asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) what are the total amounts of advances made under the several Land Purchase Acts in Ireland from 1881 inclusive to date, and what are the respective sums paid, or credited, for sinking fund in respect of such advances under such respective Acts; how have such sums received on account of sinking funds under the said several Acts been applied in the purchase of any, and what, description of Irish land stock;

Acts. Total advances to 31st March, 1920. Advances repaid to 31st March, 1920. Outstanding at 31st March, 1920. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Irish Land Acts, 1870–72 514,536 13 0 339,288 2 11 (a) 175,248 10 1 (a) Land Purchase Acts, 1881–5 10,233,337 0 0 2,993,724 16 11 (a) 7,239,612 3 1 (a) Land Purchase Acts, 1891–6 13,649,690 6 9(b) 3,602,570 6 5 10,047,120 0 4 Irish Land Act, 1903 77,879,098 14 3(c)(d) 4,197,756 10 3 73,681,342 4 0 Irish Land Act, 1909 10,018,817 12 2(d) 310,714 14 2 9,708,102 18 0 Totals 112,295,480 6 2 11,444,054 10 8 100,851,425 15 6

The sums rceeived to 31st March, 1920, in respect of the repayment of advances were applied as under:—

The following figures show the advances made under all the Land Purchase Acts from 1870 to 1909, and show the amount of the advances repaid, including redemptions, together with the amount outstanding on the 31st March, 1920:—

balance being represented at that date by various securities of a total nominal amount of £1,162,454 11s. 5d., these including £378,351 8s. 10d., Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock, and ¾18,238 5s. 2d., 2¾ per cent. Guaranteed Land Stock.

Irish Land Acts, 1903 and 1909.

The accumulated sinking fund receipts to 31st March, 1920, were applied partly to the cancellation of £1,181,805 2s. 5d. (£994,645 16s. 1d.), Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock, and £125,699 19s. (£107,802 6s. 1d.), Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock, as to £4,856,800 (£3,715,750), in financing further advances under the Acts, and as to the balance, in the purchase of £4,259 6s. (£4,234 17s. 6d.), Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock, and £51,468 10s. 3d. (£3,450 3s. 9d.), Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock, which, with £248 0s. 4d. (£109 2s. 7d.) cash, were held for the sinking fund accounts at that date.

The larger amount stated in each case includes the results of the application or accumulation of the sinking fund in respect of Excess Stock and of Stock issued to finance the Land Purchase Aid Fund, provision for which is derived otherwise than from tenant-purchasers' repayments, the figures given in brackets relating solely to the sinking fund payments made by tenant-purchasers (Advances Account)— ( a ) including amounts "written off" the assets of the local loans fund as irrecoverable; ( b ) including £502,797 16s. 2d., advanced to the Congested Districts Board under Section 43 of the Act of 1896, for the purchase of estates, all of which has been repaid on the re-sale of those estates to tenants thereof; ( c ) including £4,609,131 advanced for the purposes of the Labourers (Ireland) Acts from the Land Purchase Fund; ( d ) including enhanced price on resale.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what pension has been awarded to the widow of the late Constable O'Brien, Royal Irish Constabulary, who was murdered whilst in discharge of his duty on the 6th April, 1919; and whether any pension has been awarded in respect of his two infant children, one of whom was born after his death?

The widow of the late Constable Martin O'Brien, who was murdered whilst in the discharge of his duty on 6th April, 1919, was awarded a pension of £39 per annum, under the Statute governing pensions to widows of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who lose their lives in the execution of their duty. In addition, gratuities amounting to £29 have been awarded in respect of the two children (including posthumous child) of the deceased constable. Mrs. O'Brien was awarded £1,200 compensation at Limerick Assizes, in July, 1919, under the Malicious Injuries Act.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of apprehensions in Edinburgh and Glasgow for the first five months of this year for all crimes and offences (including breaches of the peace and offences involving drunkenness) where the accused was under the influence of liquor when apprehended; and the percentage of such cases as compared with the total number of apprehensions for all such crimes and offences?

The number of apprehensions were: in Edinburgh, 2,299; in Glasgow, 12,243. I am not quite clear as to the meaning of the second part of the question, but, assuming that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the percentage as compared with all apprehensions in Edinburgh and Glasgow, respectively, the figures are: Edinburgh, about 76; and Glasgow, about 56 per cent.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Craiglockhart Hydropathic, Slateford, has been sold; whether it was used by military officers from 1916 to 1919, and is at present in use by many military officers and others, who cannot find accommodation elsewhere; and what steps he proposes to take?

I understand that the Craiglockhart Hydropathic Establishment was closed as a military hospital on the 1st March, 1919, and has since that date been used for its ordinary purposes. I am informed that it has now been sold. There are at present, I believe, some 70 to 80 persons, including two military officers, residing as ordinary hotel guests. I am not aware that I have any power to take action in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether information has been received from Japanese or other sources of the number of prisoners of war in Siberia; what is the present condition of the camps in which they have been interned; whether he can state approximately the number or percentage of those who have died and of those who have been disbanded from camps and absorbed by the life and industries of the country; and whether any efforts are being, or will be, made to bring home to their own countries the prisonesr still known to be in Siberia?

From the information at our disposal it is impossible to estimate with any degree of accuracy the number of prisoners of war in Siberia, but it is believed that there may be as many as 50,000 in that region. Owing to the situation in that country it is impossible to obtain sufficient information to reply adequately to the second and third parts of the Question; but before the fall of Admiral Koltchak the conditions in prisoners' camps were very bad. The answer to the last part of the Question is that, at the request of the League of Nations, Dr. Nansen has undertaken to organize the relief and repatriation of ex-prisoners of war in Siberia.

asked the Minister of Food whether, arising out of conversations between the Prime Minister and M. Krassin, any estimate has now been formed of the amount of wheat or other food stuffs which may become available for the famine areas of Europe or for this country; and whether any immediate action is now possible to allow grain to be exported from South Russian ports?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Sir R. Chadwick) on the 2nd June.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the majority of real property undertakings in Russia, in which all classes of British subjects had invested their savings, were not destroyed by the mob during the revolution, but were confiscated by the Bolshevik Government when that Government was not in a state of war with the British Empire; and whether, before any commercial relations are inaugurated between this Empire and Russia, through the instrumentality of M. Krassin, he will make it conditional that the Bolshevik Government recognise these liabilities and undertake to meet them?

I am aware of the suggestions stated in the question. They are not being lost sight of in the negotiations now proceeding with M. Krassin.

asked the Prime Minister whether pending the ratification of the Turkish Treaty navigation in the Straits will be regulated in accordance with the terms of that Treaty so far as ships proceeding to Russian ports are concerned?

In the ordinary course, it is not contemplated, so far as ships proceeding to Russian ports are concerned, to put into force the regimé of the Straits provided for in the Turkish Treaty until after the exchange of ratifications of that Treaty. In the meantime, such navigation is effected under the supervision of the Allied occupying Powers resulting from the Turkish Armistice of 30th October, 1918.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will see that a civil administration is set up in Palestine, and that representatives of the Jewish Labour Organisation in Palestine are included in that administration?

It is intended to set up a civil administration in Palestine without any delay. It will not be based upon the principle of representation of any organisation as such.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that Mr. George Littleproud, of Upwell, Wisbech, submitted in 1917 designs for an under-water torpedo discharger; that he has been unable to secure the return of these designs in spite of many requests; and whether he will see that either the designs are returned at once or, if they are to be retained, a suitable financial acknowledgment is made to Mr. Littleproud;

(2) the reasons why the Royal Commission on War Inventions refused the claim of Mr. George Littleproud, New Road, Upwell, Wisbech, in respect of his suggestions and designs for anti-submarine nets, etc., submitted on 30th April, 1917; and whether any award has been given in respect of a similar suggestion?

Mr. Littleproud was given in 1916 a copy of the printed form attached, in the last paragraph of which attention is drawn to the fact that the plans, models or papers had to be kept for reference, and recommending the inventor to retain copies. Mr. Little-proud was heard before the Investigating Committee of the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors, and was subsequently informed by the Commission that his claim would not be heard by the full Commission, as it was not considered that there was any chance of his inventions being adopted.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to pay the same pensions to widows of officers killed in former wars as they would now receive if their husbands had been killed in the late War; and whether, in view of the fact that the cost of living is equally great for the one as for the other and that the State has an equal obligation to both, he can see his way to put them on the same footing in regard to pensions?

Under the Royal Warrant of 19th December, 1919, the pensioned widows of officers killed in former wars already receive the same pensions as the widows of officers killed in the late War. They were also granted the war bonus on the same terms. Their cases will, at an early date, be reviewed under the scales about to be introduced, which include an element for the increased cost of living.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the pension granted to Corporal Frank Heath, No. M2 D98,645, Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, who was discharged from the Army on 10th July, 1917, being no longer physically fit for war service in consequence of injuries received whilst serving in France, has been reduced from 8s. 8d. to 6s. a week as from 23rd June, 1920; and whether, in view of the fact that Heath has just been discharged from the Woolwich Military Hospital suffering from valvular disease of the heart, which prevents him from doing any but light work, he will order an inquiry into his case with a view to his pension being increased?

The facts are generally as stated in the first part of the question. On re-examination by a medical board in March last, Heath's condition was found to be so much improved that he was awarded a gratuity in the form of a final weekly allowance. He has since applied for commutation of this allowance on the ground of his intention to emigrate. The Ministry have no information as to the medical treatment referred to, but inquiry will at once be made into the facts of the case.

asked the Minister of Pensions in what Royal Warrant or Act of Parliament is it stated that a claim for alternative pension based on the proved earnings of an officer for three years or such lesser period as he engaged in shall be invalidated if his employment was under a contract of service.

Under the terms of Article 30 (5) of the Royal Warrant of 1st August, 1917, the pre-War earnings in the case of an officer, as in the case of a man, are reckoned differently according as he was engaged as a principal in a trade, business of profession, or was an employé under contract of service. In the latter case pre-War earnings are reckoned in accordance with the principles generally of the Workmen's Com- pensation Act, and ordinarily on the officer's average earnings during the twelve months preceding the commencement of the War or such lesser period as the officer was so employed.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the decision to grant relief to such pre-War pensioners as are in actual distress, such relief will be sufficient to prevent these pensioners being forced to enter the workhouse.

The scale on which pre-War pensions will be increased was announced in the statement made by the Leader of the House on the 10th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War when private soldiers who are now on military missions in Russia will be allowed to come home; and is he aware that there are men on such missions who served throughout the War and have not been home since 1914?

The last party of the former British military mission in Siberia is now on its way home. All soldiers who are serving with the mission in the Crimea are men who have definitely volunteered to stay there. Special leave arrangements, by which soldiers could get leave after six months' service with the mission, were in force, and any soldier who wished to do so could avail himself of it. If the right hon. Member will give me details of any case where a man has been away from home since 1914, and has not been able to obtain leave, I will look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has now been arrived at upon the question of the issue of a medal for nurses who served in base military hospitals in the United Kingdom during the war and who did not have an opportunity of serving overseas?

The question of the award of a medal for service at home during the War will receive further consideration as soon as the preparation and issue of the war medals is more advanced.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether General Gough is in Moscow; and, if so, whether he is there as a representative of the War Office or the Foreign Office?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in September of last year a motor lorry belonging to the 348th Company, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Trans port) ran down a Mr. Walter House, inflicting serious injuries on him and smashing his trap and killing his horse; that the driver of the lorry was subsequently convicted by a civil court at Salisbury for negligence; and that, in spite of repeated applications Mr. House has received no compensation; and if he will cause inquiries to be made into the delay in settling this matter?

I have authorised the payment of a sum of money in settlement of all claims in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in the Army on the Rhine pre-War conditions of furlough were introduced about the end of March this year; whether this entails the separation of many married soldiers from their wives and families for a period of from 10 to 12 months; and, if so, whether he will cause other arrangements to be made in view of the undesirability of such lengthy separations?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply on 20th April last to the hon. and learned Member for Bassetlaw (Sir W. Hume-Williams). As regards the last part of the question, the provision of accommodation for the families of married soldiers with the Army of the Rhine is still under consideration, and I hope to be in a position shortly to make a statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether Colonel Douglas, of the Brambles, Lee-on-Solent, has been officially informed that his house is being purchased by the Air Ministry; and, in view of the fact that Colonel Douglas is only being paid £9 4s. 8d. monthly by way of furnished rent, he will see that this sum is increased to the level of rents paid for similar houses under the conditions which obtain at present?

Preliminary negotiations have been opened with Colonel Douglas for the purchase of The Brambles by the Air Ministry. This property was taken under the Defence of the Realm Act, and compensation was agreed in September, 1918, at a lump sum payment of £41 8s. 11d., and a monthly payment of £9 4s. 8d. If Colonel Douglas is dissatisfied with the rent then agreed, it is open to him to ask that the case may be submitted to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when he received the Report of Lord Weir's Committee on Civil Aviation; whether it has been published; and what action is being taken on the findings?

The Report of the Advisory Committee on Civil Aviation, of which Lord Weir is Chairman, is dated 19th April and has not yet been published. The recommendations of the Committee are at the present moment under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Civil Service National Whitley Council Reorganisation Committee has recommended that candidates should not be more than 35 years of age at the date of the projected examination for permanent Civil Service employment; and whether this Regulation will be waived in favour of ex-Service men who served in the recent War and have since found employment in the Civil Service, despite the fact that they exceed the age limit now laid down by the Committee?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The proposed age limit represents a considerable extension of the limit which will normally be imposed in future. Any further extension would not be in the interests either of the efficiency of the public service or of the ex-service men as a whole, since the number of vacancies being very small in comparison with the number of ex-service candidates, the acceptance of candidates above the proposed age limit would necessarily involve the rejection of candidates within the limit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is able to state the precise nature of the levy upon accumulated wealth proposed or in operation in Italy and Switzerland, the principle upon which it is applied, the amount it is expected to yield, and the proportion to the nett annual revenue; and in what respect the proposals are applicable to this country?

A capital levy is now being imposed in Italy. It is imposed primarily on individuals on the basis of their total capital on 1st January, 1920. Italians resident in Italy are liable in respect of all their Italian property, all their foreign shares and securities, and acquisitions since 1st August, 1914, of other foreign property. Capitals less than 50,000 lires are exempt. The rate of the levy is 4.5 per cent. on a capital of 50,000 lires, and gradually rises to a maximum of 50 per cent. on capitals of 100,000,000 lires or more. The levy is payable in 20 equal yearly instalments, unless personal property forms three-fifths of the total capital, when it is payable in 10 equal yearly instalments. Provision is made for discount if the payment does not extend over the full 20 years. Italian companies and firms are not liable to the levy, the shares of the members or partners being included as part of their capitals, but other Italian bodies owning property pay at a flat rate of 8 per cent. per annum for 20 years. Specific provision is made for the cases of foreigners owning property in Italy, Italians resident abroad, etc.

As regards Switzerland, a special levy was imposed in 1915, partly on capital and partly on earned income. The capital portion of the levy was imposed as regards individuals on capitals exceeding 10,000 francs, and rose from 1 per cent. to 1.5 per cent. (on capitals of 2,200,000 francs or over). In the case of companies the rates varied from 2 per cent to 1 per cent., and in case of co-operative societies from 1 per cent. to 5 per cent. The produce of the capital portion separately is not known, but on the basis of the preliminary estimates it would produce about 92 per cent. of the total yield of both taxes (120,000,000 francs), namely, about 110,400,000 francs. A further measure has more recently been under consideration, under which capitals of over 10,000 francs (£400) would be taxed at rates rising to a maximum of 25 per cent. This levy is combined with a levy on income rising to a maximum of 20 per cent. The yield of the combined levy is estimated at 500,000,000 francs, or 600,000,000 francs (£20,000,000 or £24,000,000).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the amended form of Return No. 218, of 1919, showing public expenditure under various Acts, will be completed by the end of September next; and whether he can take any steps in his power to expedite the compilation?

I certainly hope to issue the Return this Session, and I am now in communication with the Departments concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the shortage of paper and the general need for economy, he would give instructions that greater care should be exercised in the use of stationery; and whether he is aware that in many cases envelopes of foolscap size and larger are used for communications for which the ordinary business-sized envelopes would be suitable?

In addition to the control which is exercised by various Departments independently in regard to the use of stationery, an additional check on extravagant demands from Departments is exercised by the Stationery Office. Instructions are periodically issued to Departments urging strict economy in the use of stationery and printing, and, amongst other things, the attention of Departments has been called to the use of unnecessarily large envelopes. If the hon. Member has any particular case of extravagance in mind I shall be very pleased to look into the matter. I am giving directions in accordance with the suggestion of the hon. Member that further instructions as to economy in the use of stationery shall be issued to public Departments.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is now in a position to state definitely whether the requisite finance will at once be provided to enable the War Office immediately to undertake the re-instatement of the water supply of Foulness Island, of which the Government have been the landlord since 1914, and where there is a population of 450 practically without water; and is he aware that, owing to the long-continued spell of dry weather recently experienced at Foulness, they are within measurable distance of total failure of water supply in the ditches for the cattle?

Provision for this service has been made in Estimates, and work will be started as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Metropolitan Railway Company have refused to grant reduced fares for a children's party organised by the Deptford Labour Club, such reduced fares being granted for a similar party last year; and whether he will use his influence with the railway company in order to prevent discrimination being exercised as between children's parties organised by workmen's associations and Sunday-school treats?

I am informed that reduced fares were granted last year by the Metropolitan Railway in this particular case. In so far as their traffic position allows, the railway companies generally are granting reduced fares in connection with the annual outings of recognised schools, but the railway companies find that, in present circumstances, it is not practicable to extend these facilities to parties of children organised by bodies other than schools, and it is not possible to make an exception in favour of the club mentioned. The concession applies to all recognised school treats, and not only to Sunday schools. The aim is to enable the largest number of children to have, at any rate, one trip in the season. By adhering to this category it is hoped to avoid extensive repetition for certain children, to the exclusion of others.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that homing pigeons sent by carriage to be set at liberty in some distant part are now 24 hours longer on rail than was the case in 1914, and that this has a serious effect on the birds and the breeding of the same; if he is aware that these pigeons are charged at a higher rate than poultry for purposes of carriage; and whether he is prepared to give better facilities for the training of homing pigeons, in order to encourage a healthy pastime which was turned to such good account during the War?

I have had no representations on the subject dealt with in the first part of the question, but will certainly investigate any such instances which the hon. Member sends to me. As regards the charges for live homing pigeons, I think this will have to Wait until the general review of rates now being conducted is given effect to.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will draw the attention of the management of the London and South-Western Railway Company to the desirability of constructing a halt on their line between Richmond and Kew Gardens Stations, in order to provide facilities for the large number of persons who now dwell in the vicinity of the Richmond Gas Works, and especially for the considerable number of persons who have to pass daily to and from that district for the purpose of their work at the Ministry of Labour's establishment in Kew, and who have no omnibus accommodation?

I am having inquiry made into the suggestions put forward by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that his railway statistics show that the 26,139 tons of yarn carried by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company for the week ended 29th February, after railway rates had been increased, only realised 8s. 2½d. per ton, this rate, not sufficient to pay the cost of cartage alone to and from the railway stations, covering two cartages, two station and two service terminals, as well as conveyance by rail and possibly other services, whether he will consider the desirability of preventing the railway companies from continuing to carry this very short distance C and D traffic at below cost, thus entailing considerable loss to the country, when it can be so much more economically conveyed by road throughout, although not at 8s. 2½d. per ton?

I have been in communication with the railway company concerned, and understand from them that the figures furnished by them appear to require amendment. The question of handling particular traffic can in any case hardly be considered apart from the general revision of rates now being considered by the Rates Advisory Committee, before whom the hon. Member has kindly given evidence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received a reply to the request made in January last to the owners of the ss. "Flush" for a list of the crew of the vessel who were lost in the Baltic in November last; whether he has received any reply to a similar request made of the Superintendent at St. John's, Newfoundland; and, if not, whether he will take steps to obtain the necessary information without further delay, in view of the fact that until the list is received the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen has no authority to issue certificates of death, and that consequently the dependants of the crew are prevented from obtaining even the small sums due to them as death benefit from friendly and other societies in this country?

No reply to the requests referred to has yet been received. A cablegram has been sent to the Deputy-Minister of Marine at St. John's, Newfoundland, asking that the required information may be furnished as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he has any information as to the passing by the Senate of the United States of America of a Bill, known as the Jones Bill, dealing with mercantile marine matters; and, if so, whether any Clauses in that Bill in any way affect the interests of the British mercantile marine?

A copy of the Bill referred to has been received, and its provisions are receiving the careful consideration of the Departments concerned. Undoubtedly many of the provisions of this Bill, if assented to, will affect the interests of the Mercantile Marine of this and other countries, and representations have been sent to the British Ambassador at Washington.

asked the Minister of Food if there is sufficient work for the whole of the staff employed in the Food Ministry; is he aware that it is reported that many of the employés have very little, if any, work to do; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made in each Department of the Food Ministry to see whether many of the Departments could not be dispensed with?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second in the negative. With regard to the last part, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the concluding part of the answer given on Tuesday, 11th May, to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer). I may further remind the hon. and gallant Member that the Select Committee on National Expenditure are engaged in enquiring into the work and expenditure of the Department.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his Department has accepted the offer of the Commissioners of the Chelsea Royal Hospital to lend the site at Burton Court, Chelsea, at present occupied by the buildings of the Ministry of Pensions, for four years free of charge on condition that their premises are entirely evacuated at the end of this period; and whether he is still pressing for a lease of the site in question?

I regret that it has not yet been found possible to arrive at a decision on the offer made by the Commissioners of the Chelsea Royal Hospital regarding the Burton Court Site, but negotiations are proceeding. The question is bound up with the future organisation of the Ministry of Pensions with whom I am in Communication.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that his office is still in possession of the lecture room of the Princess Christian College, Manchester; whether he will take steps to utilise in its stead one of the surplus huts under the control of the Disposal Board; and what reparation he proposes to offer for the great loss and injury sustained by the College in consequence of the action of his office?

My Department is already in communication with the Ministry of Pensions as to the possibility of restoring the lecture room to the College, and I hope that the matter will be settled at an early date. It is open to the College authorities to submit for consideration a claim in respect of any loss or damage which may have been sustained through the requisition of the lecture room.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the shortage of office and warehouse premises in Bradford and whether, under these circumstances, he will forbid the purchase by the inland Revenue Department of a large block of central property for that Department, which, if carried out, will displace a large number of business men who will be unable to find alternative accommodation?

The hon. Member will quite appreciate the importance in national interests of providing adequate accommodation for Inland Revenue tax officials in Bradford, where the existing accommodation is seriously congested. He may rest assured that the objections to disturbing professional and commercial interests are fully borne in mind by His Majesty's Government when proposals for the acquisition of property are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what was the cost to the State of the three hangars erected on the common known as West Marsland, Southampton; were they sold by public tender; who was the purchaser; what was the price obtained; and at what precise date were these hangars handed over to the purchasers?

I am communicating with the hon. Member on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information that British armament firms have sent representatives to Poland for the purpose of establishing munition works or setting up subsidiary companies there; and, if so, whether the Government intends to take any action in the matter?

I believe that representatives of some British firms interested in armaments have visited Poland, but I have no information as to the precise purpose in view.

asked the Minister of Food what has been the cost of administering food control in the Newcastle-on-Tyne area for the last 12 months; and what is the anticipated expenditure, if any, from 1st July to 31st December, 1920?

Under the proposed local reorganisation, the existing district of the Newcastle-on-Tyne Food Control Committee will be grouped with the adjoining districts of Castleward, Gosforth, Longbenton, Newburn, and Prudhoe. The combined cost of these districts for the year ending 31st December, 1919, was £9,347. The anticipated expenditure on staff and accommodation in respect of the new district from 1st July to 31st December, 1920, will be approximately £1,850.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has received any complaints as to the present quality of flour supplied in Scotland; whether he is aware that a considerable amount of friction exists between the master bakers and their employés at their inability to make reasonable bread from the flour supplied; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Minister of Food's answer to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on the 3rd instant. I regret that it is not possible to add anything to that statement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what was the average price c.i.f. of wheat imported into this country in the years 1916, 1917, 1918, and 1919, and in the present year; and what was the maximum price allowed to farmers in the corresponding periods?

The average (c.i.f.) price of wheat imported into this country has been as follows: 1917 … 91s. 6d. per 480 lbs. 1918 … 100s. 10d. per 480 lbs. 1919 … 92s. 1d. per 480 lbs. Jan.-May 1920 … 95s. 0d. per 480 lbs.

The corresponding price for 1916 cannot be given, as control was not commenced until 11th October, 1916.

The price of British wheat was subject to no control until 16th April, 1917, when a maximum price of 78s. per quarter of 480 lbs. was fixed for wheat harvested in 1916. On 14th August, 1917, the following maximum prices were fixed for wheat harvested in 1917: Where delivery is to be made before 1st December, 1917, 73s. 6d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (70s. per 480 lbs.) Where delivery is to be made in December, 1917, or January, 1918, 74s. 6d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (70s. 11d. per 480 lbs.) Where delivery is to be made in February or March, 1918, 75s. 6d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (71s. 11d. per 480 lbs.) Where delivery is to be made in April or May, 1918, 76s. 9d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (73s. 1d. per 480 lbs.) Where delivery is to be made on or after 1st June, 1918, 77s. 9d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (74s. 1d. per 480 lbs.)

On 31st August, 1918, the following maximum prices were fixed for wheat harvested in 1918: Where sale is made before 1st January, 1919, 75s. 6d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (71s. 11d. per 480 lbs.) Where sale is made in January, February or March, 1919, 76s. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (72s. 5d. per 480 lbs.) Where sale is made on or after 1st April, 1919, 76s. 6d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (72s. 10d. per 480 lbs.)

There was no maximum price for wheat harvested in 1919, but millers were instructed by the Food Controller that the prices to be paid by them should not exceed an average of 76s. 6d. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (72s. 10d. per 480 lbs.) for wheat purchased on rail at producer's station, or 77s. per qtr. of 504 lbs. (73s. 4d. per 480 lbs.) for wheat delivered into mill.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the restrictions respecting immune varieties of potatoes are to be in force this year?

Yes, Sir. It is not anticipated that any change will be made in the existing Regulations this year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that since the Armistice nearly half of the allotment holders in Camberwell have been evicted or have been served with notice to quit; that since that time sports grounds in the borough have been developed; that land owned by the Borough Council is being let at a nominal rental to a private golf club; that there is a great demand for allotments in the borough for which the Borough Council have failed to make provision; and what steps he proposes to take with a view to the statutory provisions being put into operation to supply the demand for allotments in the borough?

I understand that the Camberwell Borough Council has dispossessed or given notice to 221 plot-holders, and that the Governors of Dulwich College have also dispossessed about 100 allotment holders, the land in each case being required for building or housing schemes. In addition, the London County Council have discontinued the use for allotment purposes of certain commons or open spaces in the borough. I understand that certain land in the borough, which was formerly used for grazing, has, since the Armistice, been devoted to sports, but I have no information regarding any land cultivated as allotments being similarly used.

With regard to the third part of the question, I am informed that land at Honor Oak acquired by the Camberwell Borough Council in 1902 for a cemetery is let on lease to a golf club, but that the rent is not nominal. About 12 acres of this land has, with the consent of the club, been devoted to allotments, and I understand that the Borough Council hope to arrange that a further four acres will be used for the same purpose after Michaelmas next. In reply to the last part of the question, there is an unsatisfied demand for allotments in the borough, but the Council have up to the present been unable to acquire any land under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act on such terms as would permit of the Council letting the same for allotments at rentals which cultivators would be prepared to pay. In the circumstances, the Minister has decided to refer the whole position to the London County Council, which is the statutory authority for the provision of allotments throughout the London area.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that notices to quit at 14 days have been issued to allotment holders at Aylesbury; whether, if these notices take effect, it will mean that food will be destroyed; and whether he can take action, with a view to securing that these holders remain on the land until October to harvest their crops?

I am informed by the Town Clerk of Aylesbury that no notices to quit have been served on allotment holders in the borough, but that the town council anticipate that a small portion of land now under cultivation will be required for building purposes, probably in September.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that a bale of Wiltshire bacon was consigned from the Nails-worth station on 8th May to Silverthorne, Pontllanfraith, 60 miles away; whether he is aware that this only arrived on the 22nd, and that then it was unfit for sale, being tainted, stale, and slimy; whether he is aware that this is only one example of many similar cases; and whether, by arrangement with the Minister of Transport, he will see that important foodstuff is not wasted, and that business concerns are not involved in loss?

I would remind the hon. Member that there are probably 50 million consignments per month on British railways. If reference to the railway company concerned regarding this bale of bacon by the hon. Member has been improperly dealt with, I shall be glad to make inquiries if he will give me the necessary material. With regard to the second part of the question, I am in close touch with the Minister of Food, and it is not the case that important food supplies are being wasted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware of the difficulty in obtaining basic slag and other fertilisers necessary for increasing the food supply of the country; and if he can take any steps to increase the supply so urgently required?

I am aware that there is a shortage of basic slag, but, as I explained on 2nd December, 1919, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, the shortage is primarily due to the greatly increased demands. I am, however, informed that supplies for the coming season are expected to be substantially greater than during last season. The Minister of Agriculture is taking every possible step to augment supplies, and has recently appointed a Committee to consider the improved methods of manufacture and use of basic slag. With regard to other fertilisers, I see no reason to expect a shortage during the coming season, except in the case of potash, provided that powers to control export are continued, for which purpose a Bill is now before Parliament. As regards potash, supplies of which depend largely on labour, fuel, and transport conditions on the Continent, I fear that it must be admitted that there is a world shortage of this fertiliser at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the workers' representatives on the Suffolk District Wages Committee were assured that the appointed members were to be impartial members; and, if so, will he explain why the appointed members included persons employing workers who come under the regulations of the Agricultural Wages Board, seeing that they are regarded by the workers as additional employers' representatives in excess of the number of workers' representatives?

Under the provisions of the First Schedule to the Corn Production Act, 1917, the Minister is empowered to appoint such persons as he thinks fit to act as appointed members of District Wages Committees. In view of the desirability of appointing persons who have a knowledge of agricultural conditions, it would be impossible to restrict the selection to those who employ no workers coming within the definition laid down in the Corn Production Act. All appointed members, when invited to serve, were informed that they would be expected to act impartially, and the Minister has no reason to believe that they do not so act.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if his Department has contracted or is about to contract with the Borough of Louth to build 200 houses; whether, if this is so, his Department will confer the same privilege on other districts where it may be desired: whether his Department intends to undertake similar housing contracts in other parts of the country where it may think such work to be necessary; and the general policy of his Department on the whole matter?

I am arranging, in order to assist the Council, that the Office of Works shall prepare, and carry out on behalf of the Borough Council of Louth, an extension of the local housing scheme. Similar arrangements have been made in a few exceptional cases. The question whether any extensions of these arrangements can be adopted is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health on what date the proposals of the Manchester Building Guild came before the Ministry; if a settlement has yet been arrived at between the Ministry and the Guild: and whether he will indicate generally the condition on which proposals from similar organisations in other places will be approved by the Ministry?

Outline proposals for the building of houses by a building guild which had been tentatively submitted to the Manchester Corporation were discussed with representatives of the Guild Committee in January last. A company named the Building Guild, Limited, has since been registered, and concrete pro- posals were made by them on the 2nd June which, after some amendment, have been agreed to by the Ministry of Health so far as they are concerned. It is understood that it is proposed that the Building Guild shall be a national body, but if separate building guilds were formed similar proposals by them for the erection of houses would be approved.

asked the Minister of Health the number of separate areas upon which representations have been made by medical officers of health declaring such areas insanitary areas under the provisions of the Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1909, which were in the hands of the Local Government Board in August, 1914, and upon which no action had then been taken by the local authorities concerned, the number of houses and the population involved in these representations, and the extent to which improvement schemes under the provisions of the Act have since been carried out; and in how many cases these insanitary areas still remain and the extent to which the houses affected are still occupied?

There were three such areas, comprising 890 houses occupied by 4,387 persons. A local inquiry was held in each of these cases. In two cases the local authorities were called upon to make improvement schemes, but proceedings had to be deferred owing to the war. A scheme in regard to one of the areas has now been submitted to me and a scheme in regard to another of them has been promised. The third case was one of a small area (comprising 47 occupied houses), for the greater part of which an improvement scheme had already been made and confirmed. The local authority were called upon to proceed to deal with the area, but action was interrupted by the war. I have asked for a Report on the present position of the area.

asked the Minister of Health the number of dwelling-houses which are still occupied in respect of which closing orders, numbering 22,115, were made in 1913 and 1914 upon the representations of the medical officers of health in England and Wales; and whether, under the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interests (Restrictions) Bill now before the House, it will be necessary for the tenants of these dwellings to secure an order from the County Court judge to ensure them protection against the increased rent charges embodied in the Bill before the House?

I regret that I am unable to give the information asked for in the first part of the question. As regards the second part of the question, under the proposals of the Bill the increases under paras. ( c ) and ( d ) of Clause 2 (1) will not be chargeable if on production of a certificate of the sanitary authority, or otherwise, the Court is satisfied that they should be suspended.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the advertised sale of the Bridgewater picture hall and other premises in Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, without any option being given to the tenants to purchase or to pay higher rents therefor; and whether, having regard to the prevalence of such practices in Manchester and other boroughs, he will expedite the appointment of the promised Select Committee on this question?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can foresee any lifting of the embargo on exports of coal from the Humber district, or at any rate some share of the coal allowed to be exported from this country being sent to the Humber ports; and is he aware of the serious results to the import trade of the Humber ports by reason of this embargo on coal exports?

I would refer to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. and gallant Member for the South-West Division of Hull (Major Entwistle) on 8th June, in which it was stated that a Committee had been appointed to go into the matter, as a result of the Coal Controller's discussion with the Deputation which met him on 3rd June. This Committee consists of representatives of the Humber Coal Exporters, the Ministry of Transport, and the Coal Mines Department; and I should wish to consider its report, which has not yet been received, before making any further statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the claim to Crown rights to the foreshore, Seaview, Isle of Wight, has now been settled; and, if so, will he state the terms of settlement?

Terms have now been arranged subject to the approval of the Attorney-General on behalf of the Crown and to the approval of the Court. I am not able to state the terms until they have been so approved, but I will communicate them to the hon. Member is soon as practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware that the German Government have issued instructions prohibiting the import and sale of British goods in the occupied territory, contracts for which had been placed by German importers with British manufacturers for months prior to the date of the instructions and that, in some cases, the goods were in German territory at the date of the order and will not be deliverd, and will he state what protection British exporters will have for their trade?

I am aware that the extension to the occupied territory of the system of import control imposed in unoccupied Germany has given rise to difficulties. My Department are, however, in correspondence with the Foreign Office on the whole question, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that we shall do everything in our power to safeguard the legitimate interests of British exporters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee appointed to consider the provi- sions of the Merchandise Marks Act, respecting indications of origin, has yet made its Report; whether he has received any communication from trade societies demanding that the Government shall administer the Merchandise Marks Act in a much firmer manner, and that further regulations, if needed, be made and enforced as will secure that each article of foreign printed matter imported for sale in this country, or for transhipment for sale elsewhere, shall have the country of its origin clearly indicated upon it at the moment it is offered for retail sale, and that the Act referred to be so amended as to secure this end, if necessary; and whether he can state the intention of the Government on this matter?

I received the Report of the Committee a few days ago, and steps are being taken to publish it shortly. I am aware of the communications to which the hon. Member refers, but am unable to make any statement as to the intentions of the Government until the Report of the Committee has been fully considered.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the inhabitants at the Brabery Road Hostel, Eltham, are receiving the usual postal service; whether the letters addressed to them are being opened and returned to the senders; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

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

asked the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to provide the same automatic telephone system for London that has been installed in most of the great industrial centres throughout the country; and the cause for the delay in this much needed reform in the London telephone service?

The provision of a system of automatic exchanges for so large an area as London presents peculiar difficulties. It is proposed to instal one automatic exchange as soon as possible, and I hope the experience thus obtained may make it possible to frame a complete scheme. The existing exchanges would be replaced gradually, and it would be some years before an automatic system for the whole of London could be completed.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that telephone facilities are very urgently needed in the neighbourhood of Berwick Bassett, in the county of Wilts; that repeated applications to his Department have been made without effect by residents in this locality; and if he will give the matter favourable consideration?

Estimates are being prepared and terms will be quoted as soon as possible to the persons interested. As the expenses in connection with small exchanges are now much heavier than formerly, I fear that it will be necessary to ask for subscriptions considerably higher than the current tariff charges.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that since the Australian Government have introduced automatic checking and calculating machines into the Australian post offices the duties and labours of the Australian postal employées have been considerably lightened and mistakes and defalcations have been reduced to a minimum; and whether it is proposed to introduce similar up-to-date machinery and methods into the post offices in this country to facilitate the work and duties of our Post Office employés?

It has been the practice of the Post Office for many years to use calculating and tabulating machines wherever there is sufficient justification for the cost involved. A Committee advises upon the use of such machines in Public Departments generally.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he is aware that the irregular and slow postal service to China is causing inconvenience to British residents in that country, and that steamers often arrive before the shipping documents, whereby difficulty and delay in the handling and delivery of cargo is caused; if he is aware that the arrival of letters posted viâ the United States and Canada is very uncertain, and that there are often prolonged delays between the arrival of succeeding mails; and whether he can take any action in the matter;

(2) whether the pre-War weekly mail service to China formerly provided by the Peninsular and Oriental Company and the Messageries Maritime Company on alternate weeks has been restored, or is soon likely to be restored?

Improvements in the mail service viâ Suez have enabled me to provide a better service to China. The mails are now being sent out by P. & 0. packet viâ India each week, except when there is a through service to China viâ Canada connecting with an express steamer on the Pacific, and they are now arriving more regularly, as well as in shorter time. There is no immediate prospect of a direct weekly service to China by the two lines mentioned; but the mails for China are already being conveyed regularly each week as far as Singapore, viâ Bombay and Negapatam, and communication between Singapore and Hong Kong and Shanghai is frequent.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to re-open the old post office in the parish of Willaston, in Wirral, as the reduction of pre-War postal facilities is causing inconvenience to all those who live in that area?

The office will be re-opened as soon as a suitable person can be found willing to undertake the work at the rate of remuneration authorised in connection with similar offices throughout the country.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether one of the Indian members of the Hunter Commission had been shortly before his appointment to investigate the actions of the Punjab Government forbidden by that Government to enter the Punjab?

One of the Indian members applied in May, 1919, for permission to enter the martial law area to defend one of the accused before a Martial Law Commission. His application was refused by the Administrator of Martial Law.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether officers of British and Indian military services serving in Mesopotamia and the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Forces in the capacity of political officers have been refused a war gratuity for such services; and, if this is so, what are the reasons for this differential treatment of officers of the Mesopotamia political services as compared with officers fulfilling similar functions in the occupied enemy territories administration (Palestine) under the Egyptian Expeditionary Forces, who have received their gratuity?

Military officers serving as political officers in Mesopotamia are remunerated from civil funds, and not from Army funds, as, I understand, is in general the case with political officers in Palestine. For the period during which they were in civil employ they are, therefore, ineligible for war gratuity under the rules laid down by the Army Council. The question will, however, be taken up with the War Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when Germany acquired Nauru Island, and from whom; how many native inhabitants the island contains; and who were the legal owners of the phosphate deposits under the German régime?

The island was annexed by Germany in 1888; the indigenous natives number about 1,300. The exclusive right to exploit these deposits was granted by the German Government to the Jaluit Geselleschaft of Hamburg, who, with the approval of the German Government, transferred their rights in 1906 to the Pacific Phosphate Company, Limited.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what railways it is proposed to build in British East Africa or Uganda in the immediate future; and whether the construction will be placed to open tender?

The new railways contemplated in Eastern African are a line from Nakuru, on the Uganda Railway, through Eldama and Eldoret to Soy, on the north-west of the Uasin Oishu Plateau, and an extension of the Nairobi-Thika branch for a distance which is still under the consideration of the Governor. It is not at present intended to place construction to open tender, as was explained in the reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Chadwick) on the 18th of May, the absence of detailed information as to the route of the Uasin Gishu railway makes it necessary to arrange for a joint survey by the Government and any contractor, and for this purpose it is impossible to negotiate with more than one firm at a time. Arrangements are in progress with Messrs. Griffiths, Limited, of Nairobi, for a contract which will relate to the survey only, but it is to be presumed that if a contract price can be agreed upon as a result of the survey, the construction contract will be given to the same firm.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the Uganda Development Commission; and whether it is proposed to act upon the recommendations contained therein?

The Secretary of State has seen an advanced copy of the Report, and he is awaiting the Acting Governor's comments on the proposals of the Commission before considering them in detail.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the grave delay in his office in granting fiats for petitions of right; and, if so, whether steps can be taken to expedite the practice?

So far as the Home Office is concerned, every effort is made to expedite the proceedings in dealing with Petitions of Right, but His Majesty's Fiat cannot be given as a matter of form or without enquiry; and it is necessary to refer to the Departments concerned for information as to the facts of the case and to consult the Law Officers as to the advice which is to be given to His Majesty with regard to the Petition.

asked the Attorney-General how many Petitions of Right are now awaiting his fiat; what is the cause of delay in granting same: whether any of these applications for his fiat were refused pending the decision of the House of Lords in the De Keyser Hotel case; if so, have those fiats been granted; and, if not, why not?

The fiat 'required for a Petition of Right is not the fiat of the Attorney-General, although he advises with reference to it. I am not aware of any such Petition now awaiting advice from me. Some applications for fiat were postponed in view of De Keyser's case in order to avoid multiplicity of proceedings. I have already advised that the fiat should in these cases be granted.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that in Hull on Tuesday, 1st June, one boy was killed, four seriously injured, and one soldier injured through the explosion of a hand grenade which the deceased boy found on a scrap heap; and if he will issue regulations making it compulsory that all firearms, &c., shall be first taken to the police to be examined?

I have received a report of this accident, which was caused by a shell fuze, not a hand grenade. A warning in regard to the danger of handling articles of this kind was issued to the Press by the Chief Inspector of Explosives in February, 1916, and this was repeated in May, 1919. I may point out that under the existing law it is an offence for any unlicensed or unregistered person to have such an article in his possession. I have no power to make regulations in the sense suggested, and I fear that no such regulations would be effective in preventing occasional accidents such as this one.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that many persons in the United Kingdom whose property was commandeered during the War were told officially that an ex gratiâ application to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commisssion was their only remedy; and whether, seeing that this statement of the law has now been proved erroneous, he will consider the desirability of informing those whose applications were rejected by that Commission that the King's Courts are open for the re-hearing of their claims?

I understand that in some cases the advice referred to in the first part of the question was given in accordance with the view of the law which then prevailed. I will consider the sug- gestion contained in the second part of the question.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is now in a position to state the total cost to the Treasury of the unsuccessful litigation in the matter of the De Keyser's Hotel?

No, Sir. The costs of this necessary litigation, I am informed, are not yet ascertained.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, if the flags of the Allies are not to be placed round the base of the Cenotaph, anything in the form of a reproduction of the flags is to take their place?

There is no intention to reproduce the flags of the Allies on any part of the Cenotaph.