asked the Prime Minister what induced His Majesty's Government to recommend that the question of the Aaland Islands should be referred to the League of Nations and not the question of Poland?

In the opinion of His Majesty's Government, the two cases are not analogous, and I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer returned to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on Tuesday, 4th May, and to the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin (Lord R. Cecil) on Monday, 26th June.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the fact that all the workmen's clubs in South Wales are protesting against the continuance of the Liquor Control Board's orders 18 months after the termination of the War; that in 1918 he promised early removal of those restrictions; that in July, 1919, the Leader of the House announced the pending dissolution of the Board; and that the Bill to set up commissions to take the Board's place, promised in July, 1919, has not yet been introduced; and if he will say when this will be done?

I can add nothing to what has already been said on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he will now publish the accounts showing the financial results of the farm- ing operations of each of the several agricultural war executive committees which expropriated farmers on account of bad farming carried on on the farms, showing in each case the amount of loss or profit made?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend, the Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd), on 12th May.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture how many counties are now entirely free from rabies; and when he proposes to rescind the muzzling order in these districts?

Muzzling restrictions still remain in force in small parts of Kent, Surrey and Glamorgan, and in small areas surrounding Wallingford and Colchester. In the absence of further outbreaks of rabies, or unforeseen complications, it is hoped that the Wallingford area may be freed towards the end of next month and that Glamorgan and Kent will be freed in the beginning of August and September next respectively.

The position in Surrey and round Colchester is more difficult, owing to a recurrence of disease in February and April last respectively. But even here it is hoped that it may be possible to make further, if not complete relaxations, in the early autumn.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the county agricultural executive committees possess power to dispossess holders of small pieces of land who have bought them for building or other purposes; whether this power is retained under the Agriculture Bill; and whether he will investigate this policy which is causing dissatisfaction?

The power of entering on land referred to by the hon. Member is exercised under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and is not continued in force by the Agriculture Bill.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that Mr. G. S. Lewis, of 61, Loftus Road, Shepherds Bush, bought three plots of freehold land at Rayleigh, Essex, with the idea of building houses thereon; that he then served in the Army and found on discharge that the Essex County Agricultural Executive Committee had let his land to a seed and flower grower for three years; that he cannot now obtain possession of it; and that the Committee informs him that other arrangements have been made for the land to be farmed in future, why it is thus possible for a holder of land to be dispossessed without his case being heard; and why, when houses are so badly needed, the Committee has power to take such land away and use it for its own purposes?

The Essex Agricultural Executive Committee took possession of a derelict building estate at Rayleigh in March, 1918, including three plots of which apparently Mr. Lewis is the owner, for the purpose of increasing the food supply. Part of the land was let to a seed grower and used for the production of vegetable seeds, but not flower seeds. There is no evidence that Mr. Lewis actually proposes to build on his plots, or even to cultivate them, if they are restored to him. If, however, he can show that this is the case, or that he is prevented from selling his plots owing to the Committee being in possession, they will be restored to him, notwithstanding that their surrender will seriously impede the cultivation of the remainder of the land.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether any collections of village industry products are being exhibited by the Ministry at any of the agricultural shows other than the Royal; and, if not, could this be done to create further interest in the scheme?

Typical examples of the products of rural industries have already been exhibited by the Ministry at the agricultural shows which have been held this year at Salisbury and Reading, in addition to the show which is now being held at Darlington. The exhibit will also be sent to the Royal Lancashire Society's Show at Bolton at the end of July, and will probably be shown at some other centres.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture how many insurance societies for cottagers' and smallholders' livestock have been created under the new scheme of the Ministry; and what are the animals insured and the rates of the premiums?

The action taken by the Ministry in regard to this matter consists in holding meetings in villages at which cottagers and smallholders are advised to form societies for the mutual insurance of pigs and cattle. It is known that a number of such societies have been formed as a result of these meetings, but the exact number and the other particulars asked for cannot be given, as the Ministry does not exercise any control over such societies, its action in the matter being confined to propaganda. Rules for the societies have been printed and circulated, and these rules contain particulars as to the premium rates which are recommended by the Ministry. A copy of these rules, which are at present under revision, will be sent to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as copies are available.

asked Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what are the regulations in force in principal countries for the replanting of forest trees; what similar regulations are operating here; and if he will state the approximate number and contents of trees felled and acreage cleared in this country in each year 1914–19, and the number of young trees planted and acreage covered in each of those years?

I have been asked to take this question. I have no information as to the post-War regulations in force in foreign countries as to tree planting, and conditions are probably not yet sufficiently stable to enable a general inquiry on the subject to serve any useful purpose. There are no regulations in force in this country to enforce replanting. No figures are available with regard to the last two parts of this question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any other measures have been taken in Glasgow besides removal to hospital of cases, isolation of contacts and free vaccination, to deal with the small-pox outbreak; and, if so, what are these measures?

The main additional measures taken by the public health authority of Glasgow are: house-to-house visitation in infected areas; daily visitation of contacts during the incubation period; attention to general sanitation and public cleanliness; disinfection of houses, clothing and bedding of cases and contacts; and daily disinfection of tramcars. In addition, every effort has been made to trace source of infection in every known case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can now state when the Bill dealing with fiars prices will be introduced; and if he will endeavour to secure its passage through all its stages before the August adjournment?

Details of a proposed settlement of this matter have been submitted to me, but a few points are still at issue. I am endeavouring to bring the parties to agreement on these points, which would obviously facilitate the course of legislation. I hope very soon to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject, but I doubt if legislation will be possible before the House rises.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the number of clerks to District Agricultural Committees in Scotland; the number of such committees; the average estimated inclusive expenditure for each district; and the number of agricultural lecturers and demonstrators throughout Scotland whose remuneration by way of grant, or otherwise, is provided or partially provided from funds under his control with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland?

The number of secretaries and executive officers to the committees is 25, of whom one has not yet been appointed. There are 39 committees, and the average inclusive cost of each committee is estimated at £666 per annum. The number of agricultural lecturers and demonstrators, inclusive of central and extension staffs of agricultural colleges, is 147.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the low rates of remuneration paid to the various classes of men engaged in the jewellery and watchmaking trade in Scotland; whether he is aware that fully one-third of the men engaged are earning only £2 10s. to £3 per week; whether representations have been made to the employers by the National Union of Gold, Silver, and Allied Trades for an advance on such rates or for arbitration, and that both requests have been refused, with no offer by the employers; and whether, having regard to the conditions prevailing in this trade in Scotland, he will consider the establishment of a Trade Board in order to bring these workers approximately into line with the English conditions?

I have received no representations as to the payment of low wages to workers in the jewellery and watchmaking trade in Scotland, and I have no information with regard to the application for an advance on present rates referred to in the question. I will, however, inquire into the matter. With reference to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, I propose to have an investigation made, as soon as practicable, into the conditions prevailing in the trade throughout Great Britain, with a view to ascertaining whether the establishment of a Trade Board for the trade or any branch of the trade is desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will use his powers to get a Coal Mines Regulation Act promoted in India prohibiting women from entering the coal mines and raising the school age to 14 years before children are permitted to work in or about the mines, and limit the working hours for miners to eight hours per day and fix a minimum wage so as to guarantee a decent standard of living, and also providing compensation for all fatal and non-fatal accidents?

The International Labour Conference at Washington recommended for Indian industries a 60-hour week and an age limit of 12 years. These recommendations apply to mines. The Government of India are now considering them in accordance with Article 405 of the Treaty of Versailles. As regards the other points brought to notice, I will ask the Government of India to consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for India what statutory deductions are made from the pay of flying officers in regard to rent, lighting, etc.; what proportion this bears on the pay of pilot officers; and whether the system of making officers of the Royal Air Force pay for their issues of divisional brigade and other orders is in force?

Military officers in India, including officers of the Royal Air Force, when provided with Government quarters, pay an assessed rent to cover the cost of the quarters, subject to a maximum of 10 per cent. of their salary. The orders referred to in the second part of the question are issued on payment, but the cost is covered by the office allowance granted by Government to cover miscellaneous expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, under the revised rates of pay approved for the Royal Air Force in India, flying officers have been reduced from Rs.725 to Rs.625, actually receiving Rs.100 a month less than they have been receiving hitherto; and, in view of the fact that the cost of living has in no way decreased, what would explain this sudden reduction?

In 1916 a provisional scale for officers on aviation duties in India was introduced, with the concurrence of the War Office, which fixed the pay of all officers below the rank of Flight Commander who were engaged on flying duties at Rs.7257–825 per mensem, irrespective of rank. Under the new scale for officers of the Royal Air Force in India recently promulgated the pay of such officers varies from Rs.525 per mensem to Rs.850 per mensem, according to rank. The new scale, which is based throughout on rank, must necessarily involve a reduction in the emoluments of some of the more junior officers, who have hitherto been fortunate enough to enjoy an advantageous flat rate. The new scale was fixed, after careful consideration, in consultation with the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for India what the capital value of the coal mines in India was in 1914 and what was the profit; what is the present value and profit; and if such coal mines were the property of British owners, or how much British capital was invested therein?

The only available statistics relate to joint stock companies engaged in coal-mining. The paid-up capital of 137 companies in 1913–14 was £3,910,000, and of 168 companies in 1917–18 was £4,504,000. The amount of capital invested by private firms and syndicates is unknown. I have no information on the other points mentioned in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade in view of the repeated statements of his predecessors that arrangements were being made whereby representatives of British commercial and manufacturing houses would be granted passages on British warships going to distant parts of the world in order to open up their business, how many such representatives have been granted facilities during the last three months, and if any have secured such passage; and whether the difficulty is due to firms not availing themselves of the offer or to causes incidental to the Navy?

The arrangement referred to by my hon. Friend was intended to supplement the provision of passages on merchant vessels under the abnormal conditions then prevailing. Berths have so far been found on ordinary liners for applicants to the Department, and it has not been necessary to have recourse to the Admiralty for assistance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the total value, nature, and quantities in each case of the imports and exports from and to Germany since the Armistice?

The preparation of the statement asked for by the hon. Member will occupy some few days, but I will see that it is printed in the Official Record as soon as it is ready.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now considered the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act, and whether he can state the policy of the Government on this matter?

The Report is receiving careful consideration. I am afraid, however, that it may be some time before I am in a position to make a statement on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether if the owners of the various tin mines in the Camborne-Redruth area are prepared to amalgamate their interests, an immense annual saving would thereby be effected in the crushing and concentration of the ores, provided up-to-date machinery were erected; whether the principal objection cited against this course in the evidence before the Nonferrous Mines Committee was the difficulty of raising capital to properly equip the scheme; and whether, if the owners are prepared to submit a scheme of this character, he will state if the Government are prepared to give assistance by way of loan towards giving such an enterprise an effective send-off?

The whole position of the Cornish Tin Mining Industry has received the very anxious consideration of His Majesty's Government, in the light of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Non-ferrous Mining and the representations made by the Joint Industrial Council and other interested bodies. Though more economy in working costs might be secured by a scheme of amalgamation, it appears to be clearly established that the only possibility of the maintenance of some of the Cornish Mines of a remunerative basis lies in the discovery of new lodes as the result of development work; but it has been definitely stated by those concerned that it is not possible for them to raise any of the capital necessary for such development. His Majesty's Government fully appreciate the difficulties in which the industry is placed, and the unfortunate consequences which may follow the closing down of the mines, but after carefully reviewing all the circumstances, in view of the present position of the national finance, the unwillingness of private enterprise to invest further capital in the undertakings in question, and the uncertainty as to whether any development work is likely to place the industry on a permanent sound basis, His Majesty's Government regret that they do not see their way to ask this House to vote financial assistance in this case.

asked the President of Board to Trade whether a petition has been received from 700 men employed in Dolcoath Mine, Cornwall, who are threatened with dismissal through the closing down of the mine; whether he is aware that this mine has been worked continuously since 1746, and has paid the State millions in taxes and rates; whether, in face of this fact, he proposes to refuse this mine the few thousands requisite for endowing iti with a fresh lease of life; whether he is aware that 60 per cent. of the surface men and hands employed upon the crushing and concentrating plant are men over 40 years of age, and thus too old to emigrate metalliferous mines abroad; that, in addition, 30 per cent. of those working below are also over 40 years of age; that the average service of the above 700 men is 23 years, thus indicating their generally steady character; and wages in the past have been too low to enable much saving; whether he is aware that these facts also apply to Grenville United Mines, where the men are also under notice; that at the time when unemployment benefit was being paid these two mines though losing money, continued to employ their men, and thereby saved the State many thousands in unemployment relief payments; and whether, if unable to assist these mines financially, he will reestablish control over the production, importation, and sale of tin, and prohibit further importations, except under licence, until arrangements can be made to continue the mines and save the men from becoming a burden to the State?

The petition has been received, and its receipt acknowledged. I am aware of the general circumstances of this mining district. As regards the suggestion that control should be re-established and the importation of tin prohibited, such a course would be ill-advised in the case of an important raw material produced largely within the British Empire, on which other and larger trades depend, and of which the whole production of this country is not likely in the most favourable circumstances to meet more than a fraction of the home demand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the attacks now being made at largely attended meetings of miners and public of Cornwall upon the methods of the London Metal Exchange and the allegations that the crisis in Cornwall has been created by persons who are nothing but nominees of those who are excluded from trading in Britain by the licensing system of the Non-ferrous Metals Act, and that the object of these people is to destroy all home production of tin in Britain, in order that the British market may be entirely at the mercy of Eastern and foreign producers and dealers, he will direct the Trusts Committee of the Profiteering Act Department to at once hold an investigation into the methods of the London metal exchange and of the action of the alleged gamblers in tin and other metals?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any foundation for the suggestions referred to in the first part of the question, and, as at present advised, sees no reason for an inquiry of the kind suggested; if, however, any real primâ facie evidence in support of the allegations is adduced to him he will be prepared to consider the matter further.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the new Merchant Marine Bill of the United States of America, better known as the Jones' Shipping Bill, which is reported to have become law in the United States, particularly Section 20, dealing with the question of the rebate system; whether the provisions contained in this Clause are detrimental to British shipowners; and can he say what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to protect the interests of British shipowners.

My attention has been drawn to the new Act, which became law on 5th June. The provisions of Section 20 and of other Sections of the Act, and the possible effects of these provisions on British shipping interests, are now being carefully considered in consultation with the other Departments concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that difficulties are being experienced by steamers using the harbour of Poole owing to lack of bunker coal; whether he is aware that, owing to this situation, a large tonnage of produce which would have been sent from the Channel Islands and from France has not been delivered owing to regulations insisting that all bunker coal must be seaborne from South Wales; and whether he proposes to deal with the matter?

The regulation that bunker coal for south coast ports must be seaborne from South Wales has been recently reviewed in consultation with the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committees concerned. It is not considered feasible to withdraw it at present, having regard to the necessity of relieving, so far as possible, the pressure on the railways, and to the difficulty of maintaining those inland supplies which must be railborne, if the additional burden of carrying bunker coal is imposed upon the railways. There appears to be no reason why the merchants concerned in the supply of bunker coal at Poole should not obtain their coal by sea in the same way as merchants in other south coast ports.

asked the President or the Board of Trade whether, in connection with unemployment in any industry, he has received representations that this is due either in part or in whole to the operation and effect of existing Government taxation?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a fleet of British steamers registered at the port of Leith are whale hunting in Shetland waters, and that the master, chief officer, engineer, and crew are all foreigners; is this a violation of Section 5 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919; if the said violation was brought under the notice of the Board by the County Council of Zetland three months ago; have the Board taken no action; if the Board's representatives in Lerwick refused to permit a local-owned steamer to fish in Faroe waters with a certified Faroese master and mate; if the Board is aware that there is a very widespread and deep-seated opinion that the aliens who own these Leith vessels seem to be able to exercise undue influence in high quarters; and if the Board will immediately take the necessary steps to enforce the law?

I am aware that the masters, chief officers, and engineers of certain whaling vessels fishing from Lerwick are not of British nationality. The Board of Trade were asked to exempt these vessels from the provisions of Section 5 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, but informed the owners that they could not grant such exemption. There is, however, a provision in the Statute that exemption may be granted to certain officers who are certified by the Admiralty to have performed good and faithful service in that capacity during the War, and, subsequent to the decision of the Board of Trade, the owners reported that they had consulted representatives of the Admiralty in regard to the grant of such certificates, and that no objection had been stated to their being granted. I have no knowledge that action as suggested has been taken in regard to a local-owned steamer which it was desired to use for fishing in Faroe waters, but I am making inquiries in this matter. I am not aware that the opinion is held that the owners of these Leith vessels seem to be able to exercise undue influence in high quarters, and there is no ground for any such suggestion. The Board understand that the question of taking proceedings is being considered by the proper Scottish authority.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the precise nature of the duties undertaken by Mr. Meyer under the timber section of the Department between October, 1914, and June, 1916, with such salary, commission, or other emoluments secured by that gentleman during that period; whether, since June, 1916, Mr. Meyer has held any further post under the Department; and, if so, what were the responsibilities of the office and the salary attached thereto?

From October, 1914, until June, 1915, Mr. Meyer was employed by His Majesty's Office of Works to purchase and distribute timber for the Government, and for these services he was paid a commission of 2½ per cent. From June, 1915, to June, 1916, Mr. Meyer continued to render similar services, but the rate of commission was reduced to 1½ per cent., with the stipulation that the total amount of commission should not exceed £12,000 per annum. In June, 1916, Mr. Meyer and his partners agreed to act only on behalf of the Government. The remuneration of the firm under this arrangement was £11,000 per annum, and they were prohibited from undertaking private business. From October, 1914, until August, 1919, Mr. Meyer's firm acted as Government timber buyers. At the latter date the Government had ceased to purchase timber through Mr. Meyer, and he has since acted for the Board of Trade in disposing of the stocks of timber held and completing contracts for purchase already made. Mr. Montague Meyer and Mr. Percy Meyer were appointed directors of the Imported Timber Disposal Section at the same remuneration, namely, £11,000 per annum. The arrangement teminated on 15th May last.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the cost of substituting galvanised iron sheets for the barbed wire used for fencing round the Slough Depôt; and who was responsible for ordering this?

At the time it was decided to erect a corrugated iron fence at Slough the greater part of the Depot was entirely unfenced. The actual cost of the corrugated iron fencing was £24,000, which sum includes the cost of erection plus the estimated value of the iron sheeting, which was the property of the Ministry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether any offers have been made for the 1,000-ton barges at Rich-borough; if so, what price was offered; and has any sale been effected?

The only offer received for the purchase of the 1,000-ton barges at Richborough was to take 19 of these barges for the sum of £100,000. This offer was considered to be altogether inadequate, and was declined.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of bicycles recovered from the various battlefields, and which have been overhauled, examined, renovated, and rebuilt; what is the number of bicycles, new and unused, rebuilt or serviceable, now in the possession of his Department, and deposited in stores in various parts of the country; whether these machines would be of considerable service in His Majesty's Post Office; and what, if any, overtures were made to the Postmaster-General to take these machines off his hands for use in the postal service?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not readily available, but I may say that about 45,000 bicycles have been reported surplus to the Disposal Board in the United Kingdom, from the date of the Armistice to date. This does not include all those used overseas, as bicycles in a bad condition were reported for disposal locally. The number of bicycles on charge of the Army on 1st March, was approximately 45,000, which included a number of unserviceable machines, and a large number requiring repair. At that date, having regard to the requirements of the Army, there were no serviceable machines available for issue to the General Post Office. As regards the last two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his further question to-day by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date he proposes to proceed with the Finance Bill?

The Committee stage of the Finance Bill will be begun on Monday next.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the resolution recently passed by the French Parliamentary Commission recommending that property, money, and valuables acquired since August, 1914, by speculators taking advantage of national necessities under practices coming within the terms of the penal code or of laws passed since the outbreak of War shall be declared the property of the nation; whether any cases of private aggrandisement attributable to national misfortune are known to have occurred in the United Kingdom during the same period; and, if so, will he advise the appointment of a committee with powers similar to those of the French Parliamentary Commission for the purposes of investigating such cases and recommending, where deemed justifiable, similar salutory punishment of the offenders?

I have been asked to reply. My attention had not been drawn to the resolution referred to, and I should be glad if the hon. Member would be good enough to give me a reference to the source of his information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the British Government have any investments in public or private companies outside the Suez Canal Company, the British Dyes, Limited, the British Cellulose Company, and the Anglo-Persian Oilfields; and, if so, whether he can give the names of the companies and the value of the British holding?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the Return promised to the Hon. Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), which will be in the printers' hands almost immediately.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the recommendation of the Select Committee on National Expenditure that the system of cost-accounting adopted by the War Office should be extended to all Government Departments has been acted on in all Government Departments; and, if not, in which Government Departments it has been acted on?

Commercial accounts are kept in a very large number of cases as subsidiary accounts to the Parliamentary Appropriation Accounts. The question of applying to other Departments the system recently adopted for Army Estimates raises important issues, which will require consideration in connection with the Estimates for next year.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the trustees of the Enfield Cottage Hospital, the only voluntary hospital in the district, decided last December, in view of its serious financial position, to approve its transfer to the Enfield War Memorial Committee for reorganisation under a new board of management representing the public interests of the whole district; whether this proposed transfer has since then been awaiting the approval of the Charity Commissioners; whether the long delay in completing the transfer is preventing the necessary public appeal for the funds which are so greatly needed; and whether, in view of the very critical situation and the threatened closing of the hospital, the Charity Commissioners will give their sanction to the proposed arrangements without further delay?

The preparation of the scheme for the transfer referred to has been delayed owing to uncertainty as to the intentions of the War Memorial Committee and to differences of opinion in the locality as to what was required. A scheme has now been drafted and a print will shortly be in the hands of the War Memorial Committee.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the estimated cost of the Prince of Wales's journey to Australia, and against which Vote this cost is being charged?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Vote included in the Supplementary Estimates presented in February last, House of Commons Paper No. 1 of 1920, page 63.

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. 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 Prime Minister whether he is aware of the acute hardship which prevails amongst the ranks of pensioned teachers of national schools in Ireland, many of whom have no means of subsistence except their pensions, which average only £50 per annum; and whether, in view of the promises repeatedly given to revise the scale of pensions, he will see that steps are immediately taken to redeem the promises made, and thus alleviate the acute suffering entailed by the present state of affairs?

This question was answered on the 25th of June and appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT of that date.

asked the Home Secretary if any persons deported from Ireland by order of the so-called republican or Sinn Fein courts or tribunals have arrived in this country; if so, how many; what action the police in this country take in regard to such persons; and whether their evidence is taken in regard to the circumstances and so-called trials which led to their deportation?

So far as I can ascertain, no such persons have arrived in this country. The two latter parts of the question, therefore, do not arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the alleged offences for which persons have been ordered to be deported from Ireland by so-called Republican or Sinn Fein courts or tribunals; and how many of such persons have been deported from Ireland to this country?

I am not in a position to give the information asked for in the question, but inquiries are being made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware a pledge was given by the Government early in the present year that the Irish Education Bill and the Government of Ireland Bill would proceed pari passu; and whether he can state when steps will be taken to redeem this pledge?

I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave yesterday on this subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any redress or apology has been tendered to any persons whose houses have been raided by the police or military and who have suffered serious inconvenience for no apparent reason?

It is customary for police officers in charge of search party to express regret for any inconvenience caused in cases where houses have been searched and nothing of an incriminating nature has been found. In some cases ex gratiâ payments have been made to cover loss or damage caused in connection with these searches for arms or for suspected persons.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any compensation has been, or will be, paid to Miss Gavan Duffy, 70, Stephen's Green, Dublin; Mrs. Lynch, Richmond Road; Mrs. Humphreys, 14, Herbert Park; and Miss Hickey, 15, Tivoli Terrace, Kingstown, all of whom lost jewellery and other valuables during raids carried out by the police and military on 3rd April, 5th March, 3rd April, and 31st March, respectively?

The claim for compensation made by Miss Gavan Duffy, 70, Stephen's Green, is still under the consideration of the military authorities. The claims of Mrs. Lynch, Richmond Road, and Mrs. Humphreys, 14, Herbert Park, were fully investigated by the military authorities, and were found to be without foundation, and no compensation has been, or will be, paid to them. In the case of Miss Hickey, 15, Tivoli Terrace, Kingstown, the sum of £10 was paid by the military authorities as compensation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the 48,000 houses built under the Labourers' Cottages Acts in Ireland during the past quarter of a century are con- sidered by the Government to satisfy the need for rural housing in Ireland to-day; if not, will he say why it is not considered desirable to give the same encouragement to private builders in rural districts in Ireland as is given in Great Britain under the Act of 1919; and will he give an undertaking that the inequality in this respect between Great Britain and Ireland shall be removed by any legislation amending the Housing Acts?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which has already been given to him on Monday last. At the time of the passing of the Housing Act for Ireland, an undertaking was given by the Government to extend the Labourers Acts, and legislation for this purpose was introduced, and has been passed. It is not proposed at present to bring in further legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the ill-effect upon holiday centres and of the uncertainty caused among large classes of the community by reason of the threatened increase of railway fares, he can undertake to delay any further increase until the end of September, 1920?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on the 24th June.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction that the revision of fares, and particularly of stages, has caused on the Metropolitan Electric Tramway system between Barnet and Highgate; if these revisions and alterations have to obtain the sanction of his Ministry; and, if not, in what way beyond ceasing to use the system can the travelling public obtain redress?

The Metropolitan Electric Tramway, Limited, applied to the Ministry of Transport under the terms of the Tramways (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920, for authority to increase the fares on their undertaking. In the Minister's opinion the application was justified and one of urgency, and an in- terim Order for six months was issued on the 18th June increasing the maximum fares. In accordance with the provisions of the Act mentioned, the matter will be referred to the Tramways Advisory Committee and it will be open to any person affected to make representations to that Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department has been furnished with statistics of directors and officials who are given free railway passes along railways of the United Kingdom other than those railways of which they are directors or officials; if so, whether he can give the figures; and whether he can use his influence to reduce this relief of the well-to-do, as was done in the case of the free motor cars for official use?

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the negative. The second part does not, therefore, arise. As to the last part, I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the privilege in question has been of long standing, and in view of the temporary relationship existing between the Government and railways, it cannot conveniently come under review.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will bring to the notice of the railway companies the Resolution unanimously passed by this House on 2nd March, in reference to the pensions of superannuated railwaymen, and impress upon them the necessity of taking immediate steps to carry such Resolution into effect?

The position of the Government was stated clearly in the course of the Debate, and I have publicly intimated, on more than one occasion, that I hope that the railway companies will give the matter consideration. I am sure that they appreciate the circumstances of their superannuated staff, but I will take steps to bring to their notice the terms of the hon. and gallant Member's question and this reply.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the cancellation of the agreement with the Metropolitan District Railway Company depends upon the passing by the House of the London Electric Railways Bill; what will happen if the Bill is not passed in exactly the present form; and whether this understanding on the subject is in any way connected with the fares on omnibuses.

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to what the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Transport said during the Debate on the Estimates on Thursday last. The fares on omnibuses are entirely in the discretion of the omnibus company.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether the Lea Conservancy Board were empowered recently by the Ministry to increase their charges: if so, when and to what extent;

(2) whether the Lea Conservancy Board were recently empowered to increase their charges; whether such increases were required to meet increased wages; whether he is aware that many lock-keepers and collectors in the employ of the Board receive very low wages; whether he can state what steps the Ministry takes to see that the increased revenue which comes from the consumers' pockets is used for the purposes intended; and will he cause inquiry to be made into the attitude of the Board on this matter?

The Minister of Transport has no jurisdiction over the Lea Conservancy Board, and is not in a position to order an inquiry into the proceedings of that Board. I understand that this Board recently gave notice under the powers of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, of their intention to increase the tolls and charges payable on their undertaking to the maximum amount authorised by the Lea Conservancy Act, 1874. This I am advised they are entitled to do without reference to the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Transport the names of those comprising the Lea Conservancy Board and the authorities they represent?

The names of the Conservators appointed and elected under the Lea Conservancy Act, 1900, and of the authorities they represent, are as follow:— Chairman. Representing. E. B. Barnard, Esq., M.A., D.L., J.P. Metropolitan Water Board. Members. Edwin Oakley, Esq., J.P. Bedfordshire County Council. Lt.-Col. C. H. B. Heaton Ellis, D.L., J.P. Hertfordshire County Council. Christopher George Musgrave, Esq., J.P. Essex County Council. Sir Herbert Nield, K.C., M.P., D.L. Middlesex County Council. Henry Marks, Esq., J.P. London County Council. Capt. Alfred O. Goodrich, J.P. London County Council. Mr. Deputy William Robert Pryke Corportion of London. Richard White, Esq., J.P. Corporation of West Ham. Dr. R. M. Beaton, J.P. Metropolitan Water Board. E. H. Tripp, Esq., J.P. Metropolitan Water Board. Edmund Broughton Barnard, Esq., M.A., D. L., J.P. Local Authorities in Hertfordshire. Frederic Chaplin Edwards, Esq., J.P. Local Authorities in Essex. William Delhi Cornish, Esq., O.B.E., J.P. Local Authorities in Middlesex. Henry R. Barge, J.P. Hackney, Limehouse and Poplar Local Authorities.

There is at present one vacancy on the Board, due to the recent death of the representative of the barge-owners.

asked the Minister of Transport who is responsible for the conveyance of military lorries and stores from Richborough to other parts of the country; whether he is aware that for many months there has been a continual traffic of such lorries by road through East Kent by night as well as by day; that the nuisance so caused is intolerable to the inhabitants of villages through which the traffic passes, making sleep impossible, shaking houses to their foundations, and occasioning a plague of noise and dust; and that this traffic further involves the constant repair of the local roads at great cost to the ratepayers; and whether, in order to abate the nuisance, he will provide, or persuade the authority responsible for the removal to provide, that any lorries or other stores remaining at Richborough for removal shall be conveyed to their destination by rail or sea instead of by road?

There has been no heavy transport by lorries from Richborough on Government behalf for some time past. My information is to the effect that the lorries to which my hon. Friend refers belong to a private firm, to whom they have been sold by the Disposal Board, and that the number of lorries still to be delivered to the firm is comparatively small. As far as concerns the damage stated to have been done to the roads, it rests with the highway authorities to take any action they consider desirable with the company concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that excursion trains have been discontinued to the public, he is able to give the House a Return of any special trains or special tickets issued to members of his several Departments which have afforded free outings for the staff during the summer of 1920?

No such facilities have been given to the staff of the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport whether there is any power belonging to the Ministry of Transport, the Home Office, or other Government Department to limit the size of public vehicles as to length and breadth, or to restrict the use of vehicles beyond certain dimensions using public highways of a narrow and winding character?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 21st June to the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain), of which I am sending him a copy. Beyond the general powers indicated in that answer, no Government Department has at present any means of restricting the size and weight of vehicles making use of public highways of a narrow and winding character.

asked the Minister of Transport the gross receipts during the year 1919 of all hotels in the United Kingdom owned by railway companies; and what are the nett profits arising from hotel trading by railway companies?

Certain hotels are leased and do not fall within the Railway Agreements. No figures are available in respect of them, and it will, I think, in any case be more convenient if I give the hon. Member the figures relating to the hotels, refreshment rooms and dining cars worked by controlled railway companies. The gross receipts amounted in 1919 to about £6,210,000, and the nett receipts to about £770,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if it is proposed to discontinue the existing subsidy to oversea traffic distributed coastwise; and if he is aware that his so doing will result in the withdrawal of coasting services and again bring about congestion in Hull and other ports?

I have been asked to answer this question. As already announced in the Press the subsidy referred to has been withdrawn as from the 30th June. After reviewing all the circumstances it was felt that payment of this subsidy out of State funds could not longer be justified, and it is hoped that its withdrawal will not have the result feared by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether cheap fares for hop pickers coming to Hampshire hop gardens have been refused for the coming season, whereas Kent hop farmers have been informed that the same conditions as last year will prevail; and, if so, what is the reason for this difference of treatment?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can see his way to allow hop pickers to proceed this year on their hop-picking journeys at cheap fares without any intervention on the part of local labour exchanges, education committees, or other authorities, in the same manner that hop pickers were allowed to obtain cheap tickets before the War?

I have been asked to reply to the first of these questions, and it is convenient to deal with that question in connection with the second. Cheap tickets for hop pickers travelling to Hampshire were granted prior to the War, but were withdrawn in 1916, and it is not proposed to reinstate them. The conditions in the case of the Kent hop pickers are very different, and it is the intention of the South-Eastern and Chatham Company to continue the special arrangements, which have been in operation for some years, whereby hop pickers travelling in that district have been carried by special trains after midnight at special fares. There is no intervention on the part of local Labour Exchanges or other authorities in respect of the issue of these tickets.

asked the Minister of Transport if all the necessary precautions are taken to safeguard human life when trailers are attached to heavy motor wagons; and whether brakes are fitted on such trailers and responsible persons placed in charge of them.

I would refer my hon. Friend to Article III. of the Motor-Cars (Use and Construction) Order, 1904, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. From this he will see that the requirements indicated in the second part of his question are, in fact, imposed by that Order, in the case of trailers attached to motor wagons and exceeding 2 cwt. in weight, unladen. The enforcement of the Order is a matter for the police.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the discharge of boys under 18 years of age who enlist in the Army without their parents' consent can be claimed by the parents without payment of the amount required for discharge by purchase?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, although the Turkish pound is rated at 4s. 8d., yet no Regulations are in existence in Constantinople or the occupied territories of Turkey to limit the charges imposed on officers and men in the Army of Occupation; whether he will cause inquiries to be made and a definite limit set upon the prices charged, both for hotel accommodation, market produce, and articles that have to be acquired locally; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will reconsider the scale of allowance at present allotted, namely, 3s. a day.

The present allowance rate of 3s. a day is paid to an officer, in addition to the provision of accommodation and rations at the public expense, and it is not proposed to alter this rate. I have no detailed information regarding the cost of hotel accommodation in Constantinople and other occupied territories.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the crosses over the graves of men of the 60th (London) Division who fell in Palestine are to be uprooted; and, if so, whether this action is contemplated on the plea that they are an offence in the eyes of people of other religions?

There is no intention to remove any crosses in Palestine, whether over the graves of men of the 60th Division or of any other formation, except for the purpose of replacing them by permanent memorials. The permanent memorials, like those in other theatres of War, will bear a cross, except in cases where the relatives desire some other symbol of the dead man's faith.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British labour bureaux and controllers of labour have been formed in France, Belgium, and Germany since 11th November, 1918, and what is the number of persons other than British nationality engaged with our Armies in those countries since the sign- ing of the Armistice, according to the latest available returns?

I am making inquiries, and will write to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as I receive a report.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects that his Department will be able to ensure publication of the new rules and regulations affecting service pensions?

No change is at present contemplated in the rules of officers' retired pay and soldiers' pensions granted for service. The conditions were published in Army Orders 324 and 325 of 1919, and certain amendments of details are contained in Army Order 179 of 1920. I am sending the hon. Member copies of these Orders. If, however, the hon. Member is referring to additions for service to disabled soldiers in receipt of pensions, this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions. As regards increases to small pensions (Civil and Military) granted before the War, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given on the 28th June by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Leader of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what directions it is proposed to spend the £80,000 shown under the heading of special recruiting expenditure in this year's Estimates; what, if any, proportion of the above would be allocated to Territorial Associations for recruiting purposes; and whether it was intended in the ease of any expenditure being incurred directly by the War Office itself to call on those who had had experience in recruiting for the Territorial Force to advise?

An important charge against the sum in question will be the expenditure incurred by the War Office in giving publicity to the terms and conditions of service in the reconstituted Territorial Force. It is clearly an economy of money and effort that this and other measures of general publicity should be undertaken by the War Office. But it is quite understood that in the matter of recruiting for the Territorial Force the War Office can only act in support of the county associations, and to meet their individual requirements over £30,000 has already been set aside. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that no expenditure on recruiting for the Territorial Force has been, or will be, undertaken directly by the War Office without consulting those who are best qualified by their experience to advise.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is intended to publish General Munro's despatches, with the full list of mentions, in connection with the Afghan War of 1919; and whether effect will be given to all recommendations for honours made by him at the time in respect of General Dyer's relief of Shal, in Waziristan?

As regards the publication of the despatch on these operations, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the oral reply on 23rd June given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India, and as regards the award of decorations, I would refer to my written answer on the same date to the hon. and gallant Member for Hexham (Captain Brown).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's lieutenants and their deputies will be compelled upon ceremonial occasions to revert to the wearing of pre-war scarlet uniform, or will they be permitted to continue the khaki uniform worn during the War and associated with much honourable service?

The uniform of His Majesty's lieutenants and their deputies is at present under consideration by a representative committee, with a view to reducing the cost.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what is the total number of demobilised men who have been placed upon the land and how many have been so placed during the last three months; what is the average size of each holding and what is the average rent; and what efforts, with this end in view, have been made by the Department to purchase any of the numerous estates which have recently come into the market?

The total number of ex-service men who have been settled on the land since the 1st January, 1919, is 6,642, of whom 1,345 have been so placed during the last three months. The average size of the holdings provided by the local Councils is 15.1 acres; but as the value of land varies considerably in England and Wales any figures as to the average rent charged would be misleading. In reply to the last part of the question, the area of land acquired by Councils since the 1st January, 1919, is 205,240 acres. In addition the Ministry has acquired 28,159 acres for farm settlements, making a total area acquired of 233,399 acres. Of this area 178,674 acres have been purchased, a considerable proportion at auction; but Councils failed to acquire 73,658 acres, for which they bid at auction during the past 18 months, owing to the prices realised being in excess of the amounts up to which the Ministry felt able to authorise bidding. It will, of course, be realised that a considerable area of this land is not yet available for letting in small holdings owing to the fact that Councils have not yet obtained vacant possession of the whole of the land acquired.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in regard to the proposed sale of all the land at Gretna to a beet cultivation and manufacturing company, and the consequent disappointment amongst a number of ex-service men, who had been awaiting, in view of public statements made regarding it, settlement upon this land by the Scottish Board of Agriculture, he will make public the means by which he intends to secure the establishment of small holdings upon the Gretna estate, and to safeguard the interests of small holders thereafter, or whether he will consider the advisability of acquiring a portion of the estate in order to establish small holdings upon it and to satisfy the local demand for the same.

The scheme for the utilisation of the land at Gretna which is presently under consideration provides for the settlement of smallholders to an extent at least equal to that originally contemplated by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. I am not in a position at present to state the conditions on which the smallholders will be settled, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that this aspect of the matter will not be overlooked. As the scheme embraces the whole of the available land, I do net propose to adopt the alternative suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour what qualifications and experience are possessed by the Controller of the Civil Liabilities Department beyond the experience gained when Controller of the Department dealing with retail licences at St. Ermin's Hotel, from which Department he was transferred; why was he allowed to take all his staff with him; whether his salary was fixed by the present President of the Board of Trade, who made his appointment; and whether the sole reason for making the appointment was to displace a civilian in order to make room for him?

On more than one occasion recently I have taken an opportunity, in replying to questions relating to the administration of the Civil Liabilities Department, to express my confidence in Captain McClellan, the present Controller, and my gratitude for the very considerable work that he has accomplished in effecting far-reaching improvement in the work of the Department. With regard to the second part of the question, it is not the fact that the whole of the Controller's old staff was transferred to Civil Liabilities Department, but only a proportion of the most experienced and efficient officers. With regard to the third part of the question, the salary was fixed by the present President of the Board of Trade, then Minister of Labour, with the concurrence of the Treasury. With regard to the last part of the question, the appointment was made when the officer previously in charge, a permanent Civil Servant loaned by the Ministry of Health, was recalled by his old Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War what, if any, discharges are impending at His Majesty's Gunwharf, Devonport; and, if it is necessary to make any discharges, will he see that disabled ex-service men now employed are retained as long as possible?

Ninety-seven discharges are impending at His Majesty's Gunwharf, Devonport, including eighty-five ex-service men. In addition, four ex-service men and one civilian will be discharged during July on reaching the age limit. In selecting men for discharge, all civilians who are not ex-service men, and who were not employed prior to the War, have been taken first and then ex-service men who have been employed the shortest time at the depot. No disabled men are being discharged and no women are now employed at the depot. After the discharges mentioned have taken place, all employés will be ex-service men, with the exception of certain civilians who have been continuously employed since before the War and a few boys employed in the workshops.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been directed to the fact that a British sailor, John F. Fraser, a boatswain on the "Maggie," was at Riga when the War broke out, and later the "Maggie" was commandeered by the Russian Government with the consent of the British Government for transport service; that Fraser was paid by the Russian Government and paid his earnings into the Russian and British Bank at Petrograd, but when he was sent home was not allowed to take his money with him; that the transaction has been brought before M. Krassin, who declines to intervene; and if he can take any practical steps to obtain justice?

A claim for 750 roubles deposited in the Russian and English Bank at Petrograd has been registered by Mr. J. F. Fraser. M. Krassin has not been asked to intervene in this matter, and it will not be possible to take any steps to recover Mr. Fraser's earn- ings until the general question of the debts of the Soviet Government towards private individuals has been settled.

asked the Prime Minister whether an international conference for the protection of foreign interests in Russia has been sitting at Paris; whether British representatives were there; and whether they were there in a private, semi-official, or official capacity?

An unofficial international conference to discuss the question of the various claims against Russia was held in Paris last month, at which it is understood that the British Chamber of Commerce was represented.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any discussions have taken or are about to take place relative to the future status and international position of Tangiers?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, having regard to the fact that the officer in charge of the Glasgow committee's relief mission to Montenegro travelled with a passport stating that he was travelling to Montenegro viâ France, Switzerland, and Italy, which passport, endorsed with the date 13th April, 1920, was viséd for France, Switzerland, and Italy, and at the Serbian Legation in London, and also by the Serbian Consul at Trieste, in what respects the passport arrangements of the mission were not in order; whether he is aware that it was not until the mission reached Antivari that any exception was taken to the validity of the passports, when the officer in charge was informed by the sub-prefect that he could only enter Montenegro viâ Belgrade, where the passports would have to be again viséd by the Serbian Government; whether he realises that compliance with such an order would make the administration of the relief impracticable; and if he will say what steps the Government proposes to take for dealing with this obstruction on the part of the Serbian authorities, designed to prevent British relief from reaching the starving population of Montenegro?

As far as I understand, the passports in question were perfectly in order so far as Trieste. On arrival at that port, the visa of the Serb-Croate-Slovene Consulate appears to have been cancelled, and the holder of the passport advised to apply to Belgrade. The passports were therefore not in order on the arrival of the mission at Antivari, nor does the gentleman in charge of the mission appear to have followed the advice of the Serb-Croate-Slovene Consul at Trieste. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part, I have nothing to add to the reply returned on the 28th June, 1920.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Greek seizure of ships in Smyrna includes any English vessels; and whether the seizure of Turkish vessels and property is legal, seeing that such property has no connection with Mustapha Kemal and the Turks who are fighting for Anatolia?

His Majesty's Government are unaware of the seizure of any British vessels by Greek forces in Smyrna. The question of the legality of the seizure of Ottoman vessels has not been raised, but would presumably have in the end to be decided by a Prize Court.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether poison gas is being used by either the Greeks or the Turks in this war?

So far as is known the reply is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller the total number of ships formerly belonging to Germany which have been surrendered under the Peace Treaty, and how many of such ships have a deadweight capacity of 2,000 tons and upwards; whether it is the intention of the Government to offer these ships for sale to British citizens by public auction or whether their sale will be negotiated privately; and when are they likely to be available for purchase?

As stated in my reply of yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), 378 vessels of about 1,900,000 gross tons have been delivered under the Armistice arrangements and ceded under the terms of the Peace Treaty up to the 19th June—of these only 14 vessels are less than 2,000 deadweight tons capacity. It is not at present possible to say how many of these vessels will be available for sale by Great Britain or when it will be possible for the sales to commence. Due notice of the conditions of sale will, however, be given as soon as possible.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is in a position to give the numbers of those employed in the various huts and temporary erections in the various royal parks; how many of these are females and if there has been any reduction during the past three months; and if he can give any indication when the huts in St. James's and Regent's Parks will be dispensed with?

The total number at present employed in the huts in the Royal parks is 7,658, of whom 5,651 are females. This shows an increase of 1,306 during the last three months. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my previous answers to similar questions in this House, particularly my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Wood Green (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson) on the 18th May last.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if negotiations are proceeding for the renting of Prince's Road Workhouse, Lambeth, for a term of three years at £3,750 per annum; for what purpose this is required; what will be the number of officials who will be housed there; and what will be the cost of the alterations necessary for its use?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The premises are required to house a staff of approximately 500 of the Ministry of Health, some of whom will be transferred from premises to be surrendered and the remainder will be employed in connection with the Census of 1921. Accommodation is also required for Census records. The cost of adaptation is estimated at £5,830.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the amount of the hotel expenses allowed to temporary officials in the Department of the Director-General of Housing; and the grounds for making a smaller allowance to temporary officials, as against the permanent officials of the Ministry?

The amount of the subsistence expenses allowed to temporary officials in the Department of the Director-General of Housing is as follows:

Where the salary is not less than £600 a year, £1 a night.

Where the salary is less than £600 a year, 15s. a night.

A temporary addition of 25 per cent. has been recently made to the above subsistence rates in the case of permanent officials. The extension of a similar increase to the temporary staff is now under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a large number of appointments to permanent senior positions under the Board of Trade and other Departments during the War have been given to persons who have not been called upon to submit themselves to open competitive examination; whether the appointments were in some cases to positions which did not call for any special qualifications not possessed by existing Civil servants; and whether many such positions could have been filled by Civil servants had they not been absent on military service?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of permanent appointments made in the Board of Trade since 4th August, 1914, other than by promotion, of existing established Civil servants or by open competitive examination, the names of persons so appointed, the description of such appointments, the salary attached to each appointment, and the special grounds upon which such appointments were made?

If the hon. Member will allow me, I will have a statement PERMANENT APPOINTMENTS MADE IN THE BOARD OF TRADE SINCE 4TH AUGUST, 1914, OTHER THAN BY PROMOTION OF EXISTING ESTABLISHED CIVIL SERVANTS OR BY OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION. Name. Post to which appointed. Scale of Salary. SirS.J. Chapman,K.C.B., C.B.E. Assistant Secretary (General Economic Department). £1,200, after 5 years £1,500. H. Meed Taylor Assistant Secretary for Finance £1,000—£50—£1,200. H. E. G. Burls Assistant Solicitor £800, after 5 years £1,000. H. Perkin, O.B.E. Head of Technical Section of Coal Mines Department. £700—£25—£850. E. C. F. Vyvyan Assistant Official Receiver in Bankrupty —High Court. £500—£20—£600. Capt. L. M. Nash Staff Officer £500—£20—£600. Major R. W. Pinder Staff Officer £500—£20—£600. J. O. Morris Official Receiver (Canterbury) £500. E. Batty Staff Officer £350—£15—£500. W. L. Cook Liaison Officer with Ministry of Labour (Coal Mines Department.) £350—£15—£450. F. J. Keeler Chief Cashier (Companies (Winding up) Department). £250—£10—£350. W. B. Brown Minor Staff Officer… £200—£10—£350. A. W. James Senior Realisation Clerk (Bankruptey (High Court) Department). £200-£10—£300. F. Sims Senior Realisation Clerk (Bankruptcy (High Court) Department). £200-£10—£300. F. W. Perry Senior Dividend Clerk (Bankruptcy (High Court) Department). £200-£10—£300. H. A. Smith Junior Examiner (Companies (Windingup) Department). £200-£10—£300. H. S. Berry Assistant Cashier (Bankruptcy (High Court) Department). £170—£10—£250 W. W. Hobson .. Minor Staff Officer… £150—£10—£250 A. A. A. Hawdon Searcher of Designs (Patent Office) £100—£7 10s.— £150—£10—£250 G. Darvell Assistant Clerk £50—£5—£85 —£7 10s.—£130 —£10.—£200 J. G. Rogers Assistant Clerk £50—£5—£85 —£7 10s.—£130 —£10.—£200 W. F. Smith Assistant Clerk £50—£5—£85 —£7 10s.—£130 —£10.—£200

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the statements which have printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT, giving particulars of the appointments to which he refers. The grounds upon which these appointments were made were that half were unestablished officers who have already served in the Board of Trade for many years, and the remaining half were to posts requiring special qualifications which are not ordinarily acquired within the service.

The following is the statement referred to: —

appeared to the effect that the Government propose to extend the period for the subsidy to private builders; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

Yes, Sir. The question of extending the period during which grants may be made to private persons building houses has been under the consideration of the Government, and it has been decided to introduce legislation to extend the period for a further year. It is not proposed to increase the total sum, namely, £15,000,000 already authorised by Parliament for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the damage and discomfort caused after heavy rains for some years past to numerous persons on the Links Estate, Tooting Junction, through the flooding of their houses from the overflowing of the stream called the Graveney, at Tooting, caused by the London County Council draining the surface water from their Furzedown estate into this stream, which is inadequate for such purpose; is he aware that, although plans to avoid this were promised in November, 1919, nothing has been done, in consequence whereof the stream again overflowed its banks on the 12th, 13th, and 17th of the present month, rendering parts of the roads on the Links estate impassable for pedestrians and causing the inhabitants of this neighbourhood discomfort and danger to health again; and whether he will take such action forthwith as will compel the London County Council and any other public bodies interested in the matter immediately to carry out the work necessary to prevent the continued recurrence of this flooding by diverting the surface water of the Furzedown estate from the Graveney into a proper channel elsewhere.

I received last year a complaint of the flooding of an area adjoining the River Graveney, and was informed that the London County Council had decided to undertake certain preliminary work in connection with a projected scheme of flood relief works in various districts of London, including the area in question; I am making inquiries into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legis- lation so as to amend The National Insurance Act, 1911, with a view to allowing persons who have been contributors under the Act, and have attained the age of 70 years, having the same benefits of the Act during sickness as persons who have not attained that age?

The extension of sickness and disablement benefits to persons over 70 years of age would necessitate an increase in the contributions payable by all insured persons throughout the whole period of their insurance, and the only persons who would derive any advantage from such increase would be the very small proportion of insured persons who continue in employment up to or beyond the age of 70. The suggested extension would also involve great administrative difficulties, as in the case of the aged incapacity for work through sickness is not distinguishable from infirmity due merely to old age. The experience of Friendly Societies has shown that the risk in question is not one which can properly be covered by insurance, and I my remind the hon. Member that provision for the needs of aged persons is already made under the Old Age Pension Scheme, in which no consideration of incapacity for work is involved. As at present advised I do not, therefore, propose to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that supplies of imported meat have been handed over to a few dealers, and that Scottish buyers are finding a difficulty in getting supplies from those distributing agents; and if any steps have been taken to ensure that all parts of the country should receive a fair allocation?

It is not the case that supplies of imported meat have been handed over to a few dealers. Such supplies are handled either by the importing firms, who bring this meat to the country in the ordinary course of trade, or, if the meat belongs to the Government, through the nominated agents who have dealt with it throughout. Total supplies of im- ported beef are at present short, but Scottish buyers should experience no difficulty in getting ample supplies of imported mutton. The distribution of imported meat has been freed from control for over six months.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the number of licences which were granted on 1st June for the sale of certified milk and grade A milk in England and Wales and in Scotland, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The number of licences granted on 1st June for the sale of Grade A milk (certified) were eight in England and Wales, and, for the sale of Grade A milk 12 in England and Wales and 11 in Scotland. No licences for the sale of certified milk were granted in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Food whether during June he had at one time approximately 286,000 boxes stored in America; whether the value of this bacon was approximately £11,000,000 sterling; and whether the vast majority of this bacon has been stored there since January last?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on Wednesday, 23rd June. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has received a memorandum from the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Teachers' Association demanding an inquiry into the condition of the schools of that city; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The ordinary machinery of inspection and reports, together with the annual returns made by the local education authority, provide sufficient means of information upon the state of the schools in any area. The returns from Newcastle-upon-Tyne for the year ended the 31st March, 1920, are now under examination.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is the case that no Burnham Committee will be set up for technical teachers until the late autumn; whether he is aware that technical teachers feel that, as their case is to be the last to receive consideration, they are likely to receive worse treatment than secondary and elementary school teachers; and whether, in view of the time that is likely to elapse before the Burnham Committee can publish any report in this matter, it is possible to recommend that an immediate grant or bonus should be paid to technical teachers?

I do not think it is possible to obtain the establishment of a committee to consider the salaries of teachers in technical schools till the autumn, but I do not share the apprehension that these teachers will receive relatively worse treatment in consequence of this delay, nor am I aware that it prevails among the teachers themselves. The prospective establishment of a Joint Committee affords no reason why local education authorities should not in the meantime consider requests for interim improvements of salaries on their merits.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has placed a contract for new bicycles with a Birmingham firm at a cost of £50,000; and, if so, whether he made any attempt to obtain the transfer from the Secretary of State for War of the surplus stock, or portion of such surplus stock, of bicycles now in possession of the War Office?

Such contracts have recently been placed with Birmingham firms. On a previous occasion, 1,650 new bicycles were obtained from the War Office; and before tenders were invited for a further supply, enquiries were made as to the possibiliity of the requirement again being met by that Department. It appeared that no more new bicycles were available, but that a number of second-hand machines could be supplied if arrangements could be made to effect the necessary repairs. It was, however, found impossible to arrange for the repairs, and there was, accordingly, no alternative but to purchase new bicycles direct from the manufacturers.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a complaint from the Stevenage and District Trades and Labour Council as to the condition of parcels and literature received by them on delivery; whether he is aware that the majority of parcels posted to the secretary of this council since the beginning of the year have been torn open before delivery; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter?

I am not aware of any such complaint, nor am I aware that parcels bearing the address of this council are treated as described. If the covers are sent to me I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of those receiving pensions for causes arising out of the War in the United States of America; and the number of persons engaged in the administration of such pensions in the United States as compared with this country?

I regret that a reply has not yet been received from the United States Government to the inquiry which, as I informed my hon. and gallant Friend on the 10th June, I caused to be addressed to them. I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any sedition, disloyalty, or unrest in the Island of Grenada or any evidence that seditious matter from abroad is being introduced into that Colony?

I have no reason to suppose that the inhabitants of Grenada are any less loyal than those of other West Indian Colonies, but the Colony has not escaped the world-wide unrest which has been manifested by an outbreak of incendiary fires in the Island, and in other ways. In common with other West Indian Colonies, Grenada is affected by the introduction of foreign publications designed to stir up disaffection, and the Governor considers it essential to take precautions to cope with this evil.