asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has yet made any representations to Allied Governments with a view to securing some pension for disabled British nurses who did not serve under contract with the British Government; and, if so, what reply has been received?

As my hon. and gallant Friend has not yet furnished me with particulars of the cases he has in mind, I am not in a position to take the steps which he suggests.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can give, approximately, the cause of death of the officers and men who have died since pensions were granted them?

I regret that in view of the regrettably numerous cases involved, the information desired could not be furnished except with a very great deal of research and labour, which I cannot ask my staff to undertake.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how many died from tuberculosis?

I cannot say. I have already mentioned that there are 30,000 men concerned, and that it would require an enormous amount of work.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that complaints are being made all over the country as to the delay in the payment of pensions; whether he can assign any cause; and whether any immediate improvement can be anticipated?

I am well aware that frequent cases of delay have occurred in the past few months, but, as I have stated in reply to similar questions, every effort is being made, and I think with success, to remedy defects so far as these are attributable to the machinery of issue and are not due to negligence or errors on the part of pensioners in carrying out instructions. I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is having my close personal attention.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how it is that these delays have become more noticeable recently?

I am afraid that I do not agree with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the empowering of local War Pension Committees to administer grants to disabled discharged soldiers pending official decisions in their various cases?

Local Committees are at present authorised to make advances of pension to disabled men under the conditions laid down by the Regulations in cases of urgency where there is reasonable evidence of entitlement to pension. I do not consider that any extension of these powers is called for.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Staff-sergeant-farrier Charles Chick, of Cross Keys, Monmouthshire, late 2972/2 Monmouthshire battery, 2/4th Welsh Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was discharged from the Army suffering from hernia and heart disease contracted whilst in the service; that in 1914, when called up as a Territorial, the local examining doctor passed him as A 1, and that later he was examined at Shrewsbury with the same result; that when examined by the appeal tribunal at Cardiff they decided against him, saying that his present condition was not attributable to War service; is he aware that four local doctors, some of whom have known him for many years, agree that he is suffering from the above complaints, but from their previous knowledge of the man maintain that it was contracted whilst in the Army; that they refuse to give a certificate of fitness for work, with the result that the colliery company will not re-employ him; that he is in consequence left without any means of subsistence; and will he take steps to have him re-examined, and also allow these local doctors to be present when the examination takes place?

This man was discharged in May, 1916, after 21 months' home service, not on the ground of heart disease, but on account of age, obesity, and hernia. The hernia was admitted by the Ministry to have been aggravated by service, and a gratuity was awarded. The case has recently been reviewed by a Medical Appeal Board, who found that there was no degree of disablement due to service, and further, that the aggravation of the hernia had passed away. This Board found no trace of heart disease, and were of opinion that the symptoms complained of were caused by extreme obesity. In these circumstances I cannot see my way to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend. I am, however, advised that the case may be one in which the Pensions Appeal Tribunal would be prepared to entertain an appeal against the decision that aggravation has passed away.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man never had hernia before he joined the Army? Who are the best judges as to whether or not a disease was contracted while in the Army—the Appeal Tribunal, which never knew the man or his previous history, or the local doctors who knew him before the War? How is it possible for men to say whether or not it was contracted during the War unless they knew him previously and had this previous knowledge?

I have stated that the Ministry admitted the hernia, and that the man received a gratuity on account of the hernia. I stated that his case is going before the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. That is a body over which I have no control, and if they come to the decision that he is entitled to anything I shall be very glad to give it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the appointment of a committee to amend this appeal tribunal with a view to giving the greatest possible satisfaction to these men? There are quite a number of these dissatisfied men in the country to-day.

I have pointed out that the Ministry of Pensions have no power whatever over the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. It is a body appointed by the Lord Chancellor. It was enacted because the House was not satisfied that the Ministry of Pensions would bring to bear on any particular case a fair mind. The House insisted on this tribunal being appointed, and I am astonished to find any hon. Member, after the verdict of the House, coming to any other conclusion than that the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, which is an outside body, is the best possible body to consider these cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree to appoint a committee, or take powers to appoint a committee, so as to do away with this dissatisfaction?

It does not rest with me at all. I am always very willing to help, but the House made it distinctly clear that this Pensions Appeal Tribunal should not be under the ægis of the Ministry of Pensions at all, but that it should be an outside body appointed by the Lord Chancellor.

Is not this rule as to whether a particular complaint was contracted or caused by service in the War one that ought to be very liberally construed, having regard to the difficulties of saying when a disease commenced?

I quite agree. It is the case that it is most difficult. As a matter of fact, appeal to this Pensions Appeal Tribunal has been granted in 70 per cent. of the cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Pensions Appeal Tribunal has announced its decision respecting the case of Mrs. Preece, of 6, Church Road, Tipton, the widow of Private R. Preece, No. 31,349, South Staffordshire Regiment; and, if not, will he expedite a decision?

As I have said, the papers in this case have been lodged, and I have specially requested that the appeal may be heard at the earliest possible date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the report is likely to come to hand, as this lady, with two helpless children, is practically starving, and it is five months since the case was brought to the notice of his Department?

Yes, I know; but, as I have pointed out, the appeal is to the Lord Chancellor's Pensions Appeal Tribunal. I have no power whatever over that tribunal. As I have stated, I have politely requested them to deal with it as quickly as possible.

Cannot we invite the Lord Chancellor to come here and defend this Pensions Appeal Tribunal? It is about time.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has decided to dispense with the services of the trained chartered accountants employed locally to audit the local accounts of his Department; whether an audit bureau is now being established by his Department to audit its own accounts; whether an effective audit requires the publicity and independence involved in an audit by uncontrolled accountants; and whether, on this ground and on the ground of cost, he will revert to the previous practice?

I have decided that the scope of the audit of Local War Pensions Committees' accounts, which involve an annual sum of no less than £25,000,000, shall, in future, be extended to include an exhaustive examination, not merely of the correctness of the accounts as such, but also of the regularity or otherwise of the expenditure of each committee. An examination of this nature demands an intimate knowledge of the Regulations and Instructions of the Ministry, which could only be expected of a staff engaged continuously on this work alone. The audit will therefore in future be carried out by whole-time officers of the Ministry.

I am satisfied that this change will effect considerable economy of public funds, and I should not therefore be justified in accepting the proposal of my hon. and gallant friend.

Was not a knowledge of the regulations required for the audits carried out by these local accountants before?

Yes, but in so many cases their knowledge was inevitably inadequate.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a pension was granted to Private Herbert Henshaw, No. 22,129, Grenadier Guards, who now resides at 7, Wilton Place, Kenyon, Lancashire; and whether the pension was paid on the 5th and 12th May, since when no further pension has been paid and no explanation given for non-payment although inquiries have been made by the pensioner?

I regret that in the short time available it has not been possible to ascertain the facts of this case. I have, however, instituted inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Why was no explanation given?

I am making an investigation. If there are any other cases of delay I should be glad if hon. Members would bring them direct to me.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, if a man is refused pension in the first instance on the ground of non-attributability and is consequently granted a pension by an appeal board upon a decision that his disability is attributable to war service, the man is entitled to arrears of pension at the rate granted by the appeal board as from the date of his first application for a pension or only as from the date of his appeal board?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under some misapprehension as to the powers of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals, to which I presume he refers. These tribunals do not assess the rate of pension, but only decide the question of attributability, or the contrary. Where the tribunal find in favour of an applicant, arrears of pension are granted at the rate appropriate to the degree of disablement found by my medical advisers to have existed from time to time for a period not exceeding one year prior to the date on which the appeal was made.

Is there any reason why a pension should not be granted from the date of the first application?

The only reason, and it is a very sound one, is that Parliament has decided otherwise.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will state what arrangements are made for the supply of dentures to ex-service men who require the same by reason of illness or injury sustained whilst on service; to whom application should be made; and if they are supplied free of cost to the men?

The Ministry has arranged with a panel of dentists throughout the United Kingdom for the free supply of dentures to those ex-service men who, as a result of illness or injuries due to service, require them. Application should be made by the man to his Local War Pensions Committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that Pensions Committees in some cases say they cannot do anything for these men?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me any case where there is any difficulty, I will look into it at once.

Who will determine whether the man is entitled to dental treatment? Will the Local War Pensions Committee be able to settle that question?

I think that must be decided beforehand. If he is entitled to a pension he is entitled to free dentistry.

Then he must go before a Pensions Board?

I think so.

Why should not the Pensions Board be in a position to order the treatment, without this circumlocutionary delay?

I do not think there is any circuitous route at all. I think it is a very direct way. If he is entitled to a pension, I have arranged for a panel of dentists throughout the country to which he can go. If he submits his claim to the local war pensions committee, every assistance will be given to him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men who have contracted some form of disease have been ruled by local boards to have contracted it before service, and what can he suggest to obviate that?

That is so, but a man has a very fair trial. He has a full right of appeal on a question of entitlement to a tribunal which is independent of the Ministry of Pensions.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to provide for the needs of the 162,000 ex-service men now receiving out-of-work donation, in view of the fact that this donation to ex-service men ceases on Saturday next, and the benefits under the Government Bill cannot come into operation until November at the earliest.

The number of ex-service men (inclusive of a small number of merchant seamen) claiming out-of-work donation at 16th July was 153,059. Of that total, roughly 80,000 or 90,000 are men who have not yet completed the first year after demobilisation. Their donation would, subject to the conditions under which it is awarded, continue in any case till exhausted. For the rest the Government have decided to grant a further extension of eight weeks' donation at 20s. a week under the conditions already prevailing, to be drawn within the period of fourteen weeks from 1st August to 8th November, 1920.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that concession. It will be much appreciated.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it has now been decided to erect a roll of honour at the headquarters of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan police, respectively, in memory of those members who, while serving, met their death through violence?

I have nothing at present to add to the reply which I gave to the previous similar question asked by my hon. and galant Friend on the 14th instant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has now been under consideration for over six weeks? Is it not a very simple matter to decide whether there should or should not be a roll of honour?

I am directing my mind to this effect, that I am endeavouring to secure some appreciation of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan police, much greater than this hopelessly inadequate appreciation of a roll.

I shall put my question down again this day week?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is a fact that a very large proportion of the members of the Dublin Corporation pay no rates in the City of Dublin, and, if so, what proportion; that some members have been convicted of treason and felony and have not received the King's pardon, and, if so, how many; that other members have undergone sentences of hard labour, and, if so, how many; that some members hold offices of emolument under the Corporation, and, if so, how many; and that the Chairman of the Electricity Supplies Committee, who has control of a large portion of the city revenues, is an uncertified arranging debtor; whether any members of the Dublin Corporation are, by reason of any of the matters aforesaid, disqualified from being members of the Corporation; whether it is a fact that the Corporation as above constituted has struck a rate of 20s. 6d. in the £ for the current financial year; and what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply referred to:

All the members of the Dublin Corporation are ratepayers in the City of Dublin. Four members of that body have been convicted of treason and felony in connection with the rebellion of 1916, and they do not appear to have received the King's pardon, although the balance of their sentence has been remitted by His Majesty. Two members have undergone sentences of hard labour. It is true that some members hold offices of emolument under the Corporation, but these are not such offices as would disqualify them. The Chairman of the Electricity Supplies Committee was an arranging debtor in 1911, and so far as can be ascertained, he is believed to have paid his composition, but has not applied for certificate of discharge. It is also true that the Corporation has struck a rate of 20s. 6d. in the £, and it is believed it is short of the amount actually needed to meet their liabilities and requirements for the current financial year. Under the provisions of the Local Government (Ireland) Acts the fact that a member of the Corporation is disqualified does not invalidate the acts of the Corporation. Proceedings for any penalty incurred by an individual can be taken by any ratepayer.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what promotion, decoration, or reward has been granted to Sergeant Larkin and the five constables who successfully defended Blarney barracks on 1st June; to Sergeant Lawless and the constables who beat off an attack on Farran barracks on 20th June; to the small garrisons of the barracks at Brosna, Rearross, Rathmore, Farranfore, Borrisokane, and Holycross, who defeated their assailants; and what provision has been made for the dependants of the men killed or injured?

I am not yet in a position to announce definitely what awards are being made to the individual defenders of these barracks, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the claims of these men for special recognition are receiving the earnest consideration of the Reward Board and other officials concerned. The dependants of men killed in such circumstances are entitled to claim compensation under the Malicious Injuries Act. Widows and orphans of men killed receive two-thirds of the deceased officer's pay until payment of the compensation granted by the Court is made. In addition to such compensation, a pension is granted by the State at an enhanced rate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of the Blarney Barracks, the attack took place two months ago, and that an award given quickly is given doubly?

I heartily agree with that, and I have taken steps to speed up the granting of these well-earned awards.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what progress has been made with the disarmament of the inhabitants of Londonderry; how many permits to possess firearms have been cancelled; and how many rifles and pistols have been surrendered or taken possession of by the authorities?

Searches are being made for arms in all suspected places. No permits have been cancelled, but all permits are now under review. Seven rifles and 30 revolvers have been recovered.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been able to ascertain where the main stores of these rifles are kept, and has he applied to General Hackett Pain for this information?

No, I am not aware where the main stores of the rifles illegally held are kept.

I could tell him where they are.

Can he state what steps he is taking to effect complete disarmament all over Ireland?

Searches are made for arms in all suspected places.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the persons who made inflammatory speeches near Harland and Wolff's shipyard, Belfast, during the dinner hour on 21st July, 1920, which led to considerable disorder and violence, have been arrested?

There is no evidence so far in the hands of the police to justify the arrest of those who spoke at the meeting.

Is he aware that only yesterday a meeting was held of working men in Queen's Island, at which there were two clergymen present, at which it was declared that they would not permit Catholics to go back to their work; whether some of these men, who have been driven from their work, were ex-service men; and is he aware that one of the men killed was an ex-service man; and what steps the Government propose to take to put the law into operation against those who still hold public meetings and deliver speeches declaring that they will not allow members of the public to do that which they are legally entitled to do, namely, to work?

I wish my hon. Friend had given me more notice. With respect to the general question of protection, every possible step is taken to protect innocent persons.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the "Morning Post" to-day there is a published report of the meeting to which I have referred, with the names of the speakers, and I want to know will steps be taken to protect these men in the discharge of their citizen rights by putting the law into operation?

Certainly they will.

Is it not a fact that this meeting referred to expressly dealt with Sinn Feiners, and not with Catholic workers?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large portion of these men are ex-service men, and that one of those killed was an ex-soldier, who fought all through the War, and was a namesake of my own?

With reference to the murder of an ex-service man, I am aware that one of the men murdered in the Belfast trouble was an ex-service man. I am also painfully aware that many of the men murdered in other parts of Ireland are ex-service men.

What has that got to do with it?

I am sorry that my hon. Friend has not given me notice of this long question. I can only repeat that, if there is any case of illegal act on the part of individuals in Belfast or elsewhere about which the Government can obtain evidence, we will certainly deal with it, and we shall not differentiate, and we never have differentiated, between Roman Catholics and Protestants in any part of Ireland.

Do I now understand from the right hon. Gentleman that he will take steps to deal with all cases where public meetings are held, declaring that men will not be allowed to work in the public works in Belfast? I am talking about citizen rights.

rose ——

This is a serious matter for working men, some of whom are ex-service men, and it is a perfectly monstrous thing that it should be tolerated——

If the hon. Member does not conform to the ordinary rules of the House, I shall have to ask him to leave the Chamber.

With all respect, I think it is perfectly scandalous when a Member of this House, representing a constituency, comes here for the purpose of protecting his constituents and of endeavouring to have the law brought into operation for their protection, that he should be repeatedly howled down in this House. I have said that and I repeat it.

So far from being howled down, the hon. Member has been treated with exemplary patience.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what action he has taken, or proposes to take, with regard to the alleged reprisals by the Royal Irish Constabulary on Irish towns, as in the case of Tuam and other places?

I have called for full Reports in the case of Tuam, and when they are considered appropriate action will be taken. I need hardly assure the House that the Government regards reprisals with the gravest disapproval.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar regrettable occurrences took place at Clonakilty the other day? What steps will be taken by the Government to prevent these blots on the otherwise fine record of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether attacks have recently been made by Irish anarchists upon lighthouses and other aids to navigation with the apparent object of endangering shipping between England and America; and if His Majesty's Government are taking further steps to ensure that adequate protection is given to these vital points?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Admiralty has no information of any such attacks since the answer given by the First Lord on the 29th June to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff East, a copy of which I am sending to my Noble and gallant Friend.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware there was an attack only the other day and many stores were looted?

The Admiralty has no confirmation of it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of British Courts still carrying on legal business in Ireland and the number which are closed through lack of business?

None of His Majesty's Courts in Ireland have been closed through lack of business.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the withdrawal of the British troops in Ireland within the boundaries of the province of Ulster; the Amendment of the Bill at present before the House for the better government of Ireland, so as to set up a Parliament in Southern Ireland consisting, in the first place, of the Members at present elected to this Parliament; placing the Royal Irish Constabulary in Southern Ireland under the control of the Southern Parliament; and the retention of the province of Ulster under the Parliament of the United Kingdom?

I can add nothing to the statements which have already been made on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the character of the alleged reports of the late Colonel Smyth's speech to the constables at Listowel, and to the fact that this officer's murder is directly attributed to the incitement due to these garbled versions of his speech, he will, in justice to the memory of Colonel Smyth and in the interests of the Royal Irish Constabulary, cause to be printed the report which Colonel Smyth made to the Government after his conduct had been impugned in the Press both here and in Ireland, and in which he gave his version of what he said and of what subsequently happened?

I have been asked to reply. It is contrary to precedent to publish the private reports of police officers, but I feel an exception should be made in this case. A copy will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the report referred to.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the desirability of strengthening the hands of the Irish Executive by passing the Government of Ireland Bill before the Autumn Recess simultaneously with any Coercion Bills which may be necessary, and putting it into immediate operation in those parts of Ireland where it is possible to do so; and whether he proposes to take any steps to expedite the passing of the Government of Ireland Bill?

I can only repeat the answer given by me on Monday last, when I expressed the deep regret of the Government that it was not possible to carry the Bill through, before the Adjournment.

For what reasons is it not possible?

I should have thought the reason was pretty obvious to my hon. Friend. If the House is to rise in the course of the next fortnight or three weeks it will be quite impossible to carry this Bill through both Houses of Parliament.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the House will put the cenvenience of hon. Members before an issue involving civil war in which gallant men are being killed every day?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the passing of a Home Rule Bill will accentuate civil strife?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to articles in a section of the London Press calculated to convey the impression that the murder of policemen in Ireland is justified by the nature of the work on which they are employed; and whether the Government have any power under which they can deal with the writers of articles, in view of their effect upon the public mind?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the second part, that there is power to prosecute for any article which is an incitement to crime.

Are steps being taken against the Minister for War for his article yesterday in the "Evening News"?

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in, negotiations relating to the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, full consideration will be given to the principle of maintaining the open door for all commercial enterprise throughout China, and that temporary occupation of Chinese territory, owing to the military exigencies of the moment, shall not be availed of to secure preferential treatment by any particular Power?

If and when negotiations are started in the sense indicated, full consideration will be given to the matters to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the commandant of a Cairo police force in 1912 is now serving five years' penal servitude; whether he has confessed that the anarchist plot which he claimed to have discovered was a mere fabrication; and whether the men implicated in this fabrication are still serving a term of imprisonment, even after this statement of their innocence?

Philippides Bey, head of the Cairo Secret Police at the time, was condemned to five years' imprisonment and a fine of £E.800 in 1917. The anarchist plot referred to is presumably the conspiracy discovered in 1912 to assassinate the ex-Khedive, the Prime Minister, and Lord Kitchener. Three men were condemned on this occasion, and, as far as is known, are still serving their sentences. I have no information as to Philippides' alleged confession, but the Egyptian Ministry of Justice were satisfied after his trial that nothing which had occurred was of a nature to throw doubt on the justice of any sentences passed in political cases in which Philippides had had anything to do with the collection of evidence.

Will the hon. Gentleman make further investigation into this?

It has been gone into very carefully recently.

asked the Prime Minister when the plebiscite in Upper Silesia will be taken?

As the hon. Member is aware, the annex to Article 88 of the Treaty of Versailles provides that the plebiscite in Upper Silesia shall take place between six and eighteen months after the entry into force of the Treaty. No definite date has yet been fixed. I saw the President of the Commission at Spa, and he told me it would certainly be before Christmas.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Peace Treaty cuts off Bulgaria from the Ægean Sea; and whether, in consequence, she is cut off from British commerce, to the mutual detriment of both countries and the increased cost of living here?

The economic outlets of Bulgaria to the Ægean Sea are provided for by Article 48 of the Treaty of Neuilly, which has been laid before Parliament, and the Treaty of Peace with Turkey further provides for a separate treaty to be signed by Greece safeguarding freedom of transit and equitable treatment of the commerce of other countries. Bulgaria is not cut off from British commerce in the meantime, having access to the sea at Varna and Burgas.

asked the Prime Minister whether the boundary commissions provided for in the Treaties of Peace have yet been appointed; and when their duties commence?

The boundary commissions necessitated by the Treaties of Versailles and Saint Germain have been appointed. The appointment of the commissions under the Bulgarian and Turkish Treaties cannot take place until after the deposit of ratifications. The dates upon which the duties of the various commissions commence are laid down in the relevant articles of the Treaties.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Select Committee on Transport to con- tinue the work of the Select Committee which was appointed in 1918, but which became functus officio through the dissolution of December, 1918, to investigate and report on the financial relations between the Government and the railways?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the responsibility of the Government in respect of the increase in railway rates arises directly out of the financial relations between the Government and the railway companies, and in view of the criticism directed against the terms of the railway agreements, he will say if he proposes to afford any facilities for the investigation of the agreements and the report to this House of the financial obligations arising out of them; and, if so, what facilities he will afford?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers these questions, will he bear in mind that the Government is definitely committed to the re-appointment of this Committee?

As I stated in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle East on Monday last, there is much to be said in favour of an examination such as is suggested in the question, and the Government have the matter now under consideration.

If I put a question down in a week's time, will it be convenient?

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether any concession can be made in the way of giving a period of notice to the public before the increased railway fares come into force?

I have nothing to add to the very full statement made by the Leader of the House yesterday. Postponement can only be effected at the expense of the heavily burdened taxpayer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the announcement made yesterday will bear very hardly on the men of the Fleet who do not get their summer leave until after the 6th August?

Undoubtedly it bears hardly on everybody who travels. But when wages go up as they have done in the last two or three years, and when the cost of materials goes up, you cannot fairly put the burden on the taxpayer.

At the end of Questions ——

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the proposed increases in railway fares, and the need for an immediate assurance from the Government that these increases in fares shall not be put into effect before October 1st."

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 not fewer than 40 Members having accordingly risen,

The Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a quarter-past Eight this evening.

asked the Minister of Transport what grades of railway employés have received a rise in salaries or wages amounting to over two and a half times their pre-War remuneration, giving the rate of increase for each grade involved?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend's question refers to the present remuneration of railway employés being 2½ times the pre-War standard and not as stated by him in the question to increases of over 2½ times such standard. On this assumption I beg to refer him to the Table given on page 8 of the Report of the National Wages Board, of which I am sending him a copy. These are the latest figures available, but are subject to additions in respect of the increases which were granted in pursuance of the Report in question and other increases which came into operation under the sliding-scale arrangements. It should be borne in mind that the present remuneration, of railway staffs is, in many cases, earned by them in a reduced number of hours from those which previously prevailed.

Can the hon. Gentleman state, roughly, what is the recent increase to which he refers?

I could not do that within the reasonable limits of Question and Answer.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now concluded inquiries respecting the overcrowded state of the Great Western trains between Birmingham and Wolverhampton; and, if so, with what result?

Inquiry has been made, and the Great Western Railway Company state that it has been found possible to increase the accommodation on the local trains running between Birmingham and Wolverhampton to an extent adequately to meet the requirements of the traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the large dimensions in which pleasure chars-à-bancs are now being built, and to the excessive speed in which they are frequently driven to the public danger in urban and rural districts; whether he contemplates framing any provisions controlling the size of these vehicles and requiring their drivers not only to observe a less reckless rate of progress, but also to keep the roads of such width as will enable other travellers, especially cyclists, to use the same without risk to life or limb.

Pleasure chars-à-bancs are, for the most part, heavy motor cars, and must be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the Heavy Motor Car (Use and Construction) Order, 1904. They are subject to the speed restrictions at present imposed on heavy motor cars, infringements of which are matters for the police. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Brigg on the 28th instant, and the replies given to the Noble and gallant Member for South Battersea on the 26th and 12th instant. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of Section 8 of the Motor Car Act, 1903.

asked the Minister of Transport how long the Ministry has been in operation in Ireland; what is the composition of the staff, and what are its duties; whether the Irish Director-General of Transport has any control of traffic over railways in Great Britain, so far as live stock and other Irish goods are concerned; and whether, in view of the fact that last season, owing to the shortage of rolling stock, live stock was held up for days at Holyhead, owing to scarcity of wagons, steps will be taken to ensure that there is ample provision of wagons for the conveyance of Irish live stock during the coming heavy season.

As regards the first part of this question, I would refer the hon. Member to the second Report of the Select Committee of this House on National Expenditure, paragraphs 59 to 62 inclusive, and to the Estimates of the Ministry of Transport. As regards the last part of the question, the delays which occurred in the transport of livestock from Holyhead last season were not entirely due to shortage of wagons. I have reason to hope that a sufficient supply of wagons will be available for this purpose next season.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is now the case that motor coaches or heavy motor lorries carry one man in addition to the driver; and, if not, whether he will take steps to enforce this precaution, and at the same time ensure that the second man, instead of sitting beside the driver, as is now the usual practice, shall always sit at the rear of the vehicle, and be provided with means to keep himself in communication with the driver, in order to facilitate passing traffic in narrow or congested roads?

Only one man is required to be with heavy motor vehicles except in the case of Hackney stage carriages, which are subject to the Police Regulations in force for the district in which they are licensed, and heavy motor cars drawing trailers, the brakes of which trailers cannot be operated from the heavy motor car, in which case the second man is required to attend to the brakes of the trailers. The expense of requiring a second man on heavy motor cars would impose a very heavy additional burden on road transport, and in any event, the Minister has no power to order it.

I gave notice to the Leader of the House of a question relating to an article in a newspaper yesterday by the Secretary of State for War, and I have received a letter from you, Mr. Speaker, saying that you could not admit the question on the ground that it was not of an urgent character. I wish to submit that in view of the fact that delicate negotiations are proceeding between this country and Germany, Russia and Poland, the question whether this article or manifesto represents the considered view of the Cabinet is a matter of urgency and that, therefore, I might be permitted to put my question.

The reasons given were not fully stated by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. Two or three questions of the same character were handed in yesterday for Monday. It was obvious that the hon. Gentlemen who handed in those questions did not consider the matter one of urgency. There is also, as the hon. and gallant Member knows, a very strong feeling against hon. or right hon. Members on the Front Bench stepping in and taking possession of questions of which notice has already been given by other Members.

I had no knowledge whatever that any other questions had been handed in.

I so informed the hon. Gentleman.

Are not you the judge, Mr. Speaker, whether a question is or is not urgent, and is not this a question of the very greatest urgency which requires an immediate answer?

The hon. Member's previous question evidently shows that he thinks I am not a judge.

asked the Prime Minister on what date the mandate was given to France regarding Syria; by whom and on whose behalf the mandate was signed; and if he will now acquaint the House with the exact terms of the mandate?

asked the Prime Minister whether the French have yet been granted a mandate for Syria; if so, what are its terms; and whether they include the right to advance to Damascus?

The mandate for Syria was given to France, at San Remo, on 25th April. The actual terms of the mandate have not yet been submitted to the Council of the League of Nations.

Does the mandate empower military occupation? If so, where does the independence of Syria come in?

Certainly, if circumstances arise which justify it.

Have the inhabitants of Syria been consulted by the Mandatory Power as provided by Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations?

Yes, I think they have.

When?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government of the Emir Feisal exercises administrative authority in any territory outside the area of the French mandate in Syria; and, if so, where?

The exact area over which the administrative authority of the Emir Feisal extended is a matter on which we have no precise information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is exactly the position? Has he seen the reports in the Press?

I have had no official information from the French Government. I have only received the same reports as have appeared in the Press.

When were the inhabitants of Syria consulted by the Mandatory Power?

The hon. Member must not go back.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Army Council, which now has a civilian majority of six to five can be regarded in future as a military body; and whether, in view of this change, he will consider the desirability of an alternative title?

The Army Council is so called as being the authority appointed to administer the Army and has always included a civil and a military element. It would be constitutionally improper to regard it as a military body and I regret therefore that I am unable to accept the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is it not something entirely new for the civil members of the Army Council to preponderate over the military? Should it not be called in future the Army Civil and Military Council?

My hon. and gallant Friend had better give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister what is the total amount so far spent in salaries by the council of management of the United Services Fund and the total amount disbursed by them during the same period for the benefit of ex-service men; to whom is the council of management responsible; and what reports of their administration of the sum of over £7,000,0000 entrusted to them will they make and when?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to my written answer on 12th July to the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs). Information as to the Fund's activities can be obtained from the headquarters at 29, Cromwell Road, S.W.7, and a handbook explaining the policy and activities of the Fund is on sale (price 1s. 3d.), published by the Council of Management. The Royal Charter of Incorporation for the United Services' Fund, which is now being drawn up, provides for the issue of a Report on the administration of the Fund, and such a Report will be issued at the end of the year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if any Department of the Government will be responsible for questions in this House with regard to this public Fund, which is contributed to by many millions of Service men?

I think the War Office will be able to answer, but I am not quite sure.

asked the Prime Minister when the Scottish Estimates will come up for discussion?

The Scottish Estimates will come up for discussion on Wednesday, 4th August.

asked the Prime Minister in whose hands are the officers and men of the Royal Navy captured at Baku; are these officers and men being retained at captives under most unsatisfactory conditions while Soviet representatives are arranging to come here under various pretexts; and what action does His Majesty's Government propose to take to secure their immediate release?

asked the Prime Minister what was the date of the telegram of the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean in which the Government were informed of the condition of the British prisoners in Baku; was received before or after the answer given in the House on Monday last; and whether, in view of the delay which is inevitable in carrying out with the Soviet Government the exchange of prisoners, he will, with a view to alleviating the condition of the British prisoners in Baku, appeal at once to the Soviet Government to use their influence with the Azerbaijan Government for an immediate amelioration of the rigours imposed upon, the imprisoned British at Baku?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I point out that my question has been considerably altered? I asked whether it was not a tragic absurdity, and my words were copied from a question asked on the 26th instant by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert).

I struck those words out.

The telegram referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Wrekin (Mr. Palmer) was despatched in sections, commencing on the 23rd, but owing to mutilation the final copy was not obtained for distribution until Monday, the 26th instant. We cannot, I think, do more with the Soviet Government than has already been done, as was stated by my right hon. Friend on Tuesday last. Baku is not in Russian territory, but belongs to the Azerbaijan Republic. There is no means of direct telegraphic communication with Baku. We have telegraphed to Rome asking the Italian Government, if they have any representative with whom they can communicate, to instruct him to take any action possible in favour of these prisoners and to give us information as to their condition. At present the only local intermediary whose assistance has been effectively invoked is Dr. Alshibaya, the Georgian representative in Azerbaijan. Through him, His Majesty's representative at Tiflis has been able to send money for the use of the prisoners. Dr. Alshibaya occasionally visits Tiflis, and we are instructing His Majesty's representative at Tiflis to get into touch with him again as soon as possible.

May I ask whether the Soviet forces actually hold these men prisoners or whether they are held by the Azerbaijan Republic?

It is very difficult, of course, to get accurate information about a country where order has not been completely restored, but our information is that Baku is entirely under the control of the Azerbaijan Republic. In so far as we can bring any influence to bear upon them, we have done our best, and we have also brought pressure to bear in Moscow, in order to induce them to communicate with the Azerbaijan Republic.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a representative of the Azerbaijan Government in London at this moment, whose name and address I can give him if he does not know it; and that it is a pure fiction to contend that the Azerbaijan Government exercises any sort of independence of the Government of Moscow?

I am not prepared to challenge my hon. Friend's information about Azerbaijan, but I warn him to be a little careful, because there are no end of representatives of various countries, and you are never quite sure whether it is the Government of the past week, of three weeks ago, or of to-day. I am not sure whether this gentleman really represents the Government which is in power in that area at the moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable number of private individuals—commercial gentlemen, and so forth—in London, with very up-to-date knowledge of what is going on in these regions, who have not been asked for any information by any Government Department?

Is it not a fact that these gentlemen in London are in touch with the Azerbaijan Government?

If my hon. Friends have any information of that kind, I hope they will not withhold it. It is important that we should get it, and if my hon. Friend knows anyone who is in touch with the Azerbaijan Government I hope he will let me know.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether he had any information enabling him either to confirm or contradict the report, published in Paris, to the effect that the British prisoners at Baku have been assassinated by the Bolshevists?

I have no information of, that kind, but we have telegraphed to Paris to find out on what their information is based. I shall let my hon. Friend know what the reply is.

In the event of any of these prisoners still surviving, does the telegram he has announced as having been sent to Soviet Russia in any way override the telegram which, in his absence, was sent in the name of the Government to be communicated to Mr. Litvinoff, to the effect that any negotiations must be futile until we have assurances that these prisoners are being properly treated, and, I think, until they are released?

4.0 P.M.

Of course, I have repeatedly informed the House that I do not know the extent of the responsibility of Russia for the prisoners at Baku. I am not satisfied for the moment that they are directly responsible for the reasons that I have given, but, if they have any responsibility, or such influence as they have, we shall certainly insist on them using it in order to secure proper treatment for these prisoners and their release.

As this is a matter of very great urgency and gravity, will the right hon. Gentleman give me an opportunity of putting before him strong evidence to show that the Azerbaijan Government is a pure fiction, and does not exist except as the puppet in the 'hands of Russia?

In view of the fact that several naval ratings are confined at Baku, will the right hon. Gentleman give me the same information as he proposes to give to the hon. Member?

Certainly, if there be any information, I will give it to the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are assisting in any way, or taking any responsibility for, the forces under General Baron Wrangel in South Russia and the Crimea; whether His Majesty's Government is acting in conjunction with the Allied and associated Powers in this matter; whether it is a fact that the Russian Government has offered an amnesty to Baron Wrangel and all his followers; and whether His Majesty's Government proposes to take any action to prevent further fighting and devastation in South Russia?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask why it is that the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull, who certainly takes up his share of the time of the House, is allowed to have four questions on the Paper, as against three for ordinary Members?

Does the hon. Member say that this is the fourth question?

No, Sir.

Perhaps the hon. Member had better wait.