connection with schemes have been approved.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if the Scottish Board of Health have received from local authorities the Return required to be given by 31st March, 1920, in terms of the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, showing the number of houses completed and other details; and, if so, can a summary now be given?

The Scottish Board of Health have received the Returns referred to. The Returns show that at 31st March last only one local authority had houses completed under an approved scheme. The scheme in question was that of the Burgh of Renfrew, under which 12 houses had been completed and 10 occupied at the date in question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Stourbridge Town Council are making a deposit of £2, which is to be returned with interest on the termination of the tenancy, one of the conditions of letting the municipal houses; and whether such a deposit is sufficiently in the nature of key-money or a premium to warrant him giving the council advice on the matter in the light of the provisions of the Rents Restrictions Bill?

I understand that the Stourbridge Urban District Council are asking for a deposit of £2, which is returnable with interest at the termination of the tenancy, as an insurance against possible damage by the tenant to the fittings or structure of the house. It does not seem to me that this deposit can in any sense be regarded as a premium.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the West Bromwich housing committee are recommending improvement schemes to the town council which will involve the demolition of 804 houses and the erection of 291; that 4,086 people will be dehoused and 1,455 rehoused; that there will be a loss of housing accommodation for 2,631 people; and whether he will assure himself that this council are promoting the best interests of the community in this matter?

I have seen a summary of the recommendations of the Committee and am in communication with the town council on the subject. Any improvement scheme submitted by the town council will be carefully considered and will be the subject of a local inquiry. The necessity for adequate accommodation before any demolition is permitted will be borne in mind.

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 President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the Rhondda Urban District Council education authority has recently passed a resolution which will terminate the engagement of service and provides for the dismissal of each and all of their married female teachers as soon as they become eligible for the minimum pension payable; and, if this be so, will he use his influence and endeavour to mitigate the injustice and inequalities that must obtain as between teacher and teacher if this resolution is carried into effect?

I understand that such a resolution has been passed. I have no general authority to interfere with the action of the local education authority in the matter

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the event of county councils and boroughs voting sums from their rates to support Bristol University, similar amounts will be given for the same object from the National Exchequer?

Grants amounting to £22,500 will be paid by the Treasury to Bristol University during the present financial year. I am informed that the support accorded to the University by local authorities from the rates is confined to a grant of £7,000 per annum made by the Bristol Corporation, of which £3,000 is paid in respect of students' fees, leaving a net contribution towards the expenses of the University of £4,000 per annum, and that, while grants from the Treasury have more than doubled since 1914, no increase has been made during this period in the contribution of the local authority.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he is aware that two of the appointed members of the Suffolk District Wages Committee have applied for certificates of exemption for some of their workers; whether he will take steps to terminate their appointment on the Committee; and how many appointed members there are on the District Wages Committees who employ workers who come under the Regulations of the Agricultural Wages Board?

The statement in the first part of the question is correct, but the Minister is not prepared to terminate the appointment of the members referred to on the ground that they employ persons employed in Agriculture within the meaning of the Act. It is not possible to state, without personal inquiry in each case, how many of the appointed members on the 39 District Committees may be in this position.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will furnish the names, nationality, addresses, and occupations of the jurymen empanelled at No. 1 Court, London Sessions, on the 1st June, 1920, before Sir Robert Wallace, chairman of the sessions; and the name of the official responsible for their attendance?

The persons to serve on any jury after excuses have been disposed of are taken in the order in which their names appear on the panel. I do not think it is desirable to publish the names and addresses of any particular jury, and their nationalities are not recorded. The Under-Sheriff for the County of London is responsible for the attendance at Quarter Sessions of a sufficient number of jurors.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether provision has now been made for an increase of pay to officers in the Colonial Service similar to that granted of other Civil servants; and when he hopes to be able to announce the new scales of pay?

I am unable at present to add anything to the reply given on the 19th of May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Melton (Colonel Yate) with regard to the revised rates of pay which have been introduced into, or are under consideration, in various Colonies and Protectorates. It is not possible to make any general statement of revised rates as the rates and other conditions of service differ considerably in different Colonies owing to the variety of local circumstances, but any revision that may be sanctioned is at once made known in the Colony concerned.