asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the 615 officials and others employed at the Enemy's Debts Clearing House and the Reparation Clearing Department will be continued to be employed there after 15th August; if not, how many will be employed; how much per month in salaries the 615 officials are costing British subjects, whether as taxpayers or creditors; apart from the cost in rent, rates, and taxes of the buildings in Stamford Street and other streets; and how much in salaries these two Departments have cost since they were instituted?

The date referred to by my hon. Friend will occur during a period of maximum pressure on the staffs of the two Departments, and no reduction will then be possible.

The present average monthly salaries of the staffs of the two Departments referred to are as follows:—

The gross amount paid in salaries to the 27th instant is as follows:—

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Advisory Committee on Railway Rates has made any Report as regards increasing the existing rates for goods; and, considering that passenger fares are to be increased from 6th August, can he state when goods rates will be increased, and also to what extent?

The Report of the Rates Advisory Committee, as regards increasing the rates and charges for merchandise and other traffic by freight and passenger train, has just been received, and is now under consideration. It is proposed that the increases should come into operation on 1st September, which is the earliest date by which the necessary arrangements can be made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will instruct all the railway companies, in view of the further increase of fares from 6th August, that railway tickets shall now be issued with the exact amount of the fare printed or written on the same, so as to prevent disputes and delays taking place at crowded passenger stations?

In their Report upon passenger fares the Rates Advisory Committee recommend that as soon as possible after the new fares are brought into operation the correct actual fare should be printed upon the tickets, and the railway companies have been requested to give effect to this recommendation.

asked the Minister of Transport what means he proposes to adopt for the purpose of making easily understood the percentages of advances in railway fares over pre-War rates in order to avoid any risk of friction caused by disputes at the ticket-collecting offices?

Notices will be prominently displayed at the various booking offices indicating the increase made in fares, and effect will be given as soon as possible to the recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee that tickets should be printed showing the fare chargeable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the railway companies have deducted during the period of control, and are still deducting, from the return of their net receipts the 4 per cent. increase in fares which followed upon a wages settlement prior to control; whether this deduction, if made, amounts to a sum estimated at £5,000,000; and what is the present attitude of the Ministry of Transport towards this sum or any sum deducted in the manner stated from claims submitted to the Ministry by the railway companies?

The railway companies have made deductions since the beginning of the War in respect of 4 per cent. increase in goods rates, not passenger fares as stated. The total sum is approximately the amount mentioned by the right hon. Member. My attitude after consulting the Law Officers is that by far the larger proportion of the sum in question is due to the State.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether, when considering the increase of railway rates now pending on goods and mineral traffic, he will have regard to the desirability of maintaining free competition between railway traffic and seaborne traffic provided there are proper safeguards against advantage being given to foreign produce over home produce;

(2) whether he is aware that the trade of the iron and steel industries has been built up over a long series of years on the basis of exceptional railway rates which, prior to the War, proved profitable both to the railway companies and to the industry; and whether the amount of the proposed increase in railway rates will be based merely on the sum necessary to render the railway companies self-supporting, or will the increase be such as to destroy all competition with freights in order to enable the shipping industry to make a profit out of their coastal services?

The Rates Advisory Committee have given the fullest consideration to this matter, and particularly to the statement made by the iron and steel trades in their evidence that those industries have been built up on the existence of exceptional railway rates. In their Report on the interim increase of merchandise rates, the Committee have not recommended any differentiation between class rates and exceptional rates. The increases they recommend represent their advice as to how the necessary additional revenue can be obtained to render the railways self-supporting with the least disturbance to trade.

Are we to understand that these particular trades will not be asked to pay a bigger proportional increase than other industries?

That is what is said in my answer.

Did the Advisory Committee consider the question of foreign competition as well in connection with this matter?

I am afraid I cannot say off-hand what they considered. Their Report has only just come to me, and I have only looked at it in order to enable me to reply to this question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state in what manner and from what fund it is proposed that the owners of canal undertakings shall repay to the Treasury any moneys advanced to them, in accordance with the statement recently issued to the Press, to enable them to pay their working expenses after the subsidy has ceased and before rates, tolls, and charges, can be raised?

asked the Minister of Transport whether any communications have been received from canal companies declining the terms upon which the Ministry of Transport proposes that they shall be carried on after 31st August and stating that it will not be possible to continue working after that date unless the Ministry of Transport will make provision either for guaranteeing the expenses or for continuing the subsidy until the tolls, rates, and charges can be increased; whether the railway-owned canals have been given more advantageous terms than those proposed to other canals; and what reason there is for this different treatment?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, unless steps are taken to avert such a disaster, all the independently owned canals and waterways in the country will be compelled to close down upon 31st August; and whether he contemplates such an occurrence as a result of the policy of his Ministry?

The Defence of the Realm Regulation under which canals were controlled in 1917 ceases to have effect on 31st August. In March, 1920, during wage negotiations, the Ministry of Transport, although pressed to do so, declined to take an active part, and referred the companies to the Ministry of Labour, thereby clearly showing that the Ministry of Transport was not taking any direct responsibility for the settlement which their representative did not sign by my instructions. The notes of a meeting on 18th March make this quite clear, and the canal companies dealt with this labour advance in that way and on their own responsibility. As in the case of tramways, docks, and all other transport undertakings, canal, companies require increased charging power. The Ministry of Transport Act gave the power to authorise increased Charges after reference to the statutory body set up for the purpose. The canal companies, however, in March this year pressed for the subsidy, now at the rate of £1,400,000 a year, to be continued. The level of competition of railway rates is the principal, if not the decisive, factor in the ability of canals to earn a living, and this could not be foreseen until the Rates Advisory Committee had made its recent Report. The proportionate increase allotted to goods rates should make it possible for canal companies to meet their expenses without further subsidy, and 17 applications for control received have already been disposed of. I see no reason why the necessary formalities cannot be completed to enable these companies to raise their charges by 14th September, and between the lapse of the Regulation on 31st August, under which the subsidy is paid, and the increase in rates the Government has offered to render temporary financial assistance to controlled canals under the Ministry of Transport Act, if circumstances justify it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to reply to my question, which he has not answered at all?

Would the right hon. Gentleman also reply to my question, which he has not answered?

I have endeavoured to answer them both. If the canal companies after the 14 days find that the assistance which the Ministry of Transport can render them is insufficient they will have to meet it out of the general receipts which they will be getting from these tolls.

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that there will be only an interval of 14 days between the time when the subsidy ends and the time when the rates will be increased? Is it not necessary to give a month's notice?

In the case of 17 of these companies the month is already running. In the case of others who have not applied there are a number of days within which they can apply, but I see no reason why for those who have applied these rates should not come into force.

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that by the 14th September they will be in force?

There is no reason why those who have applied should not be able to introduce them by the 14th.

Is it a fact, as suggested in my question, that some canal companies have said they would not be able to continue working after 31st August unless some arrangements are made by the Ministry to enable them to provide for their expenses?

I do not think I have received any notice of cases of that kind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also say whether, as also suggested in my question, railway-owned canals have been given more advantageous terms than other canals?

Railway-owned canals are included under the general guarantees given in 1914 and 1916, and of the reasons for that I have no doubt my hon. and learned Friend is well aware. The canals themselves have not been specially treated, and railway-owned canals are having their rates put up just as the others.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department have any intention to recommend to the railway companies that they should reintroduce excursion, week-end, and tourist fares; and whether he can hold out any hope of any of these being put into force during the present holiday season?

I dealt with this matter in the Debate on Thursday, and I cannot add to the full statement I then made.

Do I understand that the North-country industrial people are to be still further penalised in comparison with the advantageous terms given to the South and Midlands, in respect to date of advance?

No, I did not say that.

But it arises from the answer.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can state if the railway systems of the United Kingdom are suffering from any deficiency, and, if so, to what extent, in locomotives and rolling stock as compared with pre-War figures; and, if so, whether he can give a date when it is expected that the railway companies may reach the pre-War level?

The stock of locomotives on standard gauge railways in Great Britain on April 25th last, was 24,496, as compared with 23,612 on December 31st, 1913. There are, however, a larger number of engines under and awaiting repair than at the end of 1913, consequently there is a temporary shortage of engine power. Corresponding figures as regards coaching stock are 72,800 and 75,700, and wagon stock 733,800 and 735,200 respectively. These figures exclude privately owned wagons, in respect of which accurate figures are not available. The deficiency is being dealt with, and as regards wagon stock the pre-War standard will be exceeded by the end of the current year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now seen the correspondence between the Midland Railway Company and the Corporation of Nottingham upon the subject of the reopening of the closed exit from their station; and will he say what steps he can take to meet the wishes expressed in the Memorial presented to this House by the travelling public using this station?

I have seen the correspondence referred to. As was stated in answer to a question by the hon. Baronet the Member for Holborn (Sir J. Remnant), I am advised that I have no legal power to compel the Midland Railway Company to re-open the closed exit.

Are we to understand that, after thirteen months, it has only now been discovered that the right hon. Gentleman has no legal power; and, if he has no legal power, will he use his good offices as Minister of Transport to see what can be done?

I have made en deavours, as I assured my hon. Friend I would, in the most sympathetic way to get the Midland Railway Company to undertake this. I understood that they questioned any power on my part to give them directions, and on taking legal advice I was advised that I had not that power. I have used my good offices as far as I could. I asked the Midland Railway Company to deal with it in that spirit, but they have not yet been able to come to an arrangement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the Midland Railway Company to the fact that Messrs. Boots have offered to contribute £100 towards the expense?

I think they are aware of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the country districts outside the boundaries of the corporation are interested in this question, and that many thousands of people from the outlying districts use the station every day?

asked the Minister of Transport whether the railway companies were permitted during the period of the War to accumulate reserve funds amounting to a sum of about £40,000,000 to be devoted to purposes of maintenance and renewals which, because of the War, could not then be executed; and whether the railway companies are prepared now to spend this money on renewals and repairs before any such further claims are made upon the State under any existing agreements?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the sum involved is about £36,000,000, not £40,000,000 which is a figure given in the Press. The sum is made up of periodical reservations in respect of renewals and repairs on the standard of 1913, which owing to the War, the companies could not execute annually. The Ministry of Transport claim that it is impossible to say that the renewal and repair work being done to-day is all attributable to the current year and that it is not the accumulation of arrears which ought to be met out of the funds referred to. The railway companies have not yet accepted this view. As the matter is under discussion and turns largely upon the legal construction of complicated documents and correspondence, I am not now in a position to give further information on this point. Under the arrangements any company doing less renewal and repair work than the 1913 standard in any one year, is entitled under certain conditions to reserve the amount under-spent, and under certain headings some companies are still doing so.

asked the Minister of Transport whether a final decision has yet been arrived at in regard to the claim of the North-Eastern Railway Company that the £50,000 paid to the ex-deputy general manager should be met under the State guarantee; and, if not, can he say whether the matter in dispute has been submitted to the Law Officers of the Crown and what opinion they have given?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 6th ultimo this question is being dealt with by the Treasury and not by the Ministry of Transport. That is why the hon. Mem should put questions to the Treasury. A final decision has not yet been arrived at, nor has the matter yet been submitted to the Law Officers of the Crown. The Treasury is in correspondence with the North-Eastern Railway Company in regard to the grounds upon which it is contended that the sum in question is a proper charge against the Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that all questions affecting railway finance are now to be transferred to his Department, and are not to go to the Ministry of Transport?

No. I thought I had made it clear to the hon. Gentleman the subject of this claim of the North-Eastern Railway Company was first brought to my notice by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, and he asked that, as he was personally concerned, the matter should be dealt with by the Treasury, and not by the Ministry of Transport. Accordingly, from the first it has been dealt with by the Treasury, and it is on that matter alone that we should be asked to answer questions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now state whether it is the intention of the Government, or not, to set up a traffic board for London?

I would refer my Noble and gallant Friend to the replies which were given him on the 12th instant, and to the hon. Member for Hornsey on 24th June, to which I have nothing to add at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing there is no legal limit to the number of passengers which may be carried by a motor char-à-bancs, nor as to how they may be accommodated, except in the Metropolitan police area, he will state what is the reason for this difference; and is it proposed to remedy these anomalies?

Outside the Metropolitan police area motor chars-a-bancs are licensed to ply for hire as hackney stage carriages in boroughs and urban districts by the police or local authority (under the Towns Police Clauses Acts and various local Acts), who prescribe the number of passengers which may be carried in the vehicle. The whole question of the regulation of these vehicles is now being considered by the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles, who will make recommendations to me as to the action which they consider should be taken to bring the ex sting provisions as to licensing, etc.—which are, for the most part, out of date—in accord with modern requirements. I anticipate that if the Committee's recommendations are to be carried into effect, legislation will be necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the balance of revenue earned over expenditure on the railways of Great Britain has been reduced by a loss of £426,527 on services other than railway services, including hotels, refreshment rooms, and other separate businesses; and whether he can give figures showing the excesses of expenditure over revenue under each of the headings enumerated in Statement No. 2, Cmd. 815?

The balance of revenue earned over expenditure (Railway Working Account) shown by controlled railways in Great Britain in respect of the financial year ended 31st March, 1920, namely, £7,587,747, was reduced by a loss on "other business" of £426,527, as stated by the hon. Member, leaving a net balance of £7,161,220. I am giving the detailed figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT, as I think that will suit the convenience of the House.

Following are the detailed figures promised:

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the London County Council propose building thousands of houses in the district of Dagenham to relieve the overcrowding in East London, and can he say what arrangements he proposes to make to meet this increased traffic; if his attention has been called to the transport scheme devised by Mr. T. H. Mawson for the removal of the station at Fenchurch Street and the laying of additional lines at Mark Lane; and, if so, is he prepared to give favourable consideration to such, or similar, proposals for the purpose of dealing with the conditions now existing on East London railways?

I am aware of the Dagenham Housing scheme, and responsible officers of the Ministry of Transport are investigating in conjunction with the general managers of the railway companies concerned the best means of catering for this increased traffic. I have heard generally of Mr. Mawson's scheme, and if he will forward detailed proposals these will be considered with the railway companies.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the inability of the railway companies to run excursion trains even at fares which would make such trains a paying proposition arises solely from lack of adequate rolling stock; and, if so, will he say what extra, efforts are being made by the railway executives to deal with the after-War deficiency of passenger wagons?

The hon. and gallant Member will see from pages 210, 211, and 212 of the evidence given before the Rates Advisory Committee on the 22nd July that shortage of engine power (not passenger-carrying coaches) was only one of the reasons given on behalf of the railway companies against the running of excursion trains. All available capacity for repair and new construction of locomotives is being utilised to make good the deficiency of engine power arising out of the War, but progress in this matter was retarded, inter alia; by the lengthy moulders' strike.

asked the Prime Minister why British troops are still retained at Danzig and Allenstein; when they are going to be withdrawn; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that these British soldiers do not become involved in disturbances or fighting arising out of the Russo-Polish War?

British troops are retained in Danzig for the purpose of supporting the authority of the temporary Administrator pending the completion of the organisation of local forces and administration. In Allenstein British troops are retained pending the taking over by the Powers concerned of the territory allotted as a result of the plebiscite. It is hoped that the battalion at Allenstein will be withdrawn almost immediately, but it is impossible to indicate definitely when the battalion at Danzig will be withdrawn. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

May I ask if that means that the right hon. Gentleman will give an assurance that no battalion of British troops is going to be cut off, necessitating large reinforcements to rescue them, in this area?

Cut off by whom?

By any disturbed elements that may be operating. May I ask respectfully for a reply? As the right hon. Gentleman will recollect, that is what happened in North Russia.

If the hon. and gallant Member desires a formal assurance, he had better put down a question. It is a serious matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the declaration by the hon. Member for East Clare at the Gonzaga Hall, Washington, on the 25th July last, to the effect that he would be prepared to recommend a solution of the Irish problem along the lines of the first article of the Platt Amendment for Cuba to the Irish people; whether such a solution would safeguard the strategical position of Great Britain; and whether he has considered the possibility of entering into negotiations with the Sinn Fein leaders on this basis?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the remainder of the question in the negative. The proposal would involve the acceptance of an independent Republic in Ireland. To this we can never assent.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to proceed with what is known as the Government of Ireland Bill?

Certainly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman serious? Is he seriously proposing to go on with that as a solution to the Irish Question?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister how many soldiers, policemen, and other citizens, respectively, have been killed by revolutionaries in Ireland during the month of July; and whether, having these figures in view, he will reconsider the decision to postpone till after the autumn holidays the passing of the Government of Ireland Bill in which the remedial policy of the Government is embodied?

The figures are, I regret to say, as follows:

A question of time for whom?

It is a question of time for the House of Commons and the House of Lords as well. There is a limit to the endurance of Members, and it would involve, undoubtedly, their sitting here for several weeks longer, and the Government do not feel they can accept any responsibility, and they think more effective work would be done if the House adjourned and resumed its deliberations later on.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard the passing of this Bill as essential to good government in Ireland, and if he does, does he think Members will place two or three weeks off their holidays, or even longer, as against the killing of these brave and gallant men which is going on every day? Does not civil war override everything?

That is the same question in another form. I can only answer it by saying if the House of Commons felt certain the carrying of this Bill, even at the expense of an additional six weeks or two months, would immediately put an end to massacre and outrage, I do not believe there is a Member of the House who would object to staying here. One has only to listen to what is said by the hon. Member opposite (Mr. Devlin) to see that he, who is not in the least responsible for any of these offences, or anyone who is associated with them, does not think so.

The right hon. Gentleman has introduced my name. Is he aware that a great deal of the irritation that has caused these outrages in Ireland, and the general irritation in the country, has been caused as a manifestation of the resentment and indignation of the country at these proposals?

If I thought that, I should regard the Irish situation as more desperate than ever. The mere fact that the House of Commons is doing its best, according to its lights, to try to meet the legitimate demands of Ireland should be given as a legitimate excuse for murder and outrage shows how impossible the situation is.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, so far from these proposals satisfying the legitimate aspirations of the Irish people, they are regarded as an insult to the aspirations of the Irish people?

I have stated repeatedly that there is no doubt that in the present temper of the Irish people, which my hon. Friend does not represent—I am putting that as showing that the bulk of the Irish people are putting forward demands which he does not support because they are so unreasonable, and therefore, under those conditions, I cannot hope that any measure that is carried by the House of Commons—by any British House of Commons—will meet extreme extravagant demands of that character.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the policy of the Government is driving moderate men of all sections into the extreme movement, and is it the policy of the Government not to leave a single leg for a moderate man to stand on in Ireland? He has stated that we do not represent anyone in Ireland.

No, I did not say that.

Well, we do not represent Ireland. Is he aware that when we did represent Ireland, we were not listened to?

I can hardly accept the last statement. I do not know who had a better hearing.

Listened to effectively.

Listened to pretty effectively, too. We did our very best to meet them according to our own views, and what was right and fair for both partners in these islands. With regard to the last question, I do not agree with the hon. Member that moderate opinion in Ireland has anything whatever to do with these outrages. I firmly believe that they are the work of a small and infinitesimal minority of the Irish people. Therefore I cannot associate moderate views in Ireland with these outrages.

That was not the question I put. I asked whether, with the knowledge in the right hon. Gentleman's possession, it is not a fact that the present policy of the Government is driving every moderate man in Ireland into the extreme camp of terrorism?

No. That is not what is driving them into terrorism.

I am not terrorised, but I am very nearly driven into their ranks.

The terrorism is the work of a very small minority, and moderate people are terrorised to such an extent that they dare not express their views. I have seen signs even in the last few days that moderate opinion in Ireland is beginning to assert itself, and the last evidence of it is a very fearless verdict in the case of the murder of Mr. Brooke.

asked the Secretary for War whether he has received information to the effect that after the murder of Colonel Smyth in Cork the troops, under great provocation, behaved with self-restraint and preserved complete discipline?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that on the occasion referred to the behaviour of the troops was as stated by the hon. Member.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on the 20th instant the military raided the hall of the Enniscorthy branch of the Irish National Foresters, damaged some of the fittings, and ordered all the members present to stand with their hands above their heads for over an hour; whether he is also aware that the annual conference of this non-sectarian and non-political friendly society is to be opened in the same hall on Monday, 2nd August, with dele- gates from all parts of the United Kingdom in attendance; and whether he will give an assurance that steps will be taken to prevent the proceedings of the conference or the delegates being interfered with in any unwarrantable way?

I have made careful inquiry into this matter, and have ascertained that there was good reason to suppose that the meeting to which the hon. Member refers was not the only meeting which took place on the date and at the hall in question. The search which was carried out by the military was not directed against the Irish National Foresters, nor will there be any interference with the annual conference to be held on the 2nd August, but I can give no such guarantee as regards any other meeting which may be held in any other room under the same roof at the same time.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the purpose of the search for General Lucas; and whether the Government has decided to endanger the liberty of other British generals by continuing the occupation of Ireland?

As the hon. Member is aware, General Lucas has now regained his liberty. As regards the policy of the Government concerning Ireland, I can add nothing to the statements that have already been made. I cannot see why the policy of the British Government to re-establish and maintain law and order should be influenced in any way by an incident of this kind, except that it should be pressed on with greater vigour.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether General Lucas actually escaped, or was released?

My information is that he made his escape from the confinement to which he had been kept by his kidnappers.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the meetings held in the shipyards of Belfast and in other centres of North-East Ulster, at which decisions were arrived at not to allow Catholic workers to return to their employment; and whether, in pursuance of his former statement in the House, he can now say what steps he has taken to deal with those who organised those meetings, and who are continuing to carry on an illegal conspiracy to prevent Catholics, many of whom are ex-service men, from carrying on their legitimate occupations, and what action will be taken to reinstate and protect those workers in their employment?

I am very sorry I have not received notice of the question.

I posted the question on Saturday to the Irish Office. I thought from Saturday to Monday was fair notice of a Private Notice question.

Had I received the question it would have been most adequate notice. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will address the Postmaster-General as to the delay. Speaking generally I would remind my hon. Friend that I have no power to insist upon employers employing Roman Catholics, Orangemen, or anybody else. I have no power to compel one trade unionist to work alongside another, against whom he has an antipathy, as I think an unreasonable antipathy. I regret, therefore, that I do not see how I can do anything to compel the employment of the employés to whom the hon. Gentleman refers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to their own description of it they are introducing a Bill on Thursday next to defend citizens from territorism? What I want to know is if on Thursday next there will be any Clause in the Bill to protect these citizens who are being assailed in this fashion which renders it impossible for them to carry on their citizen rights, and what he proposes to do to protect those men at their work? Is the Government prepared to pay these men unemployment donation when they are kept out of work?

In regard to the last question put by the hon. Gentleman, I do not see how the Government can pay out-of-work donation in the particular case to which he refers, but that is not a ques- tion that should be addressed to me; it should be addressed, I think, to the Minister of Labour.

Will there be any Clause in this Bill next Thursday for the purpose of protecting citizens in the discharge of their legitimate duty from the terrorism that is brought to bear upon them in driving them from their work?

The Bill, I hope, will be in the hands of hon. Members tomorrow, and I do not think it would be right for me to say at this moment what is within the confines of the Bill.

May I ask if there is any difference in principle between what is complained of and the well established trade union practice of refusing to work with men who do not belong to the union?

May I ask whether it is a fact that pressure is being brought to bear upon the workers who work against the views of their fellow workers, and whether it would not be illegal for these people organising against the workers if force ws used? In this case, what I maintain is that force has been used against these men, and they are attacked, and speeches are made threatening to assault them physically if they go back to their work. Is that an illegal thing, or is it to be one law in the south and another law in the north?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a resolution passed by the workers in the Queen's Island shipyards states that they will refuse to work with disloyalists and Sinn Feiners until such time as the railwaymen consent to carry munitions and armed forces of the Crown? Also is he aware of the fact that a number of ex-service men have been driven from their employment in Messrs. Anderson's works in the Short Strand, a Nationalist quarter of the city?

Nonsense. There is no truth in that.

I am painfully aware of many things in connection with Ireland, and I am aware of the bitter dispute still going on within certain trade unions themselves in Belfast in reference to the religious and political views of the Members, but I do not think I can usefully add anything to what I have already said.

Am I to take it now from the right hon. Gentleman that the declared policy of the Government is that they refuse to take steps to defend citizens in the legitimate discharge of their duty?

No.

If not, what are they going to do?

The hon. Gentleman well knows that the Government is doing its best to protect all innocent people throughout Ireland, and it will continue to do so. I repeat that it is impossible for any Government to compel employers to employ or workmen to work.

If Resolutions are passed——

The hon. Member should put any further question down.

asked the Prime Minister if Albanian nationality was recognised and Albanian independence was guaranteed after the Ambassadors' Conference in London under the Chairmanship of Lord Grey of Fallodon in 1913; and if His Majesty's Government will use its good offices to secure the territorial integrity and political independence of this neutral state?

His Majesty's Government have every sympathy with Albanian nationalism, but they are unable to act independently in a matter which directly concerns the interests of other Allied powers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an agreement has now been reached between Italy and Albania, and whether the Italians have evacuated Avlona?

I think there is a question on that subject later on.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information showing that the Italian Government is now negotiating with representatives of the Albanians with a view to the evacuation of Albania and the establishment of an independent Albanian State?

I have no official information on the subject, but I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made in the Italian Chamber of Deputies by the Italian Prime Minister on the 24th June last, to the effect that Italy did not favour the idea of a protectorate over Albania, but wished it to be independent.

asked the Prime Minister whether a, communication has reached him asking him to meet a representative deputation on the question of the Channel Tunnel; whether the deputation is to be received; and, if not, if he can now give the decision of the Government with reference to the construction of the tunnel?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth in a letter dated the 24th July, the pressure of urgent work is so great at present that I must ask him to leave the matter over for the moment. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that I am not in a position to announce the decision of the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether all or part of the stores at Richborough have now been sold; if so, can he state in what manner offers were obtained; if the highest tender was accepted; can he state the name of the firm or firms whose offers have been accepted; what is the approximate value of the stores sold at this depot up to date; and if there are still further stocks to be sold there?

The port of Rich-borough is still being used as a receiving port for stores which are being returned to this country from overseas, and although a vast quantity of stores have already been disposed of at the port, the stocks are constantly being supplemented by fresh importations from overseas. In accordance with the general policy of the Disposal Board sales have been effected by auction and by tender and in some special cases by private treaty also. In all cases the best offer has been accepted. I regret that I am unable to give a complete list of purchasers and the total sum realised by sales as the goods sold by the Disposal Board are credited in the accounts according to their description and not according to where they were sold. I could not, therefore, give the information desired by my hon. Friend without great clerical labour. Perhaps my hon. Friend will see me on the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his attention has been drawn to recent public utterances in Australia complaining that it has been impossible to obtain from the Imperial Government any statement regarding wool accounts and the bonuses falling due to the wool growers whether the Colonial wool accounts printed in Cmd. 788, some of them dated so far back as 31st March, 1919, were not communicated to the Australian Government as soon as completed; and whether steps have yet been taken to pay over to the Australian and New Zealand Governments the bonuses which have been ascertained to be due to the wool growers?

As the reply is a lengthy one, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply referred to: —

I am aware that some complaints have been made of the kind referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question, but no ground for dissatisfaction really exists. All the accounts and balance sheets printed in Cmd. 788 were communicated to the Australian Government as soon as completed, commencing with the accounts up to 31st March, 1918, which were forwarded on 4th June, 1919. There has been no avoidable delay in completing the yearly accounts, but owing to the immense amount of detail involved it is impossible to complete them until a year after date. Details of sales of wool have, however, been communicated to the Australian Authorities immediately after they are effected, at monthly intervals, in the same way that the Australian Authorities have communicated details of their purchases. The payment of a bonus to New Zealand wool growers equal to one half of the profits ascertained up to 31st March, 1919, has recently been arranged. The Australian Government have been informed that the sum of £6,486,991, corresponding to one-half of the profits on Australian wool sold up to 31st March, 1919, will be credited to them as soon as they have definitely accepted the accounts as rendered and have complied with certain other conditions considered to be requisite by His Majesty's Treasury. No payments on account of bonuses have become due either to Australia or New Zealand until very recently, because until May of this year the wool accounts were continually in debit, and no funds, therefore, existed out of which a bonus in cash could be paid.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can assure the House that no proposal is in contemplation for curtailing the space in any of the Royal parks for the purpose of any monument or public memorial?

I have declined to consider any proposal which would in any way entail an encroachment on the parks proper. A site has been allotted for a memorial to the Guards opposite the Horse Guards Parade on the edge of St. James's Park, but this will not affect the grass area of the park.

Will it in any way effect the growing plants or the park itself?

I do not think it will affect any growing plants. It may affect a slight edge, and the railing will be set back.

Am I to understand that the park is to be encroached upon, that the very limited space which is of extreme importance in the Metropolis will be still further encroached upon by this monument?

No. As a matter of fact, a small edging and the railing will be set back, but it will not affect the grass area. Another part which is not in the park, under the scheme will be thrown into the park, and the park area will be larger than before.

Will the plan be submitted for inspection of Members of the House before any plans are adopted which will encroach upon the park in any way whatever?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of hanging in the tea room a large drawing which everyone can examine and criticise?

I will consider that. I do not think the plans are forward enough to enable that to be done now, but I will certainly do so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that one of the most beautiful parts in St. James's Park are the plants, trees, and shrubs which grow on each side, and that these are to be encroached upon; it is no satisfaction to say that no grass space will be encroached upon?

As far as I know, the plants and shrubs will not be interfered with.

Will any of the trees be touched?

No.

asked the Minister of Health if he will issue instructions that persons holding National Health stamps for which no further use is required may exchange them at any post office for ordinary postage stamps or cash?

Arrangements are already in existence under which persons in possession of unused National Health Insurance Stamps for which they have no further use can obtain a refund of the value of the stamps from the Inland Revenue Department in accordance with a procedure explained in a Memorandum, a copy of which I will send my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that in the minutes providing for the payment of grants under the Education (Scotland) Fund under Section 21 (2) ( a ) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, no provision is made for payment on the enrolment of young persons in continuation classes or for teachers employed in these classes; and whether he is in a position to indicate how the expenditure incurred by Scottish education authorities on continuation schools or classes is to be met?

I am aware that the minute of the 30th June last does not provide for grant in respect of the number of pupils attending continuation classes, or of teachers employed in these classes. Expenditure incurred by Scottish education authorities on continuation classes is taken into account, together with other expenditure, for the purpose of Section 1 ( b ) of the Minute, and has an important effect upon the amount of grant payable under this Sub-section.

Would it not be possible to make a much more definite statement on behalf of the Department, in view of the uncertainty of the Scottish education authorities whether their expenditure will be covered?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give expression to the view on the Estimates next Wednesday.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the accused's good behaviour for the past 10 years, he will cause the sentence of nine months' imprisonment awarded to James Martin for assault in the Airdrie sheriff court to be reviewed?

I am considering this case and I hope to reach a decision in the course of this week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not only consider the fact of this man's 10 years' most excellent character, but also the fact that his employers describe him as a most industrious workman?

Yes; all relevant considerations will be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any more joiners, bricklayers, and general labourers have been obtained for Scottish housing schemes since the figures given as available on 15th June?

According to returns as at 15th July, the number of bricklayers and masons has increased by 17, the number of joiners has increased by 73, and the number of other skilled and unskilled workmen has decreased by 418.

Does that mean that there is a deficiency of over 14,000 out of 17,000 workers required still for housing in Scotland this year?

I regret that the deficiency is very large.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the Debate on Scottish Estimates, he will give the latest figures available of the number of houses completed in Scotland under the Housing Acts of 1919, and the number of houses for which schemes and tenders have been approved?

As at 15th July, 138 permanent houses were occupied and six were ready for occupancy. In addition, 136 temporary houses were occupied Up to 29th July, the Scottish Board of Health had approved schemes for 108,916 houses and tenders for 10,869.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that local authorities find that the deduction at the source of Income Tax on local housing bonds is prejudicial to their issue; and if, in view of the vital necessity of making a success of these bonds, he will consider allowing Income Tax to be recovered later, irrespective of the amount of holding, in the same manner as was allowed for Government issues during the War?

No, Sir. I am not prepared to go beyond the special concession made in the Housing Act of last year, under which interest on holdings not exceeding £100 is paid without deduction of tax. This matter was fully considered by the Royal Commission on the Income Tax, and their recommendation was against extending freedom from deduction at the source.

In view of the urgency in respect of housing and the difficulty of raising locally loans, which will otherwise fall on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Board of Health further on this matter?

I have given very full consideration to it, and have consulted with my colleague. The deduction of Income Tax at the source is the great protection of the Income Tax, and it is very undesirable that freedom from deduction at the source should be extended further. That is not merely my opinion but the opinion of the Royal Commission, which has investigated the whole matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Woods and Forests Department in refusing to lease to the Windsor Corporation two empty houses in Osborne Road; whether he is aware that these houses have been empty for some years and are capable of holding four or five families; and whether, in view of the shortage of houses in this district, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The houses in question have been inspected on behalf of the Ministry of Health and are considered entirely unsuitable for conversion into working-class dwellings. My right hon. Friend understands that the same view is held by the Housing Committee of the local authority. He does not propose therefore to taken any further action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Bill limiting the hours of labour to eight hours a day with certain qualifications, as provided for in convention at Washington last year, is to be proceeded with and carried into law this year in accordance with the commitments of the Government?

We hope to introduce and proceed with the Hours of Employment Bill after the Recess.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that disabled soldiers who are being trained in violin playing under the Ministry are not provided with a violin, even though they do not own and are without the means of purchasing one; and whether he proposes to take any steps to remedy this matter?

Grants for violin training and musical training generally fall to be dealt with by the Board of Education in higher educational institutions and by the Appointments Department in other cases. If the application of the candidate whom the hon. Member has in mind is being dealt with by the Board of Education, he should inquire of them. If the application is with the Appointments Department and the position is that the training grants scheme does not include specific payment for equipment, but where such equipment is essential, the maintenance grant may, in suitable cases, be increased provided that it does not exceed the maximum.

asked the Postmaster-General whether Government messages received from India all have a red slip pasted on, with the words Government priority; whether the same priority applies to Government telegrams sent from this country to India; and whether such Government messages, though only paid for at 10d. a word, have priority, not only over the ordinary telegrams at 1s. 8d. a word, but also over the triple-rate messages at 5s. a word?

It is the Eastern Telegraph Company's practice to mark all British Government telegrams with a red slip, but only those which are specially marked by the senders as urgent are given priority over private messages. Other British Government telegrams have, since the beginning of last year, taken turn on the Company's system with private telegrams paid at ordinary rates. All British Government telegrams are transmitted by the Company at half rates under the terms of their landing licences.

Is it not very misleading to attach this red slip of "Government priority," and does it not naturally lead to dissatisfaction among people who are spending 5s. a word on cables?

I will refer to the Company what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has said.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can say what is the greatest number of hours' delay which has taken place for the last month for which figures are available, between the handing in of telegrams for India at full-message rates at local telegraph offices and their despatch by the Eastern Telegraph Company's cable to India?

The Eastern Telegraph Company have no such figures immediately available, but they are taking steps to procure them, and I will communicate them to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steeps have been or are being taken to counteract the movement for retrocession of the island of Mauritius organised by known agitators, some of whom are reported as being responsible for the trouble in 1911 and who are endeavouring to bring about a recurrence of that trouble; and will he state whether the Indian population of the island are loyal or if they are showing signs of joining in an anti-British movement?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks on 11th December last, no importance need be attached to the movement referred to which is repudiated by the great majority of all classes in Mauritius, including the Indian population. I have received no report from the Governor suggesting the desirability of any special measures in this connection.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received representations from the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners with reference to the remuneration of their members employed at Leith Fort, the Ordnance Depôt, Stirling, and also at West Fenton aerodrome; whether these men have been paid anything under the award of the Industrial Court No. 14, dated 23rd December last, giving an advance of 1¼d. per hour to all operatives in the Scottish building trades; whether a further advance of 4½d. has just been made in settlement of the recent dispute; and whether the men employed in these departments will receive the new rates without further delay?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the necessity for the encouragement of athletic sports in the Army, he will consider the desirability of one day per week being set aside for this purpose and of providing that non-commissioned officers and men taking part in these exercises should not attend more than one parade on that particular day?

Whilst the Army Council are fully alive to the value of athletic sports, and are doing everything to encourage them compatible with the training of the soldier in his military duties, I regret it is not possible at present to give effect to the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Bill for the regulation of the hours of work of women, young persons, and children, as amended in Committee, in accordance with the Washington Convention, is to be passed this year?

Yes, Sir. The further stages of the Bill will be taken in the autumn.

Will it be taken without the foreign element introduced here in the Bill?

As the hon. Member knows, I have appointed a Committee to go into that question.

Is the Bill still to be hampered in going through the House by the introduction of the question of two shifts. My question is, whether the Bill is to be proceeded with as amended in Committee?

The Bill will be proceeded with in any case, but what will be done with regard to the two shifts will depend upon the report of the Committee.

In view of the urgency of the matter, is it not possible for the Bill to be taken before the adjournment for the recess, omitting the objectionable feature?

No, I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the minutes of evidence given before the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation will be printed and circulated?

The minutes of evidence will be presented in the course of this month when the index which is now being prepared has been completed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the custom of the Inland Revenue to refund to preference shareholders in a Colonial company Colonial Income Tax at the rate of Income Tax payable in that Colony when their income, which is a fixed percentage on their investment, has not borne any Colonial tax; and, if so, how much is it unnecessarily costing the Exchequer, as the incomes of these people are no less than they were before Colonial Income Tax was imposed in that Colony?

In a case where a preference shareholder in a Colonial company receives his dividend out of a fund which has borne Dominion Income Tax and he is liable to pay United Kingdom Income Tax in respect of that dividend, a claim is admitted to the appropriate relief from double Income Tax. I have undertaken to look into this matter again, but I must not be understood to assent in any way to the suggestion that any unnecessary cost falls on the Exchequer by reason of the admission of such claims.

asked the Prime Minister whether pre-War Army pensioners will shortly receive an increase to their inadequate pensions?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on 22nd July last to the hon. and gallant Member for East Fife. The announcement as far as the Army is concerned will be made by the issue of a Royal Warrant as soon as the Pensions (Increase) Bill has been passed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether half a million tins of salmon and milk are stored in the old drill hall, Nottingham, and are rapidly becoming unsaleable; and, if so, whether early steps will be taken to dispose of these accumulations?

There is no foundation whatever for the suggestion contained in the first part of the question. Some 22,000 cases of canned salmon were originally stored in the building referred to in order to relieve congestion at the ports. Of this quantity the Ministry of Food have already disposed of all but 6,000 cases, and 4,000 of these are now under negotiation for sale. I have just received a report of an examination of the stock made a few days ago by a recognised authority in the canned salmon trade. He reports that the stocks are in excellent condition and that with the exception of a few cases under a leak in the roof the storage of the stuff has been excellently arranged. No condensed milk is stored in the building in question, either on behalf of the Ministry of Food or of private traders.

Will the right hon. Gentleman put a sample of this salmon in the tea room?