asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the publication of what purports to be a strictly confidential Order signed on 11th June last by General Dani, the Military Commander of Budapest, and issued to the subordinate commands; whether he is aware that this Order states that although on the whole it is desirable that military authorities should treat prisoners humanely, yet in some cases it is desirable that stronger measures should be used; that therefore persons who are undergoing, or have undergone, these strongest measures should be kept in the strictest isolation and be prevented from receiving any visits, even from their counsel, so long as they bear external marks of their treatment, in order that news about the bad treatment of prisoners may not leak out to Entente missions and foreign countries; that such cases are not to be handed over to the civil authorities until the above conditions have been complied with; and whether he will instruct the British representative in Hungary to make the fullest inquiries into the issue of this alleged circular?

I have no information regarding the circumstances mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend, and I would ask him to remember that there is a limit to our power or right of intervention in the affairs of other states.

Would the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question as to whether he would instruct the British representative in Hungary to make inquiries.

It is to the last part of the question of the hon. and gallant Gentleman to which the latter part of my answer refers.

Is it not possible to ask our representative in Budapest to make inquiries, without interfering with the internal affairs of Hungary, merely in order to keep us informed?

I observe that this is described as a strictly confidential document. I cannot see how our representative could intervene without appearing to interfere.

I do not want to interfere.

asked the Prime Minister whether Hungary has offered to send troops against the Russians; and, if so, whether any conditions have been made as to compensation for Hungary or as to protection in case of defeat?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will grant a Return showing the number of persons employed in the Passport Office; the cost of upkeep for a year; the number of passports issued during the last 12 months; and the total receipts from their issue during that period?

I assume that the hon. Member's question refers only to the establishment of the Passport Office in London. The authorised establishment of the Passport Office is 257. For the year ended 30th June, 1920, the average number of persons employed was 241; the cost of salaries was £37,473; number of passports issued (including endorsements, visas and renewals), 407,874; total receipts from fees, £91,504.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is considered to be the present frontier between the kingdom of the Hedjaz and Syria?

The frontiers of Syria are at present under discussion by the principal Allied Powers, in favour of whom Turkey is to renounce all claims to Syria by the Treaty of Peace.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Customs dues are being collected at the ports of Tyre or Sur by the French Government or by the Government of Damascus?

Tyre, or Sur, is in French occupation, and Customs dues at that port are presumably being collected by the French authorities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the international status of the Emir Feisal is that of a sovereign prince as King of Syria, or of a French protected ruler, or of a subject of the King of the Hedjaz?

The Emir Feisal originally attended the Peace Conference at Paris as representative of the King of the Hedjaz. The latter, however, has not since deputed him in a similar capacity. The claim of the Emir to be regarded as King of Syria has not received international sanction. Syria has been placed under the French Mandate. But this does not, of course, constitute a Protectorate.

May I ask whether, if it does not constitute a Protectorate, the Mandate gives a right to military occupation?

I must have notice of that.

When was the Mandate granted, and when may we be told the terms?

It was granted at one of the Peace Conferences. I am not sure which.

May we have the terms?

Are we to understand that France has been granted the Mandate for the whole of Syria, including that portion which lies immediately east of Palestine, or only for that part north of the Sykes-Picot line?

That is under discussion by the Ambassadors' Conference.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the League of Nations, when offered the mandate for Armenia, replied that they would endeavour to find a Power willing to accept the mandate provided that the Supreme Council first gave information to the League as to the financial guarantee, the military guarantee, and the question of Armenia's access to the sea; and why no communication has been made to the League on the first two points?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Leigh on 24th June.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he still maintains that the League of Nations will have a right to refuse to confirm the Nauru agreement if it chooses, and how it is to exercises this right if the agreement is not submitted to the League?

This subject has been fully discussed in Debate, and I have nothing to add to what was then said. In the Debate I made it quite plain that in my view, though the mandate ought to be submitted to the League of Nations, that did not apply to the commercial agreement.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when the Anglo-French agreement, relating to the Roumanian oil fields, will be published; and when it will be registered with the Secretariat of the League of Nations in accordance with Article 18 of the Covenant?

The agreement was laid on the Table of the House on Friday, and steps are being taken to have it registered with the Secretariat of the League of Nations in accordance with Article 18 of the Covenant.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of casualties which occurred in the recent alleged mutiny by sections of the Connaught Rangers in India; and what pensions their dependants will be entitled to receive?

I am informed that the number of casualties which occurred were two killed and one wounded. The latter part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for War if there is any increase in the number of soldiers with the colours in England now as compared with the number in England in the period before the War?

There are approximately 5,000 more soldiers serving with the colours in Great Britain than in 1914. On the other hand, the Reserve is less than half as large, and the Territorial Force has only reached one-fifth of its previous strength. In addition to the 5,000 extra soldiers, many of whom are young recruits in depots, there are 2,000 regular soldiers who are War-invalids requiring further care before discharge, and about 5,000 demobilisable non-regulars who are still in hospital recovering from wounds and sickness.

Arising out of those interesting figures, may I ask why, as they are very nearly the same as before the War, it is necessary that the War Office should occupy a large portion of Wimbledon Common?

I should like to go into that specific instance with regard to a question directed entirely to it.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements he is making to restore the surface of Wimbledon Common to its former-state when the camp is closed; if the portion not now used by the military can be begun to be put into order; if the pits and foundations and roads can be removed; and if it will take at least two years to get it into anything like order and 20 years to make it as beautiful as it was before?

The arrangements ments for the reinstatement of the Common are under consideration, but it is hoped that a decision will be reached shortly, and the necessary instructions will then be issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Scots Guards were sent from Windsor to Edinburgh to act as a guard of honour on the occasion of the royal visit; whether it is usual to requisition the household troops for duties so distant from London; were there no troops in Scotland who could have been requisitioned for the honourable duty; and what was the cost to the British taxpayer of sending the Scots Guards to Scotland?

A guard of honour and band of the Scots Guards were sent to Edinburgh on the occasion of the royal visit, partly in order to stimulate recruiting for the Scots Guards. Other units stationed within convenient reach of Edinburgh have also furnished guards of honour. The cost of sending the Scots Guards to Edinburgh is approximately £760.

Is it, then, the idea of the War Office deliberately to seek to popularise scarlet at the expense of khaki?

That is nothing to do with it. But it is necessary to have recruits for the Scots Guards.

In view of the figures just given, showing that there are 5,000 more soldiers now than in 1914, is it necessary now to stimulate recruiting?

Yes, in connection with the Scots Guards and also the Welsh Guards, it is necessary to keep up recruiting, and to do everything to maintain it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 200,000 fewer Territorials than before the War?

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard this large sum of money well spent?

Yes, Sir; as a Scotsman, I think it is.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to obtain recruits in Ireland for the Irish Guards, in Wales for the Welsh Guards, and in Scotland for the Scots Guards?

Special recruiters from these Guards' Regiments are employed in certain recruiting areas selected by the commanding officer of the regiment concerned. Recruiting is open for the Irish Guards in Ireland and all other areas in Great Britain for bonâ fide Irishmen; for the Scots Guards in Scotland, parts of the Northern and Western Commands, Channel Islands and the London recruiting area; for the Welsh Guards, in Wales, Liverpool, Bristol City, and the London recruiting area.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any British troops in Danzig, Memel, or in the plebiscitary areas in Eastern Europe; and, if so, whether they will be withdrawn before they become involved in distubances or fighting arising out of the Russo-Polish war?

There are British troops in Danzig and Allenstein. It is intended that these troops shall be withdrawn as soon as their duties in connection with the plebiscite have been completed. Meanwhile, the necessary measures for dealing with the situation which may arise there as a result of the fighting in Poland are being considered.

May we take it there is no intention of these troops being used to back up the Poles without coming to this House and stating the policy first?

I think it very unlikely, but, at the same time, if there is any question of policy, it should be addressed to the Foreign Office or the Prime Minister. The business of the War Office is to hold troops in readiness at various points and employ those troops in the interests of the State.

When did the right hon. Gentleman cease to interest himself in policy in Central Europe?

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of British troops stationed in North China and at Hong Kong, respectively?

The number of British troops are as follow:—

Does that include Indian native troops?

No, Sir; British troops are mentioned in the question, and I think it refers only to white soldiers.

Does this mean that the garrison at present in Hong Kong numbers, approximately, what it did before the War, and, in view of the possible breaking of the Agreement between Great Britain and Japan, does he not think that 900 British troops for the protection of the whole of our interests in those dominions is a very small number?

It is a very small number indeed, but the disposition of our troops must be considered in relation to the general arrangements of naval defence and the general strategic position of the world. The duties which they are discharging are the same as they discharged before the War. The garrison at Bong Kong has to be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to his recent statement that reinforcements for the Middle East would not involve the sending of troops from this country, the necessary forces being drawn from India and Egypt, and to his more recent announcement that large reinforcements were being sent from India, he can say whether it has now been decided to send troops from England to fill the gaps in India and Egypt?

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the Aldershot Command, Eastern Command, and Souhern Command the number of females employed by the Navy and Army Canteen Board is 1304, as against 1264 males; whether, according to the War Office Regulations in existence prior to the formation of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, it is a fact that no females were allowed to be employed in regimental institutes, in barracks, or in camps, and Commanding Officers were especially instructed in War Office Rules for Management of Regimental Institutes, dated 1st July, 1916, to ensure the employment of pensioners or reservists in the positions as managers or attendants and whether, under these circumstances, he will consider the advisability of restoring the pre-War regulations so that the positions mentioned should now be filled by men, especially considering the number of ex-service men who are capable of filling these positions, and who are at the present moment out of work, costing the country from £200,000 to £300,000 per week for out-of-work pay, and also because the money allowed as unemployment pay is insufficient to keep a man and his wife and several children, with the result that appeals are being made daily to all kinds of charitable funds by the wives and families of these men?

The figures contained in the first part of the question were furnished in my reply to the hon. Member on 24th June. I understand that no Regulations existed prior to the formation of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, which precluded the employment of women in regimental institutes, barracks, or camps, but it was not customary so to employ them. Paragraph 51 (which deals with the employment of ex-service men) of the Rules of Management of Garrison and Regimental Institutes, issued in July, 1916, is similar to that contained in previous editions, and I have no reason to suppose that the Regulation is not being observed. As regards the policy of the Board in regard to the employment of women, the work done in canteens by the women referred to is mainly of a domestic nature, for which they are more suited than men, and it has, therefore, been decided to retain women in employment of this nature. The claims of ex-service men for employment always receive prior consideration, and such men are given employment as suitable vacancies occur. I have, however, specially asked the Navy and Army Canteen Board to try to employ ex-soldiers wherever the work is not unsuitable.

Is it not a fact that a large number of the offices filled by these 1,304 women could not be perfectly well filled by ex-service men; and is there any necessity to have more women employed by the Navy and Army Canteen Board than ex-service men?

I think I have just answered that. I am told they are employed where they are most suitable. I have asked the Board to employ as many ex-service men as possible where the work is suitable for them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet read the reports of the committees of inquiry into the recent disturbances at Fermoy and Lismore, when soldiers are stated to have damaged houses and shops; whether civilian witnesses were invited to give evidence before the committees; what are the findings; and when he will be in a position to make a statement?

The investigations into the outbreak of troops at Fermoy have been completed, and the General Commanding-in-Chief informs me that he has taken suitable disciplinary action. Certain officers have been censured and a number of soldiers have had their leave stopped.

As regards Lismore, I am informed that during the search of certain houses on the night of 27th-28th June the troops came into collision with certain civilians, and a bomb accidentally dropped by the military exploded in the road, slightly wounding an officer. There were no other casualties.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question as to whether civilian witnesses were invited to give evidence before these committees?

I did not say committees were set up to investigate the matter. The general took the necessary steps to investigate the occurrences under his responsibility, and he informs me of the disciplinary measures he has adopted.

Will the Report be circulated to Members of this House?

No, not in the ordinary course; and I should ask that the House would require very definite reasons for departing from the ordinary course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that British soldiers do nothing to disturb the peace and quiet of Ireland at present, and will he give strict orders that British soldiers confine themselves to their proper function in Ireland of acting as targets for Sinn Fein bullets?

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these disturbances will not recur in the future, and is he taking steps to see that there is no recurrence of these regrettable incidents?

I do not know at all whether they can be prevented in future. I hope they will be prevented, but the surest method of securing their non-recurrence is a cessation on the part of the revolutionary and rebel elements of their campaign of murder and outrage.

May I ask —( Interruption )—if we are to understand that the right hon. Gentleman considers—( Interruption )—that reprisals by the troops are justified by the admittedly regrettable murders that have taken place in Ireland, and is he aware— ( Interruption )—that we all regret murders. ( Interruption )—Disgraceful!— ( Interruption )—It is not Belgium?

asked the Prime Minister whether the courts set up by the Sinn Fein organisation in Ireland have been able to administer a form of law which protects life and property in districts where the ordinary courts have been unable to administer the law; whether it is the intention of the Government to protect life and property rather than to enforce law and order where that procedure is interpreted by many in Ireland as being repugnant to their idea of Government, whether, under these circumstances, it is the intention of the Government to prosecute those taking any part in the proceedings of Sinn Fein courts as being participants in proclaimed meetings; and, if so, what alternative courts is it proposed to establish to protect life and property?

I have been asked to answer this question. I can add nothing to what I said in my statement to the House on Thursday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the cost to the British Government of the munitions supplied to the anti-revolutionary forces in Russia from the date of the Armistice up to the latest available date; and what proportion of the total was supplied after his interview with General Golovin in May, 1919?

The Parliamentary Paper (Cmd. 772), which was published last week, contains complete information, and I cannot undertake to have any further Returns prepared on the subject. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would draw the hon. Member's attention to my answer on 15th July to the hon. Members for Workington (Mr. Cape) and Wigan (Mr. A. Parkinson), which was as follows:

"Mr. CAPE asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the number of casualties among the British naval forces operating against Soviet Russia from the date of General Golovin's interview with the Secretary of State for War and Air in May, 1919, up to the latest available date.

Mr. ALLEN PARKINSON asked the Secretary of State for War what was the number of casualties among the British forces in Russia from the date of his interview with General Golovin in May, 1919, up to the latest available date.

Mr. CHURCHILL: I gave on Tuesday last the number of British casualties incurred since the date of the Armistice by British operations in the withdrawal from Russia. The hon. Member now asks for a return showing what proportion of these casualties were incurred after a conversation, of which a very inaccurate account has appeared, which I had at an early date in May with a Russian general. As this conversation constituted no departure in policy and involved no action of any kind which affected the situation, there would be no sense in giving such a return. Its only purpose would be to provide material of a petty and misleading kind for pro-Bolshevik propaganda in this country. I shall therefore ask the House to support me in declining to waste the time of the War Office staff on such a matter.

On the other hand, I am willing to have a calculation made of the looses incurred after the date when some definite decision of policy was taken, for instance, the telegram of the five great Powers (Great Britain France, the United States, Italy, and Japan) sent to Admiral Koltchak on the 3rd July last year promising him a continuance of Allied support; or the decision of the War Cabinet of the 27th June, 1919, authorising an advance to be made on Kotlas for the purpose of disengaging the British forces in North Russia and enabling the evacuation to be completed without interference from the enemy; or the decision of the House of Commons on the 5th November, 1919, approving a further and final contribution in arms and money to General Denikin"— [Official REPORT, 15th July, 1920; cols. 2621-2, Vol. 131.]

asked the Primer Minister whether the French Premier announced in the Chamber of Deputies on 20th July that General Wrangel's Government would be recognised on condition that it assumed all the former engagements of Russia with foreign Governments; and whether the British Government agrees to recognise General Wrangel on this condition or dissociates itself from the French Government's policy on this matter?

A statement to the effect of that contained in the first part of the question appeared in the French Press, but I do not know whether or not it was accurate. The question of recognising General Wrangel's Government has never been presented to His Majesty's Government.

Will this be one of the subjects to be discussed at the conference with the Soviet Government?

I am not a prophet.

Can the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether M. Millerand did make the statement which was fully reported in the French papers?

I really do not think that is our business, and we ought not to go out of our way to find out the truth of what is said in these matters in the papers unless it directly affects ourselves.

Have His Majesty's Government had anything to do with General Wrangel since he broke his word and attacked after we had got an armistice?

We have said over and over again that we have no responsibility of any kind in this matter and we are having no communications with him. Perhaps it is hardly right to say that, because we communicated the Soviet proposal to them. Otherwise we are having no communications with General Wrangel at all.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement referred to was made by M. Millerand arising out of the Spa Conference?

I still adhere to the answer I have given.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether information has reached the Government from the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean that the Bolshevists at Baku, in violation of their promise to transfer the British prisoners to a villa outside the town, are keeping fifty British prisoners confined in one small room in the central prison, where they are suffering from heat and vermin, while all but two of the French prisoners have been released; if he will say by what steps on the part of the French Government the release of French prisoners has been procured; and whether the Government are taking any urgent measures to save the lives of such of the British naval and military prisoners as may have survived, so far, the torture of the Black Hole of Baku?

The Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean telegraphs that Commander Luke, who has just arrived at Constantinople from Tiflis, which, however, is at a great distance from Baku, has given the report contained in the first part of the question. We have been putting the strongest possible pressure on the Soviet Government in regard to this matter. That Government has disclaimed responsibility for the Azerbaijan Republic, and has told us that the reports of ill-treatment were unfounded. We have, however, received this morning a telegram from the Soviet Government, and, as this subject is, in my opinion, so important, I shall, with the leave of the House, read that message and the reply which we have sent to it:

M. Litvinoff states he is informed by Azerbaijan Government that members of British Mission in Baku are treated most humanely. Previous reports received by His Majesty's Government about ill-treatment of British in Russia have proved to be inaccurate which now, he continues, seems the case concerning prisoners in Baku.

Equally inaccurate is information in possession of His Majesty's Government about the mutual (? relations) between Government of Azerbaijan Independent Republic and Commander of Russian troops.

M. Litvinoff protests in his Government's name against decision to suspend repatriation of Russian prisoners. Russian Government have practically carried out agreement except for few men left in Siberia, whilst His Majesty's Government have failed to take any steps for repatriation of many hundreds of Russians in their hands. Russian Government are most anxious, he states, that agreement should be fulfilled in its entirety as soon as possible without any misunderstandings, and with this object in view he suggests that His Majesty's Government should appoint day on which complete exchange could take place, on Finnish or Esthonian frontier, of all Russians in British Empire, against British subjects left in Russia.

Russian Government would be prepared to use their influence to induce Azerbaijan Government to bring to frontier, on appointed day, all British subjects detained in Baku.

The following is the reply:

Please inform M. Litvinoff that our latest information is that British prisoners at Baku are receiving most inhumane treatment.

We are, however, prepared, as indeed we always have been, to repatriate all Russian citizens in the British Empire as soon as the Soviet Government repatriates all British subjects in Russia and at Baku. We therefore accept M. Litvinoff's proposal for complete exchange of British and Russians at date and place to be fixed later, and will make arrangements to this effect as soon as we learn that the Soviet Government will secure repatriation to this country of all British subjects whatsoever, without any exceptions, who wish to return, including those detained at Baku.

Until the belief, which is widely held and is greatly exciting British public opinion, that these prisoners are being inhumanely treated has been dissipated, it must be obvious to the Soviet Government that the pending negotiations must be futile.

May I add, though I cannot give details beyond what is referred to in my answer, that in my opinion we have done everything we can to secure the release of these prisoners?

Do I understand that the statement derived from the British Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean is only contradicted on the reliability of the word of M. Litvinoff from the Baltic, and have the Government taken any steps to verify the report of the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean, and are they aware that the Italian Government have a diplomatic representative at Baku, and have they inquired or tried to use the good offices of the Italian Government in order to find out definitely whether these men are being tortured to death or are not?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late Dutch Consul left Baku on 9th June and gave reliable information which is the exact contrary of that given by M. Litvinoff? He says these prisoners are not well treated.

We had, while the Dutch representative was at Baku, asked him to look after the prisoners. His information was that they were not satisfactorily treated, but I think we cannot accept as absolutely accurate statements which came through our representative at Tiflis, which I think is some 300 miles away, and which can only be obtained by refugees of one kind or another. I will make inquiry as to there being a regular Italian representative, but I rather think that is not the case.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that yesterday the Prime Minister said he could not hold the Soviet Government responsible for the condition of affairs in Baku, and unless he has distinct evidence that the Soviet Government is in a position to exercise effective control over the Government of Azerbaijan, is it not a mistake to make an exchange of prisoners in Russia depend on what happens in another place over which the Soviet Government may not be exercising control?

I do not think the Prime Minister put it quite as the hon. Member says. I think he said one of the difficulties was that Azerbaijan was an independent Republic and the Soviet Government disclaimed responsibility. That, of course, is true, but there is no doubt that they have great influence over it and the last past of the message I read showed that they recognise that and are prepared to exercise it.

Arising out of my right hon. Friend's statement that he did not know that the Italian Government was there represented, or doubted whether that was the case, is he aware that relatives of some of the imprisoned officers have actually been sent to the Italian Embassy by our own Foreign Office with notes of recommendation asking them to use their good offices. Can he explain how under these circumstances, and in view of the great gravity of the case he, representing the head of the Government here, is not aware of that fact?

The hon. Member ought to give notice of these details. The explanation seems to be quite simple. He cannot expect the Leader of the House to be acquainted with the details of every one of the offices.

In that case I ask your leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the failure of the Government to take adequate measures to save the lives of British prisoners undergoing close confinement and torture at Baku."

I do not understand what the hon. Member suggests the British Government should have done. The thing is too indefinite. I do not understand what measures he suggests the British Government should have taken to rescue these unfortunate men.

That is why I have asked leave to move the Adjournment of the House. I cannot suggest what measures should be taken in a question, "but I am perfectly prepared to suggest cogent measures if I have an opportunity of addressing the House. I therefore ask leave to move the Adjournment.

Will my right hon. Friend answer the last part of my hon. Friend's question, how the French got their prisoners repatriated?

No, I cannot, but I do not think it was the result of any diplomatic action. I do not know why we are less favourably treated, but it is the case.

May I ask leave on the ground I have stated to move the Adjournment of the House?

The pleasure of the House not having been signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places; and fewer than 40 Members having accordingly risen, the House proceeded to the Business of the Day.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the health of the British troops in Mesopotamia is satisfactory; and if he can state the ratio of sickness among the forces in Mesopotamia as compared with those in the United Kingdom?

For the first three months of this year the health of the British troops in Mesopotamia was very satisfactory, the sick rate being less than that in the United Kingdom. In April, the last month for which complete figures are available, the admission rate per l,000 of strength rose owing to the seasonal incidence of sandfly fever, giving an annual ratio of 890·4 per 1,000, compared with 644·6 per 1,000 in the United Kingdom. The incidence of sandfly fever increased during May and June, but is now declining rapidly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that British troops are not suffering severely from the climate of Mesopotamia at the present moment?

I think it is a very trying climate in Mesopotamia, owing to the fact that the troops, who are nominally discharging peace-time garrison duty, have not the permanent accommodation which, in other parts of the British Empire, they receive, and expect to receive, in time of peace.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any fresh information to give to the House regarding the recent fighting in Mesopotamia?

The garrison at Rumaitha was relieved on the 21st July, and has retired northwards to 4 miles south-west of Imam Hamaza. The Arabs are still carrying on their sporadic attacks on the railway and our posts. A column, composed of all arms, is shortly to proceed to the Kufa area to clear up the situation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to give any information about the casualties to the British force?

I was under the impression that had been given.

No.

Between 200 and 300 casualities were incurred, but chiefly among the Indian native units. I think five or six British officers were killed and wounded.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information that the Turks are co-operating with the Arabs?

No, they are a long way off, and separated from the Turkish Dominions by enormous stretches of intervening hill-traversed country. It may be that detached members of the Turkish forces, which used to exist in Mesopotamia, are assisting the Arabs and directing them, and we have had some evidence to that effect. There may be some non-commissioned officers or officers with them, but only a few.

Are there Syrian Arabs with them in Mesopotamia?

I should be rather shy of giving an answer to that without having an opportunity of verifying the facts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total estimated expenditure for the military and civil occupation of Mesopotamia in 1920–21; and whether he has information that that estimate will be exceeded, and by what amount?

I understand that the provisional estimate of expenditure on the civil administration of Mesopotamia for 1920–21 is about £7,000,000, exclusive of port and railway expenditure, which would be self-supporting. Final estimates cannot be put forward until a more stable condition is reached. It is not anticipated that any charge will fall on the British Exchequer in connection with civil administration. The provision in Army Estimates is shown on pages 16 and 17 of those Estimates, to which I would refer the right hon. Gentleman. The Air Force expenditure is estimated at £482,000. It is not possible to give a revised estimate of military expenditure at present, but I fear that an additional sum will be needed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the total military and Air Force expenditure estimated for the year 1920–21?

I have given the Air Force Expenditure, and I have referred the right hon. Gentleman to the Vote in which the military expenditure is given. I have not the figures before me.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the approximate annual cost of maintaining the present military forces in Persia?

The annual cost of the force in North-West Persia, calculated at the existing rate of the rupee, is approximately £5,000,000. This figure excludes the troops now in course of withdrawal from East Persia, referred to in my reply to Question No. 16.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will expedite matters with reference to all the points raised in the petition of 11th March last from the store warders of the Scottish prison service, with a view of assimilating their pay and conditions of service with the clerks and schoolmasters, a similar rank, in the prison service of England and Wales?

The petition to which my hon. Friend refers was carefully considered and a reply was sent last month. On one point further communication with the Treasury was necessary. I have now received the Treasury decision, which will be communicated to the store warders, and which will, I think, be satisfactory to them. I may add that suggested new scales of pay and war bonus have recently been submitted for all ranks of the subordinate prison staff, including store warders. These, I understand, will place the store warders in the same position as the clerk-schoolmaster class in England.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is going to be communicated to these people?

I shall be glad to give my hon. Friend the information if he will see me privately later.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps are being taken to carry out that part of the Report of the Rural Transport Committee which would make the derelict pier at Petersport, in Benbecula, available as a landing place for the island?

The needs of this district as regards communications are at present receiving my consideration in connection with the Report of the Rural Transport Committee, and a proposal for the construction of a pier at Lochcarnan.

asked whether the Board of Health have received any applications for a local resident doctor for the island of Benbecula; and, if so, whether the Board propose to take steps to satisfy this need?

Representations as to the need for a resident doctor in Ben- becula have been received by the Scottish Board of Health, and the matter is now being investigated by them.

asked whether the Board of Agriculture have received applications for small holdings from ex-service men and others in the island of Benbecula; and, if so, when the Board propose to have these claims met?

The Board have received 33 applications for new holdings and 24 applications for enlargements from the island of Benbecula. Fifteen of the applicants are, I understand, ex-service men. The Board are keeping in view the needs of the island in connection with the development of land settlement in the outer isles.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, by minutes of the Scottish Education Department of the 11th April and 9th December, 1919, both of which were laid before Parliament, it is provided that in respect of the year ending 15th May, 1920, there shall be paid to each education authority grants equal to a certain proportion of that authority's approved expenditure; that, in answer to an inquiry of the 7th June, 1919, from the education authority of Glasgow, the Department replied that the term approved expenditure means all such expenditure as is shown by the authority's account to have been properly and competently incurred and made and which is so certified by the Department's accountant in Edinburgh after the account has been duly audited; that notwithstanding the said minutes and and the Department's interpretation thereof and the Glasgow authority's procedure in accordance therewith and on such understanding the Department are proposing to disapprove, for the purpose of a grant, of a part of the Glasgow authority's expenditure, though such part is not disapproved of as improperly or in competently incurred; that an action in the Court of Session has been raised by the Glasgow authority against the Department to have it found that the Department's attitude is unsound; and that by the minutes of the Department, dated 30th June and 9th July, 1920, which are at present before Parliament, the Department are endeavouring to place a different construction on these earlier minutes and to amend them retrospectively; and whether, under such circumstances, he will give instructions for the withdrawal of the said minutes of 30th June and 9th July, 1920, till the said action in the Court of Session be determined?

The answer to the first two parts of the question and also to the fourth part is in the affirmative. The third and the fifth parts relate to matters which can more conveniently and properly be dealt with in Debate upon the policy underlying the minutes of 30th June and 9th July now lying upon the Table of the House. An opportunity can, if it is desired, be found for this purpose when the Scottish Estimates are under discussion. I am willing to extend the time during which the minutes must lie upon the Table until after the date in question. To the last part of the question the answer 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 12 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.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of these 71,000 telegrams from the Government Departments have priority over private telegrams?

I should like notice of that: these figures refer to over a year ago—1919.

But in the ordinary way, do all Government telegrams get precedence over ordinary telegrams?

Not necessarily; in some urgent cases they do.

Are all these Government telegrams paid for at the ordinary rate?

If they are sent by a private company, I should imagine they are.

Would the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Government Departments concerned to the grave inconvenience to the commercial interests caused by congestion on the lines by sending 200 Government telegrams a day?

asked the Postmaster-General what notice he proposes to give the public of any changes in the charges for the use of telephones?

Before the new rates are applied, the existing agreement with each subscriber will be terminated by the period of notice prescribed therein, which is usually three months.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the inhabitants of the village of Bettws Garmon, in Carnarvonshire, are being asked, with his sanction and authority, to guarantee the sum of £27 per annum to cover an alleged deficit on the telegraph service; whether he is aware that the closing of this office would cause inconvenience to the district; and whether it is the policy of his Department to close every office in rural districts which shows a working loss?

At Bettws Garmon the number of telegrams handed in during the past year has not averaged two a week; and as there is another telegraph office within about 2 miles, I do not feel justified in continuing without a guarantee facilities of which so limited a use is made. The policy generally is to keep open telegraph offices in rural districts even if they show a working loss, provided reasonable use is made of the facilities. In the present exceptional case, it is only with much reluctance that I have decided to close the office.

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of : 41. To ask the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the estimates of the Ealing local pensions committee were sent to the Ministry on the 18th June, and the subject was again pressed upon the attention of the Ministry on 10th July without result, no reply whatever having been received, and that in consequence the work is being carried on without direct authority; and whether he will personally inquire into this attitude towards the local committee whereby its efforts to administer the work is being deliberately frustrated?

When answering this question, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why it was not answered as a written question on Thursday last?

I will answer the question which the hon. and learned Gentleman has put down for to-day. The annual estimate of expenditure submitted by the committee contained items of proposed expenditure which were considered inadmissible and considerable investigation and correspondence has been necessary in order to rectify them. Pending settlement of the matters at issue, funds have been advanced on requisition by the local committee to enable them to carry on their work and approval has now been given to such items in the estimates as are not questioned. In the latest communication from the local committee, that of the 10th July, it is stated that the matters at issue will be further considered by the committee at their next meeting, but no subsequent reply has been received. I am satisfied that no delay has occurred in dealing with this matter other than was necessary to secure the proper administration of public funds.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the Ealing Local Pensions Committee is being studiously neglected by the officials of the Ministry with the evident object of rendering their work impossible; whether he is aware that repeated applications for a supply of official books and stationery has produced no response and that the local administration of pensions is being seriously hampered by this policy of neglect; whether he has received a resolution unanimously passed by the Committee on the 13th instant asking him to receive a deputation for the purpose of drawing his attention to the grievances of the Committee and the serious difficulties under which they have been working for some time past by reason of the action of the officials of the Ministry; and whether he will afford the Committee the interview sought?

In connection with the first part of my hon. Friend's question I would remind him of his question of the 8th instant, in which he drew attention to the number of visits paid to the offices of this Committee by inspectors and auditors of the Ministry. Inspection of the Ealing Local Committee is proceeding in the normal manner. All applications for stationery have been met without avoidable delay, and the last demand from the Committee was, I am informed, complied with within ten days of its receipt. I am unable to trace the receipt of the resolution referred to, and until my right hon. Friend is in a position to know the grounds on which an interview is desired he is unable in advance to accede to the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman know that the Committee have threatened to resign because their work has been wholly frustrated by the Ministry for months past?

I am aware that my hon. Friend has put down a statement in his question that the Ministry are deliberately frustrating the administration of this Committee. I am also aware that he has been informed by the Minister that there was a serious failure to keep adequate accounts of the cash transactions of that Local Committee.

I beg to give notice that, when the House adjourns for the Summer Vacation, I shall call attention to the way this Committee has been treated by the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Food whether he anticipates that there will be a shortage of food before the end of the coming winter; and, if so, what commodities will be especially short and rationed?

Apart from sugar and butter, of which there is a world shortage, I do not, on present prospects of supplies, anticipate such a shortage of any other foodstuff before the end of the coming winter as would be likely to necessitate rationing.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to a statement by Councillor Webster, of Macclesfield, that a quantity of flour has been stored at the Beehive Mill, Bollington, since the early part of the War; that this flour is maggoty and unfit for human food; that the Ministry of Food has issued instructions that this flour shall be sold locally owing to the cost of transport; and that a large quantity is at the present moment being sold to bakers in the borough of Macclesfield; whether these facts are correct; if so, whether he will take steps to prevent the distribution of food unfit for human food; and, if the statement is incorrect, whether he will cause the statement to be denied?

My attention has been called to the statement in question, which is untrue in every particular. There is no ground whatever for this aspersion upon the conduct of the efficient officers whose duty it is to inspect at regular monthly intervals the stocks of flour belonging to the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies lying at warehouses and mills.

Then will the hon. Gentleman take steps to prosecute Councillor Webster for making an untrue statement?

asked the Minister of Food if he will state what are the different Departments now in existence in the office of the Divisional Food Com missioner, the duties attached to each, and the number of staff in each; what are the functions of the district food offices; how many are there in the area of each Divisional Food Commissioner; and what population is attached to each food office?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on the 29th June last. The organisation of the individual offices naturally varies to some extent, and it is not possible within the limits of a Parliamentary reply to give a detailed account of the distribution of the work in each office and the number of staff employed in each section. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bradford, Central, on the 9th June last. As regards the last two parts of the question, a printed list of district food offices, snowing the division in which each office is situated and its population, will shortly be available. I shall be pleased to send a copy to the hon. Member if he desires.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiry to ascertain whether there is any overlapping or duplication of work between the office of the District Commissioner and the staffs at the local offices?

The regional organisation of the Ministry of Food has quite recently been subjected to the most careful overhauling. I have no reason to suppose that such overlapping exists, but if any further information can be given, of course, I will make inquiry.

asked the Minister of Food whether his Department has any knowledge that jam combines are operating in this country; and whether he will invite the Australian Government to ship larger supplies of jam to this country?

This subject is at present being investigated by a Sub-Committee of the Central Committee on Trusts, whose Report, it is understood, will be issued shortly, and any questions on this subject should therefore be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. With regard to the second part of the question, I am glad to be able to say that there are now substantial quantities of Colonial jams in this country, and the market possibilities are thoroughly well known to importers of these jams.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state how many police controls were in operation in the metropolitan police area for detecting infringements of the Motor Car Act between a.m. 24th July and p.m. 26th July; how many police officers were employed, and with what success; and were any cases of dangerous driving reported?

There were 107 controls during the three days. Eighty officers were employed. One hundred and sixty-one cases were reported by the officers on control duty for prosecution, of which none related to dangerous driving. Five cases of dangerous driving were detected by police on ordinary duty during the period.

Would not all this expense be saved if habitual offenders were sent to goal without the option of a fine?

asked the Home Secretary whether drivers of public service vehicles desiring a licence to ply for hire in the metropolitan police area are required to pass any test in the rules of the road and traffic signalling; whether any such test has to be passed by vehicles for private hire in the same area; and whether any tests of a similar nature are required of similar classes of vehicles outside the Metropolitan area?

The examination for the drivers of public vehicles includes a practical test in observance of the rules of the road and the giving of signals to following vehicles. There is no power to impose any similar test in the case of vehicles for private hire. I believe that driving tests are imposed by some of the large provincial licensing authorities for drivers of public vehicles, but I have no jurisdiction in the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Lord Balfour of Burleigh, who is drawing an ex-Cabinet Minister's pension of £1,200 per annum is chairman of seven companies and a director of four other companies; that he is about to receive a large sum as compensation for loss of his fees as chairman of the Pacific Phosphate Company; and whether, to meet such a case, he will take steps to revise the existing regulations governing ex-Cabinet Ministers' pensions, having regard to the principle laid down by Section 6 of 4 and 5 William IV., c. 24, i.e., that a pension is to be granted on a consideration not only of services performed by the individual for the State, but also of the inadequacy of his private fortune to maintain his station in life?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Lord Balfour of Burleigh, who is drawing a pension of £1,200 per annum as an ex-Cabinet Minister, is a chairman of seven different companies and a director of four other companies; that he is about to receive a large sum as compensation for loss of fees as chairman of the Pacific Phosphate Company; whether it is laid down by Section 6 of 4 and 5 William IV. that a pension is to be granted on a consideration not only of services rendered by the individual to the State but also of the inadequacy of his private fortune to maintain his station in life; and whether, as the latter point cannot apply, he will take steps to have such pension revised.

The statements made in the questions do not, I am informed, accurately represent the facts. The number of companies with which Lord Balfour of Burleigh is connected is overstated and, in the case of some of them, the work is done without fee. At the time his pension was granted he satisfied the Treasury authorities that the conditions laid down in the Act were fulfilled in spirit and in letter. As a matter of fact, Lord Balfour's estate in Scotland—owing to its heavy burdens—yielded little revenue and is now yielding none. The compensation payment referred to has not been made, but Lord Balfour is well aware of the purpose with which such pensions are granted and has fully realised his duty to give it up if his private circumstances should so improve as to put him in a position that the object with which the pension is granted should not apply to him.

Let me add that few men, if any, not only during the War, but at all times, have done greater or more useful unpaid public work that Lord Balfour—indeed, since 1875 there has not been a single year in which he has not rendered valuable unpaid public service.

asked the Prime Minister how many of the plebiscites provided for in the peace treaties have been completed; and whether he can state their results?

The plébiscites at present completed are those in Schleswig and in the Allenstein and Marienwerder districts of East Prussia. The Schleswig voting took place separately in two zones divided by a line fixed by the treaty. The northern zone having, by a large majority, voted for Denmark, has been incorporated in that country. The southern zone voted for, and remains included in, Germany. The plebiscites in the Allenstein and Marienwerder districts have resulted in large German majorities except in a few small communes. The determination of the exact frontier lines in accordance with these results is a matter engaging the attention of the Ambassadors' Conference at this moment.

Have any of the troops been withdrawn from areas where the plebiscites have been completed?

That is a question of which notice should be given.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister for War refers us to the Foreign Office?

No. I answer all the questions with reference to plébiscites.

Can we be assured that the results of the plebiscites will be followed by the Supreme Council?

I am afraid I do not gather what the hon. and gallant Member means.

These plébiscites having been largely in favour of Germany, can we be assured that the Supreme Council will agree to them, and decide the boundaries accordingly, and not override those decisions?

The Supreme Council will carry out the Peace Treaty.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Germany is under contract for three years to deliver to the Allies 35,000 tons of benzol per annum; and, if so, will he state how much of this benzol is being delivered for British consumption, the purposes for which it is used, and, if it is being used for public use, the name of the buyer and the price at which it is sold?

I have been asked to answer this question. The terms of the Peace Treaty provide for the delivery to France only of 35,000 tons of benzol a year for three years. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether Germany has declared its neutrality in the war between Russia and Poland; and, if so, whether this neutrality will be respected by the Allied Powers?

I have nothing to add to the reply which was given yesterday to the hon. Member for Rothwell.

Is it a fact that there is no truth in the story from Germany that three trainloads of troops have gone through Germany in British uniforms and have been sent to Czecho-Slavakia?

The hon. and gallant Member must know that that report is ridiculous.

asked the Prime Minister if he can give any information as to the result of the advice tendered to the Polish Government to approach the Soviet Government directly on the question of an armistice?

The Polish Government have received (in reply to their application to the Soviet Government) a wireless message from the Soviet Government stating that the Soviet High Command has been instructed to enter into immediate negotiations with the Polish High Command with regard to the time and place of meeting for armistice negotiations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the meantime hostilities are proceeding?

I am afraid they are.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish the return showing the amount of capital invested by the Government in industrial undertakings?

The return is in the hands of the printers and will be issued as soon as possible.