asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state how many members of the Indian Civil Service have been sent to Mesopotamia; what is the total amount of their salaries and allowances; and on what Votes will this money be found?

According to the most recent returns, the number of members of the Indian Civil Service serving with the Civil Administration in Mesopotamia is six. The aggregate amount of their salaries and allowances is shown at Rs. 11,600 a month. The cost is met from the revenues of the occupied territory.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me on which Votes this money will be found?

I do not think I can without notice.

May I ask if he does not observe that that is the last part of my question?

I am sorry I did not note, in preparing the reply, the last part of the question. If my hon. and gallant Friend will put it down again, I will see that he gets a reply.

Might I ask what he means when he says that the salaries will be recovered from the revenue of the occupied territories? Does that mean from royalties on the oil or taxes on the natives?

From the revenue which is now received from the occupied territories.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement as to the number of British candidates for commissions in the Indian Army, comparing, if possible, the figures for January, 1914, with January, 1920; and if he is satisfied with the position?

The Noble Lord raises a question of the highest importance on which I am anxious to give him the fullest information. I am therefore preparing a statement, which I trust will be complete in a few days, and with his permission I will communicate with him again as soon as it is complete.

asked the Secretary of State for India if Pandit Jagat Narayan, who, in 1917 accused Sir Michael O'Dwyer of having imprisoned thousands of people without trial, and who subsequently undertook to make a public withdrawal of this false charge, has yet done so; if this person is identical with the Mr. Naryan who has signed the Minority Report of Lord Hunter's Commission on the Punjab disturbances; and, if so, will he state who was responsible for placing on the Commission a person who had already, by his own confession, been guilty of false and seditious statements of a glaring character?

Pandit Jagat Narayan Singh, who signed the Minority Report of Lord Hunter's Committee, made a speech in which he brought this charge in 1917. On being informed of its inaccuracy in 1918 he offered to withdraw it publicly, but in view of the lapse of time the provincial Governments concerned thought it unnecessary to ask him to do so. He was appointed to the Committee in 1919 by the Government of India, acting in close consultation with myself and with the Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces. The habit of bringing unfounded charges against the Government is not confined to India, although we could all wish that the willingness to withdraw them when disproved were less exceptional. If the hon. and gallant Member really takes the view that he appears to take of the matter, he will, of course, discount the Pandit's recorded opinion accordingly. If he wishes to know my views on that opinion, he will gather them from the Papers which have been presented.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he does not think it would have been more advisable to put somebody on this Commission who had not got a debit balance standing against his name; and is he aware that perhaps not everybody right through the country has the same opinion with regard to whether or not it is right for the right hon. Gentleman to put such people on the Commission?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that every effort was made to get Indian representatives put on this Commission who were impartial. The fact that a very highly distinguished and esteemed member of the United Provinces Legislative Council made a mistake once, which he offered to withdraw, does not, in my opinion, show he was a partial inquirer.

As that offer of withdrawal had been suggested, does not my right hon. Friend think it would have been advisable that the Government should have accepted it and not have put this gentleman on the Commission?

As a matter of fact, although it would not have affected my judgment on the subject, neither the Government of India nor I knew of this case when he was appointed, but I am not going to censure the local Governments concerned when they advised this gentleman a year afterwards that it was not necessary to make a public withdrawal and that it was sufficient that he had offered to do so.

Were the Government of the Punjab asked their opinion as to the qualifications of this gentleman to serve on the Commission?

That I do not know. I do know that this question of the unfortunate speech of this distinguished gentleman was brought to the notice of the Government of India, after his appointment, by the Government of the Punjab, who at the time stated that they did not wish on that ground to object to his appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that he has prohibited the Auxiliary Force Bill brought in by the Government of India on the grounds that as at present advised he is opposed to the institution of compulsory military service in peace time, and that the European Association of India has cabled to him stating that their association regards the position in India with anxiety, he will state what steps he proposes to take to secure an efficient force, of equal strength to the existing force under the Indian Defence Act, for the protection of Europeans and their wives and families and to remove the anxiety on the subject that now exists in India?

The Government of India have been authorised to frame proposals for an Auxiliary Force on a voluntary basis.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suppose that this force on a voluntary basis will be equal in strength to the existing force?

I hope so. I am determined that we must have a satisfactory Indian defence force, and I am also determined that we should try to secure that force on a voluntary basis rather than on a conscription basis.

If the voluntary force does not come up to the present strength, will the right hon. Gentleman bring in the Auxiliary Force Bill?

Will not my hon. and gallant Friend be prepared to wait and see what we can do on a voluntary basis?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to ensure that the defence which General Dyer has put before the Army Council shall be published and that copies shall be in the hands of Members before the Debate on his action is discussed?

Sir, I cannot anticipate the course which will be followed when this case has been considered by the Army Council.

Has any adequate assistance, legal or otherwise, been given to General Dyer in preparing his defence for the Army Council?

I cannot say whether the War Office has furnished him with assistance. The hon. and gallant Gentleman might put down a question as to that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will grant a return showing how all classes of Naval Reserve were employed on the 31st of August, 1914, and the 11th of November, 1918?

As the answer is somewhat long and detailed, perhaps my Noble Friend will allow me to publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to.

Naval reserves were employed as follows:

31st August, 1914.

Pensioners and Royal Fleet Reserve. —His Majesty's Ships, Naval Bases and Establishments. Fleet Auxiliaries and Royal Naval Division.

Royal Naval Reserve. —His Majesty's Ships (including Armed Merchant Cruisers), Naval Bases and Establishments; Trawler Section in Trawlers and Drifters on Minesweeping and Patrol Duties.

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. —His Majesty's Ships, Naval Bases and Establishments, Royal Naval Division.

Sick Berth Reserve. —His Majesty's Ships, Naval Bases and Establishments (including Naval Hospitals).

11th November, 1918.

As above, and in addition:

Pensioners and Royal Fleet Reserve, Royal Naval Reserve, and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. —Defensively armed Merchant Ships, and in Merchant Ships being convoyed

Small numbers were also employed in many other places and in various theatres of war and operations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's ships "Broke" and "Botha" are about to be sold or have been sold to a South American republic; whether the historic names and the records in the late War of these two ships were taken into account by their Lordships when the transactions were made; and why we are encouraging the strengthening of foreign navies in this way in view of Article 8 of the Covenant of the League of Nations?

The "Broke" and "Botha" have been sold to Chile, for whom they were originally built, in accordance with the contract made with the Chilean Government at the time of their original purchase. Due account was taken by their Lordships of the historic names and records of these two ships, and will be borne in mind when names are allotted to future ships. The hon. and gallant Member will probably agree that the last part of his question does not arise.

Was it not possible to offer to Chile two other flotilla leaders in place of these two, and were the South African Government consulted before the "Botha" was turned over to Chile in this way?

I said in my original answer that the Admiralty had no option. These ships were built for the Chilean Government, and when the British Admiralty detained them, they did so on the distinct contract that they should be returned to Chile at the end of the War.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what will be the number of capital ships possessed by the British and American Navies mounting 18-inch and 16-inch guns, respectively, in 1925, on the assumption that the present naval programme of the two countries is adhered to; and what will be the respective numbers of ships in the two Navies with a speed of 33¼ knots or more?

The answer to the first part of the question is as follows: Capital ships mounting 18-inch guns. United States Nil (according to Great Britain Nil latest official reports). Capital ships mounting 16-inch guns. United States 16. Great Britain Nil. The answer to the second part of the question is: Capital Ships. United States … 6. Great Britain … Nil. Light Cruisers. United States … 10. Great Britain … Nil. Destroyers. United States 266 (approximately). Great Britain 196, including those now in Special, Reduced, and Reserve Complements; or, 97, not including those in Special, Reduced, and Reserve Complements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a report of a ship having been built in the United States mounting 18-inch guns, and considering the number of ships being built by the United States with a speed of 33¼ knots, may I ask if he and his advisers will take particular notice of what is being done in the United States in order that the Fleet of this country may be up to that of any other country?

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the recent telegraphic information from the United States that there are ships building with 18-inch guns?

Yes. In answer to my hon. and gallant Friend opposite (Sir F. Hall), I can assure him the Admiralty are following these very important developments with the greatest possible closeness, and he may rely upon it that we shall not fail to ask Parliament for the necessary powers if we think we shall otherwise fall behind our proper naval strength. As regards the question asked by my hon. Friend behind me (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke), may I respectfully suggest that he should not assume that telegraphic reports are always based upon facts?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that certain promotions were promised under the Hyde-Parker scheme and that a number of officers have successfully passed the various examinations required, but that it has been considered necessary for these gentlemen to undergo certain further courses in gunnery, torpedo, signals, etc., before they can obtain the rank of lieutenant; if he can say why some eight months has been allowed to pass since the last examination before such courses are even started; if he is aware that such delay must prejudicially affect these officers; and if he will look into the matter?

The intention of the Admiralty to formulate a scheme by which commissioned officers from warrant rank might qualify for earlier promotion to lieutenant by selection was announced with other changes affecting the warrant officer classes in September, 1918. In January, 1919, the scheme of examinations was promulgated to the Fleet, and the announcement clearly stated that candidates would be required to pass examinations in gunnery, torpedo and signals. It is, therefore, not the fact that these subjects did not form part of the original scheme of examination but were added afterwards.

The consideration of the details of the courses and examinations in these three subjects has taken some time in view of the changes resulting from war experience and the necessity of arriving at a standard which, while being within the capabilities of prospective candidates, will be sufficiently high to justify special promotion. It is hoped to announce the details shortly. Promotion is by selection, and it is the intention to make the first selection when there is a reasonable number of qualified candidates available.

Is it not a fact that certain officers have already passed this examination up-to-date, and is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that this delay of eight months must prejudicially affect these officers and their pensions?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is correct in saying that some officers have passed, but I do not think there will be any prejudicial effect.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make some statement as to when the Report of the first Welfare Committee and the Admiralty decisions thereon will be promulgated to the Fleet; and, if not, whether he can give a definite assurance that this will be done before the second Welfare Committee is called upon to meet?

It is expected that Admiralty decisions on some points in the Welfare Committee's Report will be given in the near future. No definite assurance can be given that decisions will have been promulgated on all points in the Report before the Welfare Committee meets, and I would refer my Noble and gallant Friend to the reply on this subject given on the 7th instant.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware it was stated that the Admiralty decisions would be available before the second Welfare Committee met?

It is hoped that they will, but no promise can be given in the matter. It is a very complicated matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the petition of the Rosyth Dockyard Chargemen's Association presented in December last year?

The petition embodied proposals of a somewhat far-reaching character affecting the status of the subordinate supervising class in question. This important matter is receiving careful consideration, and it is hoped that it will be possible to give a decision within a few weeks.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the decisions arrived at by the Accountant Officers' Committee will be promulgated?

I am unable to name a definite date, as several recommendations will require further consideration. It is hoped to promulgate certain decisions arrived at in the course of a few weeks.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any offer was made by a shipping company during the past month to refit one of their steamers at Devonport; and, if it was made, why had it to be declined?

Nothing is known of such an offer having been made.

Is every effort being made to obtain and to carry out commercial work at Devonport Dockyard?

Yes, Sir; everything possible is being done in that direction.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men discharged from the dockyards at Devonport and Portsmouth during the past six months; and what was the percentage of reductions at Devonport and at Portsmouth?

The numbers are: Devonport … … … 1,007 Portsmouth … … … 1,298 The corresponding percentages of the discharges for which the cause was "on reduction" are: Devonport … … … 64.5 Portsmouth … … … 66.3

Have the recommendations of the Colwyn Report been put into operation in their entirety?

I would require notice as to their entirety.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether in view of the fact that the recent awards 180 and 181, issued on the 10th March last, being decisions arrived at by the Industrial Court between certain trades unions and employers of labour employing workmen in the various classes of work to which the awards apply, are not to be calculated in assessing superannuation allowances as provided under the Superannuation Acts, he will state the reasons for not making these awards part of the substantive rates of pay on which the superannuation allowances are calculated?

The advance in wages to which my hon. Friend refers has been applied to the workmen in His Majesty's Dockyard in no less advantageous a manner than in the case of workmen in private employment, where, broadly speaking, the question of the calculation of superannuation allowances does not arise. Having regard to the grounds on which the advance has been given, no adequate reason is seen for making the advance a part of the substantive rate of wages for the calculation of superannuation allowances of the workmen in Admiralty service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if a British Naval Mission is still accredited to General Wrangel; if so, what is its strength and duties; and what steps are being taken to evacuate the refugees in the Crimea?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Monday last, the British Mission with General Wrangel is being withdrawn. The Naval Mission consisted of 6 officers and 19 ratings. They acted in an advisory capacity in the distribution of relief, etc., during the recent evacuation operations of refugees. No steps are being taken to evacuate refugees in the Crimea; all refugees who came under Sir Halford Mackinder's guarantee have been evacuated.

When will the Naval Mission be actually withdrawn?

Orders have been given already for their withdrawal.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the provisions of the Increase of Rent (Restrictions) Bill will apply to the houses at Rosyth occupied by the employés at the naval base there?

I have been asked to reply to this question. So far as the houses in question fall within the rental limit prescribed in the Bill, I see no reason, as advised, to doubt that the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill, as at present framed, will apply to these houses as it does to houses elsewhere.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction exist- ing at present with the rates at Rosyth, and will a further inquiry be granted before any increase is made under the Rent Restrictions Bill? I understand this came under the Admiralty.

No, Sir, I do not think any further inquiry is required. If my hon. Friend will see me on the subject, I will consider it further, but I have answered the question as to whether these houses fall within the Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that hitherto all these houses have come under the Admiralty?

I am not aware of that. It is hardly a question for the Admiralty, or perhaps for me, whether these houses fall within the Act or not, but my hon. Friend, having put down the question, I have taken advice on the subject, and I am advised that these houses do fall within the Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether, under the terms of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill, he will define exactly what is understood by a shopkeeper using a shop as part of his dwelling-house; whether those cases in which one member of the family resides on the premises would be sufficient to bring it under the operation of the Act; and whether he can now make any further statement as to the terms of reference on which he proposes to appoint a Select Committee to consider the whole matter of business premises?

If the hon. Members will refer to the Bill he will see that it is specifically provided that its application to any house or part of a house shall not be excluded by reason only that part of the premises is used as a shop. I hope that the notice of the Motion for the appointment of the Select Committee will appear on the Paper within the next few days.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men employed in mining tin, lead, zinc, barytes, and certain other minerals are unable to procure the rates of wages now being awarded by industrial courts and other arbitrating bodies, and that the reason alleged is that prices are determined by cheap Chinese labour, cheap and underpaid Spanish and Mexican labour, the labour of negroes in Nigeria, and of Red Indians in Bolivia; whether the result is that every advance in other trades simply renders the position of these miners increasingly worse so that a system of sweating and degradation is arising in consequence; whether the proprietors of the tin, lead, and zinc mines here are also very largely the owners of the mines employing black, yellow, and red labour in the competing countries; and whether, seeing that rich coal mines are compelled to contribute from their earnings towards the cost of working inferior coal mines which but for such contribution could neither pay the standard wages nor continue working, he will prepare a scheme whereby rich tin, lead, etc., mines employing coloured labour in the British Empire shall be compelled to contribute from their excess profits to a wages pool designed to raise lead, zinc, and tin miners' wages in this country to the level of earnings of other miners?

My hon. Friend is doubtless aware that a Committee which has investigated the whole economic position of the non-ferrous mining industry in this country has recently reported to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade making certain recommendations. These recommendations are under consideration, and in the meantime arbitration proceedings in respect of the wages of the miners concerned have been held before the Industrial Court, to which the two sides of the Interim Reconstruction Committee for the Non-ferrous Mining Industry were parties. The award of the Court is expected shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the regulations of the Whitley Council for the Civil Service are likely to prejudice the employment of thousands of ex-service men?

I do not think my hon. Friend's question applies to this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an export duty on tin ore or smelted tin is imposed either by the Federated or non-Federated Malay States or the Government of the Straits Settlements; what is the amount and character of this duty, if any; is it discriminated in any manner in favour of the British Empire and, if so, how; is there an export duty on tin from Nigeria; if so, what is its nature; and can he say whether an export duty has been imposed by the Government of Bolivia on shipments of tin ore?

There are export duties on tin ore and on smelted tin in the Federated Malay States and the non-Federated States, but not in the Straits Settlements. In the case of tin ore the duty is less when export takes place under guarantee that the ore will be smelted in the Straits Settlements, Australia, or the United Kingdom. In Nigeria there is a royalty on the export of tin, and in Bolivia an export duty on tin ore. The duties generally depend on the price of tin. I am sending the hon. Member a statement setting out in detail the nature and amount of the duties.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Bank Officers' Guild, representing the majority of the employés in the English banks, have approached the British Bankers' Association for the formation of a national Whitley Council and that this request has been refused; and whether, in view of the fact that it is the policy of the Government not to ignore representative associations of employés and also to promote the establishment of Whitley Councils, he will use his good offices with the British Bankers' Association in the setting up of a national Whitley Council for the banking profession?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of consulting the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regard to the possibility of a financial crisis arising in the event of the clerks employed in the various banks throughout the country withdrawing their services; and whether, in view of the unrest that exists among the employés in the banking profession, he can take any action to secure the setting up of a national Whitley Council?

The position in respect of the establishment of a Whitley Council for the banking profession has been laid before me, both by the Bank Officers' Guild and by the Bankers' Clearing House, so far as England and Wales is concerned. Until agreement, which does not at present exist, has been established between the two sides, it is difficult for the Ministry to take further steps in the direction of setting up such a Council. My hon. Friends may, however, rest assured that the matter is receiving my close attention, and that if it appears that any action can suitably be taken by me which will assist, I shall avail myself of the opportunity. Also, I will certainly consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for St. Helens, should the need arise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the present crisis, he will consider the advisability of instituting a public inquiry into conditions of employment and rates of salary in the banking profession in Great Britain?

As at present advised, I do not think I should institute such an inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, up to this point, the banks have absolutely refused either to recognise the Association of Clerks or to reply to the question of a Whitley Council, and does he not agree that, in view of the crisis pending, it is important to give a lead in a matter of that kind?

Perhaps my hon Friend will read the answer I gave to Questions 22 and 24 on the question of the establishment of a Whitley Council. Beyond that, I should like them to settle their affairs themselves.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the present training period allowed in commercial subjects in the various training centres is stated to be insufficient to enable trainees to become efficient; and whether he will consider the advisibility of extending these courses to twelve months, and so fit these ex-service men to take up positions in the commercial world?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 9th June to my hon. Friend the Member for the Clitheroe Division, in which I explained that it has been decided that a period of nine months is normally sufficient for training men in commercial work, provided that proper care is exercised in selecting the candidates for such a course. I further explained that divisional directors have power to give an extension of 25 per cent. on this period where circumstances appear to demand this in individual cases.

Is the light hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases technical advisory committees do make recommendations for an extension of the period of training, and those recommendations are turned down by the Ministry in London, and there is a great deal of dissatisfaction?

I think that must have occurred before the new power, to which I referred in the last part of the answer, was given. It was quite recent. If I am wrong in that, and it is still being refused, I will look into that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that great dissatisfaction exists in these centres on account of the rate of payment to the trainees?

The question before us is the question of the length of the course. I am aware there is dissatisfaction with the rate of allowance, but that is not the question before us.

asked the Minister of Labour the cause of the delay of a year or more and consequent waste of unemployment allowance in arranging training for demobilised soldiers recommended as suitable cases through the proper channels; and if he will state how soon the man, of whose case particulars have been supplied to him, will begin his training in the building trade, seeing that he has now completed 12 months' idleness at the public cost since he applied for training?

I find that the case of the man to whom my hon. and gallant Friend refers was first forwarded to the Divisional Director of Training for London on 20th January, 1920, and that the man applied for training in a trade which at the moment could not absorb any further trainees. He was therefore interviewed on 18th February, when he decided to apply for training in masonry. The local technical advisory committee concerned accepted him for training on 22nd April. The man has been instructed to commence training to-day at Cricklewood. I am as concerned as my hon. and gallant Friend about the time it takes to get a man into training. But there are a number of inevitable difficulties—difficulties of obtaining suitable premises, plant, equipment, and tools. Then there are the discussions with the national and local technical advisory committees upon the question as to whether the respective crafts will, so far as can be seen, offer reasonable prospect of employment at the end of training. All these things take time. But I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that no efforts of mine will be spared to reduce the time absorbed by these processes to the absolute minimum.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the cause of the delay in this case of seven months from the time this man applied to the Local War Pensions Committee and the time it came to his Department in January last, and is it not a fact that many other cases of the sort require considerable inquiry?

I am afraid it is. As regards this case, I have gone through it in the greatest possible detail, and if I thought there had been any avoidable and appreciable delay, I should say so. But I think everything has been done, in the circumstances and the difficulties which arose, that could be done. But I will undertake to go into any cases that are brought to my notice, and I am very much obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for having brought this one.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have written many letters to his Department regarding similar cases? If there is to be preference given to cases put on the Paper succinctly, would he be surprised at an enormous number being put down with specific and detailed information?

I shall be glad to look into any cases that my hon. and gallant Friend desires to send to me. No preference will be given, but a fair show to all. I will do my best to get any men trained as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the correspondence I have sent him?

Does the reply of the right hon. Gentleman mean that—

Question No. 27! [ See Col. 1244.]

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the distress existing amongst ex-service pensioners and their dependants owing to the continually increasing cost of living; that since the present pension scale became operative the cost of living, as shown by official figures, has largely increased; and that the Royal Warrant of 6th December, 1919, stipulates that no readjustment of pensions in consequence of the rise or fall in the cost of living shall take effect before 1st April, 1923; and whether, under the exceptional circumstances, he will recommend the Government to increase pensions to ex-service men and their dependants on the same basis that increase of wages is paid to railwaymen and others, namely, that where the cost of living increases by 5 per cent., a corresponding increase shall be made in pensions, such increase to be retrospective to 1st January, 1920?

The pensions of ex-service men and their dependants were revised last September at a cost of £22,000,000 per annum, when, apart from an increase in the flat rate of pension ample to cover any increase in the cost of living to that date, many other benefits were given such as the wife's allowance of 10s. a week. After very careful consideration it was decided to deal with future fluctuations in the cost of living as follows. The continuance of rates of pension based on the cost of living in 1919 was guaranteed to 31st March, 1923, at which date (and thereafter annually) the rate of pension will, subject to a minimum flat rate of 33s. a week in any case, be varied up or down according as the cost of living in the previous year is above or below the figure in 1919.

I am aware that the cost of living in the first five months of 1920 somewhat exceeds the cost of living in 1919, but it is obviously impossible that the State should increase rates of pension all round to meet increases in the cost of living while not reducing them in the event of a fall. I see no reason for supposing that the pensioners would benefit on the whole from a continually fluctuating rate of pension as compared with the guarantee they now enjoy that there will be no reduction for three years. The immense number of pensions now paid and the fact that it is necessary to issue the appropriate documents (pay books, etc.) three months in advance would in any case render impracticable alterations in the rates at frequent intervals.

asked the Minister of Health when the Select Committee will be set up to deal with rents of shops and business premises; whether on report of this Committee It is intended to introduce a new Bill or amend the Town Tenants Act; and meantime what protection will business men have who have come to the end of their lease and have established a business, yet have received notice of ejectment without any hope of alternative accommodation?

I hope that the Select Committee will be set up within the next few days. I cannot of course say what steps will be taken as the result of their inquiry until they have made their report.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the erection of houses in Hathersage and Outseats, in the Bakewell rural council area is held up owing to the failure or inability of the said council to provide an adequate supply of water; whether he is aware that an adequate supply can be obtained from the Derwent Valley Water Board, whose supply runs through the parishes in question; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to ensure an adequate supply being provided and thus facilitate the building of houses which are much needed in the district?

The Bakewell Rural District Council are now in communication with the Derwent Valley Water Board with a view to a supply of water for the houses to be erected at Hathersage. The Council do not themselves propose to erect any houses at Outseats, but I understand that they have been in communication with the property owners desirous of building there with a view to agreeing with them as to the incidence of expense in connection with a supply of water.

Would the right hon. Gentleman instruct the housing committee to inquire into these circumstances on the spot?

Yes, he has done so. that is the source of my information.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now say how soon he will be able to lay before the House the Government's promised proposals for preventing the with-holding of dwelling-houses from occupation?

I am afraid I cannot name a definite date, but the hon. Member may rely upon my introducing the proposals in question at the earliest practicable opportunity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the increase in the number of these unoccupied houses, there is very great inconvenience caused in the industrial areas?

From the information at my disposal I do not think that the number of this particular class of houses has increased. My hon. Friend is fairly well aware of the state of Parliamentary business, but a Bill will be introduced as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will issue for publication in the Press each week, in order that the public may learn what steps have been taken to improve the housing conditions in England, a statement containing the number of houses and acreage of slum areas condemned, the number of new houses completed and occupied, the number of houses under construction, and the number of houses for whose construction contracts have been signed?

As I have previously explained, it is not practicable to deal adequately with the slum problem until much more has been done to meet the acute housing shortage. I have already arranged that information shall be published monthly (which, I think, is better than weekly) of houses completed, under construction, and in signed contracts, in the Monthly Command Paper giving particulars of housing schemes.

Do the Government decline this request on account of the result of recent bye-elections?

I do not know anything about bye-elections. The question is whether you want a statement monthly or weekly. I think monthly is better than weekly.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Land Inquiry, Vol. II., Urban, published in 1914; whether he has studied the mass of evidence contained in that publication concerning the conditions of existing housing accommodation, especially the evidence between pages 7-40 and 181-204; whether he is aware that the conclusions of the Report were, briefly, that the majority of urban workmen have to live in houses which are over-crowded to the acre, built in long uninteresting rows, without sufficient space round them, and frequently without the free access of light and pure air; that between 5 and 10 per cent. of workmen live in slums, that is, dwellings unfit for human habitation, and that 10 per cent. of the whole population are living in over-crowded conditions; whether the conditions stated in this Report are much worse now than they were in 1914 owing to the increasing population and the cessation of building during the War; and whether, in view of the fact that the Ministry of Health had only produced 1,144 houses up to 1st May, 1920, he will take more drastic action to improve the conditions of the people?

I am well aware of the matters to which the hon. Member refers, and I have received much additional information through the recent housing survey. Special measures are being taken to press forward with the provision of new houses, for which the arrangements are complete for large numbers to be supplied if sufficient money and labour is forthcoming.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement as to the steps which he Las taken, or proposes to take, to secure reinforcement of labour in the building trade?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and myself have been in negotiation for some months with the trades unions in regard to the employment of ex-service men in the building trades. I have myself laid a proposal before the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, and this has been further discussed with a Committee of operatives, which was appointed by the Parliamentary Committee as a result of my conference with them. I regret that no scheme has yet been brought into operation. I understand that a definite proposal is at present under consideration by the Joint Industrial Council of the building trades. The whole question of labour in the building trade is engaging the attention of the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that at the present time there is sufficient labour in the building trade for the 110,000 houses for which he has sanctioned tenders?

I am quite sure that the amount of labour available for this work is entirely insufficient.

Is Scotland covered by these conferences?

Yes, as far as I know.

In view of the great importance of this question, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange with the Leader of the House for us to discuss this matter immediately a decision is come to by the Trade Union Congress, or whatever they call themselves?

I will consult my right hon. Friend about it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman announce the decision as soon as it is come to?

Yes, I will arrange for a question to be put down.

Is it not the fact that a great amount of labour is being expended on factories, not otherwise required, which are producing useless articles?

Yes, I think there is some justification for that remark.

Is there not sufficient labour to deal with the schemes that have already been endorsed?

No, Sir, there is not. There was last week a shortage of 10,000 men on the schemes already in operation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland there is a shortage of at least 14,000 men?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now make any statement as to his giving consent to housing schemes proposed by the London County Council in which rooms were designed 8 feet 6 inches high and drains were to be laid in concrete, which proposals were not approved by his Department; and can he state if any delay of the schemes have been caused by this difference of opinion?

I have arranged with the County Council that sewers may be encased in concrete, except where the officials of the Council and of the Ministry are agreed that this precaution is not necessary. I have not, so far, been able to agree, on the ground of cost, to rooms more than 8 feet high where the houses are not more than twelve to the acre.

Is there any objection to local authorities building rooms at a greater height than 8 feet if they bear the cost themselves?

Certainly not.

asked the Minister of Health if he will publish a list of all local authorities who have applied and received sanction to build houses by direct labour, together with the proposed number of houses and the estimated cost per house in each case?

A statement as to local authorities proposing to build by direct labour will be published in the "Housing Journal," and I shall be glad to send the hon. Member a copy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that that information is published in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

No doubt it will be if an hon. Member asks for it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the financial position, the National Hospital for the Paralysed and Epileptic in Queen's Square, W.C., is closing; whether he is aware that many other hospitals in London are in a similar condition; that many of these hospitals are making appeals to charity and displaying such notices as "Help Us to Keep Open"; and whether, in view of the professed objects of the Ministry of Health and the repeated declarations of the Prime Minister and others concerning the new social conditions proposed to be introduced by the Coalition Government, he will consider the desirability of giving immediate State aid to such hospitals, which have hitherto relied on charity or, alternatively, to nationalise the medical services, as has been successfully accomplished in Russia with considerable benefits to the working classes?

I am aware that the hospital in question, and two other hospitals in London, are contemplating closing in whole or in part, and the question of giving interim assistance to hospitals in serious financial difficulties is under consideration by the King's Fund. The position of many other London hospitals gives ground for anxiety, and I am considering what measures can be taken to meet the situation without prejudicing the voluntary principle and without losing the services of the voluntary workers, to whose co-operation I attach the greatest value. I have never been in favour of nationalising the voluntary hospitals, and the information available as to the sanitary condition of Russia has not led me to modify my views on this point.

Would not the £3,000,000 being spent on tawdry finery by the War Office be better spent if it were appropriated to the hospitals?

That does not affect the question of the existence of voluntary hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act to inquire into the cost of building materials has made its Report; and, if not, whether he can say when this Report will be received?

I have been asked to reply. The four Sectional Sub-Committees appointed by the Central Committee to investigate cement and mortar; light castings; stone, bricks and clayware, and timber have not yet made their reports. The Committee, which has been investigating stone, bricks and clayware, and the Committee investigating timber, are now engaged in the preparation of their draft reports, and I hope that they may be published in a short time. I am unable to say when the other Committees named will be in a position to make their reports, but it is hoped that they will have completed their investigations at an early date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lack of accurate information as to whether or not there is profiteering in the various stages of building materials manufacture is having a very serious effect on labour, and will he take all possible steps to expedite these reports?

There is always the danger of getting inaccurate information by hurrying these Committees. It is difficult to advise them. Better leave the matter to them.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the great difficulties that municipal road authorities in London have in obtaining suitable and cheap road-making materials; and can he assist these authorities in any way, either by his Department obtaining supplies direct or by securing that reasonable shipping facilities be granted to the Channel Islands, where a good deal of suitable material came from in pre-War days?

I have been asked to answer this question. The attention of the Minister of Transport has frequently been called by highway authorities, both in London and in the provinces, to their difficulties in obtaining road-making materials, and the officers of the Ministry are doing everything possible to assist. I am informed that the shipping facilities for the transport of material from the Channel Islands have improved during the past few months.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a feeling of discontent in working-men's clubs and institutes at the continuance of the Liquor Control Board and its restrictions; and whether he can now make a statement as to the introduction this Session of legislation dealing with this question?

I can add nothing to the previous replies on this subject.

Would it not be possible to have some regulations introduced during the summer in order to enable men on the allotments to obtain refreshments, as the present hours are unreasonably early?

It is the intention of the Government to bring in this Bill as soon as they can, but I think there is a general feeling in the House that it would be a mistake to remove more of the restrictions until we have had an opportunity of discussing the whole subject.

Is there the same objection to a slight modification, in order to meet the alteration in the habits of the people depending on the time of the year?

That is a matter which the Central Control Board have always had in view.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the difficulties in which many statutory water companies now find themselves owing to their inability to increase their revenue sufficiently to meet their seriously increased and still increasing expenditure and owing to the fact that they are now charging up to their statutory limits, and that consequently their dividends are in many cases being reduced to vanishing point, and that it is therefore impossible or exceedingly difficult in many cases to raise capital for the necessary extensions which have now been suspended for so many years, it is the intention of the Government to introduce general legislation, and, if so, when, enabling the charges of water companies to be varied to meet the altered conditions?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The subject has already been under consideration, and it is proposed to introduce general legislation as early as practicable.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the importance of keeping our water supplies in an efficient state and to the desirability of bringing the matter forward as soon as possible?

I am fully aware of the importance of the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that firms and individuals who are owed money by Germans resident in Dantzig, which was a German town before the War, have been informed by the Foreign Office that they cannot claim settlement of their debt by means of the Public Trustee because, owing to the Treaty of Versailles, Dantzig is no longer part of the new German Republic; and whether steps will at once be taken to remedy this injustice to persons who are owed money by Germans resident in areas which have ceased to be German by the Treaty of Versailles?

It is a fact that debts due by persons domiciled within the territory of the free city of Dantzig on January 10th, 1920, to nationals of the Allied and Associated Powers do not come within the provisions of the Clearing Office scheme set up under Article 296 of the Treaty of Versailles. I regret that I can hold out no hopes of any modification of the Treaty in this respect.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the goods in a great many cases have actually been delivered in Germany and are now actually being used in the German Republic; and does he see any reason why persons who are owed money by Germans who, by the force of the Treaty of Versailles are now living in a free city, should not have the same rights as though the latter were still living in Germany?

No doubt there will be cases of hardship, and I do not see how the matter can be dealt with otherwise.

asked the Prime Minister if, before finally agreeing to the lines on which the Supreme Council framed the Turkish Treaty, the opinion of the Viceroy of India's Council was sought; whether the opinion of important and experienced Mohammedan leaders in India as to the effect the revised treaty would have on Mohammedans in our Eastern dependencies was obtained; and, if so, whether they approved or opposed the policy to which the Government of this country has given its approval?

The views of all the sources of information referred to in the question were taken fully into account in the framing of the Turkish Treaty.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in the arrangement under which President Wilson is to delimit, in his personal capacity, the boundaries of Armenia, any decision has been arrived at as to meeting the cost of delimitation; and, is it likely to fall on the British taxpayer?

The only expense that can be foreseen in connection with the delimitation of the frontiers of Armenia by President Wilson, would arise from the possible necessity of tracing the frontiers on the spot. The Treaty provides that this would be done by a Boundary Commission, the expenses of which would be borne in equal parts by the two parties concerned, namely, Turkey and Armenia.

Is there any precedent for the representative of a foreign state, being invited in his personal capacity, to intervene in international problems; what are the special qualifications of Mr. Wilson in his private capacity for this delicate work; and have we not already had mischief enough from his interference?

I am afraid I cannot give a precedent, but I should be rather surprised if there were not one. As to President Wilson's qualifications, that must be a matter of opinion, but in the view of the Government he is qualified.

asked the Prime Minister when the Milner Report may be expected; whether he is aware that in the meantime senior posts in the Egyptian Government previously held by British officials are being filled by Egyptians; and by what authority this change of policy in the government of Egypt is being carried out?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Milner Commission expects to issue their Report on Egypt before the House rises in August?

As regards the issue of the Milner Report, I can only renew the assurance conveyed in my reply to the hon. Member for Wrekin on 12th May that Lord Milner and his colleagues can be relied on to formulate their conclusions without any avoidable delay. I have no information lending colour to the suggestion contained in the second part of the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Henley, and the last part therefore does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the insanitary condition of the camp at Kantara and of the absence of proper provision against the heat; whether there are in the camp and hospital over 200 officers and 100 nursing sisters that have been awaiting passage home for varying periods up to three months and more; and what prospect he can hold out of their return and of the immediate improvement of the unhealthy conditions and deficiencies existing?

78. The following question stood on the paper in the name of Captain Terrell: To ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a large number of officers and other ranks have been detained for months at Kantara, Egypt, waiting for transport to this country for demobilisation; can he state the reasons for this delay; and what steps are being taken to rectify this delay?

Before the question is answered, may I point out that certain words have been omitted from the original question, and that the last paragraph should read: "What steps are being taken to rectify these irritating and costly delays?"

We do not admit adjectives into questions.

A Report has been asked for by cable, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. Meantime I must not be understood to assent to the correctness of the allegations contained in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the extraordinary importance to life and death in hot climates of remedying conditions which have been described by the senior officer as a scandal and the worst he has seen during his campaigns, including the Balkan Wars?

I quite realise the importance of the matter, and a cable has been despatched to ascertain the facts.

Why is the Department not aware that hundreds of officers and other ranks are detained at Kantara? May I press for an answer to that?

The hon. Member had better give notice if he attaches importance to that question.

But that really was my original question—the one on the Paper.

The hon. Member asks why we are not in possession of certain information. I will try and ascertain if he will put down a further question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, after in vain making repeated applications to the authorities for protection, certain land owners in Ireland have been compelled to negotiate the sale of portions of their estates to the Sinn Fein leaders in order to secure the safety of the estate labourers engaged upon essential and vital agricultural work; and what steps the Government propose to take?

I will be glad to inquire into any specific case that the hon. Member cites.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been called to a document issued under the authority of the Reverend Dr. Fogarty, Roman Catholic bishop of Killaloe, and others, which is issued as a prospectus in Ireland inviting subscriptions to a fund of £250,000 for Sinn Fein finance; and, in view of the illegality of this prospectus, have the Government taken any steps to prosecute its promoters?

The name of Dr. Fogarty does not appear on the prospectus of the Dail Eireann Loan. It does, however, appear on a list of trustees of the fund. It is impossible to prove the connection of the persons named with the loan, and prosecution is, therefore, not practicable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this fund is operating in Ireland, and that it is illegal on the face of it in that it promises repayment when the Irish Republic is set up? Is he further aware that in many cases treasurers of this fund have been arrested on suspicion? Why should officials in the lower ranks be arrested, while the trustees at the top are allowed to go free?

I am aware that people connected with the fund have been not only arrested, but convicted. In the case referred to in the question there is not sufficient evidence at present to justify a prosecution.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware of the manner in which the recent local government elections were conducted in county Tyrone under Proportional Representation; that there was not adequate police protection in the Omagh district, and that Unionist voters were intimidated and dared not in isolated districts come to the poll; and will he, in face of the evidence cause an investigation of the facts?

I have heard statements made suggesting that intimidation was exercised in some isolated districts, and I am having inquiries made. There was adequate protection in Omagh district, but it is impossible to prevent anonymous documents being sent by post. It is open to any candidate to bring a petition before an Election Court if he can prove intimidation was exercised.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the night before the poll there were notices posted in isolated districts where there are few Protestants threatening them with death if they voted on the morrow? Is he aware that these Protestants very naturally were prevented recording their votes, and that as a result the complexion of the whole County Council has been changed? Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is proper or possible to set up the County Council under these conditions?

That is a matter for the Election Court, which has full jurisdiction, and any candidate who can show there was intimidation can raise the question.

But the County Council will meet on Saturday and will start proceedings, although these things have been done. Although the election may later on be set aside, they will have set up the Council, have elected the Chairman, and have co-opted members in the meantime.

Is there no power to prevent them doing that until an investigation has taken place?

Yes, Sir. Application can be made to an ordinary court by anyone interested.