asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there are 5,000 pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland whose average pension is 16s. per week; and, if so, whether, in view of the impossibility of living on such a pension, he will take steps to see that the pensions given these men under the Act of 1883 are revised and made adequate, especially as nearly all of these men are, by reason of hostility to them as servants of the Government or because of age or infirmity, incapable of securing civil employment?

There are about 4,500 pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary having pensions of less than £1 a week. Under the scheme proposed by the Cabinet Committee, pensioners will be eligible for increases of pension on the same lines, and subject to the same conditions as other pre-War State pensioners.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that it was proved in evidence before the Viceregal Committee on Primary Education, Ireland, that the average pension for male national school teachers in Ireland is £48, and for women £36; and whether, in view of the inadequacy of these sums to the present cost of living, and the fact that nearly all of these old teachers are living under starvation conditions, and some of them have had to have recourse to the old-age pension, he will see that steps are taken at once to revise, the scale of pensions so as to meet existing conditions?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 13th May by the Financial Secretary of the Treasury to the question on the subject asked by the hon. Member for the Victoria Division of Belfast (Mr. Donald).

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the cash and stocks in the Irish Teachers' Pension Fund now amounts to £2,500,000; whether, in view of the straitened circumstances in which these pensioners are trying to exist, he will accede to the memorial presented by them asking that out of this fund, to which they contributed, there shall be granted to them an allowance of £1 for each year of service to those who have less than £100 per year, and 15s. to those having £100 or over for every year of service since appointed under the National Board, as well as the return of premiums; and that this arrangement be brought into force from April, 1919, similarly to the English and Scottish schemes?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 13th May by the Financial Secretary of the Treasury to the question on the subject asked by the hon. Member for the Victoria Division of Belfast (Mr. Donald).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the passport of Mr. John O'Kelly has been withdrawn in view of the fact that in his character of diplomatic delegate extraordinary of the Irish Republic at Rome he gave a reception to some 300 people on 26th May, at which disloyal songs were sung and disloyal speeches were made?

His Majesty's Government are not disposed to attach any importance to the proceedings of Mr. O'Kelly in Rome, and see no reason for the action suggested by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a large number of Irish warders joined the Army at the outbreak of War; that at least two of these warders obtained commissioned rank; and that both these men have a long practical experience of prison duties; whether any consideration was given to these two men to fill the recent positions of deputy-governors at Mountjoy and Maryborough Prisons, respectively; and the name of the person or persons who recommended the two officers who are appointed to fill these two posts?

As stated, a number of Irish prison officers voluntarily joined the Army at the outbreak of the War, and two of these obtained commissions. Both the latter have already been advanced in the prisons service, and will receive further consideration when opportunity offers. These officers were considered when the recent vacancies for deputy-governors were filled. The recent appointments were made after full consideration on the recommendation of the General Prisons Board.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the payment in cash for overtime performed by Irish prison warders on escort duty, as obtains in the English prison service, in view of the difficult nature of their duties and the present isolated nature of their position and families; and whether he is aware that overtime performed on escort duty involves extra expense to the officers, which is paid from their own pockets, and that time off in lieu cannot possibly compensate these officers as in the case of overtime performed in their own prison?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 8th instant, to which I have nothing at present to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether negotiations recently took place between the Lord President of the Council and the Vatican concerning the question of Ireland; and, if so, what decisions or arrangements were concluded?

No negotiations have taken place between the Lord President of the Council and the Vatican concerning the question of Ireland. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that two desirable farms on the Airleywight estate, Bank-foot, Perth, the Mains of Airleywight and Backmill, 393 acres and 279 acres, respectively, are advertised to let; whether the advertisement announces that the proprietor is prepared to let them as one holding; whether there are any powers to prevent the merging of two farms which under separate tenancy will provide a good living for two tenant farmers into one holding; and, if not, whether he will bring forward an Amendment to the Agricultural Bill now before the House to prevent amalgamations of holdings which result in reducing the number of tenant farmers?

The farms in question have been let as one holding for many years. They are now advertised to let either as one holding or separately. Under the circumstances, the question of merging or of reducing the number of tenant farmers hardly seems to arise. I understand negotiations are in progress under which additional land may be secured for two local applicants on the property. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the hard lot of Poor Law medical officers in the Highlands and Islands; and if it is possible for him to make a further grant out of the Highlands and Islands Relief Act, a measure which was specially passed to afford poor parishes adequate relief before the War, and which is infinitely more needed now?

I am aware that Parish medical officers in the Highlands and Islands perform a public service often in circumstances of great difficulty. As regards their financial position, I understand that a great improvement, particularly in the less remunerative practices, has been effected by the Highlands and Islands (Medical Service) Grant Act, 1913. The grants payable to practitioners under that Act have been increased to meet conditions caused by the War. I shall be glad to look into any particular case which my hon. Friend may wish to lay before me.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the question of the continuation of women's training at Craibstone Farm, Aberdeen, has now received further consideration; and whether, in view of the economical and successful results of the scheme and the desire on the part of agriculturists in the North-east of Scotland that it would not be terminated, he can say that it will be continued after 30th June?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on 15th June.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the holding of one-fourth of the capital in a private limited company is considered a substantial proprietary interest and a disqualification for any allowance in respect of increased salary in assessing for Excess Profits Duty?

I am unable to add anything to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend on the 13th of May. Each case falls to be dealt with on its merits, having regard to the particular circumstances which govern it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the ruling given in the case of Curtis and Holdsworth, 19th June, 1919, in which civilian acting paymasters were held entitled to be assessed for Income Tax at military rates, and as a result of which all past deductions from their pay for Income Tax in excess of military rates have been refunded to these officials; whether Army auditors of messing accounts employed by War Office letter 52D/ Gen., No./5,573, 23rd August, 1915, on the same terms as acting paymaster, have continuously been refused similar treatment by the Board of Inland Revenue; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this anomaly and issue instructions that the excess amounts deducted from their pay may be refunded to these officials?

I am aware of the decision of the Court of King's Bench in the case of Curtis and Holdsworth, but I am advised that this decision does not govern the case of the auditors of Army messing accounts, to which my Noble Friend refers, and that these auditors are not entitled to the reliefs from Income Tax which were allowed to sailors, soldiers, and others who performed ser- vice of a naval or military character in connection with the War.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state, in respect of each of those articles to which preferential rates of duty apply, the value of the goods upon which the full rate of duty and the preferential rate, respectively, were collected and the amount of duty collected in each case?

The approximate amount of duty collected at full and preferential rates, respectively, since the introduction of the preferential duties, up to 31st March, 1920, was as follows: Article. Net amount of Duty. At Full Rate. At Preferential Rate. £ £ Chicory 43,000 2,000 Cocoa 363,000 1,124,000 Coffee 217,000 138,000 Cinematograph Films 122,000 400 Clocks and Watches 621,000 600 Dried Fruit 622,000 13,000 Motor Cars, etc. 1,710,000 33,000 Motor Spirit 1,842,000 — Musical Instruments 178,000 8,000 Spirits, Imported 4,805,000 6,257,000 Sugar 19,760,000 2,798,000 Tea 1,757,000 13,481,000 Tobacco 35,421,000 884,000 Wine 1,324.000 14,000 The information desired with regard to values is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether provision will be made for notification to be sent to all persons or to the solicitors or other representatives of such persons who have in the past paid Increment Value Duty, or will such persons be included in a list to be published or made available for inspection, so that such persons may send in their claims within the proposed prescribed period during which claims can be made?

For reasons which I explained in my Budget statement, the Government propose to repay Increment Value Duty, Reversion Duty, or Undeveloped Land Duty, which has in the past been paid, if application is made by the taxpayer, but I cannot undertake to give such notice as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the reply by the Treasury to Mr. A. F. Shepherd, the Appeal Director of the University of Liverpool, that subscriptions would be allowed as deductions for Income Tax purposes, as follows: subscriptions made by a trader in support of evening classes in his district, at which his younger employés may attend and receive instruction; and will he say whether such support is given to the evening classes at the universities where the students' fees only equal one-third of the cost?

Subscriptions of this character can only be treated as admissible deductions in arriving at a trader's profits for Income Tax purposes, if they are in the nature of business expenses. Subscriptions made by a trader in support of evening classes in his district, at which his younger employés may attend and receive instruction, are regarded as payments in aid of wages, and are admitted accordingly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of dividends upon preference shares paid by Colonial companies through agents in the United Kingdom during the three years ending 5th April, 1917, 1918, and 1919, respectively; the amount of relief in respect of Colonial Income Tax which has been given to such preference shareholders, although no deduction of Colonial Income Tax has been made in respect of such dividends from the preference shareholders; whether it is the practice for the Treasury to allow a refund of Colonial Income Tax to preference shareholders; and whether there is any difference in practice in the course adopted in England and in Scotland?

The information asked for in the first two parts of the question is not available. Where a Colonial company, whose profits are charged to Income Tax in a Colony, pays dividends, whether to ordinary or to preferential shareholders, through a paying agent in this country, relief from Colonial Income Tax may be claimed. This is in accordance with the decision of the English High Court in the case of Rover v. The South African Breweries, Limited [1918], 2 Ch. 233. In a subsequent case, the Scottish Court of Session has held that the preference shareholder is not entitled to share in the relief from Colonial Income Tax, but it is understood that this case may be taken on appeal to the House of Lords.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of taxation per head per annum of the people of this country in 1913 and the present year, and the corresponding figures for each of the chief belligerents in the late War?

The following are the figures for which the hon. Member asks: — Year ending. Taxation per head. £ s. d. United Kingdom 31–3–1914 3 10 10 31–3–1920 21 6 4 31–3–1921 22 0 6 (Estimated) Dols. U.S.A. 30–6–1914 6.79 30–6–1919 37.91 30–6–1920 49.41 (Estimated) Fcs. France 31–12–1913 103.4 31–12–1919 209.6 31–12–1920 450.0* (Estimated) Lire. Italy 30–6–1914 53.9 30–6–1919 134.3 Marks. Germany 31–3–1914 31.3 31–3–1921 444.2† (Estimated) * Provisional figure. Having regard to the late period in the financial year at which the Budget will have passed, it may not be reached. For a full year the amount per head will be substantially higher if the increases proposed by the Senate are accepted by the Chamber. † Includes 37.50 marks, being the equivalent of the annual saving of interest on debt due to the Capital Levy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the approximate weight of cigars imported from Cuba and cleared for home consumption during the months of January, February, March, April, and May, respectively, of the years 1918, 1919, and 1920?

The quantities of cigars consigned from Cuba over the periods in question were: 1918. lbs. January … … … 31,349 February … … … 59,584 March … … … 25,954 April … … … 641 May … … … 4 1919. lbs. January … … … 95,117 February … … … 188,423 March … … … 230,950 April … … … 18,236 May … … … 110,634 1920. lbs. January … … … 220,283 February … … … 1 March … … … 245,614 April … … … 45,912 May … … … 98,719 No information is available as to the quantities of Cuban cigars retained for home consumption.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of interest due to America from this country on war loans and unpaid to date?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of war debt it is proposed to repay to America in the autumn; and what is the amount of interest due from this country to America on war loans in respect of the current year?

Following upon larger reductions already made, we have paid off since 1st April about 15,175,000 dollars of Treasury Bills in New York, and the British and French Governments have announced their intention to repay at maturity in October the Anglo-French loan of 500,000,000 dollars, of which our share is 250,000,000 dollars. I cannot make any statement as to possible further repayments at present. The amount of interest on the debt due to the United States Government, accrued in the period from May, 1919, the date of the last payment, to June, 1920, is 245,500,000 dollars, and the amount for the financial year 1919–20 about 210,000,000 dollars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total of the money values, at the price of issue, of all Government securities, other than Treasury bills, Treasury bonds, and war saving certificates, issued since the outbreak of the War and still outstanding; and what is the total value of the money values of such securities at the price at which they are at present quoted on the Stock Exchange?

The approximate value at issue price of the longer-dated war securities issued in this country, now outstanding, is £4,440,000,000 and their approximate value at present quoted prices £4,100,000,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the total number of males, and the total number of females, employed on the 1st June, 1920, by the Navy and Army Canteen Board in the area covered by the Aldershot Command, in the area covered by the Eastern Command, and in the area covered by the Southern Command, respectively?

The Navy and Army Canteen Board areas do not cover the same ground as the military areas of the Aldershot, Eastern and Southern Commands, but in the Navy and Army Canteen Board areas of the Aldershot and Southern Commands the numbers employed on 4th June, 1920, were 945 men and 690 women. In the London and Eastern areas the numbers were 319 men and 614 women.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many school cadet corps are being disbanded and that in many other corps the number of cadets is greatly reduced; whether the scheme for the future organisation and administration of these corps put forward by the Headmasters' Conference and Headmasters' Association has been aproved and put into operation; and, if not, will he hasten the adoption of this scheme in order to prevent the further disbandment of cadet corps and to encourage the movement?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester (Major Hennessy), in which I stated that the whole question of the cadet force has been the subject of careful consideration, and that I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of arming the Yeomanry regiments that are to be retained as cavalry with Vickers' guns rather than Hotchkiss rifles; and whether some decision can be come to on this matter before the winter months, so as to allow for training in the use of the guns during the winter evenings?

It is most important that the whole Army, both Regular and territorial, should be armed alike. Hotchkiss are being retained both for Regular cavalry and for yeomanry, as they are considered the most suitable existing weapon, and financial considerations do not permit of the introduction of a new weapon. No difficulty is anticipated in issuing Hotchkiss guns before the winter to those yeomanry regiments who have a sufficient number of men. It is under consideration to abolish machine gun squadrons, and, instead, to add a few Vickers' guns to each cavalry regiment; if this is done it will be in the nature of an experiment which, if successful, would then certainly be applied to the Territorial Army as well.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether regulations are in operation for the discharge from the service by means of purchase; the sum required by the War Office; and whether members of the Air Force are included?

Regulations are in operation for the purchase of discharge from the Army, and the rates and conditions are contained in Army Order 180 of 1920, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. The Army Order mentioned does not include airmen, but separate regulations governing purchase of discharge from the Royal Air Force are about to be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Committee set up to consider the subject of a contributory pension scheme for the Royal Ordnance factories is still sitting; when their final Report might be anticipated; and whether the terms of reference to such committee have in any way been varied since the same was announced in the House?

The Committee is no longer sitting. As stated in the reply by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions to my hon. Friend on 5th March last, the Committee in their Interim Report indicated that no acceptable scheme that did not involve additional charge to public funds could be formulated; and in view of this it appeared that no useful purpose would be served by further deliberations by the Committee. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative; but the Committee were asked at an early stage of their deliberations to make their recommendations on the basis that any scheme framed would be self-supporting.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether Leading Air-mechanic Daniel Mahoney, No. 62,750, of the 37th squadron, Royal Air Force, now in India, volunteered for service in February, 1916; whether he was sent to India from France without leave; and whether he will look into this man's claims for pay and leave?

I cannot discover that this man volunteered for service in February, 1916. He enlisted on 27th February, 1917, for four years' Colour service and four years' Reserve service. He did not receive leave prior to proceeding to India as the squadron with which he was serving proceeded direct to India from France. He will be granted the leave to which he is entitled on his return from India. With regard to the third part of the question, this man's pay is issued by the Government of India, and inquiries as to pay should therefore be addressed to the India Office.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether fish is included in the rations for officers and men of His Majesty's ships: if so, from whence the fish is supplied; and how many rations per week are allowed?

Fish is not included in the Navy standard ration, except in so far as tinned salmon is allowed as an alternative to preserved meat: such tinned salmon is imported from Canada and the United States. Men obtain fresh fish by purchase from the canteen on board out of their messing allowance. The third part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, in consequence of the high rate of unemployment in Chatham, the Chatham and District Trades Council appointed a Committee to inquire into the discharges from the Chatham Dockyard; and whether he will receive a deputation from this body in order that they may put before him the results of their investigations?

The Admiralty are doing everything possible in regard to this matter, and I understand that my Noble Friend the Civil Lord of the Admiralty is willing to receive a deputation from Chatham on the subject

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to ensure a discontinuance of the practice of filling permanent positions in the Civil Service other than by open competitive examination, except in such very exceptional cases as are contemplated by the Orders in Council regulating special direct appointments to the Civil Service; and will he see that members of the Civil Service who were absent on military duties shall not suffer in status and prospects thereby?

By the Order in Council of the 18th December, 1918, special and temporary provision was made for the admission of men of military age into the Civil Service by means of selection on a competitive basis, but without written competitive examination. No appointments are made on a non-competitive basis (except by the promotion of existing Civil Servants) unless the conditions of Clause 7 of the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, are strictly fulfilled and every application for the use of this Clause is closely scrutinised by the Treasury. Every effort has been made to secure that Civil Servants who joined the Forces shall not suffer in status and prospects thereby.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any discharges from Woolwich Arsenal took place last week of ex-service men without reference to the Advisory Committee; and whether he will undertake that no discharges of men who have served in any war shall take place without reference to such Committee?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, I am not in a position to give the undertaking asked for.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many old soldiers are at the present time inmates of workhouses, and how many of these took part in the recent War; and whether his Department can take steps to remove the indignity and scandal of allowing these men to be treated as paupers?

The number of old soldiers in Poor Law Institutions is not known to this Department, which only deals with war disablement. As regards the latter part of the question, arrangements are made by which the admission of a soldier, disabled in the late War, to a Poor Law Institution is notified to the Local War Pensions Committee in order that if the case is one which the Ministry are able to assist (as, for instance, where the man needs medical treatment for disabilities due to his war service, or where his pension is found to be inadequate to the existing degree of his disablement), the Local Committee may at once take the necessary action.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that pre-War pensioners of the Colonial Service have had their pensions increased; and why no increase of pensions has been granted to pre-War officer pensioners of the fighting services whose cases present equal hardship and whose services to the State have been at least equally meritorious?

I can only refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on 10th May last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps are being taken to constitute the various International Commissions under the term of the Turkish Peace Treaty?

The International Commissions will not be constituted until after the signature of the Treaty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date it is anticipated that the Turkish Treaty will be ratified?

The date of the ratification of the Turkish Treaty cannot be predicted until after the signature of the Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether South Africa has incorporated, or is proceeding to incorporate, South-West Africa in its territory without waiting for the drafting of the mandate?

I am not aware that there has been any incorporation. All that, as I understand, has been done is to provide by legislation for the orderly government of the territory, pending the issue of the mandate, in accordance with the principles laid down in paragraph 6 of Section 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, which the mandate, when issued, will embody.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Ministers in Persia or other places have any responsibility in regard to antique excavations; and whether they are allowed to carry out excavations for their personal benefit?

A monopoly for excavating in Persia was conferred by a former Shah on the French Government, but I have no information as to whether it is still regarded as being in operation. The answer to the second question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that the Soviet Republic is a federation of states, whether all the groups of Russian states recognise M. Krassin as their representative and will support his negotiations in the event of their success?

M. Krassin is a representative of the Russian Socialist Federated Republic. He can only speak for the areas over which this Government have effective control, but that represents the greater part of European Russia and Siberia.

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has been made by the Soviet Government to the Persian Government's telegram, dated 12th June, as a basis of settlement and guarantee of future peace; what is the nature of that reply; and whether it will be necessary for His Majesty's Government, acting through the League of Nations or directly, further to take cognisance of the Bolshevist invasion at Enzeli and other places on the Caspian Sea?

The Persian Government have not so far acquainted us with the reply, if any, which may have been sent to them by the Soviet Government. Doubtless they will do so as soon as it is received.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to inform the House as to the situation in Turkey; whether reinforcements have been asked for by Admiral de Robeck; and whether they have been or are being sent to meet the High Commissioner's request?

The present situation in Turkey is that there has been a lull in the attacks made by the Nationalists on the Allied Forces near Constantinople. The question of reinforcements being a military one, no information can be given under the present circumstances.

asked the Prime Minister to what extent this country is committed to supporting Greek claims on Turkish territory; whether he has consented to accept the help of Greek troops in the present crisis; and whether France and Italy have consented to take a share in operations against the Turkish Nationalist forces?

I gave full replies in yesterday's Debate as to the position of Turkey.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal of the New Zealand Government to deport German residents from Samoa and to take over their property; and whether this proposal has been con- sidered and sanctioned by the Imperial Government?

I understand that the New Zealand Government has decided to repatriate compulsorily from Samoan Islands all enemy nationals who are without Samoan family ties. The matter is entirely within the discretion of the New Zealand Government.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government proposes to take the Report stage of the Unemployment Insurance Bill?

We propose to take this on Friday of next week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of keeping open the Patent Office Library to 10 p.m. as was the pre-War custom; and whether he is aware that to close the library at 8 p.m. means denying its use to many readers who are engaged during the daytime at some distance from the library, and to whom study at the library after hours of work is essential?

The decision to close the library at an earlier hour was made in the interests of economy, both as regards lighting and staff, and in view of the comparatively small number of persons using the library during the later hours. The hours have now been extended from 5 to 8 p.m., and I shall always be willing to consider a further extension if any general desire on the part of the public is shown.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that coal which was ordered by certain local fuel committees just prior to the 12th May, before the increased price of 14s. 2d. per ton, or 8½d. per cwt., came into force, was sold through merchants immediately after that date in cwt. lots at the new rate, leaving a margin of 32s. 6½d. per ton; and if the local fuel committee or the merchants are to get the benefit of this increase in such cases?

From the point of view of the Board of Trade, there is no objection to local authorities retaining the benefit of the increase of 14s. 2d. per ton in the price of coal in cases such as those to which my hon. Friend refers, as a set off against the costs incurred by them in connection with emergency coal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether at the time of her loss with an entirely British crew the vessel "Flush" was registered at Lloyd's as the property of Bulk Oil Transports, Incorporated, of New York City; whether, on 20th April, Messrs. Christoffer and Hennevig, Incorporated, of New York, the agents of this company, informed the widow of a member of the crew that the owners were, in fact, the Newfoundland Shipbuilding Company, which, owing to its being in liquidation, had no funds available to assist those bereaved by the catastrophe; whether on 28th May the liquidator of the Newfoundland Shipbuilding Company wrote to the Blyth Urban District Council, from which port the crew were enlisted, that some time previous to her loss the vessel had been sold to Moller and Pohrson, of Stockholm, Sweden, and that consequently all claims for compensation, etc., would have to be made to that firm; and whether, in view of the great suffering which arises from this confusion of liability, he will in future require that cash guarantees should be deposited in England by foreign shipowners desirous of recruiting British crews against any possible liability owing to loss of life or accident?

I am aware of the various circumstances referred to by the hon. Member. According to the information at present available, the steamship "Flush" was at the date when the crew were engaged at Blyth—namely, 16th October, 1919—owned by the Newfoundland Shipbuilding Company, and registered as a British ship at St. John's, Newfoundland. I have now received a telegram from the Registrar of Shipping at St. John's to the effect that she was transferred to the Swedish flag on the 14th November, 1919. This was the date on which she sailed from Malmo, and she was lost about 23rd November. It is not clear whether, at the date of loss, the necessary steps had been taken by those concerned to make the transfer of ownership and flag effective, but this point is being further examined. There seems no doubt that the vessel was a British ship at the time when the crew were engaged at Blyth on 16th October last.

asked the Minister of Food whether his Department lost £4,000,000 in sugar deals in 1918; whether the Government has purchased the whole forthcoming crop of Mauritius, estimated at 300,000 tons, at a total cost of £18,000,000; whether the American estimated supplies are 5,025,000 tons, or 1,525,000 tons over pre-War American consumption, and the whole is in the hands of the Sugar Trust; whether the world's estimated supply for 1920 reveals a corner in sugar rather than a shortage; and whether the inflated market prices to-day, and prospective, are being maintained through the Government's investment of £18,000,000 of taxpayers' money?

The financial reserves of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply were reduced during 1918 by approximately £4,000,000 owing to the maintenance of the retail price of sugar in this country below the level of the world's sugar prices. The Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply has purchased the output of Mauritius Vesou sugar, estimated at approximately 200,000 tons, at £89, £90, £91 per ton, according to quality. I do not understand what the hon. Member means by the term American supplies. The total production of America, including Porto Rico, the Philippine and Sandwich Islands, is not estimated to exceed 1,900,000 tons. The American consumption of sugar in 1914 was 3,761,000 tons per annum, and the consumption in 1919 was 4,067,000 tons. I am not aware of the existence of a sugar trust in America. The reply to the fourth and fifth parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Food whether the consumers' council is at present composed of 16 representatives of the Labour, Co-operative, and Socialist parties out of a total membership of 20; why retail traders are denied the representation which is given to their co-operative competitors; whether the avowed object of these 16 representatives is the nationalisation of food; and what steps he is taking to make the council more representative of all sections of the community?

The constitution of the consumers' council has been stated on several occasions in answer to previous questions, copies of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend. I am not aware that the avowed object of the representatives referred to in the question is as stated. As regards the last part of the question, the re-constitution of the consumers' council is receiving my consideration at the present time.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that Scottish farmers in the Edinburgh district when sending in their fat cattle, on the dead weight basis, to the recognised control centres are not receiving payment, in some cases for over a month, with the result that this irregularity is causing so much uneasiness and resentment that supplies are being withheld until the control system terminates on 3rd July?

After careful enquiry I can trace no instance in which there has been delay in payment for livestock accepted on the dead weight basis in the area referred to, nor any case in which complaint has been made about such payment.

asked the Minister of Food if the glut of tea now in the United Kingdom ports has brought the wholesole price down 1s. per lb.; and whether he can take steps to ensure that the consumers shall enjoy the same reduction?

I am aware that the wholesale quotations for common teas have recently declined by approximately 1s. per lb. These grades, however, are not such as normally pass into consumption unblended, and it does not, therefore, follow that the full reduction will be shown in any single blend offered to the consumer. Tea is, however, now being freely offered to the public at substantial reductions in price.

asked the Minister of Food what is the nature of the arrangements which have been made to enable Sir John Lorne Macleod to continue his own business while discharging the duties of Food Commissioner for Scotland; and whether it is considered that one of the 13,000 ex-officers at present out of employment might be competent to perform the work of the office?

The arrangements as regards Sir John Lorne Macleod's private business are such as not to interfere with the full and adequate performance of his duties as Food Commissioner. Sir John Macleod is on duty in the Divisional Office daily both morning and afternoon, and is always available for consultation on any point that may arise in his absence. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the concluding part of the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on Tuesday, the 8th June.

asked the Minister of Food if he can take steps to insure a reasonable and regular supply of Government controlled imported meat of good quality for the next few weeks, especially; is he aware that, in consequence of the very meagre supply of late, the importers of free or uncontrolled low-grade meat have unreasonably exploited the consumers and distributors of meat by charging the extreme top price for a very low-grade class of meat of which a great proportion is only fit for manufacturing purposes;and will he take steps to put this class of meat on a proper basis?

An adequate supply of Government imported meat is already assured. Since the distribution of im- ported meat ceased to be rationed, the responsibility of obtaining supplies through the ordinary trade channels has been placed upon the retailer, who should, in case of difficulty, communicate with the Australasian Meat Importers' Committee, 13–14, West Smithfield, E.C. So far as free imported meat is concerned, the only measure of control consists in the maintenance of maximum prices. If the seller asks the extreme top price for meat of an inferior quality, the intending buyers will probably decline to take it.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the conditional meat selling by importers who are sellers of Government controlled meat, and which has now become a scandal, even in some cases wholesalers insisting on canned corned beef being taken along with fresh meat; is he prepared to take drastic steps to put a stop to this practice; and why should wholesale Government agents be permitted to do what is looked on as a penal offence by retailers?

I have discussed this matter with a deputation representing the retail trade, from whom I gathered that conditional sales were thought to be unavoidable so long as the price of Argentine beef remained controlled. I further understood that at a meeting of over 800 retailers a resolution in favour of decontrol was not carried. The real grievance of the retail trade appears to be that owing to the temporary withholding of home-killed beef, supplies of Argentine beef are insufficient to meet the demand. The Argentine meat importers agree with me that every effort should be made to satisfy the legitimate demands of the retail trade, and are cooperating with my advisers with a view to remedying the present difficulties.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture why it was necessary to employ a gentleman with a hired motorcar to visit remote districts in the whole county of Dorset to inquire as to the number of horses kept on farms, etc., when a few days afterwards local constables called at every house with forms to be filled up in duplicate; what was the cost to the country of this gentleman's outing; and why the second formality was necessary if the first was efficient in gaining information?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend's question must refer to the collection of statistics regarding horses made by the Board of Trade for the use of the War Office. The Agricultural Returns, which record the acreage under crops and the number of livestock on the farms, are sent out by post at the beginning of June, and only if the farmers neglect to return them within a reasonable time is it the duty of the Crop Reporter to endeavour to obtain them personally. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend will supply me with further particulars I shall be glad to have the matter inquired into.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether, owing to bad harvests and to a decrease in the War-time wheat acreage abroad, there is a prospect of our accustomed supplies of wheat being unprocurable for some unknown time; whether there is a decreasing wheat acreage in the United Kingdom; and, if so, what is the percentage of acreage under wheat at the present time as compared with 1918?

In reply to the first part of the question, there has been a shrinkage in the War-time wheat acreage in certain foreign countries from which we have been accustomed to draw supplies in the past, but on the other hand there are at present considerable stocks of wheat in existence which can be set against the resulting decrease of exportable surplus. In view of the uncertainties of harvest conditions and of legislative action in the countries concerned, I am not in a position to give any confident forecast of the position in the next few years. In reply to the latter part of the question, it is expected that the wheat acreage of the United Kingdom will be below that of last year, as well as below that of 1918, but the returns are now in course of tabulation, and it will not be possible to give any reliable estimate of the extent of the decrease for some weeks.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that a very large number of agricultural labourers, who by reason of old age or physical infirmity are of a low economic value to their employers, view with apprehension the recent increases of wages decided upon by the Agricultural Wages Board on the ground that these big increases will inevitably lead to much unemployment amongst the old, the infirm, and the unskilful; and, if the answer be in the affirmative, will he take any steps to remedy this situation?

Workers affected by any mental or other infirmity or physical injury rendering them incapable of earning the minimum wage may apply,

— Ex-Service. Civilians. Total. 1. Total number of men who have applied for smallholdings to the County Councils and Councils of County Boroughs and to the Ministry for acceptance on its Farm Settlements. 38,869 12,439 51,308 2. Applications approved 22,191 6,603 28,794 3. Men actually settled:— By Councils 5,956 1,181 7,137 By the Ministry 522 144 666 Total 6,478 1,325 7,803 4.Approved applicants not yet provided with smallholdings. 15,713 5,422 21,135 5.Applicants still to be approved, or whose applications are under consideration 7,853 3,906 11,759

asked the Minister of Transport the dates and various amounts of advances to the wages of the several grades of railway employés since August, 1914, to the present time; the total amount of the same during that period; the total percentage of advances (including the new advance presently to be given) upon the pre-War standards; the total amount of extra charges which have been imposed both upon the users of railways and the national purse, in respect of railways during the same period; how much of the total amount of such charges has gone to the railway employés to maintain their pre-War standard of living, and how much to the shareholders by way of

under Section 5 (3) of the Corn Production Act, to the District Wages Committee for their area for permits exempting them from the provisions of the Act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the number of applications of ex-service men and civilians who have, respectively, applied for smallholdings; and how many have been actually settled, approved, or are waiting, since the new Act became law last August?

The Land Settlement (Facilities) Act became law in August, 1919, but the Government scheme for settling ex-service men on the land was inaugurated in December, 1918, and the following statistics show the latest information as from the latter date:

extra dividends to maintain theirs; and the total annual additional charges estimated to be necessary to meet such advances in wages (including that presently to be made) as compared with those prevailing in July, 1914?

I cannot give the hon. Member all the information in detail for which he asks, but the following statement shows the concessions given during the period from August, 1914, until the date of the recent Report of the National Wages Board to men employed in the conciliation grades, and I would also refer him to the published Report of the National Wages Board. Ordinary fares have been increased by 50 per cent., and excursion and other cheap tickets have been generally withdrawn. The addition to freight rates was estimated to produce £50,000,000, and represents approximately an average increase of 60 per cent. An estimate of the additional sums to meet present-day cost of operation, including the increase in wages, is now being prepared, and I am not in a position to state a figure. As regards shareholders, I would remind the hon. Member that from the outset of the War the companies have been guaranteed the net aggregate receipts of the favourable year 1913, and this guarantee is continued for the period of control.

The war bonus and war wages paid to railwaymen in the conciliation grades during the War were as follow —

February, 1915.—3s. per week to men whose wages were less than 30s. per week. 2s. per week to men whose wages were 30s. per week or more.

June, 1915.—1s. 6d. per week to boys under 18.

October, 1915.—War bonus increased to 5s. per week to men over 18. 2s. 6d. per week to boys under 18.

September, 1916.—War bonus increased to 10s. per week to men over 18. 5s. per week to boys under 18.

April, 1917.7—War bonus increased to 15s. per week to men over 18. 7s. 6d. per week to boys under 18.

August, 1917.—War bonus converted into war wages as from 1st August.

November, 1917.—War wage increased to 21s. for men over 18. 10s. 6d. to boys under 18.

April, 1918.—War wage increased to 25s. to men over 18. 12s. 6d. to boys under 18.

September, 1918.—War wage increased to 30s. to men over 18. 15s. to boys under 18.

November, 1918.—War wage increased to 33s. to men over 18. 16s. 6d. to boys under 18.

August, 1919.—Locomotive men's wages fixed.

Drivers: 1st and 2nd years, 12s. per day. 3rd and 4th years, 13s. per day. 5th, 6th, and 7th years, 14s. per day. 8th year onwards, 15s. per day.

Firemen: 1st and 2nd years, 9s. 6d. per day. 3rd and 4th years, 10s. 6d. per day. 5th year onwards, 11s. per day.

(These rates include all War wages.)

Cleaners: Age 16 (and under), 4s. per day. Age 17, 5s. per day. Age 18 and 19, 6s. per day. Age 20 and over, 7s. per day.

(Where these rates do not reach previous total earnings the balance to remain as a War wage.)

The standard rates agreed upon in January, 1920, for the conciliation grades, other than drivers, firemen, and cleaners, are shown in the conclusions of the National Wages Board, dated 3rd June, 1920.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the annual wage bill of the railway in 1913; and what will be the estimated wage bill for a full year under the recent concessions?

The annual wages bill of the principal railways in 1913 was about £49,000,000. The estimated wages bill in a full year, taking into account all increases authorised to date and including the cost of the 8-hour day, is about £163,000,000. The increase includes an additional number of staff of approximately 23 per cent. mainly owing to the 8-hour day.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can undertake to delay any increase of railway passenger fares until the end of the holiday season?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member of Southwark, Central (Mr. Gilbert) on the 14th instant, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the congestion of traffic at Deptford Wharf, the result of which is that no wheat has been obtainable in East Sussex for milling purposes and one of the mills in the district has had to close down; whether he will ensure that wheat for food supplies is given preferential treatment; and what steps he is taking to relieve the congestion at the wharves?

A very heavy traffic in sugar, foodstuffs, etc., is being dealt with at Deptford Wharf. I understand that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company received a request from the Horsebridge Mills (to which it is understood the hon. Member refers) that a barge which arrived on the 17th instant should be given special attention. Notwithstanding the heavy traffic, the railway company cleared this barge on the day of arrival and the contents of wheat arrived at destination on the 21st instant. Another barge for the same consignee arrived at Deptford on the 10th instant, but the other having been given preference this had to take its turn with others, and it would not be cleared until the 22nd instant. The railway company are taking all possible measures to deal promptly with the traffic offering at Deptford Wharf.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total sum of money represented by the depreciation of home railway shares from the outbreak of the War to date?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The amount of depreciation of railway as of other shares since the outbreak of the War may be calculated from data which are generally available. I have no precise figure, but the depreciation since July, 1914, is estimated to amount to about 34 per cent., or a slightly lower ratio than that shown in the case of Consols.

asked the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to provide insulated trucks for the conveyance of fish by rail as, owing to delay in transit, late deliveries, and hot weather, large quantities arrive in unsaleable condition and have to be destroyed?

There does not appear to be any call for insulated vans for fish traffic, and it is open to question whether they would be desirable, as they are not ventilated and the fish is not frozen before despatch. At a very representative conference which was held on 15th June, on the subject of fish traffic, no suggestion was made that insulated vans should be provided. In the case of long-distance traffic from Scotland ( via Aberdeen), the train services have been improved as from the 21st June, and should ensure arrival at Billingsgate in the early morning for the day's market. I am not aware that large quantities of fish arrive in unsaleable condition owing to delays in transit, but any specific cases of delay are thoroughly investigated.

asked the Prime Minister what action the Government propose to take with respect to the establishment of a traffic authority for London?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The hon. Member was informed personally by the Leader of the House on the 26th April that the Cabinet was in general agreement on the need for a central regulative authority, and that instructions had been given for the drafting of a Bill which would in due course be submitted to the Cabinet for approval and consideration on important details regarding Parliamentary control, finance, and machinery. This Bill is now being drafted, and if approved by the Cabinet will come before the House next Session.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements will be made to permit interested organisations established in the interests of tenants of business premises to place their point of view before the Select Committee just appointed to deal with the renting of business premises?

I have already communicated with the hon. Member and pointed out that the questions which he raises are questions of the procedure of the House, and the Clerks of the House would no doubt be able to assist him. Perhaps I may take this opportunity of explaining that the question of business premises generally is not one with which the Ministry of Health will deal; and therefore I am not responsible for the matters which will arise out of this Committee's proceedings.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make inquiries into the case of Mr. and Mrs. W. Hodges, aged 79 and 75, respectively, living at High Street, Iron Acton, Gloucestershire, whose landlords have cut off their supply of water, issued notice to quit, and obtained an ejectment order under which they are liable to be evicted on 29th June; and, if the facts are as stated, will he take any steps which will prevent these old people from being turned out of their home, there being no alternative accommodation in this village where they have lived for 25 years?

I am not empowered to take any action to over-ride the decision of the court in cases such as that to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in many cities and towns in Great Britain and Ireland, landlords of houses at present excluded under the existing Rent Restrictions Acts, but proposed to be included under the present Bill, are rushing into the courts and obtaining decrees for ejectment for overholding in order to forestall the operation of the present Bill when it becomes law on or before 1st July next; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

I have no information that landlords are proceeding as suggested by the hon. Member, and in any case it would not be practicable to take any steps to anticipate the operation of the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the delay of his Department in granting approval, no medical officer of health and school medical officer has been appointed for the County of Brecknock, and that the health of the county is thereby endangered; whether he is aware that repeated letters and telegrams appealing for sanction to the appointment remain unanswered; and whether he will take steps to expedite the decision in this matter?

I regret that there has been some delay in dealing with this application, owing to difficulties regarding the apportionment of the officer's salary among the several offices held by him. There is, however, no reason why he should not forthwith commence his duties, as the Ministry's consent, when given, will have effect from the date on which he began his duties. A letter was addressed to the County Council on the 21st instant.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether troops were called out during a recent strike at the Tata Company's works; whether they fired on the crowd; what were the casualties that resulted; whether the magistrate who was responsible for the intervention of the military was an official of the Tata Company and therefore a party to the dispute: and whether correspondence with the Government of India with regard to this incident will be laid?

Parties of mounted police came into collision with a large crowd which had placed obstructions on the railway line, attacked the police and rescued the prisoners they had arrested. The police were compelled to fire, killing five men and wounding 23. An official of the Tata Company, who was also an hon. magistrate, accompanied one of the parties of police as guide, and being the only magistrate present gave the order to fire when the police were surrounded and outnumbered, after warning the mob more than once. A deputy-superintendent of police gave the same order independently to his own party. I have received a report from the Government of India, and will place a copy in the Library.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to establish a Trade Board for those employed in banks?

As at present advised, I do not consider that the circumstances of the case justify the application of the Trade Boards Acts to banking, nor is it clear that the Trade Boards Acts are applicable to banking. Suggestions have been made to me with regard to the formation of a Whitley Council, and in this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers which I gave my hon. Friends the Members for Wednesbury (Mr. A. Short) and St. Helens (Mr. Sexton) on 16th June, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that a special train is still being run to and from the city of Gloucester and the site of the late Quedgley filling factory, a distance of only three miles, notwithstanding that this factory has been closed for many months and that the small number of men now employed are mainly engaged in leisurely destroying explosives, and that some of these men do not use this special train; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view of stopping what is considered locally to be a needless extravagance?

I cannot agree that the provision of this special train is unjustified, inasmuch as it carries 100 men daily each way at the ordinary workmen's railway fares, so that no charge falls on the Ministry. I should add that the destruction of explosives is a process which cannot be hastily or incautiously carried out.

asked the Attorney-General which of His Majesty's Judges have been engaged during the past year on extra judicial duties; and how long in each case the Judge was absent from his duties on the Bench?

I am informed that with regard to the learned Judges of the King's Bench Division the particulars are as follow:—

Mr. Justice Sankey was engaged for 66 days on the Coal Commission;

Mr. Justice Salter was engaged for 31 days on the Revocation Committee (Aliens' Naturalisation Certificates); and

Mr. Justice Roche was engaged for 13 days on the Port of London Casual Labour Docks Committee.

With regard to the learned Judges of the Chancery Division, I am informed that the particulars are as follow:—

Mr. Justice (now Lord Justice) Younger was engaged for 16 days on the Aliens' Repatriation Advisory Committee; and Mr. Justice Sargant was engaged for 21 days on the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors.

The periods stated above do not include the days which were similarly spent during Vacation.