asked the Prime Minister whether the Imperial Cabinet, the establishment of which as a permanent part of the constitutional machinery of the Empire was announced by him to the House of Commons on 17th May, 1917, is still in existence; and, if so, of whom it is composed and when it last met?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full answer which I gave on the 4th May to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd). I may add that the last meeting at which Dominion representatives were present was just before the Spa Conference.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the high prices of sugar, he will consider the advisability of a scheme for the purchase of this necessary article of food on an international basis and the pooling of the world's supply?

Such a scheme was, in fact, in operation during 1918 and 1919. It was, however, brought to an end at the close of 1919 upon the withdrawal from the arrangement of the Government of the United States of America. I have no reason to suppose that it would now be possible to renew it.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the present high prices of potatoes, he proposes to take any action to prevent any undue privation during the coming winter?

The prices of potatoes have fallen within the last few days to a point substantially below the maximum prices fixed by the Order controlling last year's crop. No sufficient data are yet available for an estimate of the 1920 crop, but the information so far received does not indicate a probable shortage.

asked the Minister of Food if, having regard to the powers desired to be assumed by his Department under the Ministry of Food (Continuance) Bill, now authorised under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, his Department will have authority to requisition shipping, either for coastal or foreign trading, after the Declaration of Peace, without obtaining the sanction of this House?

The answer is in the negative. Without fresh legislative sanction there will be no power to requisition shipping, either for coastal or foreign trading, after the termination of the War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the number of officials and employés under his Department, together with their cost in salaries and allowances and expenses, in the respective years 1913–14 and 1919–20; and whether he has formed any estimate of the increased cost to the ratepayers of counties by reason of the increased administrative responsibilities imposed or proposed to be imposed upon county councils?

The staff of the Ministry (excluding the Ordnance Survey) numbered 659 in 1913–14 and the cost amounted to £162,602. In 1919–20 the corresponding figures were 2,050 and £572,337. The increase of staff is due to the greater responsibilities falling on the Ministry as a result of war conditions and of new legislation, but although increased duties have also been imposed on county councils in connection with the development of the Ministry's work, particularly in regard to land settlement and the establishment of the County Agricultural Committees, I am not aware that any increased burden has been imposed on the county ratepayers by any of the legislation promoted by the Ministry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he has considered the advisability of abandoning the publication entitled "Return of Market Prices," since most of its information has already appeared in the public Press; and whether, if its publication is to be continued, he can at least charge a penny or more for it to defray the expenses of its 12-sheet publication, and thus reduce the expenses of his Department?

The Ministry is of opinion that the discontinuance of the Return of Market Prices would not be in the interests of agriculture, as there is evidence that the return is not only much appreciated by farmers, but is of direct value to them. I cannot agree that most of the information has already appeared in the Press, on the contrary, the reports on markets given in the return are reproduced in a large number of newspapers. A charge of 1d. per copy was formerly made, but in view of the difficulty of selling it in country districts, it was felt that more beneficial results would be obtained by its free distribution. The free issue of the publication is in accordance with the general policy of the Ministry to give assistance to agriculturists by disseminating reliable information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture why, seeing that a definite invitation was made by the Ministry to the Agricultural Organisation Society to submit a list of persons deemed desirable to sit on the county small holdings and allotments sub-committees, no such invitation was made to the National Union of Allotment Holders; whether, as the union represents 250,000 allotment holders, an invitation for nominations will yet be made to it, and the appointment of persons so nominated will be made by the Minister in at least equal numbers to those appointed on the nomination of the Agricultural Organisation Society; how many persons nominated by the Agricultural Organisation Society have been appointed; and whether certain of those appointed on the recommendation of that body represent interests other than those of allotment holders?

It is not the case that a definite invitation was sent by the Ministry to the Agricultural Organisation Society to submit names. The society asked the Ministry if they might do so, and they were informed that the Minister would be prepared to consider any suggestions they desired to make. A similar reply was given to the National Union of Allotment Holders, but I am not prepared to undertake in the case of any outside body that any of the persons they may suggest will necessarily be appointed. Up to the present the Minister has appointed two persons suggested by the Agricultural Organisation Society as members of the county small holdings and allotments committees. I have no reason to think that they represent interests other than those of allotments, as they were selected in view of their interest in co-operation, which is of equal importance to allotment holders as to any other class of producers.

asked the Minister of Health what grant is now payable to a private person who builds a cottage; whether this is payable to one who builds a flat (of the same accommodation) above an existing building; and, if not, the reason?

Under normal circumstances a grant varying from £260 to £230, according to the accommodation provided, is payable in respect of a cottage complying with the conditions laid down. Reduced grants are payable, in respect of timber framed cottages and cottages not completed by the 23rd December, 1920 (it is, however, proposed to extend this period by a further year). Generally speaking, flats are eligible for subsidies on the same terms as other houses, subject to the sanction of my Department, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will send me details of any particular case he has in mind I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has been informed that at a meeting of the Camberwell Metropolitan Borough Council, held on 14th July, it was resolved that representations be made to him that, in the opinion of the Council, the reduction in the assessments of large properties sanctioned by the Assessment Committee on Appeals from the last and previous quinquennial valuation lists, by which the entire rateable value of the borough has been considerably lowered, causing a proportionate loss in rates, calls for a public inquiry into the pecuniary interest of members involved and certain practices contrary to custom and good public policy, pointing out that the reduction of rateable values on licensed premises, music halls, and cinemas alone amounts to £5,289 and loss in rates, up to September, 1920, to £12,649 10s. 6d., and that other large business and private premises are considerably reduced, whereby the poorer classes of ratepayers suffer increased taxation, and directing his attention to the fact, as recorded in the minutes of the Assessment Committee and the list of appeals granted in 1910 and 1915, that a councillor and member of the finance committee frequently acted as agent for appellants, his terms, as stated in his circular, being a fee payable in the event of a reduction being secured equal to one-half of the first year's saving in rates and taxes; whether he is aware of the feeling on the matter amongst the ratepayers of the borough; whether he will institute an inquiry as requested by the borough council; and, if so, the date on which such inquiry is to take place?

I have received the resolution mentioned, but the matters referred to therein are not matters as to which I have any statutory power to hold an inquiry. I observe that the resolution refers to appeals from the assessments made at the last quinquennial valuation in 1915, and not to the valuation now in progress, and I may point out that the Valuation (Metropolis) Act, 1869, provides for appeals to Quarter Sessions against decisions of the Assessment Committee.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a communication, dated 25th June, from his Department to the clerk to the Guardians of the Bedwellty Union stated that he hoped shortly to introduce legislation providing for the payment of reasonable travelling expenses and subsistence allowances in the case of members of a Local Authority attending meetings of the Authority or of Committees; and whether this letter was authorised?

The letter to which my right hon. Friend refers was sent by my direction. The legislation which I contemplate preparing will deal with travelling expenses and subsistence allowances to members of local authorities, but not with compensation for loss of remunerative time.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are taken to maintain and stimulate the welfare work in factories initiated during the War?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Home Office obtained statutory powers in 1916 to make Orders requiring the provision of welfare arrangements in factories, and a number of such Orders have been made for different classes of works, dealing with the provision of messrooms and cloakrooms, washing facilities, first aid and ambulance, and other matters. The factory inspectors enforce these Orders, and it is also part of their ordinary routine when visiting works to investigate the welfare conditions and to promote the development of welfare work. The Home Office has also endeavoured to assist and stimulate voluntary action on the part of employers. A series of official pamphlets has been issued explaining the principles on which welfare work is based and dealing with it in detail in its different aspects. Confer- ences have been held with representatives of the universities, of employers and workpeople, of welfare workers and others on the important question of the selection and training of welfare workers, and generally on the development of welfare work. When opportunity has offered, the subject has also been pressed on the attention of the Joint Industrial Councils. I am glad to state that the reports of the factory inspectors show that a widespread and increasing interest is being taken in this work and that steady progress is being made in the introduction and improvement of welfare arrangements.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Akaba is administered by the High Commissioner for Palestine, or whether it forms part of Syria or the Hedjaz?

Akaba is not being administered by the High Commissioner for Palestine. Until the respective frontiers have been determined, it is not possible to say within what country it will eventually lie.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether mandates for conquered German territories will be conferred upon any nation against whose proposed guardianship the inhabitants have formally protested;

(2) what steps are being taken by the Supreme Council to ascertain the wishes of the inhabitants of conquered German territories with reference to the mandates?

I presume these questions are intended to refer to Togoland. The House has already been informed that in spite of petitions received from certain inhabitants of the French Togoland against their inclusion in French territory, it is not possible to modify arrangements arrived at as part of a general inter-Allied agreement. The House may, however, rest assured that in the allocation of the ex-German territories decided upon in the summer of 1919, the provisions of Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations were most carefully borne in mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position with regard to the liquidation by Austria of pre-War trade liabilities; and whether payments made on account of moneys owed to Austria are being held as a set-off pending settlement?

I have been asked to reply. An Order in Council will be published almost immediately prescribing the method of administration of Austrian property in this country. It is not proposed to establish a clearing office, but the property in this country of Austrian nationals and the debts owing to them will be vested in an administrator as security for the balance of the debts and claims owing to British nationals which cannot be recovered direct.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Nationalist Turks have any diplomatic or other representatives in Damascus?

His Majesty's Government are unaware of the presence of any such representatives.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is now the international status of those inhabitants of Palestine who were Ottoman subjects by birth; and are they British subjects or is there now a Palestinian nationality?

The international status of inhabitants of Palestine who were Ottoman subjects by birth will not be changed so long as the Treaty of Peace with Turkey has not come into force. When it does come into force such persons will become citizens of Palestine, subject to a right to opt for another nationality in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether recruiting for the Arab army is permitted or is in progress among the inhabitants of Palestine?

No such recruiting is permitted; if it is in progress it is being carried on without the knowledge or authority of the High Commissioner.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is at present considered to be the northern limit of the administrative authority of the Government of Damascus?

I have no information as to the exact area over which the administrative authority of the Government of Damascus extends.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give the name or names of the official or officials responsible for dealing with the case of the disabled soldier, residing at Farnham, whose case was referred to the Ministry by the Surrey War Pensions Committee on 22nd May, but which had not been dealt with, in spite of innumerable requests, on 3rd July, upon which day the soldier died; and what disciplinary action has been taken?

The provision of treatment in cases, such as this, of tuberculosis rests solely with the Ministry of Health, and I understand that the Local Committee brought this case to the knowledge of the Insurance. Committee and the Tuberculosis Officer, in accordance with instructions at the end of May, and the treatment prescribed was provided early in June. The function of the Ministry of Pensions in this case was to assess the claim for pension under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant and where necessary to authorise the payment of allowances during treatment by the special procedure applicable to cases of urgency. Unfortunately the Local Com- mittee appears to have made the initial mistake of communicating with the Commissioner of Medical Services for the Region instead of directly with the Deputy-Commissioner who is resident in the district of the Committee concerned, as they are instructed to do in cases of urgency. This led to confusion and to the case being treated as a claim for pension only. I am satisfied, however, that there was serious delay on the part of the Regional staff in dealing with the case, and I am causing full inquiry to be made into the matter. I shall not hesitate to take disciplinary action when I have ascertained to whom responsibility for the delay is to be assigned.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that authority for payment of pension was issued on 9th February, 1920, to the Superintendent Pension Issue Office, Baker Street, by the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, in the case of J. P. Kaye, No 4,515, late acting-sergeant, Leinster Regiment, of 16, Clare Street, Manchester, Reference A. 2,627, Rev. Board 2, R. 6 R. H. C.; that the Pension Issue Office has written to Mr. Kaye on 8th July, S. A. C. 866, that it has received no such authority; and whether he will direct the immediate issue of a new pension book to this ex-soldier, in view of his needs and long service?

I am glad to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that authority for payment of all arrears, together with pension at the new rate, has now been issued. I regret to say that some delay unfortunately occurred owing to documents being mislaid in transit between Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of discharged soldiers whose pensions have been reduced and the number whose pensions have been discontinued for the last six months of 1919 and the first six months of 1920?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Pensions on what grounds the Appeal Tribunal refused to allow the claim of Mrs. C. E. Hopwood to a pension in connection with her husband, Rifleman F. W. Hopwood, No. R. 121,973, late King's Royal Rifles, Winchester; whether this man was discharged from the Army on 2nd January, 1918, as unfit for service owing to nephritis; whether he drew a pension till the time of his death in September, 1917; whether it is stated on the man's death certificate that influenza was the cause of death; whether the man's panel doctor gave it as his opinion that nephritis was a contributory cause of his: death; whether, in view of the fact that Hopwood was discharged from the Army for nephritis, and was held to be entitled to a pension till the time of his death, the widow is entitled to a pension; and whether the widow is at present in receipt of a compassionate allowance of 6s. 10d. a week on which to keep herself and three children?

The facts as to this case are substantially as stated in the question, except that the man's death occurred in October, 1918. The grounds on which the Appeal Tribunal decided in favour of the finding of the Ministry and against Mrs. Hopwood's claim are a matter which concerns that body alone, since the Tribunal is an independent Court of Appeal. I have no reason to doubt that the full evidence in the case was before the Tribunal. Mrs. Hopwood has been awarded the pension appropriate to her case under Article 17 of the Royal Warrant

asked the Secretary of. State for India the names of places and the dates where, on 36 or 37 occasions, as he stated, it has been found necessary by the military and/or civil authorities within the past few years to fire upon assemblies of people in India; and how many were killed or wounded upon each occasion?

The hon. Member's question is based on a misapprehension as to my statement in this House on the 8th instant. My statement was that there were 37 instances of firing during the terribly dangerous disturbances of last year. Particulars as to the killed and wounded are given in Lord Hunter's Committee's Report.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a Sub-Committee of the Committee on National Expenditure is at present investigating the work of the Board of Trade and the Sugar Commission, and has already warned the Ministry of Agriculture that it will be the next Department to be examined; and whether, in view of this, he proposes to appoint further Committees with a similar reference?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers I have given on this subject to the hon. Members for Barnstaple (Captain Tudor Rees) and Macclesfield (Mr. Remer) on the 13th and 21st instant respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now fix a date for the next issue of the amended form of the Return 218, of 1919, of public expenditure under various Acts, as promised on 14th June last, with a view of better checking certain forms of national waste?

The Return was ordered last Thursday, and part of it is already in the printer's hands.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Mint has ceased, for the time being, to issue silver coinage or whether the issue has been materially, and to what extent, reduced; and whether, having regard to the inconvenience caused by the shortage of small silver coins, he will arrange for an immediate issue of shillings and sixpences, either of the old or the new pattern?

Pending the completion of a substantial quantity of the new silver coin, practically no silver coin is being issued by the Royal Mint. I have received no evidence of any serious shortage of small coin. Steps have been taken through the banks to arrange the distribution of supplies to the best advantage, pending the issue in a few months' time of the new coin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will explain the arrangements now contemplated with regard to the exhibition proposed to be held next year in connection with the British Empire; whether a body was actually formed to carry out the scheme under influential patronage and without profit; whether, and why, the Board of Trade refused to allow such body to be duly registered, and why the Board of Trade prefers to insist upon such project costing money for the State to pay and imposing upon the scheme a set of paid officials; and whether the Board has appointed a gentleman of £5,000 a year from 1st January, 1920, to take charge and make all the appointments which might have been carried out without cost and without official interference?

I am glad to have this opportunity of removing misunderstandings which appear to exist with regard to the projected British Empire Exhibition. Early last year the Government were approached by two independent bodies, both formed with the object of organising an Imperial Exhibition in London. One of these bodies was styled the "British Dominions Exhibition, Limited," and the other the "London Great Exhibition." These two bodies agreed, in July of last year, to amalgamate, and a joint Provisional Committee was then formed, under the chairmanship of Lord Morris, comprising representatives of both organisations. The project initiated by this Provisional Committee has since been fully developed, and a company, limited by guarantee, has been incorporated for the purpose of organising and administering the proposed exhibition.

The exhibition, which is under the patronage of His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, received the approval of His Majesty's Government, who propose at an early date to lay before Parliament a Bill ask- ing for authority to participate in the Guarantee Fund to the extent of £100,000, provided that guarantees from other sources to an amount of not less than £500,000 are given. The control and management of the exhibition are vested in an Executive Council composed of influential representatives of the principal interests involved. On this council there is one member appointed by the Board of Trade. The statement in the question that the Board of Trade "prefers to insist upon such project costing money for the State to pay and imposing upon the scheme a set of paid officials" is without foundation. The consideration of whether any, and what, officials were necessary lies with the Executive Council, which, like every other body which has ever carried through an important exhibition, finds a certain number of paid officials necessary. The Board of Trade have not made, nor have they the power to make, any appointments in connection with the proposed exhibition, though their approval must be obtained to the manager appointed by the Executive Council. The Executive Council have appointed a manager, whose name has been approved by the Board of Trade. It is hoped by all concerned that under the management of the Executive Council the exhibition will be self-supporting and that the Guarantee Fund will be required only for the purpose of providing the security upon which advances for necessary expenditure may be obtained from the banks until receipts are available from gate money and other sources.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the Report of the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation; and if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill at an early date embodying the recommendations of the Committee?

Yes, Sir. I have been carefully considering this Report. It is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation as soon as practicable, but they have not yet had time to decide on the Committee's recommendations which, as the hon. Member will be aware, involve important and far-reaching changes in the existing system.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the announcements made by the Lord Chancellor of the list of women justices, he can state what similar appointments have been made up to the present in the County of Lancashire?

Thirty-one women justices have been appointed up to the present for the County of Lancashire and 20 for the boroughs.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies if the Kenya Government have appointed a Commission to inquire into allegations of profiteering in that Colony; and if, amongst the five persons constituting the Commission, no Indian is included, notwithstanding that the greater part of the trade is carried on by Indian merchants?

I have no information on the point, but inquiry will be made of the Governor.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the case of Messrs. Aston and Mander will be set down for trial before the long vacation; and whether he is aware that, in spite of the official assurance that no unnecessary delay has arisen or will arise in bringing the case to trial, this case is not yet set down for trial?

My hon. Friend will be glad to know that the case of Messrs. Aston and Mander has now been set down for trial.

asked the Minister of Transport under the authority of what Act of Parliament the railway companies are ignoring the provisions of the Acts of Parliament requiring every railway company to run at least one train, commonly called a parliamentary train, in each direction a day on which passengers can travel at a fare not exceeding 1d. a mile; and whether such trains could even now be run profitably in the early hours of the morning?

I presume my hon. and learned Friend has in mind Section 6 of the Railway Regulation Act, 1844. This Section was repealed, as far as Great Britain is concerned, by the Cheap Trains Act, 1883.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can make any statement as to the intentions of the Government with respect to the introduction of the Licensing Bill and the Bill regulating the hours of labour?

I regret that it is not possible to proceed with either of these Bills before the Recess.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Territorial Force will only be liable to service overseas in case of emergency so serious as to require the consent of Parliament to a General Service Act or whether the Territorial Force would be liable to be sent out of the country after an Act of Parliament authorising their despatch overseas had been passed, whilst men of military age who had not joined the Territorial Force would not be liable; whether he is aware that doubt as to the liability to serve overseas is having a prejudicial effect on recruiting; and whether he will take steps to see that the decision arrived at is made public?

No member of the Territorial Army would be liable to be sent out of the country until an Act of Parliament had been passed authorising the despatch of the Territorial Army overseas. No recruit should be in doubt as to the position as it is clearly stated in the pamphlets given to intending officers and men.