asked the Secretary of State for War whether, apart from those who may be confined to hospital, there are any temporary officers in the Army at home who have not yet been demobilised; if so, how many; and what is the nature of their work?

There are some 2,000 temporary officers still in the Army at home who have not yet been demobilised. The Royal Artillery is the only arm of the service in which there is at present a surplus of regular officers, and it is in order to supply the deficiency in officers of arms other than Royal Artillery required for our interim commitments that it is necessary to retain these temporary officers. The deficiency is particularly large in the case of the Royal Engineers and the medical and other administrative services, and it is in these services that there is an apparently large number of non-regular officers. For example, I would mention that there are 326 temporary officers with the Royal Engineers, 463 with the Royal Army Service Corps, 406 with the Royal Army Medical Corps, 137 with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 192 with the infantry, and 220 with record offices. The exact nature of the work on which the temporary officers are employed is difficult to define; but I may state briefly that it includes work in connection with the aftermath of war, education duties, and duties in connection with new corps formed during the War, namely, Tanks, Signals, etc.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the cost of the Army of Occupation in Germany already exceeds the estimated cost; and, if so, by how much?

I have no reason to anticipate that the estimated cost of the Force in Germany, as shown on page 15 of the current year's Army Estimates, will be exceeded.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with the Pavilion Rooms, Brighton, he is aware that the officials of the Town Council stated about six weeks ago that the only fittings they were prepared to negotiate for was a quantity of linoleum and offered a price for the same to which no reply has been received; whether he is aware that no cleaning has yet commenced and no attempt is being made to remove the 10 wooden structures; and whether, in view of the disappointment and inconvenience being caused, by the delay in this matter, he will have further inquiries made?

A further report is being obtained, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the British force on the evacuation of Batum left any munitions or war material of any kind in the hands of the Georgian troops who took their place?

I am informed that on the evacuation of Batum by the British force all serviceable stores were taken to Constantinople.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ex-Private W. Godfrey Cowell, No. 012,087, of Sunnyside, Southwick, Brighton, who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in India and Mesopotamia, and was demobilised in October, 1919, has not yet received the final amount of Army pay due to him; and will he inquire into this case?

The last pay certificate received from India on 22nd May, 1920, showed a debtor balance of Rps. 288. After making necessary adjustments, the account was closed with a debtor balance of 9s. 6d. In consequence of a request from ex-Private Cowell, the Fixed Centre Disbursing Officer, Poona, was asked by cable for a detailed statement of account on 17th June, 1920, which has not yet been received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office if he will take steps to expedite the settlement of the claim of Mrs. Isobel Henderson, wife of Dr. Aeneas Henderson, of 125, Sussex Road, Southport, for damage done to her house, No. 66, Wennington Road, Southport, by the military occupation of the same, to the amount of over £500; whether he is aware that the claim was put forward as long since as January, 1917; and that, owing to the delay in settlement, the deterioration of the house and the consequent sum required to place it in a habitable state has greatly increased?

Mrs. Henderson was invited in May, 1917, to submit her claim in respect of military occupation of her house between the 23rd December, 1916, and the 31st January, 1917, to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, but has, through her husband, declined to do so. Her husband put forward a claim for £111 10s. for damage caused by the occupation, but agreed in February, 1917, to take £20 in satisfaction for both user and dilapidations. He subsequently withdrew his acceptance on the ground that it included no allowance for damage to a room by fire. That damage was assessed at £5 17s., and was covered by insurance, but Dr. Henderson refused to press his claim for it against the insurance company. The present condition of the premises appears to be due to their original bad state of repair, and to dry rot, which existed prior to December, 1916, and their continued neglect since January, 1917. In view of the amount claimed and the owner's refusal to have her claim decided by the Losses Commission, the Department are not in a position to make any proposals for a settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in November, 1919, in the vicinity of Cahir Barracks, County Tipperary, a military lorry ran into a pony trap belonging to Mr. J. O'Donnel, Kilcoran, Cahir, County Tipperary, doing considerable damage; that the said lorry made no attempt to stop, and a short distance further on ran into another horse and cart; and that though, in the opinion of an independent and responsible person who visited the spot next day, it appeared evident from the track of the wheels that the lorry driver was to blame, yet the military authorities have refused to admit any liability; and if he will cause further inquiries to be made with a view to O'Donnel receiving some compensation?

A report is being obtained from the Military authorities in Ireland, and I will write to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as it is received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that male writers employed in the Central Administration offices, Royal Arsenal, are being discharged whilst in other branches writers are working overtime and women are still employed; and whether, in order to avoid as much as possible the dismissal of married men, he will give instructions that men not required in one branch shall be transferred to another and thus prevent the working of overtime and secure the employment of a larger number of men?

I understand that a number of male writers have recently been discharged from a branch in which the only women employed were typists. The overtime at present being worked is necessary for a brief period every year in connection with the preparation of the annual accounts; it is not possible to dispense with it by transfers of staff. The question of the extent to which further substitution of male for female staff shall be carried out is at present receiving consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers and men of the Territorial Force might be liable to be sent overseas before men of military age who had not taken the Territorial Force obligation would be liable for conscription?

No officer or man of the Territorial Army can be sent out of the country on service (unless he volunteers) until a special Act of Parliament authorising the despatch of the Territorial Army overseas has been passed. A member of the Territorial Army would therefore only be liable to be sent overseas before other men of military age if such a special Act became law before a general Conscription Act.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Territorial officers and men who require short leave on business grounds in the course of their fortnight's camp will be granted half-fare vouchers on such occasions, provided that they travel in uniform?

This was a concession made to Territorials by the railway companies before the War which the latter are unable to continue in present circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether free rail- way warrants are available to enable and encourage Territorial officers and men resident at a distance from their depôts to travel in uniform to their depôts for the sole purpose of accompanying their units to the forthcoming August camp?

Conveyance is provided from the local troop or section headquarters to which the officer or man belongs to the place of annual training. The travelling expenses of an officer or man from his home to his headquarters are not ordinarily admissible as a charge against public funds; but County Associations are allowed a certain discretion in dealing with special cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that charges in regard to the disposal of stores of the Navy and Army Canteen Board to Messrs. G. Blake and Company and G. Stanley have been made; and whether he will instruct the military representatives on the Navy and Army Canteen Board to press for an inquiry into these allegations?

It has been brought to my notice that charges in regard to these matters have been made. The Noble Lord will be glad to know that an inquiry has already been instituted, and the result will be brought before me in due course, which I shall be glad to communicate to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will request firms which held Army canteen contracts at the outbreak of war to supply him with the names of all their employés employed in Army canteens who joined the forces, so that the policy that men who volunteered for active service should be reinstated in their former employment at the conclusion of the War can be given effect to by the Navy and Army Canteen Board?

I am informed that sympathetic consideration has been and will be extended by the Navy and Army Canteen Board to applications for employment received from the class of men specified by the Noble Lord. In these circumstances, I see no reason to adopt his suggestion, which, in any case, would be difficult of application and unlikely to be fruitful in results.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many women are employed in canteens under the administration of the Navy and Army Canteen Board in which alcoholic liquors are served?

The particulars asked for by the Noble Lord I have not been able to obtain at the short notice given. I am informed that such employment has only been given to a few women, and mainly owing to special circum stances such as that in some instances, commanding officers have asked for women to be employed, considering that thereby the tone of the beer bar is improved, and in the case of canteens for small detachments, in some instances a woman is employed partly in the coffee bar and partly in the beer bar, the beer bar only being open for a short period during the day.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the extravagance carried on at Houton, Orkney, in running the Air Force; that the lorry and tender are doing no real work and are practically only used for running into Kirkwall and back for amusement, and that all the stores and rations could easily be carried by a small cart; and whether, under all the circumstances, he can see his way to abandon the station?

I cannot accept the suggestion that there is any extravagance at Houton Station. Inquiries have been made, and the Air Officer Commanding reports that mechanical transport is only used for Service purposes. It would not be economical to provide horse transport specially for light loads. The question whether this station can be dispensed with is now under consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is possible for Local War Pensions Committees to be empowered to administer grants to disabled discharged soldiers who are awaiting the decision of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal as to whether their disability is due to, or aggravated by, military service so as to avoid the necessity of so many discharged soldiers applying for poor relief?

Before an appeal reaches the Pensions Appeal Tribunal the man has been examined at least once by a Medical Board, and, in addition, his claim has been carefully reviewed by my technical advisers in the light of any fresh evidence submitted by him. If then the claim is considered to be well founded, the Local Committee are empowered at once to make advances, and to provide any necessary treatment. When, however, the considered opinion of my medical advisers is still against the claim, advances are not authorised. In such circumstances I have no power to authorised them, nor do I consider that they would be reasonably justifiable.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will make immediate inquiry into the delay in paying the pension awarded to Michael Cain, of 11, Hansen Street, Blackburn, which was notified to him by the Regional Director at Manchester on 7th June,1920, reference number 3/M.C.7O7, requests for payment having been ineffectually made to the Superintendent at Baker Street and elsewhere?

The delay in this case was due to the non-receipt of the usual form of life certificate from the pensioner. Payment of current pension has, however, now been authorised, and arrears will be paid as soon as it has been ascertained what advances, if any, have been made by the Local War Pensions Committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the recent letter addressed to the Minister of Pensions with reference to Captain H. Maydwell Kendle, The Laurels, Victoria Road, Worthing, by Messrs. T. Wilson Browne and Son, Limited, of Mercantile House, Birmingham, his pre-War employers, stating they had been quite ready and willing to take Captain Kendle into their service, but that, owing to the rather strenuous duties involved, he was pre- vented by his disability from accepting this offer, he will further consider Captain Kendle's application for alternative retired pay, with the object of placing Captain Kendle in the same position financially as he enjoyed before the War, in accordance with instructions contained in the Disabled Officers' Handbook, November, 1919?

Instructions have been issued to have Captain Kendle examined by a medical board with a view to further consideration of his application for alternative retired pay. With reference, however, to the latter part of my Noble Friend's question, I would remind him that it is not the purpose of the alternative pension simply to make good the difference between the remuneration received in an officer's present employment as compared with that of the particular post he may happen to have occupied before his service. The award of this class of pension depends on the officer's present capacity to earn remuneration equal to that of his pre-War employment.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether dependants' pensions in respect of soldiers killed in the War are granted on the same considerations as dependants' separation allowances during the soldier's lifetime?

The conditions governing the award of pensions for dependants are laid down in Articles 22 (1) and 24 (5) of the Royal Warrant. The grant of separation allowance in respect of a serving soldier is governed by the Regulations of the Army Council, and I am not aware of the extent to which the conditions of the two are identical.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of ex-service men at present in receipt of out-of-work donation; and what provision the Government are making for them when the period of benefit expires at the end of the month?

As I have stated, the number at the middle of the month was 153,059, and that from 80,000 to 90,000 of these men are men who have not yet completed the first year after de mobilisation. Their donation, as already said, would—subject to the conditions under which it is awarded—continue in any case until exhausted. My hon. and gallant Friend heard me state, no doubt in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for the Fylde Division of Lancashire (Colonel Ashley), that, 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 14 weeks from 1st August to 8th November, 1920.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of ex-service men now out of employment; what numbers of these men are partly or wholly disabled for work; and what steps are being taken to find employment for the same?

The number of ex-service men (including a small number of merchant seamen) claiming Out-of-Work Donation at 16th July was 153,059; the number of disabled ex-service men on the special "disabled" registers of the Employment Exchanges at the same date was 19,932. The latter figure does not include all the disabled ex-service men on the registers of the Exchanges, as there is a considerable additional number of disabled men who, although actually disabled, do not disclose the fact or are not disabled to an extent which handicaps them for carrying on their pre-service vocations. The Employment Exchanges, in conjunction with the Local Employment Committees, are making continuous efforts to find employment for ex-service men. On the recommendation of the Committee on the Re-employment of ex-service men, consisting of representatives of employers, trade unions, ex-service men's organisations, and the Ministry of Labour, the Local Employment Committees are making special efforts to secure the re-employment of ex-service men to the fullest possible extent. As regards disabled men in particular, the National Scheme is being pressed forward and the number of names on the Roll continues steadily to increase.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why it is impossible for British subjects in Hungary endeavouring to make arrangements for business to have their replies sent to care of the British mission; whether it is the case that otherwise replies sent to Hungary never reach their destination; and when freedom of telegraphic communication from Hungary to this country will be restored?

It is, I believe, a fact that the boycott of Hungary has interfered with communications with that country, and I cannot say when conditions will revert to the normal. I am not in a position to state whether communications sent through the post, addressed c/o His Majesty's High Commission in Budapest, would be delivered, and I could not without further examination of the question, impose on the existing very small staff of the High Commissioner the duties of a general post office delivery.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a new passport office has been opened in Liverpool; what were the reasons for the opening of this new office and what is the expense attached to the same; and whether all those employed there are ex-service men?

A branch passport office has been opened at Liverpool in order to expedite the issue of passports to persons residing in the North. The office is self-supporting from the fees received and has already proved of great convenience to the public. With the exception of the officer in charge and his assistant the whole of the male staff are ex-service men.

asked the Secretary of State for India what decision has been reached regarding an amended interpretation of Army Instruction, India, No. 99, of 1920, so as to extend the operation of this order to officers incapacitated on or before 1st May, 1919?.

Instructions have been issued for the amendment of the Army Instruction (India) quoted, in the sense indicated in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether regiments or a regiment were sent to Rangoon for mutinous conduct during the War; what action was taken against them during the time they were at Rangoon; how many were shot and imprisoned; and whether any inquiry was held concerning the matter?

The 130th Baluchis were sent to Rangoon in November, 1914, owing to insubordination in the Pathan Companies of the unit which culminated in the murder of a British officer by a Mahsud Sepoy, who was tried by summary court-martial and executed. There was further insubordination after the arrival of the regiment in Rangoon, with the result that two men were sentenced to death and executed, and 202 were sentenced to various terms of transportation. All the above were tried by court-martial. The rest of the regiment proceeded on service to East Africa, where they rendered distinguished service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is intended to publish the requests and Admiralty decisions along with the recommendations of the Welfare Committee on last year's claims; and, if so, when?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday by the First Lord to the Noble and gallant Member for Battersea South (Viscount Curzon).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the names of the Departments, and the number in each Department, of salaried officials, adult workmen and women, apprentices, and boy labourers, included in the Return given on 21st April, 1914, as being employed in Chatham naval establishments, with similar particulars for July, 1914, November, 1918, and April, 1920; and whether such figures include officers and men on loan to other establishments on these dates?

The following statement shows the numbers of workpeople, men, women, apprentices and boys on the books of the Admiralty establishments at Chatham at the dates referred to by my hon. Friend. The figures given in the reply to the question of the hon. Member for West Houghton (Mr. T. Wilson) on the 22nd April, 1914, relate

only to workpeople (including those on loan from Chatham), and do not include salaried officials; and the figures for July, 1914, November, 1918, and April, 1920, have been given in respect of the same classes of employés.

The following table shows the approximate numbers of adult workmen, women, apprentices and boy labourers employed in the Admiralty civil establishments at Chatham for the years 1907–1913, and for July, 1914, November, 1918, and April, 1920.

asked the Prime Minister whether negotiations have been broken off with the Egyptian Nationalist delegation; and are the Egyptian representatives about to leave England?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of Cabinet decisions being reached for the fundamental alteration of the present administrative and judicial systems and procedure in Egypt, this House will be given an opportunity of discussing such proposals before they are finally put into effect?

No such proposals have been brought before the Government, and the recommendations of the mission, which will be published when they are received, will afford ample occasion for the discussion of the subject before any definite steps are taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Teschen plebiscite has been abandoned as a result of the expressed wishes of the Polish and Czech Governments; whether, consequently, the Supreme Council will proceed to arbitrate in the matter; and whether, in the event of any of the Polish Protestant population of Teschen finding themselves under the Czech Government, the latter are prepared to give assurances to the Supreme Council that all Polish Protestants in Czechish Teschen will have all possible facilities for the exercise of their religion, the use of the Polish Bible in their churches and schools, and free inter-communication with Polish Protestants in other parts of the Duchy of Teschen?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the matter is now before the Conference of Ambassadors in Paris. All those persons who may acquire Czecho-Slovak nationality under the terms of the settlement will, ipso facto, become entitled to the benefits acquired by the inhabitants of Czecho-Slovakia under the treaty between that country and the principal Allied and Associated Powers signed at St. Germain on 10th September, 1919.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that munitions have been supplied to Mustapha Kemal in Asia Minor from Italy; whether the Allies have made any representations to the Italian Government; and, if so, what steps have been taken?

A report to this effect from a Turkish source recently reached His Majesty's Government, who brought it unofficially to the attention of the Italian Authorities.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce measures dealing with the promised reforms of the Second Chamber?

I fully realise the importance of the subject, and I regret that the pressure has been so great that it is quite impossible to deal with it this Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in 1915 the Fleet urban district council were requested by the Local Government Board to proceed with the Fleet sewerage works: that in compliance with this request they made a definite agreement for a loan from the Public Works Loan Board of £36,345 at 3½ per cent., but subsequently the Government ordered the works to be suspended after some £16,000 had been spent upon them; and that the Public Works Loan Board now refuses to carry out the agreement entered into in 1915; and whether, in view of the fact that the agreement was made after the outbreak of war at the request of the Government, he will give instructions that it shall not now be modified to the detriment of the Fleet urban district council?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the circumstances of the case and have been in communication with the Public Works Loan Board in regard to it. They have informed me that it is not possible for them now to advance the loan at 3½ per cent. interest.

asked the Home Secretary by what statutory authority Dr. Mannix, a British subject born in this country, is to be prevented from entering this country without the opportunity of making any defence?

I am advised that under the Defence of the Realm Regulations Dr. Mannix can be prevented from entering or residing in Ireland.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what the extra cost would be in the event of the Pensions (Increase) Bill being amended so as to include members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan police who have attained the age of fifty years and are otherwise eligible under the terms of the Bill?

The required information could not be obtained without detailed examination of the pension lists of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police. As an Amendment to the Pensions (Increase) Bill of the nature indicated would not be covered by the Financial Resolution, I do not feel justified in calling upon the authorities of the two forces to carry out such an examination.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether all consignments of live stock from Ireland arriving at Holyhead and other ports have been held for immediate slaughter owing to an alleged outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease amongst a consignment of Irish lambs; whether the disease has been diagnosed and the report confirmed, and, if so, whether this is the first occasion that this disease has broken out amongst young lambs; whether he is aware that, owing to the dislocation of the railways in Ireland, owners are compelled to walk their cattle long distances, and that this excessive walking causes the feet of young animals to become sore and tender; whether the outbreak amongst this particular consignment was due to this cause and not to any foot-and-mouth disease; whether the Irish Department of Agriculture were consulted about the matter, and, if so, what has been the verdict of their veterinary officers; and whether, in view of the fact that there has been no suspicion of the disease amongst cattle and pigs, the Government will allow all fat stock to be exported by licence to the various markets in England and Scotland as heretofore?

On the 24th and 25th inst. a number of sheep and lambs were landed at Holyhead from Greenore showing symptoms suggestive of foot-and-mouth disease. The conditions present in these suspected animals make a further period of observation essential before a conclusive diagnosis can be made. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, the Ministry has decided that the landing of animals from Ireland in Great Britain is, for the present, to be confined to those fit for slaughter. Such animals are to be killed within four days of their landing, within the precincts of the landing places. The Irish Department was informed immediately and their veterinary officers are in consultation with the veterinary officers of the Ministry at Holyhead. No definite verdict has yet been arrived at as to the nature of the disease, but a decision is expected within the next twenty-four hours, and if the Ministry is satisfied that the suspected animals were not suffering from foot-and-mouth disease the restrictions will be removed immediately.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the offices of Register-General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in Scotland and Deputy-Clerk Register have been vacant since March, 1919; if so, what is the reason for the prolonged delay in making these appointments; whether any steps have been taken in the matter; and whether he is now in a position to say when an appointment or appointments will be made?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The occurrence of the vacancy necessarily raised the question whether it is desirable under present-day conditions to continue the conjunction of two offices which have been combined since 1854; or to introduce legislation for the purpose of effecting their separation. I do not think that any administrative inconvenience has resulted from the delay referred to by my hon. Friend, and the experience of the past year is an important element in determining the question at issue. I hope to reach a decision at an early date.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that forms of declaration of income are unnecessarily duplicated, and that taxpayers receive duplicated demands for the same return; that a taxpayer resident in the New Forest has received a demand for a return on Income Tax from the India Office, Australia House, Southampton District No. 2, Bournemouth and Weymouth; that the taxpayer in question has referred all these applications to her London bankers, who have undertaken to prepare the returns on her behalf; that the bankers have informed the Inland Revenue authorities of this without effect; and whether, in view of the waste of official time involved in this unnecessary multiplication of applications, he can see his way to give instructions to all the authorities concerned that one application addressed to a taxpayer's bankers is sufficient?

I would refer my hon. Friend to a reply, a copy of which I am fowarding to him, given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 27th instant to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Sir A. Fell). With regard to the particular case described in my hon. Friend's question, if he will furnish such further particulars as will enable the case to be traced, I shall be happy to have inquiry made into the matter and will communicate the result to him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury at what rate of exchange in sterling per rupee has a return for Income Tax to be made for Indian income left in India returned in this country, and Indian income returned for Indian Income Tax by a person residing in this country; and at what rate of exchange in sterling per rupee can a person residing in this country claim rebate or return on Indian Income Tax paid by him?

In reply to the first part of the question, I understand that the general practice of the assessing authorities in computing liability to United Kingdom Income Tax under the Rules of Cases IV. and V., Schedule D, of the Income Tax Act, 1918, is to convert income from Indian securities (assessable to United Kingdom Income Tax on the full amount of such income arising in the year of assessment) at the mean rate of exchange for the year of assessment. As regards income from Indian stocks, shares or rents (which is assessable to United Kingdom Income Tax on the basis of the average income of the three preceding years), the income for any Income Tax year included in the average is converted at the mean rate of exchange for that year. Income from Indian sources other than those indicated above is not assessable to United Kingdom Income Tax unless it is remitted to the United Kingdom. I do not entirely apprehend the remaining parts of the question, but so far as I can see, the points involved are not affected by considerations as to the rate of exchange.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the announcements made by the Lord Chancellor of the appointment of women justices, he can state when similar appointments will be notified for those towns and districts not so far covered?

Women justices will be appointed for those counties and towns to which no such appointments have hitherto been made as well as for those for which some such appointments have already been made as and when opportunity offers and recommendations are received through the local advisory committee and have been considered by the Lord Chancellor.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the 113,597 cwts. of raw beet sugar which he has stated has been imported into the United Kingdom from Germany from 11th November, 1918, to 31st May, 1920, was actually produced in Germany; and, if not, will he give the name, or names, of the country, or countries, of origin of this sugar?

The information furnished to the Customs authorities in respect of the sources of imports shows only the countries from which the imports were consigned, and not the countries of origin, so far as these differed from the countries of consignment. I am, however, informed by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply that the sugar in question was produced in Poland.

asked the Minister of Food whether during the months of June and July 177,968 pounds of food sent by the Government to Newcastle-on-Tyne have recently been condemned; whether included in this total were 800 carcases of mutton found on arrival to be wholly unfit for consumption, 30 tons of oxtails, sheep sweetbreads, and beef skirts brought by Government agents from Continental ports, and 12,000 cases of imported Australian rabbits; whether 367,360 pounds of foodstuffs have been condemned in Newcastle alone this year; whether a protest has been sent by the Newcastle Corporation Sanitary Com- mittee to the Ministry of Health; and what steps will be taken?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle East (Major Barnes) yesterday. I would, however, supplement the answer then given by pointing out that the Ministry of Food is not responsible for the goods referred to as brought in from Continental ports. Furthermore, the cases of rabbits condemned numbered 925, and not 12,000 as stated, and represented surplus Army stock for which it had been difficult to find a sale in this country. Some deterioration of foodstuffs purchased as a War necessity is of course inevitable, but I can assure the hon. Member that all possible steps are being taken to secure disposal of stocks while in good condition.

asked the Minister of Food the reason for the delay in fixing the price of spirits; and, when this is being done, will he take such steps so as to secure that the margin between the cost of production and the selling price will be sufficient to give a reasonable return to all sections of the trade?

An Order fixing maximum prices for spirits, the Spirits (Prices and Description) Order, 1920, was issued and came into force on the 20th April last. The maximum prices specified therein were fixed with a view to providing a fair proportion of profit to all sections of the trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether, in view of the urgent desirability of fostering the production of foodstuffs in every possible way by cultivators of small parcels of land, he is considering the advisability of recommending Parliament, in the absence of any powers he may himself possess in that direction, to approve of some adequate extension of the period in which the provisions of the Allotment Holding Act may be allowed to apply?

I am not clear to what Act the hon. Member refers in the last part of his question. I may explain, however, that the powers conferred on local authorities by the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act passed last year to acquire land for allotments appear to the Ministry to be adequate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he can make any statement on the spread of the silver leaf disease and the steps the Department is taking to cope with it?

During the past 10 years silver leaf disease has spread considerably in this country. With a view to eradicating the disease a Statutory Order, known as the Silver Leaf Order of 1919, was issued by the Ministry in November last requiring the occupier of premises on which plum trees are growing to cut off and burn all the dead wood of each plum tree before the 1st April of each year, and to grub up the trees in which the dead wood in the trunk extends to the ground. The Order authorises an inspector at any time GO serve a notice requiring an occupier to destroy any dead wood of any tree or bush on which the spores of the disease are visible and to enter any premises for the purpose of enforcing the Order. I may add that the Order has met with general approval amongst horticulturists throughout the country, and that very few cases of failure to comply with it have been brought to the notice of the Ministry.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Mines on the causes and circumstances attending the explosion which occurred at the Minnie Pit of the Pod-more Hall Colliery on Saturday, 12th January, 1918, and to the suggestions made by the representatives of one or other of the interests at the inquiry, namely, that Section 67 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, should be amended to require that a report be made of the examination by an official when men have withdrawn themselves owing to the presence of gas or other causes; that every inspection made by a fireman in pursuance of Section 65 should be reported in the prescribed book; that an official with at least a second-class certificate should always be present in a mine when a shift of men is below ground; that amendment of the prescribed shot-firing book be made to make it possible to know the place where a shot has been fired and the exact quantity of explosive in each charge; that where shot-firing is prohibited in any place or area a notice of the fact, specifying the prohibited place or areas should be posted in a conspicuous place or places at the pit-head and that the person giving out the explosives should be instructed in writing not to issue explosives to any person working in such prohibited place or area; that a special person should be appointed to make examination in respect of coal dust, and that the duty should not be laid on the fireman at all; that the manager should record in a book when an inspector visits the mine; and whether he has taken, or is taking, these matters into consideration with a view to amending the Coal Mines Act as suggested, or can he indicate the steps he intends to take respecting the same?

Yes, Sir. The report in question was submitted to my right hon. Friend by the Chief Inspector of Mines. The suggestions made are being carefully considered, but all of them will require an amendment either of the Act itself or of the Regulations and Orders issued under the Act, and I am not yet in a position to say definitely what action can be taken.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the Report of His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Mines on the causes and circumstances attending the explosion which occurred at the Minnie pit of the Pod-more Hall Colliery on Saturday, the 12th of January, 1918; whether he is aware of the paragraph on page 17, under the heading of Breaches of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and Regulations under the Act, namely, failure to record the measurements of the air current in the Bullhurst seam required by General Regulation 77 ( b ) and ( c ) in a book in the form presented by the Secretary of State, breach of Sections 24 (1) and 29 (2), failure to remove, as far as practicable, coal dust from the roof and sides, breach of Section 62 (3), and assigning to the fireman a district of the mine of such a size as to prevent him carrying out in a thorough manner all his statutory duties, breach of Section 14 (3); and what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, respecting the same with a view to the prosecution of the responsible parties concerned and the prevention of such breaches in the future?

Yes, Sir, when the Report was submitted to my right hon. Friend, the question of prosecuting the management was considered by him. In view, however, of the decision of the Courts in the Senghenydd case, it appeared doubtful whether proceedings could be successfully taken for breach of Section 62 (3) of the Act, and after consideration of all the circumstances including the length of time which had elapsed since the offences were committed, it was decided that a prosecution was not necessary. Since the explosion the management have taken proper precautions by stone-dusting the roads, and the inspector reports that the requirements of the Act are being fully observed. The question of the prevention of danger from coal dust has now been placed on an entirely different footing by the new Regulations dealing with the treatment of coal dust, which I am glad to announce have now been finally settled. There is every ground for hoping that these Regulations which are based on the recommendations of the Explosions in Mines Committee will prove an effective safeguard in future against such terrible disasters as occurred at the Senghenydd and Podmore Hall collieries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any coal mines in South Wales forced to be idle owing to the scarcity of coal trucks; whether this insufficiency of trucks is due to under production in other coal fields, with the consequent result that the coal trucks which were used in South Wales in pre-War days for the short journey from mine to dock and back are now used for the longer journey to feed distant industries, hence causing a delay which is instrumental in causing unemployment in the South Wales ports?

I am not aware that coal mines are idle in South Wales owing to scarcity of trucks. There is always, from various causes, a certain loss of time, but my information is that this loss is at present, if anything, below the normal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if inquiries have been made by his Department in the area between Alston and Middleton, in Teesdale, as to the advisability of constructing a railway in order that the minerals may be worked and the land brought into cultivation; if so, what were the findings; and when is such a railway likely to be commenced?

The inquiries which the Board of Trade have been making into the mineral possibilities of the area in question are all but complete, and it is hoped shortly to report to the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport the rate charged for the conveyance of roughed-work stone for building purposes from Portland to London by rail; the rate charged for rough-block stone from Portland to London; and the quantities of roughed-work stone and rough-block stone, respectively, conveyed to London by rail from Portland during 1919 and during the first six months of this year?

I regret that I have no particulars available to enable me to supply the information asked for by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that every railway company excuses its shortcomings by alleging insufficiency of engine power at the present time, steps can be taken to augment the output of locomotives; and whether he is convinced that the railway companies are making full use of all existing manufacturing facilities in this country?

The shortage of locomotive power is due more to arrears of repairs than to shortage of new locomotives, and the companies are being urged by the Ministry to continue special efforts to overtake the arrears of repairs. All suitable engines built for the War Office are now in use by British railways, and orders for a full programme of new locomotives have been placed. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, engineering work generally is having difficulty in working to dates, and railway plant is not exempt from this general disability.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the nature of the special circumstances which led to the continuance of the concession as to low railway fares for fruit pickers granted to the Scottish growers?

The circumstances are exceptional inasmuch as a similar concession was granted to these districts last year, and its withdrawal this year might, in the opinion of the other Ministries concerned, have jeopardised the gathering of the fruit crops and seriously interfered with the trade. The concession is strictly limited to the present season.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the sum of £70,000,000 which he has asked the Rates Advisory Committee to raise by various methods to meet the deficiency for a full year's working of the railways is £15,500,000 more than the estimated deficiency?

I am not able to recognise the sum of £70,000,000 mentioned by my hon. Friend. I assume that he refers to the sum of £72,000,000 referred to in the second paragraph of the Report of the Railway Rates Advisory Committee, Command Paper 857. A perusal of this report will show that on the date of the reference to the Committee, namely, the 7th July, there was a deficit accumulating at the rate of £54,500,000 for the United Kingdom for a full year's working, including the burden created by increased wages and other costs, which had come into operation prior to that date. In order to spread this burden as much as possible, the Government decided to extend the period of recovery to the latest practicable date, namely, the 31st July next. It was calculated that, in order to produce the necessary sum within the dates available, it would be necessary to raise fares, rates, and charges to a level calculated to produce revenue in Great Britain at the rate of £72,000,000 per annum, with an addition of £3,900,000 for Ireland. It is on this basis that the recommendations of the committee have been made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the tonnage of the exports through the port of Salonika to Great Britain in 1913 and in 1919?

I will have inquiries made and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Report of the Committee on Building Materials under the Profiteering Act will be available?

I am at present unable to add anything to the answer which I gave to the questions by the hon. Members for East Edinburgh (Mr. Hogge) and West Derbyshire (Mr. White), on Monday last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the name of the Controller of Timber Supplies being on the list of creditors in the bankruptcy of Herbert Adams, builder, Weybridge, £2,755; how this debt was incurred; and why the usual practice of cash terms was waived in this instance?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the timber was supplied to Herbert Adams, builder, Weybridge, for carrying out urgent contracts held by him with the Aircraft Production Department, and material was released to him in anticipation of payment in circumstances of urgency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the establishment of the Crown rights to the foreshore at Seaview, Isle of Wight, the costs incurred are to be borne by the Crown; and can he state, approximately, the total cost involved since the case first commenced in 1904?

The Order of Court in the action, Attorney-General v. Oglander and another provides that the Informant (the Attorney-General) and the defendants shall bear and pay their respective costs of the action. I regret that I cannot at present give any approximate figure as to the total costs of, and incidental to, the action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reason why the "Labour Gazette," which was published heretofore on the 16th of each month, is not now published till the 23rd; and whether, in view of the importance to the public of the information contained in the "Gazette," publication can take plane on the 16th, as formerly?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that there has been some delay in publishing the "Labour Gazette," but this journal has always been on sale earlier than the 23rd of the month. I may inform my hon. and gallant Friend that overtime has been greatly reduced at the printers, which necessarily involves some delay in issue. Further, owing to various causes, the information from outside sources required for inclusion in the "Labour Gazette" has, in recent months, reached the Department at a later date than was formerly the case. It should also be noted that the statistical information given in the "Gazette" has greatly increased in volume. The Department is fully aware of the desirability of publishing the "Labour Gazette" at as early a date as possible,, and every effort is, and will be, made to issue it about the 16th of the month.

asked the Minister of Pensions the present number of women clerks employed by his Department; the number allotted to the various offices held by his Department; if there have recently been any discharges of such clerks; and, is so, the reason for dispensing with female clerks' services?

The total number of women clerks employed on the 1st July, 1920, was 8,848, allotted as follows:—

A number of temporary women clerks have been discharged since the 1st April last owing to reduction of work in headquarters offices, London, consequent on decentralisation of the work of awards.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many administrative posts at a salary of £300 a year and over are there in the Department of the Public Trustee; and what number of these are held by women?

In the Department of the Public Trustee there are 210 officers in receipt of emoluments of £300 a year and over, inclusive of War bonus. Of these 21 are women.

asked the Postmaster-General how many administrative posts at a salary of £300 a year and over are there is his Department; and what number of these are held by women?

In the absence of a definition of the term "administrative," I regret that I cannot give a precise answer to the hon. and gallant Member's question. There are about 20 posts for women in the Post Office on scales of salary rising to £300 a year or above, exclusive of War bonus, and some of the work proper to these posts might be described as administrative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if an offer of 35,000 francs was refused for surplus stores at a camp at Marseilles and subsequently submitted by auction and realised 17,000 francs less auction charges; is he aware that these same stores were disposed of by the purchaser for 48,000 francs within 48 hours; and is the Government satisfied with the methods of sale adopted by the Disposals Board in France?

I find that it is necessary to make a reference to France, and should therefore be glad if my hon. Friend would repeat this question in a week's time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what are the dumps at the present moment in Salonika; how much of the quay there Great Britain holds; and what is the rent?

The whole of the remaining surplus stores at Salonika were sold on the 12th May last. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I am informed that the responsibility for the renting of the quays rests with the War Office?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Disposal Board Department in Paris has been re-organised; what was the cost of the Department before reorganisation and after re-organisation; and what were the reasons for this new arrangement?

As I stated in reply to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Flint (Lieut.-Colonel Parry) on the 5th July, a re-organisation of the disposal work in France was carried out in March last with a view to securing greater efficiency in the service. I am arranging for a comparative statement of the cost of the Department before the reorganisation and the present cost to be prepared, and I will communicate this information to my hon. Friend in the course of a few days.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in Bradford owners of back-to-back houses are taking advantage of the present scarcity of housing accommodation by refusing to let such houses of this obsolete type as become empty, and offering them for sale at high prices to families who are in desperate need of houses; and if he will endeavour to put a stop to this practice of unloading obsolete and unhealthy types of houses on people of the working class by intimating publicly that houses of this sort can only be regarded as temporarily occupied pending the building of an adequate supply of healthy dwelling-houses, or by taking such other action as he deems likely to be effective in putting a stop to the practice?

I am having inquiries made as to the circumstances in Bradford to which the hon. Member refers. As I have previously stated, I hope shortly to submit proposals to the House for enabling local authorities to hire compulsorily houses which are unreasonably withheld from occupation.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that children under fourteen years of age are, in certain districts, being accepted as half-timers in cotton factories and workshops; and whether this is in accordance with the law?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. I hope that the official "end of the War" will soon be declared by Order in Council. Section 8 (1) of the Education Act, 1918, will be brought into operation as soon as possible thereafter.

asked the Prime Minister if the Departmental Committee appointed to consider the question of free places in secondary schools has yet issued its Report; and if and when it will be made public?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I understand that the Committee have agreed upon their Report, and that it will be submitted to me very shortly. I should naturally desire its early publication, but till I have seen it, I will ask the hon. and gallant Member not to press me to commit myself.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether certificated assistant teachers in Oxfordshire will receive under the Burnham scale a maximum of £300, more than three times their pre-war salary; whether the maximum of supplementary teachers, which is at present £70, will after 1st October reach £80 for those living at their homes, and £95 for those who have to live in lodgings; whether the latter increase is in view of the purchasing power of money being barely equal to pre-war salaries; and whether, so long as the State uses the services of these teachers, it will undertake at least to pay them a living wage?

Under the Provisional Minimum Scale of the Standing Joint Committee the maximum salary for women certificated assistant teachers is £240 per annum. I am not aware of the basis on which the maximum for supplementary teachers (who are all women) has been fixed by the Local Education Authority for Oxfordshire. Teachers in public elementary schools are not employed by the State, but by the Local Education Authorities. The Standing Joint Committee has made no recommendations for the remuneration of supplementary teachers.

asked the Attorney-General in how many petitions of right was the fiat of the Crown held back, pending the decision of the De Keyser Hotel case by the House of Lords,' on the ground that the rights of the suppliants would be governed by that decision; and how many cases stood over by consent on the same ground?

I am informed that the number referred to in the first part of the question is 20. As to the second part, I am not aware that there was any such case.