asked the Prime Minister whether, on 27th June, there was a meeting at the Ministry of National Defence in Budapest, attended by representatives of the various officer detachments and Bracchialgewalt, as well as by the Minister of War, Soos, and the adjutant of Admiral Horthy; whether a committee of action was formed consisting of Hejjas, Pronay, Bibo, and other leaders of terrorist detachments; whether this committee submitted a programme of action which included proposals for the occupation of postal and telegraph buildings, the disarming of the police, the occupation of the offices of the Nepsava and Vilag newspapers and the arrest or murder of the journalist staffs, the murder of the leaders of the Social Democratic Party by the Hejjas detachment, the slaughter of all those interned or imprisoned for political causes, the surrounding of working-class neighbourhoods and the killing of all suspects, and a pogrom on a vast scale; whether it was also decided to keep Admiral Horthy and the Minister for National Defence fully informed; whether the British representative to Hungary is aware of a plot of this nature and has taken any steps to prevent its execution; and whether the Government will see fit to instruct its representative to demand from the Hungarian Government the immediate arrest of the leaders of the officer detachments above-mentioned, who were also mentioned in the Report of the British labour delegation to Hungary as being guilty of various murders and atrocities?

His Majesty's Government have received no report of incidents such as those described. Without evidence in support of the allegations, they would not be disposed to consider the question whether they could usefully take any action. I cannot suppose that the hon. and gallant Member is serious in his suggestion that His Majesty's Government are in a position to make demands of the nature indicated in the last part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the possibility of further altering the licensing hours on Sundays by making the mid-day hours 12 noon to 2 p.m., instead of 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as at present?

I do not think the change suggested would be an improvement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, after the Report of Lord Milner's Commission has been published, this House will have an opportunity of discussing the Report before effect is given to any of the recommendations it may contain?

Until we have seen the Report and the nature of the recommendations, I cannot give the undertaking asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the chaplain-general has recently been granted an extension of length of service; and, if so, for how long and for what reasons?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue a Return of the officers engaged on 1st July, 1920, to deal with the embarkation and disembarkation of troops and the ports to which they are attached?

A Return which has been prepared is appended. I may mention that, since 1st March, the Embarkation Offices at five ports have been closed and a reduction effected of 25 officers. The number of officers at present employed at ports in this country in connection with the embarkation and disembarkation of troops is 17.

Return of officers employed on Embarkation Staff at ports in the United Kingdom on 1st July, 1920:—

South Wales Ports.

Cardiff and Newport.—Captain G. J. M. Ross, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Newport, since closed on 7th July. Cardiff will be closed as soon as the Records, etc., are completed and handed over.

Devonport.

Captain J. J. Statham, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

This Office will be closed very shortly.

Dover.

Major H. C. Johnson, Assistant Embarkation Commandant.

Captain G. T. Nye, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Captain W. S. Mounteney, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

This Office cannot be closed entirely until demobilisation from France and Rhine is completed, probably about end of September, but a reduction in Staff will be made by end of August.

Southampton.

Colonel H. McMicking, Embarkation Commandant.

Major C. C. Parkinson, Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General.

Major H. F. Coddington, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Captain H. C. Randall, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Captain J. Alexander, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Captain A. Prestwood, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Captain R. F. Vine, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Captain R. W. Smith, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Captain A. Routledge, Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer.

Major R. C. Carter, Railway Transport Officer.

Although the Embarkation Office at Liverpool was closed before 1st July, one Assistant Embarkation Staff Officer was retained until 3rd July, and another officer is being retained until the end of July for the purpose of dealing with outstanding accounts and claims.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the numbers and types of the British naval vessels in the Baltic and the Black Sea, respectively?

The information asked for is as follows:—

In the Baltic:

2 light cruisers,

1 flotilla leader,

1 depôt ship,

4 destroyers, and

2 tenders.

The flotilla leader is under orders to return to England.

As regards the Black Sea, movements are liable to take place daily between that area and Constantinople; but at the present date there are in the Black Sea:

1 battleship,

1 light cruiser,

4 destroyers, and

2 sloops.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is a regulation which lays it down that where a recruit has enlisted in the Royal Air Force to follow a certain trade, and he is found inefficient or there is no work at his particular trade, he can claim to be discharged; whether this discharge, if claimed, is free or must be paid for; and, if paid for, what is the cost?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second and third parts, therefore, do not arise.

asked the Postmaster-General if disabled ex-service men now temporarily employed by the Post Office are subject to medical examination before being put upon the permanent staff; and, if so, does the partial disability in any way disqualify in cases where men are sufficiently physically fit reasonably to perform the duties allotted to them?

Candidates for established appointments in the Civil Service have to obtain a certificate from the Civil Service Commissioners, and this involves a medical examination. The ordinary physical requirements are relaxed in favour of men disabled in the War, provided that a reasonable period of service is likely to be given, and the men are able to perform the duties which will be allotted to them.

asked the Minister of Labour how many cases there are still outstanding in the Civil Liabilities Department and how does this compare with the number of cases outstanding on the same date in January of this year; and what are the average number of cases dealt with per week since 1st January 1920?

My hon. and gallant Friend's question was answered yesterday, but I may repeat that the total number of applications and appeals of all kinds outstanding throughout the Civil Liabilities Department on 10th July, 1920, was 14,731. On 10th January, 1920, the total number outstanding was 42,446. The average number of cases dealt with per week since 1st January, 1920, is 5,170.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the course of accountancy training provided for disabled men at King Albert's Hospital, Highgate, is limited to a period of six months; that many ex-service men gave up good positions to attend these classes, but find, they have now no opportunity of sitting for the final examination, whilst bricklayers under the same scheme have 18 months in which to learn their trade; and whether he will prolong the period of training to enable these students to become fully qualified in the accountancy profession?

My hon. Friend would appear to refer to the Government Instructional Centre at Hornsey. No course which could properly be described as accountancy exists there. But there is a course in commercial work. I am enquiring into the adequacy of the period for this course, and if found to be inadequate, the extension of the period will be considered. I should add that, under the Appointments Department of this Ministry, grants for practical training in acountancy may extend to three years, and are awarded to men who have entered into Articles with a duly qualified member of the profession. Men of the educational qualifications of an officer of His Majesty's Forces may be considered for this form of accountancy training, whether disabled or not.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give instructions to avoid the unreasonable delay in the issue of pensions and the payment of arrears, which in a great many cases are causing real serious distress?

Every effort is being made, and with success, to improve the machinery for the award and issue of pensions and the payment of arrears. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any specific cases of serious delay in view, I shall be glad if he will communicate them to me.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider the withdrawal of the recent circular whereby in future all inquiries relating to alternative pensions shall be made by the county court registrar, as this circular is strongly resented by the pensioners and is being misconstrued by other parties; and will he consider that the work shall be done by disabled men?

The arrangement referred to was adopted after the most careful consideration as likely to afford the Ministry the assistance of officials with special experience of this class of work, in ascertaining the average earnings from wages of applicants for alternative pension. While I am satisfied that the arrangement is generally sound, it is being carefully watched with a view to the remedying of any defects that may be discovered. In the circumstances I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Driver John O'Connell, No. 220,633, Royal Field Artillery, who was an inmate of the Lord Derby War Hospital, Warring-ton, has been removed to the county asylum, Prestwich, Manchester; and whether he will have this man examined by a special medical board, and, if decalred sane and fit to leave the institution to live at home, authorise his discharge at an early date?

This patient was admitted to Prestwich Asylum on a medical certificate that he was suffering from delusional insanity and had threatened suicide. This diagnosis is confirmed by the medical superintendent of the asylum. As this man is on the legal footing of a private patient, his father or mother has power to order his discharge unless the medical officer of the asylum certifies in writing that he is dangerous and unfit to be at large.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Sikh popula- tion of Amritsar have erected a statue to General Dyer in the Golden Temple of that city?

I am informed that the answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India the names of the Committee whom it is intended to appoint for the purpose of inquiring into various matters connected with railway administration in India; if he can indicate, generally, what will be the subjects of inquiry; and if due care will be taken in constituting the Committee that commercial interests shall be adequately represented?

The Committee has not yet been constituted, and I am unable, therefore, to give any names, but commercial interests will be adequately represented. The Committee will be asked to inquire into the relative advantages of the different possible methods of management of the Indian State-owned railways, the function, status, and constitution of the Indian Railway Board, and the system of control exercised by the Government of India over railway administration, the arrangements for the financing of railways in India, the present system of control by the Government of rates and fares, and the machinery for deciding disputes between railways and traders.

asked the Secretary of State for India what was the composition of the 15th Lancers, Indian Army, in 1914 and its composition in 1919; if there was any change, why was this change made and when was it made; and was this regiment insubordinate?

The composition of the 15th Lancers in 1914 was four squadrons of Multani Pathans and Mussulmans of the Derajat and Cis Indus. This was changed in 1917 to two squadrons as above, and two of Jats (Hindus). The cause of the change was, presumably, certain indiscipline in the regiment on its arrival at Basra in 1916.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information to the effect that 50 men were shot in one day at Jhelum, in the Punjab, during 1918; and, if so, whether lie will give full particulars of this incident?

I think the hon. Member must be referring to an outbreak of insubordination which occurred amongst certain recruits attached to the depôt of the 38th Dogras at Jhelum in July, 1918. Owing to their resistance, they were fired on by the escort, which unfortunately resulted in 35 deaths. The circumstances were investigated by a Court of Inquiry, which clearly established that no order to fire was given. The first shot was apparently accidentally discharged, and was the signal for an outburst of firing, which lasted 30 seconds before it could be stopped by the British and Indian officers present. The incident was explained fully in the Indian Legislative Council in September, 1918, and was reported in the Indian Press.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the threats of non-co-operation made to the Viceroy by Mr. Gandhi and his friends leading the Khalifate agitation; and what steps the Indian Government is taking in regard to this disloyal action?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; notices of Mr. Gandhi's letter to the Viceroy have appeared in the public Press. Non-co-operation was announced to start from the 1st August. There is reason to hope that good sense will prevail and the movement will be a failure. I would ask the House to leave it to the authorities in India to take such steps as they may think necessary. The prolongation of the application of the Seditious Meetings Act to Delhi for another three months has just been sanctioned. The Government of India are watching the situation very closely.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether widows and orphans of the Indian Civil Service receive pensions derived from subscriptions levied from the members of that service; whether he receives these subscriptions and determines the rate of interest to be allowed on the capital accumulated; whether that capital now exceeds £1,600,000; whether the Government of India War Loan of 1917 was raised at an issue price of 95 and at 5 per cent. interest; whether in May, 1918, the second Indian War Loan was raised to 5½ per cent.; whether a loan is now being raised at 6 per cent.; whether the rates of interest allowed to the fund for the widows and orphans were in 1917 4 per cent., in 1918 4 per cent., and in 1919 5½ per cent.; whether the management of this fund came under the notice of the Secretary of State in April last; and what is the justification for the grant to widows and orphans of a rate of interest substantially lower than the market rate?

The facts are correctly given in my hon. Friend's question. The rates of interest are fixed with a view to their giving substantially fair results over a considerable period of years. It is not desirable to make too frequent changes in the rates of interest applicable to such funds.

asked the Secretary of State for India what measures are being taken by the Indian Government to ensure that small isolated bodies of English women, as in missionary communities and hill stations, shall not be exposed to the danger of attack by irresponsible mobs?

Besides the ordinary police measures for the protection of life in any district, the expedient of concentration in extreme cases is a well-understood step in times of emergency. I am confident that the Indian Government are taking any measures of precaution that prudence may suggest, but I fear I cannot be more precise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Irish Court of Appeal in the case of Connors v. Pearson, confirming the award of £75 and costs against Assistant-Inspector-General Pearson, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, for the illegal detention of Timothy Connors, aged 11; whether this officer, as suggested by his counsel during the civil action, acted under superior orders, and, if so, whose orders; whether his attention has been drawn to a similar decision of the Court of Appeal in M'Laughlen v. Scott, also a case of the illegal detention of a boy; whether his attention has been drawn to a decision by the same Court against the Crown for the illegal seizure of money belonging to Mr. Pedler, an American citizen; and what has been the total outlay of public money in paying damages, costs, and other legal expenses in respect of these cases?

My attention has been drawn to these cases, and, as in none of them was the decision of the Court of Appeal unanimous, the question of a further appeal is being considered.

asked the Minister of Transport what would be the net loss on the working of the railways in the event of the fares for first-class passengers and rates for goods being raised by 50 per cent. as on 1st August and the fares of third-class passengers being left untouched until the end of that month?

I am unable to estimate what would be the effect of the discrimination suggested by the hon. and gallant Member. There are practical and other difficulties which make it impossible to bring the increase in goods rates into operations as from the 1st August.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that on the 17th instant, on the main morning train from Shrewsbury to Paddington, a whole first-class carriage contained one passenger for the greater part of the journey, and at no time more than three; and whether he will consider the desirability of effecting economies in this direction?

My attention had not been called to this matter, but the hon. and gallant Member will realise that accom- modation is provided so far as possible on passenger trains to meet what experience has shown to be the average requirements. It would be unwise to draw any inference from the fact that on a particular day a certain train was not well filled. Great economies in the working of the largely increased passenger traffic have been made, and are receiving constant attention.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the figure of £10,817,587 in the White Paper No. 815, as the expenses of collection and delivery by road of railway traffic to and from railway stations in Great Britain for the year ending 31st March, 1920, has been taken at the actual cost of the cartage services; if not, how has the figure been arrived at; and what number of tons were carted, giving separately the number of tons collected and delivered and so carted twice, from the number of tons collected or delivered?

The figure of £10,817,587 represents the expenditure incurred in collection and delivery of parcels and merchandise traffic by controlled railways in Great Britain, including amounts paid out for hired cartage and excluding interest on capital. I regret that no statistics at present available show the tonnage carted.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the expenses incident to the retention of counsel for the railway companies before the Rates Advisory Committee will be charged against the cost of working the railways?

The Minister of Transport is advised that the cost incurred by the railway companies in retaining counsel at the inquiry before the Rates Advisory Committee is properly chargeable as a working expense debitable to the Government It is of the greatest importance that the Rates Advisory Committee should have fully presented to them all aspects of the complicated questions arising in connection with the revision of rates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to raise passenger fares on the railways, and at what date; whether a greatly increased revenue has accrued from the raising of goods rates; whether he can state approximately the amount so gained during the past six months; what is the prospective loss on the working of the railways during that period; and whether it is proposed further to increase rates for goods, and at what date?

I would refer the hon. Member, as regards the first part of this question, to the statement made yesterday by the Leader of the House. The revision of goods rates which became effective on 15th January was expected to produce £50,000,000 per annum, and the receipts since that date indicate that this estimate will be realised. The net liability falling on the Exchequer in respect of the half-year ended 30th June, 1920, is estimated to be £20,800,000, but the hon. Member will be able to appreciate the situation best if he will refer to the estimates for a full year under present conditions given in Command Paper 815.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the railway station at Frodingham, Lincolnshire, is on the main thoroughfare of the town, which has a population of 30,000; that the railway gates across the main road are continually closed; that on 10th July at 9.40 a.m. over 52 cyclists and cars were kept waiting for 27 minutes before being allowed to cross the line; and that this is a frequent occurrence; and whether he is in a position to state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has not previously been called to this matter, but I am communicating with the Great Central Railway Company on the subject, and I will let the hon. and gallant Gentleman know the result.

asked the Minister of Transport if and when the excessive charges for the railway carriage of bicycles and tricycles are to be reduced; and when the Cyclists' Touring Club and the National Cyclists' Union are to be allowed to submit their case on this subject to the Rates Advisory Committee?

The Rates Advisory Committee are now considering an interim revision of rates and fares, and I am informed that the National Cyclists' Union have been invited by the Committee to give evidence this week on behalf of cyclists generally.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now taken advice as to his powers to prevent the export of substances other than coal, such as duff, and the liabilities incurred by him for so preventing export; what were the alleged irregularities which caused him to make the attempt to suspend the same; and whether he is satisfied that his action has been due to misrepresentations made by coal exporters ostensibly in the public interest, but really in the interests of their own trade?

My hon. Friend seems to be under a misapprehension as to the action which has been taken in this matter. The fact that duff from the bing is now to be treated as being outside the export allocation does not mean that duff is not coal. On the contrary, duff is coal, and is exported as such. The object of the present restrictions on the export of coal is to safeguard home supplies. As there is little or no home demand for the kind of coal mentioned, it has been decided that shipment may be allowed in the case of Scotland within the discretion of the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee. The irregularities referred to in the answer given to the hon. Member on the 20th July were attempts on the part of some firms to export as bing-duff freshly wrought coal which was required in this country, and it is on this account that the position requires to be carefully watched in the future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the committee inquiring into the embargo on coal exports from the Humber ports has yet reported; if so, what is the finding; and what action is contemplated?

The Committee has now submitted its report and I have sent a copy to the hon. and gallant Member. The Committee recommend, as an experimental measure, that

(1) The bunker restrictions should be modified so as to allow vessels bringing full cargoes to the Humber and leaving in ballast for foreign destinations to take bunkers as required.

(2) A quantity not exceeding 60,000 tons per month of unwashed slack under 2 inches (excluding slurry) should be allowed shipment from Humber ports.

They have suggested that these recommendations should remain in force for a period of two months, at the end of which the position should be further reviewed by the Coal and Coke Supplies Coordinating Committee. The Coal Controller is prepared to accept the recommendations, and is arranging to meet his Export Advisory Committee on Friday next with a view to discussing the details of the arrangements necessary to carry the proposals into effect as from the 1st August.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, during the recent strike of wireless operators, he authorised ships to go to sea without wireless connection; and whether he can state his authority for his action?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 28th June to questions by the hon. Members for Southwark Central (Mr. Gilbert) and Spen Valley (Mr. Myers).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the forms for filing claims by British creditors against the German government and German debtors have not yet been issued, and cannot be issued until a president of the mixed arbital tribunal has been appointed and has sanctioned the forms and method of procedure generally, and that great loss and inconvenience is being caused to British creditors by the delay; and whether he will do his utmost to expedite the-appointing of a president and take the necessary steps to secure an early hearing and settlement of the claims?

The forms for filing claims by British creditors against the German government and German debtors under Article 296 of the Treaty of Versailles were issued by the British Clearing Office on 10th January. Forms for furnishing particulars of claims by British nationals against Germany in respect of property, rights and interests under Article 297 of the Treaty are about to be issued. Steps are being taken to expedite the appointment of a president of the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the output of commercial shipping in the chief building countries of the world in the first half of 1920, giving both the number of vessels and the gross tonnage?

From information collected by Lloyd's Register of Shipping, it apears that 296 merchant vessels (of 100 tons gross and upwards) with a total gross tonnage of 977,237 tons, were launched in the United Kingdom in the half-year ended 30th June, 1920.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what stipulation, if any, has been made respecting the investment of German capital in British commercial undertakings, such as mines, electrical concerns, and motor works; and if he proposes to take steps to prevent aliens securing a controlling interest in British key and other industries?

Section 11 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, prohibits a former enemy alien from holding any interest in a key industry for a period of three years from 23rd Decem- ber last, when the Act was passed, and the publication of a list of key industries for the purposes of that section is under consideration. The investment of capital by former enemies in the non-ferrous metal industry is also restricted by the Non-Ferrous Metal Industry Act, which continues in force until five years after the termination of the War.

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

The information required is as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any licences for export of munitions of war to South Russia have been issued this year?

No licences have been isued this year for the export of munitions to South Russia with the exception of one pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition for the use of an officer of the Royal Navy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the Treaty between the Armenian Republic and the Russian Soviet Government?

His Majesty's Government have no official intimation from the Armenian Government regarding any treaty between Armenia and Soviet Russia beyond the fact that Armenian delegates have arrived in Soviet Russia and negotiations for peace are in process.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Hendon Urban District Council, at the beginning of May, submitted to the Ministry of Health three proposals for the purchase of land for housing allotments and other developments, namely, land at Bittacy Hill, Mill Hill, Daws Farm, Mill Hill, and the Hyde; whether he is aware that the purchase has not been sanctioned in any of these cases; and whether, in View of the need of houses in this district, he will expedite the approval of these schemes?

I have called for an immediate report in regard to these cases, and I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a further reply.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the large number of empty houses at Gretna factory and likewise of unoccupied hostels there, it can be arranged with the responsible Department to allow temporary occupation of these houses and, at the same time, to convert the' hostels referred to into family dwelling houses, in order to satisfy the demand for housing accommodation existing in the surrounding district and neighbouring towns?

I have been asked to answer this question. A report on the matter has been called for and I will write to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as it is received.

asked the Minister of Health whether, pending the passing of the Pensions Increase Bill, he is prepaed to give Boards of Guardians applying to him his consent to their making immediate arrangements for paying their necessitous superannuated officers and servants additional pensions within the limits of the Government measure?

I am afraid that I could not give any general promise of sanction pending the passing of the Bill. If in the meantime any Board of Guardians decides to make increased payments in respect of pensions, such payments must come before the district auditor in the first instance.

asked the Minister of Health if he has promised to introduce a measure to provide for the payment of members of Local Authorities or of their expenses?

I propose to introduce legislation authorising the payment of travelling expenses and subsistence allowance to members of Local Authorities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the factory at Bramley, in Berkshire, is still being used for the manufacture of munitions of war; how many persons are employed there and at what cost per week; whether special trains are run to take employés to and from the factory; what is done with the munitions manufactured there; whether it is proposed to close down the establishment; and, if so, when?

I have been asked to reply. There is not, and never has been, a munitions factory at Bramley, but there is a depot for storing ammunition. There are 596 employés at the depot and the weekly cost is approximately £1,700. It is not intended to close the depot, as it is being retained permanently as a main ammunition depot. A special train is run between Reading and Bramley by the Great Western Railway Company; this is not paid for by the Government, and the workmen pay for their own tickets.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he is aware that in October, 1918, the Ministry of Labour appointed Sir Cyril Jackson to act as arbitrator in the case of Messrs. Holmes and Son, Limited, Goswell Road, E.C.; that Sir Cyril Jackson awarded to 39 members of the National Federation of Women Workers employed by this firm back pay of 7s. per week for three months, the total sum payable being about £160; that in October, 1919, the Ministry of Munitions (Supply Department) instructed Messrs. Holmes' liquidators, Messrs. W. B. Peat and Company, 11, Ironmonger Lane, E.C, that payment should be made to the workers concerned in accordance with the terms of the award; that when an assurance had been received to the effect that such payment had been made consideration would be given to the question of re-imbursement; whether he is aware that within the last two months the Ministry of Munitions have informed Messrs. Peat and Company that they are now prepared to pay £60 only in settlement of Sir Cyril Jackson's award; and can he state the reason for this decision?

As a result of an examination of the contractor's books, the sum of £60 was recommended in respect of payments due under Sir Cyril Jackson's award to those women workers whose wages books were produced, and the Ministry would, be prepared to consider the payment of further sums as may prove to be due after the production of any additional women's wages books and workers' receipts. I should add that Messrs. Peat and Co. were informed on the 28th May last of the reasons why the Ministry were only prepared to pay a sum of £60, and it was clearly open to Messrs. Peat at the time to raise any objections they might have had to offer to the proposed settlement, but no reply has been received to this letter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that although, in connection with the handing over of the works and machinery of the Ailsa Craig Motor Company, assurance was given that there was more machinery in the works than when the Government took the place over, and that it had all been cleaned and put in good condition, the fact is that everything was found in a deplorable condition, the windows, frames, and bars in the basement gone and the place open for anyone to enter, and that the few tools and machines left were rusty and broken, and all the loose parts gone; that the surveyors have estimated the cost of putting the place in order equal to when taken over by the Ministry at £11,155 7s. 6d.; that as a result the company have been able to employ only a few of their old workpeople; and whether, in view of the fact that the agreement entered into with the auditors has not enabled the company to restore all their old workpeople, he will have further inquiries made into the matter and render whatever assistance is necessary to enable the works to be restored to their former condition?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Bromley (Lieut.-Colonel James) on the 13th April last. As I stated in that answer, the whole of the matters in difference between the Ministry of Munitions and the motor company were finally settled by an agreement dated 4th December, 1919, and made between the company and the Ministers, and all other necessary parties.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has any evidence that prosecutions for offences committed under the Cereal Restrictions Order and the Flour and Bread Prices Order are discouraged; and whether he is aware of any attempt on the part of trade interests to exercise undue influence?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General the respective charges for tele- phone services for subscribers and at call boxes in London and New York?

The required information as regards subscribers is given in Command Paper No. 804 of this session. The charge for a local call from a call office in London is 3d., covering an area of 634 square miles; that for a call in New York is 2½d. or 5d., according to distance, covering an area of less than 400 square miles.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any steps have been taken by his Department to study the highly-efficient telephone service which is in operation in the United States of America as the result of private enterprise; and whether, having regard to the growing inefficiency of the service in this country since it came into Government hands, and to the fact that it is now proposed to impose additional charges in order to avert the bankruptcy of the Department, he would be prepared to consider the re-transfer of the telephone service to a privately-owned company under business management before he asks for a further £10,000,000 for the development of the telephone system under State management?

Technical officers of the Post Office have recently paid a visit to the United States of America in order to study the telephone conditions in that country. My information is that the telephone service in the United States as the result of the War is probably at present not more efficient than that in this country, which is improving steadily as the causes of the general disturbance disappear. The need for increased charges is fully explained in Command Paper No. 804, which is being considered by a Select Committee of this House. The answer to the remainder of the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of the total number of telegraphic messages between this country and India during the last 12 months were of a commercial or civil character, and what proportion were for Government Departments?

The Eastern Telegraph Company inform me that the figures for the last twelve months are not available. It is stated, however, that, during the year 1919, the number of telegrams exchanged between the United Kingdom and India was 629,571, of which 71,142, or 11·30 per cent., were Government messages.

asked the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to reestablish the parcels post between this country and the Tanganyika territory?

Parcels are accepted for transmission to places situated on the Tanga Railway and in the Provinces of Bismarckburg, New Langenburg, Iringa, and Songea. I am in communication with the Colonial Office with a view to the extension of the parcel post to other localities in the Tanganyika Territory.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping what was the total staff of the Ministry of Shipping at 31st December, 1917, 1918, and 1919, respectively; what is the number of the present staff; how many of the staff whose services have been dispensed with since the Armistice have been absorbed in other Government Departments; and how many of the staff now engaged have been placed on the permanent staff and will be kept on after the Department is closed down?

The staff of the Ministry of Shipping numbered 2,047, 2,405, 1366 on the 31st December, 1917, 1918, and 1919 respectively; the numbers at present are 1,079, which number includes the staff of the Reparation Department which has been recently organised in connection with shipping reparation questions arising out of the Treaty of Versailles. The numbers of the outports at home and abroad on the same dates were 219, 544, 252, and 226 respectively, but the reduction here is far greater than would appear from these figures, as during the War a large number of Naval officers and men now demobilised were carrying out Ministry of Shipping duties at home and at foreign ports.

I do not know whether any of the staff whose services have been terminated have obtained employment in other Departments. The Ministry has no permanent establishment, and none of the temporary staff have therefore been given permanent appointments. I would add that a substantial part of the Ministry consists of the Admiralty Transport Department which is a permanent pre-War Department.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of the transfer of a substantial number of officials, say, exceeding 25, being proposed from one Ministry or Department to another during the financial year, he will notify the House accordingly?

I have arranged for the transfer from one Government Department to another of any number of officials exceeding 25 to be indicated in the printed statement issued by the Treasury showing the staffs of Government Departments as on the 1st of each month.

asked the Lord Privy Seal upon what administrative policy or Civil Service principle it is found expedient to fill the higher posts of chief draughtsmen and assistant chief draughtsmen in the Government engineering drawing offices by clerks, or others, rather than from the draughtsmen class to which such posts properly belong; whether he is aware that in engineering firms of standing these posts in the drawing offices are filled by capable draughtsmen of considerable experience and practice on the grounds of efficiency and proper business management; and: whether he will institute an inquiry with a view to ascertaining whether the commercial practice in this respect would be-expedient in all mechanical engineering Government drawing offices, so that draughtsmen will be supervised by officers qualified by experience and ability in the draughtsmanship that they are posted to control?

As a general rule, the posts of chief draughtsmen and assistant chief draughtsmen in the Government engineering drawing offices are filled by draughtsmen. In the case of the drawing office in the Engineer-in-Chief's department of the General Post Office, there are three clerks at present employed in the supervision of draughtsmen's work. This arrangement is a relic from the days when all the drawing work in this office was done by clerks, and the present supervising officers are survivors of the old régime, and, although graded as clerks, are fully possessed of all the necessary technical qualifications. The question whether any change should be made in the present arrangement is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what additions either to the Consular Service or trade representatives abroad have been made during the past six months; what general results have been achieved owing to such appointments; and whether any further increases with any definite policy for the development of British trade abroad are in contemplation?

The only additional appointments sanctioned during the last six months are ten Consular posts, namely, one Consul-General, one Consul, and eight Vice-Consuls. It is too early yet to say what general results have been achieved owing to these appointments, but no additions are made unless a clear necessity for them is shown. No further increases are at the moment in contemplation, though it may be necessary to propose further increases on the resumption of relations with certain countries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the amount of credits which has been applied for for overseas trade to date?

The particulars asked for by my hon. Friend are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any of the seven Departments being inquired into by Departmental Committees have been partially or wholly reported on by the Select Committee on National Expenditure; and, if so, whether both Committees will cover the same ground?

The Select Committee on National Expenditure appointed during the current Session have issued Reports on two of the Departments, namely, Ministry of Munitions and Royal Commission on Sugar Supplies. The Reports, however, deal almost entirely with matters other than staff, while the Special Committees will deal with staff matters only.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is intended to proceed with the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Bill before the recess?

Yes, Sir, I hope so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the system, if any, under which the majority of the Colonies have given war bonus addition to the pensions of their retired officials; and whether a request can be made to certain Colonies which have not done this to induce them to do so?

The system adopted by Colonial Governments in increasing the pensions of their retired officers is to grant as an addition a percentage of the original pension. The scales vary in the different Colonies and Protectorates, but in every case the smaller the pension the higher is the percentage allowed in calculating the increase. As regards the latter part of his question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer returned to the hon. Member for Bromley on the 13th instant.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Police-Constable Rowland, of the Metropolitan Police, who was accidentally killed some months ago in attempting to make an arrest, was the principal support of a Mrs. Scrutton, who had brought him up since he was six months old; that he made an allotment to Mrs. Scrutton when he was in the Army and regularly contributed to her household expenses both before he joined and after he was demobilised; that Mrs. Scrutton was put to considerable expense for the funeral and otherwise and applied to the Commissioner for a grant, but was refused on the ground that she was not a blood relation of the deceased officer; and whether there is some fund out of which a payment can be made to her?

The Commissioner of Police has no power to make a grant from the Metropolitan Police Fund to Mrs. Scrutton beyond the sum of £6 10s., which was paid in January last towards the expenses of the funeral. The late constable was, however, a contributor to the Metropolitan Police Provident Association, and a sum of £84 2s. 9d. is due to his estate; and the Commissioner has now ascertained that he made a will in favour of Mrs Scrutton, so that when she obtains pro-bate the sum mentioned will be paid to her.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the state of things existing in the East End of London, as well as in a number of seaport towns, in consequence of the association of young British girls with Chinamen, negroes, Indians, and others of Oriental race, an association often leading to rioting and other evils; and what steps, if any, he intends to take in the matter?

I am aware that last year some disturbances arising from this cause occurred at Cardiff and other seaports, but no serious trouble of a similar character has come to my notice during the present year; and I find on inquiry that in East London there has only been one incident worth mentioning, when several arrests were made. If there should be any further trouble of this sort, the police will deal with it, as they would deal with any other disturbance of the peace.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has yet fixed the appointed day for Section 10 of The Education Act, 1918, or whether Circular 1118 remains in operation?

The appointed day for Section 10 has not been fixed, except in two districts. Circular 1118 has not yet been withdrawn.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the sum to be raised by the education authority of Stirlingshire, by assessment, is increased this year, namely, from £142,000 to £166,000; whether, owing to the present system of rating, he is aware that the assessment of the parish of Killearn has increased from £300 (before the present Act came into force) to £4,877, a sixteen-fold increase; that in many other parishes in the county enormous increases in assesment have also taken place; and how does he propose to deal with the serious situation which has arisen?

My right hon. Friend has as yet no official information with regard to the sum to be raised by the education authority of Stirlingshire, by assessment, in respect of the year 1920–21, or with regard to the allocation of this sum as between the parishes in the county. When the amount assessable on individual parishes throughout Scotland has been ascertained, which cannot be for some time yet, the matter will be carefully investigated with a view to determining whether there is a case for special relief of individual parishes, and, if so, on what principle that relief can most equitably be given.

asked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen and Refreshment Rooms Committee, whether he is aware that butter is now being sold to Members in the Tea Room at the rate of l½d. per pat; that each pat weighs one-third of an ounce or thereabouts, and that this is, in fact, a sale of butter at the rate of 8s. per lb.; is he aware that such sale, as aforesaid, by himself and/or his accredited agent or agents, is illegal and contrary to the terms made and provided for such cases in the Profiteering Act; whether he is aware that a former complaint, which resulted in a larger pat, has ceased to be effective, inasmuch as the increased pat now demands an inflated price; and, in view of the premises and the legislative enactment referred to above, what action he proposes to take?

In reply to the question of the hon. and gallant Member, I would venture to point out that, in accordance with the accepted rules of arithmetic, a pound of butter at 4½d. per ounce—as estimated in the question— would realise 6s., not 8s. Further, that before a profit on the original outlay can be obtained, there has to be taken into account the costs of preparation, of refrigeration, and of the expenses incidental to the service and maintenance of the Tea Room. In these circumstances, I think our Committee can face the menace of the Profiteering Act without apprehension.

asked the Minister of Labour how many aliens there are at present engaged in industrial work in this country, and their country of origin?

I regret that there are no statistics available which would enable me to give my hon. Friend the information for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of skilled and unskilled workmen who have emigrated to the British Empire overseas, and to other countries, since the Armistice?

I have been asked to answer this question. The number of British male subjects of 12 years of age and upwards, recorded as leaving permanent residence in the United Kingdom to take up permanent residence in non-European countries during the period 1st November, 1918, to 30th April, 1920, as reported to the Board of Trade, was 78,932. Of this number 57,747 were recorded as proceeding to places within the British Empire, and 21,185 to the United States and other foreign countries. I am unable to state how many of these persons were skilled and how many were unskilled workmen.