asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider some scheme to enable the fathers and mothers, or at least one near relative, to visit the graves of their son or sons who lost their lives in the late War; and will he grant a free return pass to the place where they are buried; and is he aware that his two predecessors promised that such free passes should be granted?

As my hon. Friend was informed on 29th October last, it is not practicable to issue free travelling passes to relatives to visit graves in Flanders and Belgium, nor am I aware of any such promise having been made. I hope, however, that it may be possible to arrange for some facilities to be given in connection with the journey. Details of a scheme are now being worked out.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date the Army Estimates for the current year were drawn up; and when it was decided to reclothe the Army?

The provisional Army Estimates were circulated on 20th March, and contained provision for the small instalment of the Reclothing Scheme which it was proposed to carry out in the current year.

asked the Secretary of State for War what the Sherwood Foresters are doing at Copenhagen?

The Sherwood Foresters formed part of an Allied Force of Occupation in Schlesvig during the plebiscite which was taken in accordance with the terms of the Peace Treaty. On the completion of the plebiscite, the Allied Forces were invited by the Danish Government to visit Copenhagen on their way home.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. E. Barrett, pensioned non - commissioned officer, was, by mistake, called up for service on the outbreak of war without having first obtained his consent; that, as a result, he has lost his business and is broken down in health, and has received no compensation, increase of pension, or gratuity; and will he inquire into his case?

If the hon. and gallant Member will supply me with full particulars of the case, showing where Mr. Barrett was called up and what regiment he joined, with his regimental number, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there has been any modification of the recent decision to abolish the rank of brigadier-general; and whether officers who were appointed bigadier-general before it was decided to do away with the rank are to continue to hold it while holding their present appointments?

The decision to abolish the rank of brigadier-general has not been modified, but no date has yet been fixed for bringing it into effect. The future rank and status of officers now holding the rank of brigadier-general are still under consideration. Officers who hold this rank will only continue to do so until its abolition is carried into effect.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether any bounties were given to any members of the Territorial Force who left the force prior to the War after their four years' service and rejoined the force on a date subsequent to the outbreak of War?

No, Sir. No distinction in this respect was made between an ex-Territorial and any other man who was in civil life at the outbreak of war and rejoined the forces either voluntarily or compulsorily during the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether additional alternative work is still being provided for Woolwich Arsenal; and whether the condition that only work could be given which does not compete with private enterprise could be varied, so that the Arsenal would be enabled to execute work which could not be completed by private contract within a requisite period?

Since the War Office re-assumed responsibility for the Royal Ordnance Factories on 1st June, steps have been taken with the object of securing additional alternative work for both Woolwich and Enfield. The Government has decided that Woolwich should be placed in a position to act as sub-contractors to engineering firms, provided no financial loss is incurred thereby. In reaching this decision the Government was influenced by two considerations, namely, first, the present housing situation renders it desirable that the work should be taken to the workmen rather than that large numbers of workmen should be discharged from Woolwich and Enfield factories and left to find work where no housing accommodation exists; and, secondly, that it is not to the interests of the country, when the world's demand exceeds the supply, that productive capacity, such as that at Woolwich and Enfield, should be left dormant, or occupied with munitions not now required. The effect of this decision will be to reduce and postpone, rather than to obviate entirely, the necessity for further discharges from Woolwich during the next few months, as there are certain classes of workers employed in the now productive departments in excess of normal establishments who cannot be employed on alternative work. The policy now being followed is a temporary one, but I should be glad if Members of the House would assist the War Office in obtaining suitable orders for Woolwich and Enfield.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any pattern for the ribbon for the special medal granted by the War Office to all Territorials of 1914 who through some cause or other lost the star is available?

No, Sir; the pattern of the ribbon for the Territorial Force War Medal is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether the labourers employed in the Army Ordnance Department, Southampton Docks, receive £2 13s. per week, while the dock labourers receive £4 8s. per week, and whether the labourers employed by the Army Ordnance Department, Portsmouth, receive £3 11s. per week; and if he will take steps to place the Army Ordnance Department labourers at Southampton on the same footing as other labourers in Southampton and Portsmouth?

Instructions are being issued raising the rate to 58s.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the question of awarding a special distinction or reward to the members of the Royal Defence Corps who served throughout the War, but not overseas, has been considered: and, if so, whether he will publish such decision?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply yesterday to the hon. Member for Tynemouth (Mr. Percy).

asked the Secretary of State for War when the men of the 79th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, at Eweshott Camp, will receive the proportion of re-enlistment bounty due to them on 31st March, having regard to the official assurance given six weeks ago that all such claims were to be immediately settled?

I am making inquiries, and will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a large 254-page index to the War Office "Daily Review of the Foreign Press" for May to October, 1918, which has just been issued; what is the cost of this production; what purpose is it intended to fulfil; and whether, in view of the urgent need for economy, he will prevent the issue of such publications in future?

The index to the "Daily Review of the Foreign Press" is being issued in parts to various Government offices, public bodies and Members of Parliament, to whom the "Daily Review" was sent. The "Review" and its Supplements would be of little use for reference purposes without such an index. The cost of production is £412.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the assistant provost marshal for the Wrekin Division refuses to accede to the wish of the workers in the county in favour of extending the hours for the closing of licensed premises until 10 o'clock; and whether, if the matter is within his competency, he will have inquiries made with a view to meeting the convenience of the working classes in the county of Shropshire?

I have no knowledge of this matter, but am having inquiries made, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as a report has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Military Intelligence Commission in Poland first reported to the War Office any likelihood of a Polish advance?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for East Leyton (Mr. L. Malone) on the 18th May.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that steel plates of suitable dimensions for the building of the oil tanker at Devonport are being sent away from that yard, thus involving delay in the work or else the use of plates of unsuitable dimensions with consequent wastage of material; where such plates are going; and whether they could be obtained from other and more convenient places in less time and with less expense for transporting?

All surplus plates were handed over to the Disposal Board before it was decided to build an oil tanker at Devonport. When the decision to build this ship was given, steps were taken to withdraw from sale all mild steel plates already handed over to the Disposal Board, and instructions were issued that no further quantities of this description were to be disposed of. Materials so withdrawn and other quantities remaining in stock are being used so far as suitable for oil tankers now building at Devonport and Pembroke. Of the steel plates that had already been sold, certain quantities remaining at Devonport awaiting removal were re- ported to be suitable for use on the oil tankers. The Disposal Board was consulted as regards these, but considered it was impracticable to cancel the sales. No delay has taken place in the construction of the ship consequent on the sale of these plates, neither have plates of unsuitable dimensions been used. Those in question were stock plates of Admiralty quality in large covering sizes, and requirements for the oilers are being met by the purchase of plates to Lloyd's tests of actual sizes required.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if a statement has been made by the authorities at Dublin Castle to the effect that the increases to pre-War pensioners recently announced by the Government will not apply to officers, but only to those pensioners who have served in the ranks and can prove hardship and inability to live on their pensions; and, if so, is he aware that such a statement is entirely at variance with the announcement made on behalf of the Government on the 10th May?

No such statement as that referred to in the first part of the question appears to have been made. The second part of the question consequently does not arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on several recent occasions, notably at Dublin and Waterford, Irish railway servants have refused to carry detachments of troops; whether on each occasion the troops have thereupon been removed and the trains have proceeded without them; and whether His Majesty's Government have yet taken steps to prevent such regrettable incidents?

Such cases did occur, and the Government refrained as a matter of policy from taking any action which could be regarded as provocative while the situation was being discussed by responsible Labour leaders in England. The position has now changed, and definite instructions have been issued both to the troops and to the police.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give figures showing the quantities of beer imported to Great Britain from Ireland for each of the four months February to May, 1920?

The monthly Statistical Statement issued by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland furnishes the following particulars of exports from Ireland of stout, beer, and porter during the months of February, March, and April, 1920:—

Tons. February … … … 24,736 March … … … 32,960 April … … … 29,945 Information in regard to May is not yet available. As was stated in an answer to a question by my hon. Friend on 24th March last, the figures do not relate exclusively to exports to Great Britain, but exports to ports other than those of Great Britain were relatively insignificant.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there have been any cases of unprovoked attack on unarmed soldiers in Ireland?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the pay of air mechanics in the 27th Squadron, Royal Air Force, in India is being reduced; and, if so, by how much per day and on what grounds?

I have no information, but will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is a British air service between Kieff and Warsaw; when the first flight was made; and whether the British machines are armed?

There is no British air service between Kieff and Warsaw. The second and third parts of the question, therefore, do not arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions (1) the number of ex-service men temporarily employed in his Department who have been entrenched since 1st January, 1920, and the number who have been absorbed into the permanent Civil Service?

(2) if he will give an estimate of the number of ex-service men temporarily employed in his Department who will be retrenched before 30th December, 1920; and the number that it is estimated will be absorbed into the permanent Civil Service?

So far as the headquarters staff of the Ministry is concerned, since 1st January, 1920, no efficient ex-service man has been finally discharged. During this period, however, 503 have voluntarily resigned, or in certain cases have been discharged for inefficiency or for other disciplinary reasons; while 350 have been transferred with their work to other Government Departments. Owing to the rapid demobilisation of the staff of the Ministry, and to the fact that the headquarters male staff at present comprises 60 per cent. of ex-service, I am unable to estimate the number of individuals that it will be necessary to discharge between now and the end of the year. This Ministry is not a permanent Department, and I regret that there is no information available as to the extent to which these ex-service men who have voluntarily left the Department have obtained permanent appointments in other Departments.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can see his way to organise trade exhibitions of the work of ex-service men in different parts of the country similar to that now being held in Birmingham, where some 1,500 men out of 1,800 men in training are exhibiting; and, if so, if he will invite the public to unite with him not only to make such exhibitions a success but to stimulate the sale of articles so manufactured?

We have arranged to hold a Training Exhibition at the Central Hall, Westminster, from 21st July to 29th July inclusive, to be opened by the Prime Minister, and I sincerely hope that hon. Members will not only attend this exhibition themselves in order to see the work that the disabled men can produce, but will also do their utmost to make it a success by giving it all the publicity in their power. A number of exhibitions have been already held or arranged in the provinces, and I am considering the possibility of organising further exhibitions in the country.

asked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen and. Refreshment Rooms Committee, whether, in view of the national necessity of finding employment for ex-soldiers, he can say when the waitresses employed by his committee will, so far as is possible, be replaced by waiters, preference being given to ex-soldiers who actually fought in the late War?

The committee have already given effect to the suggestion contained in the question of the hon. Member by the employment of ex-soldiers; and it is intended, as occasion offers, to increase the number. At the same time due consideration will have to be given to the claims of those now on the staff, who have for some years been rendering satisfactory and effective service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what was the total cost of building and furnishing the huts and hostels in Elizabethville, Birtley, Durham, and the total amount in rents received from the inhabitants of these huts and hostels during the War; the cost of building and furnishing the huts and hostels in that particular section of Elizabethville which is now occupied by the ex-soldiers and sailors in training there; the weekly rent paid by the Belgians during their occupancy of these huts and hostels and the weekly amount paid by the ex-soldiers and sailors now training there under the Ministry of Labour?

The total expenditure involved is £329,500. The total amount of rent received from May, 1916, to November, 1918, was £91,700. The cost of building the particular portions now occupied by ex-service men in training cannot be stated separately. When Belgians were admitted as tenants in May, 1916, rents were fixed for the cottages as follows, in virtue of the tenants' services with the Birtley Shell Factory: Four-roomed cottages, 10s; three-roomed cottages, 8s.; and hostel apartments, 6d. per night. As regards the other parts of the question, I must refer my hon. Friend to the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Ada C. Smith, of 38, Stour Road, Norwich, whose husband, the late Albert Cyril Smith, formerly No, 4,710, company quarter-. master-sergeant, 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment, enlisted in February, 1907, was discharged as physically unfit in June, 1914, was allotted pension in respect of disability contracted during his service, and died in November, 1919; whether the continuation of the pension allotted has been refused to Mrs. Smith, leaving her without means to support herself and her child; and whether any relief can be given in this case?

The late Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Smith did no military service during the late War. He was employed in a civilian capacity under the Ministry of National Service, who are, I understand, considering the question of making a compassionate grant to the widow.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Cabinet has decided that pensions earned during the late War should in no case be used to lower the wages of a Civil servant; whether Mr. J. J. Conway, of the Leicester Post Office, has received a pension in consideration of his services in the late War, and that this pension is paid as an addition to his old pension; and whether, seeing that his starting pay was fixed having regard to his old pension, there is any reason why the new pension earned during the late War should be withheld from Mr. Conway in contravention of the general Government decision, and contrary to the practice in the case of all Civil servants who have served with the Forces?

I will make inquiries, and write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. E. Knowles, 9, Kirgate Street, Old Walsoken, Norfolk (ring paper 6 D 1, 1,467), has been reduced to the greatest straits by the Ministry's delay in deciding her case; that she and her five children are on the parish and that the per week poor relief is her sole income; that these delays are becoming increasingly long; and what steps he is taking to expedite matters?

This is a type of case which has occasioned a considerable amount of difficulty. The widow's claim to pension, under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant was originally rejected by the Ministry. The widow appealed to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal against this decision, and her appeal was allowed, but difficulty arose regarding the terms of the Tribunal's decision. I am glad to say, however, that an award of pension to Mrs. Knowles has now been authorised.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Emir Feisal is coming to Europe to confer with the Allied Governments regarding the future government of Syria; and whether he is sending a representative plenipotentiary on behalf of the Damascus Government?

It is not yet known whether the Emir Feisal will decide to accept the invitation of the Peace Conference to come to Europe. He has not been invited to send a plenipotentiary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the recent statement of the Secretary of State with regard to Montenegro was based on the Report of Count de Salis as to the condition of that country; and whether any action has yet been taken by His Majesty's Government in consequence of that Report?

The statement of the Secretary of State was made with a full knowledge of the contents of Count de Salis' Report. It is not, of course, open to His Majesty's Government to take independent action on that Report in a matter which concerns the Supreme Council as a whole.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to an edict issued by the Serbians in military occupation of Montenegro conscripting all Montenegrin males between the ages of 18 and 38 for the formation of labour battalions; whether these battalions are intended for military operations against the compatriots of the conscripts or for forced labour for the benefit of the Serbian usurpation; and what progress has been made in carrying the edict into effect?

I have seen unofficial statements in the sense indicated in the first and second parts of my hon. and learned Friend's question, but have received no official confirmation. I shall be glad if my hon. and learned Friend will furnish me with any information at his disposal.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to advise the Governments of Sweden and Finland to refer the dispute over the Aaland Islands to the arbitration of the League of Nations; whether that has already been done; and, if so, with what result?

The Secretary of State, acting in exercise of the friendly right conferred by Article XI of the Covenant of the League of Nations, has brought to the attention of the Council of the League the case of the Aaland Islands as a matter affecting international relations, which unfortunately threatens to disturb the good understanding between nations upon which peace depends. He has informed the Governments of Sweden and Finland of the action which he felt it his duty to take; and both Governments have expressed their satisfaction that the case will now be examined without delay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British and German representatives have already been appointed to the Reparation Committee for dealing with enemy debts, and whether the Committee is unable to commence work owing to the fact that no neutral member has yet been appointed; and what steps are being taken to expedite matters?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am not aware of any Reparation Committee for dealing with enemy debts. If, however, the hon. Member is referring to the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal, which will include in its functions the hearing of appeals in regard to enemy debts, the position is that the British and German members have been appointed and that the two Governments are in negotiation with a neutral jurist with regard to the Presidency of the Tribunal, and between themselves in regard to certain other matters relating to the Tribunal. Every effort is being made to expedite the full constitution of the Tribunal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Department has received any Report as to the system of election in Germany for the recent new Parliament there; and whether he can circulate a short précis describing the system and its results to Members of this House?

The recent elections for the Reichstag were held under a system of proportional representation based upon the universal suffrage of all persons over the age of twenty, both male and female. I am afraid I cannot under- take to circulate any statement such as that which my hon. Friend suggests. Full details of the system will, however, be found in the Electoral Law of the German Reich of April 27th, 1920, and in the German Constitution.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any compulsory loan be instituted to fund the floating debt, whether he will secure that investments in 5-15-year Treasury Bonds and in Housing Bonds shall be considered as equivalent to an investment in the compulsory loan and that holders of such bonds shall be entitled to set off the issue value against any liability to subscribe a similar amount to a compulsory loan?

I do not contemplate the institution of a forced loan.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated amount of arrears of previous years of Excess Profits Duty which he expects to collect during the present year; and also the amount of any further arrears from previous years which he expects to collect in the future?

It is estimated that some £90,000,000 of the Excess Profits Duty in assessment at the end of the last financial year will be collected during the current year. No precise estimate can at present be made of the proportion of such duty likely to be collected in future years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated losses of revenue during the present financial year 1920–21 arising out of the proposed concessions made by the Government in connection with the Excess Profits Duty on the Finance Bill?

The cost of the respective concessions during the year 1920–21 is estimated to be as follows: £ (i) Allowance of an extra 1 per cent. to the statutory percentage on increased capital 750,000 (ii) Increase of the allowance given to small business under Section 26 (4) of the Finance Act, 1917 2,000,000 (iii) Alternative allowance to that under (ii) giving a substituted standard based on a percentage on capital with an allowance in respect of each working proprietor 1,000,000 (iv) Increase of statutory percentage on capital in the case of companies where directors have a controlling interest to that allowed to firms 250,000 Total £4,000,000

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the estimated quantities of imported motor spirit, upon which the Director-General of Roads based his public statement that a flat rate duty of 1s. per gallon would be necessary to produce the requisite revenue; and whether, in arriving at such a figure, he had regard to the increasing consumption of petrol by all classes of motor vehicles, as shown by official returns, the revenue from existing licence duties on private motor vehicles and public service vehicles, horse carriage and motor car drivers' licences, a system of licence duties on steam and electric vehicles, and from a schedule of duties on other commercial and public service vehicles?

The quantity of imported motor spirit upon which the estimate of a flat rate duty of 1s. per gallon necessary to provide the income required for a full year was based on an annual importation of 146,000,000 gallons. This figure was an estimate derived from returns relating to the number of licences issued during 1919–1920, and the quantity of duty-paying motor spirit imported for the year ending 31st October, 1919. Allowance was made for the estimated increase in the number of motor vehicles and the consequent increased consumption of petrol. Allowance was also made for the estimated revenue from existing licence duties on private motor vehicles and public service vehicles, and from horse carriage and drivers' licences. No allowance was made for any system of licence duties on steam and electric vehicles, nor for any schedule of duties in respect of vehicles on which no tax is at present payable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the recent introduction into this country of motor cars and lorries with left-hand drive; whether he has caused any inquiries to be made as to the danger of left-hand-drive vehicles, owing to the rule of the road in this country; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps to prohibit their use?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for St. Pancras, S.W. (Major Barnett), which appeared in the OFFICIAL REPORT of yesterday's proceedings.

asked the Minister of Transport whether railway tickets are being refused to passengers desirous of travelling to Ireland?

I am not aware of any such action having been taken by the railway companies. I shall be glad to inquire into any cases which are submitted to me by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the annual income derived from the Unemployment Insurance Fund of over £ 220,000,000; whether the average return of the securities enumerated in White Paper 105 is about 5 per cent.; and whether investment of these moneys in 6 per cent. Housing Bonds would increase the annual income of the Unemployment Insurance Fund by about £200,000, and at the same time provide money that is urgently needed for housing?

The annual income of the fund is at present approximately £1,014,000, which sum represents a return of rather over 5 per cent. on the money invested, leaving out of consideration any premium due on redemption of the securities held. There is no power to invest moneys belonging to the Fund in Housing Bonds issued by local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the number of factories being constructed throughout England, many of them for such unnecessary commodities as gramophones, piano-players, quack medicines, and so on; the amount of building labour and material employed on the factories; and, if so, what steps he is taking to divert it for the construction of houses which are so urgently required?

Local authorities have been given powers under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, for the prohibition of building operations interfering with the provision of dwelling accommodation, and I have issued a memorandum for the guidance of local authorities in the exercise of these powers, dealing especially with the order of priority in which buildings competing with housing schemes should be considered. Action has already been taken by a number of local authorities, and the question of strengthening the powers of dealing with this matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health what decisions have been given or what steps have been taken in regard to the acute financial status of many of the London hospitals; whether he is aware that the delay in settling this question is having a very bad effect on the staffs, new recruits hesitating to come forward for training when hospitals are insolvent, and further increasing the strain on the management due to the condition of these affairs; and will he take steps at once to give this matter immediate attention and also see that necessary action is taken without delay?

As I informed my hon. Friend on 16th June, I have given this matter my anxious consideration for some time. The Council of King Edward's Fund have decided to make an immediate distribution of £250,000 to meet the pressing needs of the London hospitals. The question of the extent to which this grant will require to be supplemented from other sources and the best method of giving such further assistance as is necessary without discouraging voluntary subscriptions is under consideration, but the whole question involves many complex issues, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Minister of Health the number of births in the first quarter of the present year and for the same quarter in previous years, or other figures which will show in a simple form the normal number of births in years before the War, the decrease during the War, and the increase since the War?

The births registered in England and Wales in the first quarters of the last eleven years were:— 1910. 1911. 1912. 1913. 1914. 1915. 221,684 223,585 222,600 216,629 217,414 221,523 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 194,965 178,729 162,308 144,920 271,082

asked the Minister of Food whether preferential rates are again to be established for milk; and, if so, what counties will be affected?

The Order fixing maximum prices for milk was revoked as from the 31st January, 1920, and the Minister of Food does not contemplate the resumption of statutory control of this commodity. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Food whether he can make any statement on the recent purchases of sugar which have been made by his Department; and whether much of the world's crop of sugar cannot be marketed owing to the difficulties of transport in the countries which produce it?

The Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply has recently purchased this year's Mauritius crop of Vesou sugar which it is estimated will amount to approximately 200,000 tons at 89s., 90s. and 91s. per cwt. according to quality. As regards the second part of the question, I have no evidence that any large proportion of the world's sugar crop is in the position referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for India if wheat is being held up in the Punjab in the hope that export restrictions will be withdrawn; and the policy of the Government of India on the subject in view of the expected shortage of wheat in this country?

In view of the importance of maintaining stocks in India until the monsoon is assured, the Government of India have announced that the embargo on the export of wheat will he maintained until the end of September unless in the meantime there is a considerable fall in prices. I have not heard of wheat being held up in the Punjab.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the anticipated shortage of cereals in the coming winter, he is making any provision or encouraging others to make any provision in the direction of accumulating wheat supplies, so that the bread of the people may be safeguarded?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Food how much bacon the British Government have stored in the United States of America; what is the value of the same; on what dates this bacon was purchased; and when payment was made for the same?

As the publication of records of this nature would be likely seriously to hinder the buying operations of the Ministry of Food, I regret that I am unable to supply the hon. Member with the information which he desires.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the powers proposed to be conferred upon District Agricultural Committees in Scotland by the Agriculture Bill, it is now intended to reconstitute such committees upon a permanent and representative basis; and whether he will shortly introduce a Bill for this purpose?

The present intention is that the committees recently set up by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland should continue to exist, as at present constituted, until after the next county council elections in November, 1922. While I had previously intended to introduce legislation of the nature referred to in my hon. Friend's question, I am now disposed to await the result of the experience to be gained by these bodies before taking steps to reconstitute them on another basis. This is the course approved by the Advisory Committee of the Scottish Agricultural Council.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any further information regarding the strike of joiners in Scotland; and whether, in view of the fact that a new claim has been lodged and will fall to be considered by the industrial court at an early date, he can do anything to expedite the sitting of that court in order to ascertain if there is any chance of an earlier settlement of the present dispute?

I understand that the operative joiners in the West of Scotland have withdrawn from the Scottish National Agreement under which wage settlements have been referred to arbitration every four months, and no application has been received from them for arbitration either on the present claim for a rate of 2s. 6d. per hour as from the 1st April, in support of which they have struck work, or on the further claim for an additional 3d. per hour as from the 1st August, which I understand they have recently presented. My powers with regard to referring disputes to arbitration are conditional on the consent of the parties to this course. If an agreement could be reached by the Scottish Building Trade as a whole to adopt common action and to accept this method of settlement, it would be possible to arrange an immediate arbitration and to antedate the sitting of the court and the operation of the award by a month.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any further statement as to the Scottish joiners' dispute?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I have given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. W. Graham), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Comptroller and Accountant-General of the Post Office retired from the service in August, 1919, at the age of 65 years; whether the retention of Sir Charles King until 65 years of age was said to be due to the importance of his office and to his indispensability; whether the Post Office Estimates for the current year amount to £50,000,000; and whether, having regard to the imperative need for economy and for effective financial supervision, he will explain the ten months' delay in filling this vital post?

The facts are substantially as stated. The vacant post has not yet been filled because the gentleman whom I propose to appoint is employed upon other important Government work from which it is not possible at the moment to release him. But I hope that the appointment will very shortly be announced.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received a memorandum from the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Teachers' Association concerning the staffing and equipment of the schools in that city; and, if so, what steps the Board of Education intends to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The proposals of the local education authority for the staffing and equipment of the public elementary schools in their area will be considered by the Board when the scheme of the local education authority under the Education Act, 1918, is submitted by the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, seeing that provision is made under the Education (Scotland) (Superannuation) Act, 1919, for including within the benefits of that Act organising and supervising teachers under education authorities, he can see his way to recommend that the same principle may be applied in England and Wales by an early amendment of the School Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1918?

The question whether the service of an organising or supervising teacher can be treated as "recognised service" under the School Teachers' (Superannuation) Act, 1918, depends upon the nature and scope of his duties, not upon his title. If his duties consist in teaching, his service is "recognised service": if they consist in organisation, supervision and inspection, it cannot be treated as "recognised service"; and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 17th instant to the hon. Member for York (Sir J. Butcher).

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will place a model of the Cenotaph in the Tea Room of the House?

I am in communication with Sir Edwin Lutyens about the preparation of a model of the Cenotaph in its permanent form and shall be pleased to give Members an opportunity of seeing it in the Tea Room of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a Return

Department. Number of officials in receipt of salaries and emoluments amounting to £1,000 a year and upwards employed in 1914/15. Number of officials in receipt of salaries and emoluments (including War Bonus) amounting to £2,000 a year and upwards employed in 1920 (June). Supreme Court of Judicature … … … … 62 42 Admiralty … … … … … 39 5 *Health, Ministry of … … … … … 36 8 India Office … … … … … 33 5 Trade, Board of (including Bankruptcy Department) … 31 10 Post Office … … … … … 30 2 War Office … … … … … 20 2 Inland Revenue … … … … … 19 4 Education, Board of … … … … … 18 4 Supreme Court of Judicature (Ireland) … … … 17 - Customs and Excise … … … … … 15 3 Home Office … … … … … 14 3 House of Lords … … … … … 13 5 Agriculture, Ministry of (including Food Production Department, Ordnance Survey of U.K. and Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew). 13 3 Treasury (including two Parliamentary Counsel and the Treasury Representative in the Ministry of Transport). 12 9 Colonial Office … … … … … 12 2 Control, Board of … … … … … 11 8 Land Commission (Ireland) … … … … 11 3 Foreign Office … … … … … 11 2 *Labour, Ministry of … … … … … 5 5 Transport, Ministry of … … … … … — 16 Munitions, Ministry of … … … … … — 6 Air Ministry … … … … … — 7 Other Departments … … … … … 133 56 TOTALS … … … 555 210 NOTE.—The Departments specifically named in the above statement are those with 10 or more posts at £1,000 a year in 1914–15 or 5 or more posts at £2,000 a year (including war bonus) at 1920. *This Ministry as such had no existence in 1914. The figures for that year shown above relate to the staff of other Departments at that time engaged upon duties which were transferred to the Ministry upon its creation

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many furniture stores his Department has in London at the

showing the number of officials with salaries and emoluments amounting to £2,000 per annum and upwards at present employed in Government Departments that are included in the Civil Service Estimates; and a Return giving the number of officials drawing salaries of £1,000 per annum and upwards who were employed in Government Departments included in the Civil Service Estimates in the financial year 1914–15?

The particulars desired are as follow:—

present time; whether this number has recently been increased; what class of furniture is stored at these depots; and if any of them are used for manufacturing or repair purposes?

We have at present 14 stores in London, seven of which are used for storing furniture from requisitioned premises and seven for storing new and surplus furniture. Small and urgent repairs are carried on at four of these stores, but no furniture is manufactured in any of them. During the last twelve months ten stores have been given up and I hope to dispense with a further six during the next six months.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the date of the appointment of Captain Mendham as superintending architect to the Ministry, together with the amount of his salary and allowances and the terms of his appointment; and whether he is a whole-time official?

Captain Mendham was appointed to the post of a superintending architect in the Ministry on the 13th October, 1919. His salary is £500 per annum (inclusive of bonus), and when absent from the office he receives travelling expenses and subsistence allowance on the usual Treasury scale. Captain Mendham is a whole-time temporary officer, and his appointment is subject to one month's notice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the present strength of the staff of the Wheat Commission; and what is its annual cost?

I have been asked to reply. The staff of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies as on the 31st May last numbered 464. The annual cost on this basis would be £111,390.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if a Chairman has been appointed to the Central (Liquor) Control Board in place of Lord D'Abernon, resigned; and if the Control Board is now properly constituted or if its powers have lapsed?

It has not been considered necessary in the present circumstances to appoint a new Chairman, but I am advised that this does not affect the powers or the constitution of the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amount of rent and rates have been paid in respect of the occupation of Pennal Towers, County Merioneth; what use the house has been put to and by whom it is now occupied; what notice to terminate the occupation is necessary; and why such notice has not been given?

The sum paid to the end of March last on account of rent is £225 and on account of rates £61 4s. 11d. The house has been used as a hostel for housing the women workers employed on the timber operations, and is now unoccupied. The tenancy is not terminable by notice, since the premises are held on an agreement for a term which expires on 30th September next.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the interests of national economy, he will consider the desirability of retransferring old and transferring new duties of the Ministry of Transport to other less expensive Departments?

I cannot agree that it is in the interests either of economy or of efficiency to transfer to several distinct Departments those duties which this House decided, after careful consideration, should be united in a single Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the United Realisation Company, of 21, Ironmonger Lane, E.C., which, with the aid of the Government, was entrusted with the salvage of the wreckage of the Liberator Building Society caused by the defalcations of Mr. Jabez Balfour, has yet made any effective distribution of the assets amongst the victims; whether he has reason to believe that the company is discharging its trust in a satisfactory manner; and whether he will consider the advisability of intimating to this company that the present time may afford a favourable opportunity for the realisation of the property and for the distribution of the proceeds in cash amongst the victims?

The United Realisation Company, Limited, was registered on the 18th July, 1895, with a nominal capital of £600,000 in £1 shares, in accordance with a scheme which was sanctioned by the Court on the 22nd June, 1895. The scheme provided that there should be distributed pro rata amongst the creditors of the Liberator Building Society 428,500 fully-paid shares of £1 each, and these shares were accordingly issued. A report has been received from the Directors giving the following information:

At the time the company was formed there were mortgages outstanding to the amount of £672,409, the whole of which sum was discharged before the 31st October, 1900.

Under the scheme mortgage debentures to an amount of £1,310,000 were created, and out of the realisation of the assets which has already taken place these debentures have been reduced to £298,116, and a further distribution about to be made will reduce the outstanding debentures to £210,581.

The directors of the company state that they are fully alive to the desirability of realising the remaining assets as soon as a favourable opportunity arises. Those assets consist almost entirely of shares in other companies, and any attempt to effect an immediate realisation would prejudice the position of the shareholders of the company who to the extent of 428,500 shares out of the issued capital of 600,000 shares are the persons who were the creditors of the Liberator Building Society.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the policy of the Department with regard to the 1,000,000 bales of wool purchased and held by the British Government from the Dominions; whether it is intended to release it at once at market rates to reduce prices; and what would be the loss, if any, on such a policy?

I have been asked to answer this question. The policy of the Ministry of Munitions in liquidating its stocks of Australian wool is, and always has been, to sell at current market rates as rapidly as the wools can be absorbed by the trade. It is not anticipated that this policy will result in any loss on the liquidation of the Government stocks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to state when the huts and enclosures on the west end of Blackheath are likely to be removed and the ground restored to the public use?

I wrote to the hon. and gallant Member on Monday last regarding the disposal and removal of certain huts on Blackheath. I am, however, making some further enquiries and will write to him again as soon as I know the result.

asked the Home Secretary if a ruling was given by the Treasury in December, 1918, stating that the 10s. increase of pay granted to the prison staffs in September, 1918, was based on a comparison of the rates of pay of the warder with those of the police; if this be so, does this bring the 10s. within the meaning of the term ordinary remuneration, as used by the Civil Service Arbitration Board and the Report of the National Whitley Council; whether at the time this concession was made the Arbitration Board was in being whose terms of reference gave them power to grant increases of bonus due to war conditions; and whether the 10s. has been treated in one case as ordinary remuneration or pay and in another case as war bonus?

The awards of the Arbitration Boards did not apply to officers whose permanent scales or wages had been revised on a basis other than that of pre-War conditions, and the bonus scheme embodied in the Report of the National Whitley Council was similarly limited. The Treasury has always held that the special rise of 10s. a week granted to the prison staffs in September, 1918, was in part based upon War conditions, and these officers were not therefore regarded as entitled to the full bonus given to officers still on pre-War scales of salary. The question of the application to the prison staffs of the bonus scheme of the Whitley Council is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the Treasury gave a ruling on 20th December, 1918, to the effect that the 10s. increase of pay granted to the prison staffs in September, 1918, was largely based on a comparison of the rates of pay of the warder with those of the police; and will he take steps to carry out this policy in Scotland?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. R. Richardson) on the 16th instant.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government propose to make summer time permanent for future years, in view of its success since it was put into force during the War; if so, whether legislation will be necessary; and if the Government propose to introduce the same?

Legislation will be necessary to make summer time permanent, and, as I have already stated, it is the intention of the Government to introduce such legislation in due course. Meanwhile the temporary powers under the Summer Time Act, 1916, are continued by the War Emergency Laws (Continuance) Act for a period of one year after the termination of the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Sergeant Horne, of the Ramsgate Borough Police; and whether, in view of this officer's record and the public feeling existing in this town on the matter, he will consider the advisability of ordering an independent public inquiry into the case, to be presided over by some person or persons unconnected with the police service?

His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary made a careful inquiry into the facts leading up to Sergeant Horne's retirement. I have complete confidence in the result at which he arrived, and see no reason for any further investigation of the subject.