asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any documents have been sent to London by the British Minister in Finland and received by the Foreign Office implicating General Sir Hubert Gough, late head of the inter-Allied military mission in Finland, Commander Grenfell, formerly head of a naval mission to Finland, and Professor Cotter, late Press attaché to the British Legation in Helsingfors, in plotting to introduce a Bolshevist régime in this country, or, if not, from whom were these documents received; were the documents the originals of the correspondence or copies; and, if copies, what steps have been taken to ascertain that these copies are correct duplicates of the originals?

I have seen the documents in question, which were copies of the correspondence, and have nothing to add to the answer given by the Lord Privy Seal on July 13th to the hon. Member for Islington East.

From whom did the hon. Gentleman receive these copies? Was it from the hon. Member for East Islington?

I received them from two different sources, one official and the other private.

Does the Foreign Office supply documents to Members of this House that deal with the character of a very gallant officer without ascertaining that they are authentic? Do they come from any Tom, Dick, and Harry without inquiry?

Certainly not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any means of communication exist with the Republic of Azerbaijan; whether the late Government of Azerbaijan was recognised de facto by His Majesty's Government; whether a diplomatic representative has been or was sent to Azerbaijan; whether there are the diplomatic representatives of any other Power except Russia in Azerbaijan; and whether any attempt has been made to communicate with the present Government of Azerbaijan with regard to British prisoners at Baku?

No direct official means of communication with the Republic of Azerbaijan exist. A Note was addressed to the Commissar of the Azerbaijan Soviet by the Acting British Chief Commissioner for the Caucasus when the British were first placed under arrest at Baku, and was delivered through Dr. Alshibaya, the Georgian representative in Baku, but no reply was ever received. Indirect efforts to communicate through the Azerbaijan Delagation in Paris and the Netherlands Government have been equally fruitless.

The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. No reliable information is available in regard to the fourth part. It is believed that the Italian and Persian representatives are still at Baku, and possibly others; but it is doubtful whether their Governments can readily communicate with them, and a telegraphic inquiry on this point has been addressed to the Italian Government. The last part of the question is answered by the reply to the first part.

May I ask whether, as the late Government of Azerbaijan was recognised de facto, the present Government has been, or will be, recognised? If not, will not that account for the delay in getting information about our prisoners?

Is it not a fact that this Azerbaijan Government is more or less a myth, and that these men are really in the hands of a Soviet army?

As the hon. and gallant Member for Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) is aware, the original Azerbaijan Government was recognised by His Majesty's Government, but there are at present no diplomatic relations with the succeeding Government. I think there is a good deal to be said for the view expressed by my Noble and gallant Friend (Viscount Curzon).

Is it not that the fact that our non-recognition has had a good deal to do with the delay in getting intelligence and news about our unfortunate prisoners?

No, I do not think so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the full time allowed to Germany for the settlement of debts under the terms of the Peace Treaty has now expired; and what steps are being taken to secure payment for English creditors?

I have been asked to answer this question.

The time allowed to Germany for the settlement of debts has not yet expired. British creditors were given up to the 12th July to file notice of the debts due to them, and a large proportion of their claims have not been put in to the British Clearing Office until recently. Some 30,000 claims were notified to the German Clearing Office immediately upon its formal establishment in May, and others are being notified monthly. The German Office under the Treaty has three months from the date of notification in which to admit or object to them. Debts will be paid immediately upon their admission.

Is it impossible to pay disputed debts before the Joint Arbitration Tribunal is set up, and has a President been found for that body?

That is quite a different question from the one on the Paper. I do not think a Chairman has yet been found, but we are doing everything we can to accelerate things.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the discomfort suffered by applicants for passports for France owing to the lack of accommodation at the office in Gower Street; and will he make representations to the French authorities in this country with a view to mitigating the conditions?

I understand that this matter is already receiving the attention of the French authorities here, who are taking steps to remove any inconvenience caused by the temporary lack of accommodation at the Office in Gower Street resulting from the unusual rush of the holiday season.

Will the hon. Gentleman suggest to the French authorities that as this is only a question of collecting fees, it might be done by post, and so save this tremendous inconvenience?

I do not know whether we can make that suggestion, but the French authorities have received our representations in a most friendly manner.

May I ask whether, as the Secretary for War is the chief authority for passports in this country, the question ought not to be addressed to him?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cases still remain to be dealt with by the effects branch of the War Office; whether the estates of any soldiers killed in 1918 have yet been reached; when it is expected that all cases will have been dealt with; what is the number of staff now employed upon dealing with them; and whether reduction of staff is proceeding pari passu with the reduction of the number of cases?

The number of War gratuities remaining to be dealt with by the Effects Branch of the War Office is approximately 2,400, and it is anticipated that these cases will be disposed of shortly. All cases of soldiers killed during the War have been taken up. There is no separate staff now dealing exclusively with the issue of War gratuities. The staff of the Effects Branch now number 324, and is being reduced pari passu with the reduction of the work to be provided for.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the staff are now doing?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question, I will reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any officers holding temporary commissions, or men enlisted under the Military Service Acts, are still compulsorily retained in Mesopotamia; and, if so, how many?

I am not aware that there are any demobilisable officers or other ranks of the British Service compulsorily retained in Mesopotamia, other than those in hospital or undergoing detention.

What is meant by "demobilisable" officers?

I think the word conveys exactly what it is intended to mean—officers who can be demobilised.

Am I to understand that there are no officers in Mesopotamia at present holding temporary commissions and desiring to get home who have not been released?

I can add nothing to the information I have given.

It is in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that service overseas is usually considered to entitle a soldier to extra pay, he will explain why, in the case of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the shoemakers on home service from the date of the issue of Army Council Instruction No. 1,150, received 1s. per day (working pay) and in addition a bonus averaging 20s. per week under the authority of that Instruction, while men on overseas service, suffering all the hardships of the campaign in France, Italy, Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia, were paid at the rate of 6d. per day (corps pay) only and were informed that the Army Council Instruction which had been applied to the Ordnance shoemakers in England did not apply to them; and if he will give instructions that Army Council Instruction No. 1,150 shall be applied to Ordnance shoemakers who served overseas or, alternatively, that the injustice under which these men are suffering shall be removed by granting to the overseas Ordnance shoemakers as a gratuity the difference between the 6d. corps pay which they actually received and the 1s. per day working pay which their comrades in England received from the date of the issue of the Army Council Instruction in question?

All shoemakers of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, whether at home or abroad, were paid regimental pay plus corps pay with the exception of those in two command shops who, for special reasons, were treated like the regimental shoemakers.

Is it the fact that some men who have made claims for this back pay have already received it, and why are men serving abroad receiving different treatment from men who served at home and who are doing exactly the same kind of work?

I cannot give information as to the two cases the hon. Gentleman has in mind, but if he would write to me I will inquire.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation, seeing that those who represent the boot industries are somewhat pestered with correspondence on this point?

I think it would be better first to elucidate the facts regarding the two cases the hon. Member has in mind.

Would not a deputation do all that is necessary?

asked the Secretary of State for War what quantity of hay is now in the hands of the War Office; whether he is aware that, in reply to a question in the House in December, 1919, it was stated that the supply would not last beyond last April; and whether there is a dump or dumps which will take a long time to clear?

It is not possible to say definitely how long the hay now in the hands of the War Office will last, as this largely depends on how far our forces overseas can be maintained out of local resources. It is true that it was stated in December, 1919, that the supply of hay in the hands of the War Office would not last beyond last April, but, owing to the reduction which has since taken place in the numbers of animals, and their distribution both at home and overseas, together with the improved harvest prospects in Egypt, it is now possible that the stocks will last beyond the current year.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers are permitted to wear their decorations in khaki uniform; and whether when on church parade in khaki they are permitted to wear their medals?

An order was published on the 14th July, 1919, under which, as a temporary measure, permission was given to officers and men to wear their decorations and medals in service dress uniform when parading in review order with their units. This order covers the wearing of decorations and medals on church parade.

Is that order still in existence?

The answer supplied me is that it covers, so I presume it is still in existence.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he has come to any decision as to one record office superseding all the five regimental headquarters of the Brigade of Guards;

(2) whether, in view of the anxiety raised by his suggestion to amalgamate the headquarters of the Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards into one record office, he will now make a definite statement that the suggestion has been finally dropped?

The whole matter is still receiving consideration, and I regret that I am not in a position to make any definite statement at present.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still adhere to his assurances that he proposes maintaining these Territorial units under their national designations?

They are not Territorial units. They are the regular units of the Brigade of Guards.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement of the cost entailed of the various headquarters and staffs commanding the Territorial Division and Brigades in London; and whether, in view of economy, he will consider the advisability of returning to the pre-War custom by which these duties were carried out by officers of the Foot Guards in conjunction with their other duties, and thus save the whole of the above cost?

The hon. and gallant Member is mistaken in thinking that the command of the London Division was combined with other duties before the War. The custom he refers to applied only to four of the Infantry Brigades, which were commanded by the four officers commanding the regiments of Foot Guards, with their regimental adjutants as brigade majors. This arrangement was open to the strong objection that it involved a change of staff on mobilisation, and it was decided that it ought not to be revived on the re-constitution of the Territorial Force. The extra cost of separate staffs (assuming that if the pre-War arrangement had been continued it would have been extended to the colonel and adjutant of the Welsh Guards) is about £9,000 per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, considering that officers re-employed during the War who had previously retired on gratuity were only eligible, like officers in receipt of retired pay, to a gratuity at a lower rate than that applicable in the case of a temporary officer, these officers should not now be eligible for an increased gratuity in the same manner that re-employed officers who had previously retired on retired pay are eligible for increased retired pay?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to his question of the 6th July, to which I can add nothing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with purchase of discharge from the Army, an inquisition is held into the family history and previous domestic position of the parents; whether he will state the nature and number of questions asked; and whether discharge depends upon the payment of the fee or on the correct answer being given to the questions?

No, Sir; unless the hon. Member is referring to the inquiries made in the interest of the soldier for the purpose of substantiating a claim put forward on compassionate grounds for the reduction of the amount to be paid for the purchase of discharge. As regards the last part of the question, the consummation of a discharge by purchase, which has been authorised, depends on the payment of the purchase money.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any information regarding the retreat of the British troops from Enzeli, on the Caspian Sea?

On the evacuation of Enzeli and Resht the 36th Brigade, of which these troops formed a part, was concentrated in the neighbourhood of Kasvin with detachments at Zinjau and Menzil, watching the approaches from Tabriz and Resht.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state when Lance-Corporal W. H. Baugh, No. 18,849, M. T. Police, Jaffa, Palestine, is to be demobilised?

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

asked the Home Secretary whether police officers have been ordered to prevent motor vehicles stopping anywhere in the centre or at the sides of the more important London streets; and whether the new orders are applied to horse-drawn traffic and to public service vehicles; and, if so, whether arrangements can be made by the police to park the vehicles referred to in the less important streets or on centrally-situated ranks where the width of the street permits?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that an experiment is being tried in Piccadilly to see how far the removal of waiting vehicles of every class (except cabs on authorised ranks) from the centre of the road facilitates traffic. This action is at present limited to Piccadilly. For some time past the police have been doing their utmost to prevent obstruction by vehicles of any class waiting against the kerb in the more congested highways. Arrangements for parking in suitable streets have always been in existence, and these arrangements are modified or extended as occasion requires.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the police have full information, and are able to give the information to those who want to stop in places like Piccadilly, so that they can know where to go?

No doubt that would be so.

asked the Home Secretary how many police controls were in operation in the Metropolitan Police area for detecting infringements of the Motor Car Act between a.m. 31st July and p.m. 2nd August; how many police officers were employed and with what success; what were the maximum figures for any one day; and were any cases of dangerous driving reported?

There were 157 controls during the three days. 153 officers were employed. 300 cases were reported for prosecution by the officers on control duty, one of which related to dangerous driving. 196 cases were the maximum reported, namely, on the 1st August (Sunday), and five cases of dangerous driving were reported by police on ordinary duty.

How many defaulters were sent to prison without the option of a fine?

I must have notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see his way to abolish this waste of effort in these serious times?

I do not consider there is any waste of effort.

asked the Home Secretary whether the police authorities have received complaints with reference to the throwing of bottles and pennies from motor chars-a-bancs, and with reference to the danger thereby caused to children and to other users of the road; whether any special steps are being taken to deal with the general increase of this and other motor traffic; whether the formation of a special branch of road police mounted on motor cycles has been considered; and would such a mobile force be far better able to protect the public and stop dangerous driving than the employment of such large numbers of constables in the detection of cars in an infraction of the speed limit?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask if there is any means of preventing this concerted attack on a democratic means of transit by wealthy motoring interests?

No complaints of the particular sort mentioned in the question have reached the Commissioner of Police, but he is taking steps, and so, I have no doubt, are other police authorities, to deal with the increase of chars-a-bancs and other motor traffic. The suggestion of employing police on motor cycles is under consideration, but if adopted it would not relieve the police of the duty of taking the steps necessary to check excessive speed.

Have any of these drivers had their licences covered with penalties for furious driving?

I must ask for notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether motor coaches or char-a-bancs require to be licensed and, if so, what are the conditions governing the grant of the licence; and whether any similar conditions are imposed on motor lorries which are roughly adapted, on emergency, to carry large parties of excursionists or holiday-makers?

I have been asked to reply to this question. In the Metropolitan Police area motor coaches and char-a-bancs which ply for hire are licensed by the Commissioner of Police of the metropolis. In other towns and urban districts these vehicles require to be licensed under the Town Police Clauses Acts, or, in some of the larger towns, under Private Acts of Parliament obtained by the corporations concerned. Such conditions are imposed as the licensing authority consider to be reasonably necessary for the safety of the public. Motor lorries do not require to be licensed, even though used occasionally for carrying excursionists or holiday makers, unless they ply for hire.

Could not the conditions, alluded to in the hon. Gentleman's answer be standardised between the Metropolitan Police authorities and local authorities throughout the country generally?

I have not given consideration to the matter, but will do so.

asked the Home Secretary ii he will consider, when granting licences for motor coaches or char-a bancs, the desirability of insisting on another man, in addition to the driver, being carried by these vehicles for the purpose of sitting at the rear of each vehicle provided with proper means so that he can keep himself in communication with the driver in order to facilitate passing traffic in narrow or congested roads?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Licences to stand and ply for hire for motor coaches or char-a-bancs are issued by the Commissioner of Police of the metropolis for the Metropolitan Police area, and outside that area by urban district councils, subject to conditions which they may think fit to impose in their discretion provided that such conditions are within their powers. No Government Department has power to require another man in addition to the driver, although the licensing authority may do so if they wish. A general requirement that a man, in addition to the driver, should be at the rear of each such vehicle would impose heavy additional expense upon the proprietors of these vehicles.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the criticism of Admiral Lord Jellicoe in reference to the over-staffing of the Admiralty with railway officials by the Minister of Transport when First Lord of the Admiralty and Vice-Admiral of His Majesty's Fleet, with the deplorable results disclosed; and if he will see that a repetition of this is avoided as far as possible by a drastic revision of the Estimates of over £450,000 for administration in the new Ministry of Transport?

I have not myself read the book, but I am informed that the statements in the question do not at all represent the views expressed in it.

With a view to a further question on the subject, will my right hon. Friend read Lord Jellicoe's book and criticism of the Minister of Transport's administration when First Lord of the Admiralty?

Yes, I will try to do so, but not immediately.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the numbers of former enemy aliens, distinguishing between Germans and other enemy aliens, who have applied for permission to return to the United Kingdom to take up permanent residence since 11th January last, and the numbers of applications that have been granted respectively?

As I informed the hon. and learned Baronet on 13th May last, the number of applications under Section 10 (4) of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, is 940. The Committee have recommended permission to land in 676 cases, deferred permission for periods of 6 or 12 months in 99 cases, and have refused to recommend permission in 130 cases. The remaining cases, 35 in number, have not yet been decided. Upwards of 85 per cent. of the cases relate to Germans.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the numbers of former enemy aliens, distinguishing between Germans and other enemy aliens, who have applied for permission to enter the United Kingdom for temporary sojourn since the Armistice, the numbers of such applications that have been granted, and the conditions under which such applications have been granted?

Many applications from former enemy aliens, especially Germans, are received both at the Home Office and by the Passport Control Officers abroad for permission to visit the United Kingdom, which are at once refused because the applicants cannot show that there are "special grounds" for admission, as required by Section 10 (1) of the Aliens Restriction Act, 1919. It is not possible to give the number of such applications. As regards the conditions imposed on admission, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Southwark on the 15th July. The total number of former enemy aliens admitted on special grounds for short visits between 1st January and 30th June of this year was 4,529.

Have any of these visits been to the War Office?

I cannot say. Most of them were purely personal visits.

How many of these 4,000 remained in this country?

That I cannot say without notice. They are all very short periods.

Will there be any relaxation of the restrictions against Germans, in view of the War Office policy of forming an alliance with Germany in the near future?

asked the Home Secretary whether an ejectment order has recently been given at the Moot Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, against Mr. George Watson, an ex-soldier, with a wife and family, in favour of a German subject who had elected to be deported rather than be interned during the War; whether it was urged that a man with a wife and family who had served his country should not be dispossessed in favour of a German; whether the presiding magistrate, whilst sympathising with Mr. Watson, said he had no option but to make an order; and whether legislation can be introduced to meet such cases?

An ejectment order was granted against Mr. Watson on production of evidence that alternative accommodation, of which he has since availed himself, had been purchased for him. The order was issued in favour of the wife of a German subject who was interned in 1915 and repatriated in 1918 with other infirm or old persons. I am further informed that the Comrades of the Great War decided to abandon their intention of holding a protest meeting on learning that four sons of the German subject concerned had served in His Majesty's Forces during the War. In these circumstances, I do not think there is any case for proposing legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the public feeling aroused by the announcement that by 1st April next all War Department offices in this country are to be staffed by serving soldiers; does this mean the dismissal before that date of every ex-service man now employed; and can he see his way so to amend the new Order as to permit ex-service men to retain their posts and only to fill vacancies, as they occur, with serving soldiers?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 27th July to the hon. Member for Wednesbury.

Is there any change since that date? What is the position at this moment?

There is no change since 27th July. No instructions such as the hon. Member refers to have been issued by the War Office. He will find that in the answer.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how much money has been expended in connection with land settlement under The Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919; and how the money expended has been apportioned to the various purposes authorised under the Act?

I fear that it is hardly possible to deal comprehensively with my hon. and gallant Friend's question in reply to a question; but it will probably meet his purpose if I state that, apart from expenditure out of the ordinary provisions of the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund, a sum of £256,000 has so far been borrowed from the Public Works Loan Commissioners for the purchase of estates under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, while a further sum of £44,500 will be placed by the Commissioners at the disposal of the Board this month for a similar purpose.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many acres have been acquired for land settlement under Part I. of The Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919; how many in addition have been made available under the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts during the same period; how many applications for land have been received from ex-service, men and others; how many of these have actually entered into occupation of the holdings; how many of the holdings upon which entry has been given are fully equipped with buildings; and how many have not yet had their rents fixed?

As the answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question is rather lengthy and contains a number of figures, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to:

Since 23rd December, 1919, when the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, was passed, the Board have acquired 121,140 acres under Part I of that Act, and during the same period they secured 17,877 acres under the Small Landholders Acts. The total number of applications received by the Board up to the 30th June, 1920, is 15,851, namely 5,006 for new holdings, and 47 for enlargements from ex-service men, and 5,798 for new holdings, and 5,000 for enlargements from civilians. 3,308 applicants have withdrawn their applications, leaving an effective demand from 12,543 applicants. Of these, 1,621 applicants have entered into occupation of new holdings or enlargements allocated as follows: 1,014 new holdings and 607 enlargements. 337 holdings are not fully equipped with buildings, but in these cases temporary accommodation is provided for the holders in existing buildings either on the holdings or elsewhere or in Army huts, to such extent as to enable them to work their holdings. With regard to the rents, I refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to his question of the 28th June.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many women and how many ex-service men are em- ployed on the staff of the Dublin County War Pensions Committee at the office in Dawson Street, Dublin; how many of the women are war widows; is the office of treasurer held by an unmarried lady whose brothers are not ex-service men; and what is her salary?

There are 22 women, of whom one is a War widow, and five ex-service men on the staff of this Committee. The office of treasurer is it present held by a man. Steps have already been taken to impress upon the Committee the necessity of increasing the number of ex-service men in their employment, and this policy will be continued.

If they do not comply with the request of the hon. Gentleman, will he take steps to compel them to do so?

I do not think we have power to compel them, but we have power to refuse sanction to new appointments.

Can you not stop the salary of the Secretary?

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in allotting houses to ex-service men some municipal authorities give priority to men with the largest families regardless of their length of service; will he direct that the following information be demanded from applicants: date of joining the Army, length of service overseas, and wounds or decorations; and, seeing that ex-service man is a very vague term, can he take steps so that those who served longest in the field and endured the greatest hardship will be given preference?

The choice of tenants for their new houses is within the discretion of the local authorities. I have, however, recommended local authorities to bear in mind the special claims of ex-service men, and I believe that, generally, they are doing so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, if his attention has been called to the case of Private Rayner, No. 417,026, of the Royal Army Service Corps, the allowances to whose wife has been stopped by reason of the soldier's extension of service; and whether he can explain on what grounds the allowance is stopped when a soldier volunteers for extended service to his country.

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

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state who are members of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, and when and how often does the Tribunal sit?

The members of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals for England and Wales are appointed by the Lord Chancellor. There are at the present time eight tribunals for men and one for officers. Each tribunal consists of

The tribunal for officers sits in London on one day in each week, or more frequently if the number of cases necessitates additional sittings.

asked the Minister of Pensions why, if an adopted child receives a dependant's separation allowance during the lifetime of its adopted father, this allowance should cease when the father is killed?

The adopted child of a soldier who has been killed in the War is admissible to the benefit provided for children by the Royal Warrant, subject to the condition, laid down in Article 24 (3), that the child was regularly maintained by the soldier at the commencement of the War or at the date of his enlistment, whichever was the later. The grant of separation allowance in respect of a serving soldier is a matter for the Service Departments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state under what authority pensionable time served in the Royal Navy after 31st March, 1919, is not allowed to count towards increase of pension; and whether such authority subordinates the Order A.W.O. 1809/19, which states that the basic rate of pension is to be 1½d. per diem for each year's service, there being no maximum, and to apply to all pensionable time?

The condition that mobilised pensioner service subsequent to 31st March, 1919, should cease to reckon as pensionable service was attached to the grant of the improved scale of pensions to long service pensioners who had served during the War as from the 1st April, 1919. It was duly announced in Admiralty Weekly Order 1809/19, the last sentence of which stated that effect would be given as from the date mentioned, i.e., 1st April, 1919, to the conditions stated in Clause 3, paragraph ( e ), of Monthly Order 4614/17, in the cases of all men whose pensions would be reassessed under the terms of Monthly Order 3968/18. Service rendered after 31st March, 1919, was not, therefore, pensionable time.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has received a resolution from the parish council of Crail complaining of the sum demanded for educational purposes by the Fife education authority, which is this year £3,229, as compared with £560 last year; and if he has now arrived at any decision as to how relief is to be afforded to the ratepayers of this and similar communities?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stirling and Clackmannan on the 21st July.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will take immediate steps, through the Board of Agriculture or otherwise, to inquire into the conditions under which the kelp industry is conducted in South Uist, with a view to the removal of the serious grievances of which the workers complain?

This matter has been engaging the attention of the Board of Agriculture, who have endeavoured to take such steps as are within their competence for the benefit of the industry. The Board have the circumstances fully in view, and I do not consider that further inquiry is necessary.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the amount of the Education (Scotland) Fund; and how much of it remains unexpended at present?

The amount paid into the Education (Scotland) Fund for the current financial year, that is, from the 1st April to 31st July, 1920, is £2,723,037, including a balance of £16,710 brought forward from last year's account. Sums amounting to £2,707,605 were paid out of the Fund during this period, leaving a balance of £15,432 at the 1st August, 1920.

Is it contemplated that the expenses of education should keep rolling up in this excessive manner right through the Recess? Ought not some steps to be taken to check the advance before it reaches the heights which apparently seem likely?

I do not agree with my hon. Friend that the amount spent upon education is excessive, and if he will do me the honour to-morrow of coming to the Debate on the Scottish Estimates he will be convinced.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to invite the German Government to cooperate in hostilities against Russia; whether the Hungarian Government has been invited or has offered to co-operate against Russia; and what reply has been received or made?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. The third part of the question does not therefore arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman repudiate the article written by the Secretary of State for War last Thursday inviting Germany to join us?

asked the Prime Minister whether British munitions are being sent from this country or elsewhere to Poland; and whether any of the munitions at Danzig which the dockers in that city recently refused to handle are of British origin?

The answer to the first part of the question is that no British munitions are being sent to Poland by His Majesty's Government. I have no information as to the origin of the munitions referred to in the last paragraph of the question.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether we are sending munitions to Poland at the present time?

If the hon. Member reads the answer which I have just given he will see that we are not sending any, but, of course, the hon. Member is familiar with the recent correspondence with the Soviet Government which may alter the situation.

It is because I am familiar with the correspondence that I ask for an assurance that we have not altered our policy and are sending munitions to Poland.

We are not sending any.

Why is there so much hostility from democratic people in this House towards Poland, a nation struggling to be free?

I cannot say.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, before the Poles undertook their offensive against Russia, the Government of this country informed Poland that they could give no advice whatsoever, or whether they urged Poland not to attack?

As has already been made quite clear to the House by repeated statements, His Majesty's Government warned the Polish Government that the whole responsibility must rest with them.

Why are we sending them munitions now?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to lay on the Table the despatch to which the Prime Minister referred as embodying the advice, or the failure to give advice, to the Government of Poland?

It is quite possible. I will consider whether it would be advisable.

Was not the Prime Minister of Poland under the impression that he was acting on the offensive with the full approval of this Government, and did not the Government advise His Majesty to send a telegram of congratulation to Poland on the very day they expected to enter Kieff?

Quite the reverse. I read in Debate in this House part of the despatch sent to Poland, which showed quite clearly that this Government did not think it a wise action, or accepted any responsibility for it.

May I have an answer to my question: Why are we sending munitions to Poland?

The answer has already been given. The answer why we are sending munitions to Poland is an Irish answer: we are not sending them.

Is it a fact that British troops are co-operating in unloading munitions at Dantzig?

It may be so, I do not know.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his statement that we owe a great deal to His Highness Emir Feisal as an ally, he will state how he proposes to help him?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government can make any statement in regard to the situation in Syria, the position of the Emir Feisal, and how these events are likely to influence the situation in Mesopotamia?

The whole position is still obscure, and I am not able to make any statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now, or if he will prior to the Recess, make a statement in regard to the modifications in regard to the restrictions imposed for war purposes under the Liquor Control Department?

As I have already stated, it is impossible to make any statement on this subject before the Adjournment.

asked the Lord Privy Seal why the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) Regulations oblige the consumer of wine or beer to pay for goods before delivery and does not permit payment on delivery; why he must send or take his order to the licensed premises and may not give his order to the representative of the vendor when he calls; and why the brewer or wine merchant may not deliver beer or wine by basket or cycle before 12 noon, but is obliged to use a motor vehicle or horse van?

The Regulations referred to in the first part of the question formed a part of the series of Regulations which were designed to check, and have in fact checked, the abuses to which the facilities which existed in 1915 and 1916 for obtaining liquor for off-consumption lend themselves. As regards the remainder of the question, I cannot add anything to previous replies which I have given on the subject.

Is it really necessary to continue these War restrictions?

That question has been put a great many times. I think the House would not desire that all the restrictions should be suddenly discontinued.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the extent to which the hands of the Irish Executive would be strengthened by the immediate passing of the Government of Ireland Bill and the establishment in the Northern portion of Ireland of an Irish Parliament willing to co-operate with the Government in the maintenance of civil order; whether he has considered the fact that an immediate settlement in Ulster would open the door for negotiations which are not now possible with regard to the rest of Ireland; and whether he will take steps to expedite the passing of the Government of Ireland Bill?

I can add nothing to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said yesterday in reply to a question by my hon. Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any steps have been taken to ascertain whether, in view of the exceptional conditions in Ireland, Members would be willing to stay later in order to expedite the Government's own policy?

My hon. Friend has not succeeded in formulating a question different from that he put yesterday, and I can only give the same answer.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can make a statement in regard to the interests of British people who, prior to and during the War, held Hungarian stock?

When the Treaty with Hungary comes into force, this question will be dealt with in accordance with the Financial Clauses of the Treaty, which are similar to those of the Treaty with Austria (Cmd. Paper 400), Article 203.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation, supplementary to the Unemployment Insurance Bill for the prevention of unemployment; and if so, when?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Government is doing everything that it can to prevent and minimise unemployment, but it is not at present intended to introduce legislation in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how the League of Nations can refuse to confirm the Nauru Island agreement if only the mandate, and not the agreement, is submitted to the League?

This subject has already been fully discussed in Debate, and I have nothing to add to what was then said.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state when the Law of Property Bill will be introduced in this House?

When it has left another place.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent, if any, the Corporation Profits Tax will be applicable to political and social clubs and canteens run by workpeople?

The Corporation Profits Tax applies to companies so constituted that the liability of the members is limited, which carry on a trade or business or undertaking of a similar character. The constitution of clubs varies greatly in different cases, and without examination of the full facts of a particular case, it would be impossible to say with certainty, whether it fell within the scope of the tax. Generally speaking, however, it may be anticipated that the concerns to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers would not be liable to the Corporation Profits Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to differences of interpretation and practice in regard to the Representation of the People Act, 1918, and the payments of travelling expenses of assistant overseers; whether it is allowable that travelling expenses should be charged upon an approved scale in the case of an assistant overseer; whether he must reach any of the parts of the parishes for which he acts in the performance of his duty at his own expense; and whether in future reasonable travelling expenses will be allowed as between large parishes whether the assistant overseer resides in one of them or not?

Travelling expenses are allowed to assistant overseers only when the circumstances are exceptional, as, for example, where a parish or group of parishes is large with a small scattered population. This is the uniform practice, but of course each case must be considered on its merits. An overseer may live where he pleases, but if he lives at a distance from his parish or group of parishes nothing is allowed for travelling between his residence and the parish or parishes within which his duties lie.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many women are still employed in his Department; and how many women have had their duties terminated during this year?

The total number of women employed by the Ministry on the 1st July last was 14,202. Over 1,500 of the female clerical staff have had their duties terminated since the 1st of January last.

Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is a sufficiency of work for them to do?

There is an enormous amount of work to be got through, I can assure my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Food whether his Department has knowledge of any cases in Ireland of irregular conduct on the part of retailers in regard to the distribution of sugar or the withholding of the sugar cards of the consumers; whether his Department have taken proceedings in any such case; and, if so, with what result?

My attention has been drawn to certain cases of irregular conduct on the part of sugar retailers in Ireland. Every case is carefully considered, and wherever practicable is dealt with, either by way of prosecution of the offender, or, in extreme cases, by the withdrawal of his licence.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the system of sugar distribution in Ireland, and make provision for such facilities in regard to the distribution of sugar and transfer of sugar cards from retailer to retailer as may be shown to be necessary; whether his Department will make it a sufficient reason for sanctioning the transfer of a sugar card from one retailer to another that the retailer by whom the applicant desires to be supplied with sugar is a co-operative society of which he is a member; and whether it is the present practice in Great Britain to regard as reasonable grounds for transfer the desire of a person to transfer with a co-operative society of which he is a member?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given to the hon. Member for Morpeth on the 28th July. In the circumstances there described, the Department responsible for the administration of sugar rationing in Ireland feel that they cannot grant to co-operative societies privileges denied to ordinary traders.

asked the Minister of Food to state the amount of unsound food condemned as being unfit for human consumption sent into the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne during the last year and for the two months of June and July this year, respectively; by how much is this amount above or below the average for the rest of the country; and what is the total value of condemned and destroyed unsound food in the United Kingdom during the last year?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am making inquiries as to the position in regard to Newcastle, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has read the Report of the Corporation Veterinary Inspector of Newcastle-upon-Tyne for the four weeks ending 10th July, 1920, relative to the quantities of meat received in that city which have been found to be unfit for human food; and, if so, if he can give any explanation of the state of affairs there disclosed?

I have read the Report of the Corporation Veterinary Inspector of Newcastle-on-Tyne for the four weeks ending the 10th July. I find that during that period a certain quantity of homegrown beef was found to be tuberculous and accordingly condemned. A large quantity of imported meat was also condemned, consisting partly of offals, which had been brought in on transhipment from the Continent on private account, and partly of carcases, also sent on private account, which appear to have been unsound for some time. Certain cases of rabbits were also condemned, which formed part of surplus Army stock, for which it had been found impossible to effect a sale. I am satisfied that the utmost vigilance is being exercised by the sanitary authorities at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and the hon. Member may rest assured that the Ministry of Food are doing everything in their power to assist them.

How soon may we expect this matter to be remedied by the Tuberculosis Order that is to be issued?

That question ought, perhaps, to be addressed to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture.

Has any one been prosecuted in reference to this?

I will make inquiries. I received the Report of the inspector only this morning and I have given the House such information as I had.

asked the Minister of Food whether the supply of foodstuffs for the next 12 months will be likely to equal 1919–20 stocks or whether he anticipates shortage in any of the principal foodstuffs and, if so, which?

I would refer the Eon. Member to the reply on this subject given to the hon. and gallant Member for Leyton, East, on the 27th July.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the number of children's sandpits that exist in the Royal Parks in the London area; and whether in view of the great demand for this form of amusement, he can see his way to increase the existing number in all the parks under the control of his Department?

There are at present three properly constructed sandpits in the Royal Parks—one each in Regent's Park, St. James's Park, and Kensington Gardens. In view of the considerable expenditure involved, I do not feel justified in increasing this-number at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention had been called to the numerous, cases of landlords refusing to re-let houses which have become vacant, preferring to sell at an exorbitant price or let them remain empty, thereby causing hardship to ex-service men who are not in a position to buy, but who would willingly hire; and if he can state what special steps the Government propose to take in the matter of ex-service men?

As I have previously stated, I hope shortly to submit to the House proposals in regard to the letting of empty property.

Having regard to the fact that these artificially empty houses are, in many cases, quite fit for heroes to live in, can no steps be taken by my right hon. Friend to the advantage of the ex-service men who are without houses?

I will do everything I have power. The authorities have power to acquire houses for purchase compulsorily. Beyond that neither they nor I have any powers. We propose to ask Parliament to give us those powers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what steps he is taking to use the powers at present existing?

How can I state that in answer to a supplementary question? I have urged thousands of authorities all over the country to acquire these properties wherever they can.

In view of the urgency of the matter, may I ask whether the proposal referred to, for dealing with the situation, will be submitted to the House before the Recess?