asked the Prime Minister whether the issue of a third edition of the Statutes Revised is in contempla- tion; whether a Statute Law Revision Bill is being prepared; if so, when it is likely to be introduced; and whether the type of the second edition of the Statutes Revised is still standing?

I am asked to reply to this question. A third edition of the Statutes Revised is in contemplation. Statute Law Revision Bills, work on which was suspended during the War, are being prepared. The date of their introduction is still under consideration. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister if it is intended to publish official papers dealing with the circumstances surrounding the death of Lord Kitchener?

The whole of the facts ascertained in regard to the loss of the "Hampshire" have already been made public, and it is not proposed to publish official papers on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case of Private David Summerfield, No. 558,679, who did not return from leave in June or July, 1918, and was subsequently posted as a deserter; and whether, in view of the man's low category and his action in voluntarily giving himself up to the authorities, steps will be taken to discharge him from the Army or issue a protecting certificate?

I am making inquiries into this case and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps trained over 12,000 men for commissions during the late war; what provision is now being made for re-organising this corps; and how soon regulations will be issued for the nomination of officers, the enrolment of recruits, and the system of training of this corps?

The question of the re-organisation of the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps is still under consideration, and an announcement will be made as soon as a decision has been reached and the necessary details settled.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that men who left their work in 1914 and 1915 and went to the Bristol Aeroplane Company to work are still retained there, including wood-workers, carpenters, joiners, masons, etc., who are badly wanted for providing houses in and around Bristol; and whether women who left situations in shops and domestic service, and went to this firm in 1916, are also retained there whilst over 5,000 ex-soldiers are out of work in Bristol?

The Bristol Aeroplane Company is a private concern, and the Air Ministry has no control over the numbers and types of workpeople the firm may see fit to employ. In so far, however, as skilled men are being employed in carrying out Air Ministry contracts, I can assure my hon. Friend that the work which they are doing is necessary for the Royal Air Force.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what contracts the Bristol Aeroplane Company, formerly the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company, have for the Government; and whether the Government are financing the above firm or giving them any form of subsidy?

I am sending my hon. Friend a list of the Air Ministry contracts on which the British Aeroplane Company are engaged. The company is not financed or given any form of subsidy by the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether, at the Royal Army Ordnance Records, Francis Street, Woolwich, there are several men employed who have never served in the Army, and some of whom are of independent means, whilst a number of ex-soldiers, some disabled, have been discharged; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter?

I am informed that 20 civilians, who have not served in the Army, are at present employed as clerks in the Record Office mentioned. The whole of the remaining 55 clerks are ex-soldiers. All the former men, however, had offered themselves for service, but were rejected as unfit through age or other causes. It is understood that two of them are possessed of small private means; these and seven others are at present under notice. The remaining 11 civilians are being retained temporarily until 1st November next, as they have expert knowledge of their work, and it is not anticipated that substitutes will be capable of replacing them before that date. Six ex-soldiers have been discharged from employment in the office as they were unable to perform the duties required of them.

asked the Home Secretary if he can see his way, on the facts now before him, to advise the remission of the remainder of the sentence of three months' hard labour passed by the Maidenhead bench on Robert Sinclair Jenkins, aged 34, an ex-soldier, who enlisted on the 13th January, 1913, and served through the War, who had been wounded, was awarded the Mons star, returned to the line, and later, suffering from shell shock, was sent to a mental hospital, when he was discharged with a card marked mental instability and a pension of 8s. a week on which to keep himself, his wife, and child; and whether he admitted that he stole the bicycle whilst under probation, but alleged that he did so to call public attention to his case, having regard to the fact that whilst the Hanwell Pensions Committee had advised an increase in his pension the central body had taken no action, with the result that he could not obtain work with so damaging a certificate on his discharge or live on 8s. a week?

I understand that this man has been repeatedly and carefully examined by the medical authorities of the Ministry of Pensions, including distinguished nerve specialists, and that he has received the pension to which his degree of disability entitles him. I have considered the representations made to me on his behalf, but I am sorry I cannot interfere with the decision of the Court. If the theft of which he was guilty was committed in the hope of thereby obtaining a larger pension, I cannot regard this as a good ground for reduction of the sentence.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that all the ex-service men employed as sorters in the General Post Office, Belfast, have received notice that their services are to to be discontinued, and that 16 of these men have been offered positions as postmen, for which they are incapacitated owing to injuries caused by their military service; whether these discharges mean that the Government no longer intend to give employment wherever possible to ex-service men; if not, for what reason these men are to be discharged; and whether he will have the matter reconsidered, with a view to the withdrawal of the notices, and will place the men referred to on the permanent establishment?

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the case that all the ex-service men employed as sorters in the General Post Office at Belfast have received notice that their employment is to be discontinued; whether this step is being taken because they have proved unsatisfactory in their work; and, if not, why he proposes to dismiss these men who have fought for their country, and thus set the worst possible example to private employers?

The men in question are employed as temporary sorting clerks and have been given preliminary warning that their services in that capacity will shortly have to terminate. The reason is that candidates are now available from the Ordinary Limited Competitions to fill the vacancies permanently. I hope that it will be possible to offer in each case the opportunity of nomination to a permanent appointment as postman. Suitable duties would be found for those who have suffered disability in the War.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received any communications from discharged men's organisations asking that all pensions which have been paid for two years or more should be made permanent; what has been his reply; and, if no reply has been sent, will he favourably consider this suggestion?

Representations in favour of the award of permanent pensions within specified periods after discharge or otherwise have been made to me from time to time. The whole subject is at the present time receiving the most careful consideration of myself and my advisers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Quartermaster-Sergeant Dickinson, late No. 519,050, Labour Corps, and No. 2,823, Scottish Rifles, who had 28 years' continuous service with the colours and who served during the whole period of the War until discharged on pension in May, 1919, has not had his pension paid to him; that Sergeant Dickinson made application for his pension while still serving, thus complying with Army Order I. of 1918; and that he has repeatedly written to various War Office Departments connected with the payment of pensions without getting any satisfactory result; whether this correspondence was considered by him personally before the decision was given emanating from the War Office that Sergeant Dickinson was not entitled to the payment of his pension from the date on which it was due in 1914; and, if not, if he will undertake that the case shall be reconsidered?

I am making full enquiries into this case, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that a considerable number of pensioned National Reservists re-enlisted before the 1st September, 1914, on which date Army Order 358/1914 was published and which cancelled paragraph- 11 of National Reservist Regulations, 1913, whether Army Order 358/1914 can be amended to exclude all pensioned National Reservists who rejoined or re-enlisted before the 1st September, so as to entitle them to count the extra period of service towards increase of pension?

I regret I can add nothing to the answer which I gave the hon. and gallant Member on this subject on the 8th June.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if an officer, promoted from the ranks, with 15½ years' completed pre-War service, retired, and with over five years' service during the late War, is entitled to the privilege of Table 16, Army Order 324, of 1919?

An officer who retired before the War without retired pay does not become eligible for retired pay through service during the War unless he was again given a permanent regular commission in the Army.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the cause of the delay in paying the bonus to Scottish prison officers, in common with other civil servants, as from 1st March last; whether the Government have agreed to treat Scottish prison officers in the same manner as other civil servants; and, if so, whether he will expedite this matter?

Revised scales of pay with Civil Service bonus have been approved for Scottish prison officers, and will take effect as from the 1st March last. These scales will place the Scottish officers in the same position as the English officers. Delay has occurred in making payment at the revised rates owing to difficulty in arranging for a decision by the warders for or against acceptance of the new scales as an alternative to arbitration, but I now propose to have the revised scales promulgated to the staffs of all Scottish prisons.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, the Secretary of State for War, and the Minister of Transport whether any notification has been given to the Irish railway companies that military guards will not be sent with goods consigned by rail?

An order to this effect was issued through a misapprehension on the 27th July. This Order was cancelled as soon as it was brought to the notice of superior authority. Under present instructions, all arms, ammunition, explosives, or motor spirit despatched by rail will be accompanied by an escort.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a saving would be effected in Post Office expenditure if the number of deliveries per day nowhere exceeded two; and, if so, what the saving would be?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a somewhat similar question put by the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Dr. Murray) on the 1st June.

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications were received during the year 31st June, 1919, to 31st June, 1920, for the installation of a telephone; and in how many cases the application was refused?

85,000 applications were received during the year ended 30th June, 1920, of which 74,000 were accepted either at once or subsequently, and 11,000 have not yet been accepted.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the estimated cost of the installation in this country of a complete system of household exchanges?

I am not clear as to the meaning the hon. Member attaches to "a complete system of household exchanges," but if he desires to have the estimated cost of connecting every house in the country with the telephone exchange system, I regret that the preparation of such an estimate would be too extensive and costly to be undertaken.

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephones are in use per head of the population in the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States of America, respectively?

The number of telephones per 100 of the population according to the latest information available is approximately:

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the fact that his Department has entrusted the preparation and issue of the Telephone Directory to a prominent firm of advertising agents; whether that firm is authorised by him to make a charge of 15s. for each additional entry in the Directory beyond the first, even when more than one line is rented by the subscriber; what proportion of the 15s. is the actual cost of preparing and printing the entry; and who receives the difference between the cost of this public service and the 15s. charged to the individual subscriber?

The preparation and issue of the Telephone Directory is carried out by the Post Office; but the arrangements in regard to entries additional to those needed strictly for exchange purposes are carried out by the advertising contractors. All charges for such entries are approved by the Post Office. These entries are usually of an advertising character and the charges made for their insertion are not based on the cost of preparation and printing. The gross revenue from advertisements is divided in agreed proportions between the Post Office and the contractor.

asked the Postmaster-General if expenditure is being incurred on a classified commercial directory; and, if so, what useful purpose can be served by the Government competing with the private enterprise which produces a 600-page classified, traders' telephone directory?

The hon. and gallant Member's question probably refers to the London Telephone District; and, if so, the answer to the first part of it is in the negative; and the second part does not arise.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the revenue and expenditure of the Post Office for the year 1919–20 in Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, France, Italy, and the United States of America, respectively?

The figures for the United Kingdom are approximately:

I have not at present the desired information with regard to the other countries mentioned, but I will make inquiries on the subject and communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the charge fox inland telegrams in Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, France, Italy, and the United States of America, respectively?

The inland telegraph rates in the countries mentioned are as follow:

United Kingdom.

9d. for first 12 words and ½d. for each additional word.

Norway.

75 ore for first 10 words and 5 ore for each additional word.

Sweden.

1 krone for first 10 words and 5 ore for each additional word.

France.

1 franc 20 centimes for first 8 words and 15 centimes for each additional word.

Italy.

1 lire 60 centesemi for first 8 words and 20 centesemi for each additional word.

United States.

Rates vary according to distance. For example, in case of telegrams from New York City, rates range from 24 cents for 10 words (not including address and one word of signature, which are transmitted free) for telegrams to places in close proximity, to 120 cents for telegrams to California.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now say what facilities he can afford for the investigation of the railway agreements and report thereon to this House?

It is proposed to appoint a Departmental Committee after the Recess.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statistics to show the number of passengers on the railway systems in the United Kingdom for each quarter in 1913–14 and in 1919–20?

The answer is in the negative, but certain statistics bearing on railway passenger traffic are available, and as these may give the hon. and learned Member the information he desires, I am arranging that they shall be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Notes. —( a ) The passengers carried on these Railways represent approximately 73 per cent. of the total for all standard gauge railways in Great Britain

( b ) The number of season ticket holders in 1919 shows an increase of over 54 per cent. as compared with the number for 1913.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has obtained from the railway executives any estimate of the approximate date at which adequate rolling stock and improved working conditions will permit the companies to restore for the travelling public at least pre-War facilities; and whether the Ministry is, or will be, in a position to secure the adoption of any recommendations it may make for increased efficiency and the greater comfort and convenience of passengers?

I do not think it is possible for the companies to make an accurate estimate as to when they will severally be able to restore facilities not less than those existing prior to the War. Such information as is at present available is contained in an answer given by my right hon. Friend in reply to a question put to him on the 2nd inst. by the hon. and learned Member for Kennington, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. As to the second part of the question, under the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, the Minister can give directions which the railway companies are required to obey for the limited objects specified in that Act, and whether any particular recommendation for increased efficiency or the comfort or convenience of passengers can

The following are the statistics referred to:

or cannot be enforced depends upon whether it falls within the terms of that Act.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, on the railways of the United Kindom during 1913, there were run about 80,000,000 passenger train-miles more than in 1919; and, if so, what was the saving effected by the reduction in mileage, and what were the number of drivers, firemen, and passenger guards in regular occupation in the months of June, 1913 and 1919, respectively?

The passenger train mileage run on all standard gauge railways in the United Kingdom during the last year was about 69,000,000 miles less than in 1913, i.e., a reduction of 25 per cent. Statistics which existed in 1913 do not enable any definite figure of saving to be arrived at. The new statistics show the average miles per engine-hour of passenger trains to be approximately 10. At 15s. per hour, this would represent over £5,000,000. This is, of course, only an estimate, but is believed to be a conservative one. On engine-power alone, there are, of course, very many other consequent economies in addition to the estimate given. Since 1919 additional trains have been put on as stock became avail- able, so as to reduce overcrowding. A Census of staff was not taken during 1919, and the census for the present year has been postponed until the re-grading of the staff has been brought into full operation, but the hon. Member will recollect that the introduction of the eight-hour day has involved an all round increase in staff of 23 per cent.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the appointment of national joint and appeal boards has been made, as accepted in principle by the Ministry in White Paper, Cmd. 787; and, if so, whether railway clerks have been included?

Central and National Wages Boards have been set up to deal with questions of wages and conditions of service of men employed on the controlled railways of Great Britain, who come within the grades comprised in the conciliation scheme, but no such Boards have been set up for the clerical staff of the railways. The scheme foreshadowed in the Command Paper to which the hon. Member refers, is to come into operation after the period of the present control of the railways, and may require legislation to give effect to it. It does not represent an agreed document.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will ascertain the rates charged for the conveyance of roughed-work stone for building purposes and for rough-block stone, respectively, from Portland to London?

The hon. Member will be able to obtain this information on application to the carrying railway companies, to whom I beg to refer him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether lady clerks in the railway service have had their salaries increased; and, if so, if he will give the date of such last increase and state its amount?

Adult female clerks on the railway companies' system received an increase in War bonus of 3s. as from the 1st November, 1918, making a total bonus of 20s. 6d. a week. As regards the basic rates of salary of female clerks, negotiations are now proceeding between the companies and the Unions concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Tramways Charges Advisory Committee has given notice, dated the 23rd July, of a public inquiry, on 10th August next, in. respect of the applications of the Metropolitan Electric Tramways, Limited, and the London United Tramways, Limited, for orders under the Statutory Undertakings (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1918, and the Tramways (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920, authorising increased charges on the tramway undertakings of those companies; that, on application being made by the Middlesex County Council to the London United Tramways, Limited, in accordance with the company's notice of the inquiry, for detailed information as to the existing statutory powers of charge and of the charges as proposed to be revised, the company's representatives stated that they were unable to supply copies of the detailed information referred to above; whether, in view of the short notice of the inquiry, that a large number of persons interested will be absent from London on holiday, that all local authorities concerned will be in vacation, that the existing interim order of the Ministry will not expire until the 18th December next, the difficulty in obtaining detailed information from the London United Tramways, Limited, as to the proposed charges, that the existing order has only been in force for a period of about six weeks and that it is consequently impossible in so short a period to form any adequate opinion as to the effect of the increased charges authorised by the interim order, the holding of the proposed inquiry at such an early and inconvenient date is premature and undesirable; and whether he will give directions for the inquiry to be postponed to a later date to enable those representing the public to adequately prepare and present the case in opposition to the companies' proposals?

The date of the inquiry is entirely a matter for the Tramway Charges Advisory Committee. I understand the Committee have received a request from the Middlesex County Council that the inquiry should be postponed, and that, as this is the only application of the kind, the Secretary has replied that, as all the requisite advertisements and notices have already been published, it is not possible to put off the inquiry as suggested. At the same time an assurance was given that the Committee would take care that neither the public case nor its presentation by the Middlesex County Council should be in any way prejudiced by the fact that a postponement is not practicable, and that, while the inquiry is to be opened on the 10th instant, the Committee would not necessarily decide upon their Report until such further opportunity for making inquiry or for hearing representations as might then be found requisite in the circumstances had been duly afforded. I would point out that eighteen days' notice of the inquiry was given. The hon. and gallant Member will recollect that under the Tramways (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920, Interim Orders for the increases in tramway fares remain in force for not more than six months, and that the Advisory Committee must, therefore, deal with each case, where an Interim Order is made, within that period. There are 276 tramway undertakings in the United Kingdom, and 24 Interim Orders have already been granted, while 27 others are now under consideration. As each of these may involve a public inquiry by the Committee, it is necessary that each case should be dealt with by the Committee in chronological order and disposed of without undue delay if the provisions of the Act are to be duly carried out.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to ensure that when the increased railway fares come into force the price of each ticket shall, for the convenience of the travelling public, be clearly printed or stamped on its face?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Gilbert) on the 2nd instant, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. The work of providing the new tickets is one of great magnitude, and it is not thought probable that a complete change can be effected before the end of the year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether there is any limit to the number of people who can be carried in chars-à-bancs; and whether the Departmental Committee he has appointed will also take into consideration the whole question of utilising for the transport of passengers motor lorries which were never intended for the purpose, and which are ordinarily used for carrying goods?

There is no legal limit to the number of people which can be carried in a char-à-bancs provided the vehicle complies with the Motor Car Act and the Regulations made thereunder. Such of these vehicles, however, as ply for hire in the Metropolitan Police Area, in provincial cities and towns, and urban districts are licensed to carry such number of passengers only as the licensing authority consider to be safe. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether the attention of the Cabinet has been called to the grave position in which many canal companies will be placed by the termination this month, without adequate notice, of the compensation hitherto payable to them under Government control; whether he is aware that under that control the Government so altered the conditions of management that no canal could to-day be worked at a profit; that sanction has not yet been given for increasing the rates and that many canal companies, being unable to work the undertakings at post-War rates on pre-War receipts, will be compelled to cease working; whether the railway-owned canals will continue to receive compensation for another year; why canal undertakings which are not railway-owned are not similarly treated; and what action the Cabinet proposes to take?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the statements made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, in reply to somewhat similar ques- tions on the 26th of July and the 2nd August, by the hon. Members for Lady-wood (Mr. N. Chamberlain), Bristol Central (Mr. Inskip), and Nottingham East (Sir J. D. Rees). I have nothing to add to those statements, of which I am sending copies to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport when, if ever, the Sunday service of trains between Stockport and Oldham, which was discontinued owing to the War, will be renewed?

It is not proposed to reinstate the Sunday service between Stock-port and Oldham at the present time, as I am informed that it was very poorly patronised before the War, and was unremunerative. The high cost of Sunday working to the taxpayer and the desirability of reducing it as much as possible has to be considered in this connection.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can cite the cases of urgency which have been dealt with on their merits arising out of the application for increased salary submitted by the Association of Civil Service Record Keepers in November, 1919?

The cases of urgency referred to are the Assistant Paper Keepers employed by the Inland Revenue in London, Edinburgh and Dublin.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the rate of salary paid per annum to assistant paper keepers employed in the Inland Revenue, Somerset House?

The assistant paper keepers employed in the Inland Revenue, Somerset House, are now paid on a scale rising to £90 per annum plus war bonus, making (at the present rate of bonus) an inclusive maximum of £211 10s. per annum. The class is now moribund and is in process of being replaced by pensioner messengers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Shipping if his attention has been called to the recent figures published in Lloyd's Register of Shipping showing that, whilst the merchant steam tonnage in the United Kingdom has decreased to the extent of 781,000 tons as compared with 1914 figures, that of the United States has increased to the extent of 10,379,000 tons, and that, in arriving at the figures denoting the decrease of tonnage for the United Kingdom, there has been taken into account the ex-enemy tonnage provisionally allocated to British management; if this decrease is being diminished by ships in process of completion or for which orders have been placed; and whether he can give an estimate as to the time by which steam tonnage in this country will reach the pre-War figure?

My attention has been called to the figures recently published in Lloyd's Register of Shipping as to steam tonnage in this country and the United States, respectively. The decrease in the United Kingdom tonnage is being diminished by ships under construction or for which orders have been placed, and it will interest my hon. Friend to know that there is more tonnage under construction in the United Kingdom than in any other country in the world. It is not possible to give the estimate referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names and addresses of the insurance companies registered in the Companies Department of the Board of Trade during the year 1919; the names of the companies struck off the register; and the names of the companies ordered to be wound up in the High Courts and the County Courts during the same year?

The desired information is given in the following lists:

(A) (i) List of companies which had; power in the Memorandum of Association to transact assurance business of a class

(Constituted by Contract of Co-partnership dated 29th August, 1823, and incorporated by Act of Parliament 30th June, 1845. Registered under the Companies Acts on the 17th February, 1919, as the Edinburgh Life Assurance Co., Ltd.; name changed to Edinburgh Assurance Co., Ltd.; on 3rd May. 1919.)

(ii) Companies registered previous to 1919, without power to transact assurance business of a class to which the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, applies, but which took such power during the year 1919.

British and Australasian Insurance Co., Ltd., 27, Royal Exchange, E.G.3.

Greater Britain Insurance Corporation, Ltd., 27, Royal Exchange, E.C.3.

British and South African Insurance Corporation, Ltd., 27, Royal Exchange, E.C.3.

Home and Colonial Insurance Co., Ltd., 3, Newman's Court, Cornhill, E.C.3.

(B) List of Companies which had power in the Memorandum of Association to transact Assurance business of a class to which the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, applies, which were dissolved or struck off the register during the year 1919:

British Domestic Boiler Insurance Company, Ltd.

British Law Fire Insurance Company, Ltd.

Eclipso Assurance Corporation, Ltd.

J. Franklin-Adams, Ltd.

Lancashire Plate Glass, Fire and Burglary Insurance Company, Ltd.

Patriotic Investment Corporation, Ltd.

Perseverance Home Assurance Co., Ltd.

Registered Societies Sickness and Accident Assurance, Ltd.

Reinsurance and Guarantee Corporation, Ltd.

(C) No Company to which the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, applies was ordered to be wound up in the High Court or in a County Court during 1919.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount of the deposits, if any, furnished in accordance with the Eighth Schedule, B and C (2) ( b ), of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, by Lloyd's underwriters as security for the due fulfilment of their fire and accident insurance contracts, and the amount of the security furnished in the form of guarantees; and whether any of the guarantees which may be furnished as an alternative to a deposit are given by persons who are not members of Lloyd's Underwriters' Association and, if so, to what extent?

The amount of the deposits furnished in accordance with Schedule 8, B and C (2) ( b ), by Lloyd's underwriters, as security for claims in connection with fire, accident, and other non-marine insurance business, is £788,000. The amount of the guarantees furnished is £8,836,023, none of which was given by guarantors who are not members of Lloyd's.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Lloyd's underwriters have complied with the requirements laid down in Schedule 8, paragraphs B and C (1) ( b ), of the Assurance Companies Act as regards the furnishing to the Board of Trade of a statement showing the extent and character of the business effected by them; and how many Lloyd's underwriters, in lieu of complying with paragraph B (1) ( a ) and ( b ), have elected to comply with paragraphs B and C (2) of the Schedule and supply to the Board of Trade an auditor's certificate in lieu of a full statement showing the extent and character of the business transacted?

No Lloyd's underwriters have furnished the Board of Trade with a statement showing the extent and character of the business effected by them under Schedule 8, B and c (1) ( b ). In lieu of providing this statement, 774 underwriters elected to comply with the alternative requirements contained in Schedule 8, B and C (2), and furnished the Board with auditors' certificates.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount already paid for travelling expenses, etc., for members of Profiteering Committees in the Kingdom under the Profiteering Act?

On the 31st July last £3,432 3s. 4d. had been expended on the travelling expenses of the members of the Central Committee and its Sub-com- mittees and of the 102 Appeal Tribunals established throughout the United Kingdom.

asked the Minister of Health what is the date before which a house must be built to enable the builder to obtain the subsidy under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919; and whether he will take steps to extend the existing date owing to unavoidable delays which have occurred through shortage of labour and other difficulties?

As the law at present stands, a house must be completed by the 23rd December, 1920, to qualify for the full subsidy, but I intend to lay proposals before Parliament for extending the period by a year, that is, until the 23rd December, 1921.

asked the Minister of Health whether the provisions of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, relating to the restriction of luxury building have proved adequate for the purpose?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the same question yesterday.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the local authorities have exercised the powers given them by the Housing (Additional Powers) Act relative to the restriction of luxury building?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the same question yesterday.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in Middleton-in-Teesdale a great shortage of houses exists and that, in the area, 83 houses are only rented or occupied for a few months during the year, whilst a large number are living over-crowded; and can any steps be taken to rectify this.

The estimated need in the parish is, I understand, for about 20 houses, and progress has been made with a scheme to provide these. The Commissioner reported that about 50 houses were let as week-end cottages, etc. As regards the houses to which the hon. Member refers as being occupied during part of the year only, as I informed the hon. Member on the 14th April last, Local Authorities have power under Section 12 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, to acquire houses which can be made suitable for working class dwellings. In addition I intend to lay further proposals before Parliament for dealing with the matter.

asked the Minister of Health what action has been taken with regard to the dumps of refuse deposited at Greenford, Middlesex, by the Maryle-bone Borough Council?

Visits of inspection have been made by one of the inspectors of the Ministry, whose report is however delayed by failure on the part of the complainants to produce certain necessary information.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the selection of Members to serve on the Board of Health for Wales, he proposes to appoint one or more women; and, if not, the reason?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the question of appointing a woman member of the Welsh Board of Health has received my serious consideration, but as it is probable that the number of members already appointed will be found sufficient for the work, I do not consider that it would be justifiable to add to that number at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mr. Edward Parry, of 127, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, was in receipt of an old-age pension of 5s. per week, which was stopped early in February pending consideration on the question of income; whether he is aware that the pensions officer did not inform the local pensions committee until the end of April; what was the reason for the officer's delay; whether the pensions officer appealed against the decision that Mr. Parry was entitled to 10s. per week; whether on the 28th of June mutual figures were agreed upon at an interview showing the full pension should be paid; and why had the responsible Department not given a decision, seeing that the pensioner has been waiting over six months for payment of his pension?

The pension officer is not an officer of the Ministry of Health and I have no information in regard to the major part of the question. The papers relating to the appeal which were sent to the pension officer and Pension Committee on the 31st May last were returned to my Department the day before yesterday and the decision on the appeal is being sent to the Committee to-day. We propose to allow 4s. a week.

asked the Minister of Food the price of flour which can be legitimately used for cattle food, exclusive of the licence fee of 24s. for 280 lbs., and flour used for human consumption; whether the published quotations on one of the biggest corn markets in England during the month of July has been: Government regulation flour per 290 lbs. 63s. 6d., Government-imported flour per 290 lbs. 65s. 9d., Plate low grade (free) flour per 290 lbs. 77s. 6d., and American low grade (free) flour per 290 lbs. 80s. to 85s.; if the price of flour for cattle food and industrial purposes is from 14s. to 21s. 6d. per sack of 280 lbs. dearer than the subsidised flour fit for human food; and whether, seeing that in these circumstances there is encouragement for manufacturers of cattle food to secure flour fit for human food and use it in the preparation of cattle food, he proposes to take any action in the matter?"

Delivery of flour for "precluded" purposes may not be taken except under licence of the Food Controller issued under the Flour and Bread (Prices) Order, 1920, for which a charge is made at the rate of 24s. per sack of 280 lbs. Moreover under this Order maximum prices are prescribed for all flour, and these at present are 63s. 6d. and 65s. 9d. per 280 lbs. for G.R. flour and imported flour respectively. The sale of flour by wholesale at higher prices is a contravention of the Order named, and if the hon. Member can give information as to specific cases the Food Controller will take appropriate action. I may add that since October, 1919, approximately 600 cases have been dealt with by the Enforcement Branch of the Ministry and arrears of duty amounting to some £18,000 have been recovered. At the current rate the annual amount of licence duty paid is approximately £1,500,000.

asked the Minister of Food what is the object in diverting large supplies of last season's New Zealand lambs to the United States of America, where the highest price realised at the Atlantic seaboard is from 16½ to 18½ cents per lb., whilst old stocks of cut lambs are being charged here at 1s. 1d. per lb. to the retail distributors; and will he see that in the future the best class of lambs is brought to this country, and that the British consumer is not penalised for the benefit of the American consumer by paying about 50 per cent. more for old stock than is paid in America for the new stock of lambs?

Some mutton and lamb has been sold for direct shipment from New Zealand to the United States of America with a view to relieving the congestion in the stores in New Zealand, saving storage charges, and hastening the time at which it will be possible for the New Zealand exporters to revert to business on normal lines. I am unable to state the price at which this meat is sold in the United States, but it has been sold by the Ministry at a price f.o.b. New Zealand, which gives the Imperial Government a profit on the sale. It is obviously desirable, in the interests both of the producer in New Zealand and the taxpayer in this country, that the, abnormal stocks on hand should be liquidated as rapidly as possible, and the suggestion in the latter part of the; question that the British consumer is being penalised for the benefit of the American consumer is contrary to fact.

asked the Minister of Food whether it is proposed to appoint a manager for the Liverpool branch office of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies at a salary of £1,500 per annum; whether applications are now being publicly invited for this position; and if he is aware of the strong feeling against this appointment being made?

After advertisement, a manager has been appointed for the Liverpool branch office of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies at a salary of £1,500 per annum. This officer has been acting as secretary to the Landed Grain Committee of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, Liverpool, since June, 1917. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Food the cause of the delay in the payment of the sum found in May, 1919, to be due by the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies to Messrs. F. J. Usher and Company, Limited, of Dublin, for barley requisitioned from them in March, 1918; Whether it is a fact that, although the arbitrator was a judge of the High Court-appointed for that purpose under an order made by the Minister of Food, the Crown appealed unsuccessfully against his award to the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice in Ireland and subsequently to the Court of Appeal and that, although the last of the two appeals was dismissed in April last, Messrs. Usher have so far been unable to obtain any definite reply either to requests for payment or inquiries as to when they may expect payment; and whether the matter will be dealt with without further delay?

I understand that the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury have now sanctioned settlement of the claim of Messrs. Usher and Company.

asked the Minister of Food why Mr. Hutton, of Gibliston, Fife, only received the sum of £44 9s. 10d., less commission, for four calves sold on the dead-meat basis at Glasgow on 11th June, 1920, being at the rate of 10½d. per lb.; what price was received from the purchaser; and what became of the difference, if any?

It would appear that since control on the sale of calves was removed at the end of May, 1919, since when no calves have been accepted for slaughter on the dead weight basis at Government slaughterhouses, the Ministry of Food is in no way responsible for the transaction referred to.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, whether his attention has been called to the replies of the various chambers of commerce throughout the country to the circular addressed to them by the Association of Chambers of Commerce; whether the majority of these replies indicate the probability that a period of widespread unemployment is rapidly approaching; and what action the Government intends to take in view of the situation?

The circular mentioned was sent out as the result of an enquiry made by the Board of Trade of the Association of Chambers of Commerce. I do not think that the answers indicate—as suggested by my hon. Friend —that a period of widespread unemployment is rapidly approaching, but they point to some decline in industrial activity generally and some hesitancy in certain trades. But there is also ground for the belief that the world's demand for many classes of commodities is still far from satisfied, and that in the larger trades the present slackening is only temporary. As regards the last part of the question, the whole unemployment position is receiving the close attention of the Government.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the state of employment in the shipbuilding industry in satisfactory?

I have been asked to answer this question. The available Statistical information indicates that the state of employment in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing, industry has been exceptionally good for some time past, and that at the moment the position is satisfactory. There are, however, indications that in some districts the state of employment is becoming less satisfactory.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it has been decided to bring to an immediate conclusion the inquiry into claim of the British South Africa Company, or whether the inquiry will be continued until the material required by the Attorney-General is available for the case of the Crown?

The matter is now under consideration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what decision has been made in regard to the home administration of the Civil Services operating in Arab countries; whether the efficient and experienced political officers who have been doing work concerning Mesopotamia, Arabia, and Palestine will be continued in their place to form the nucleus of the Arab Department, and not suffer interference from other Departments of State; and whether the centralisation and registration of documents concerning those territories should be at once commenced?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I made to him on 8th July. The whole question is still under active consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Affairs whether, in connection with the question of assistance for the British Institute at Florence, apart from a subsidy, consideration will be given to the importance of maintaining an official connection with the Institute, in order that its status may not suffer by comparison with that of the official institutes of other nations at Florence?

The question whether, and in what form, assistance can be continued to the Institute is being carefully considered. The importance of maintaining the connection which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind will not be lost sight of.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether funds will be supplied by the Government for the British Institute at Florence; whether funds are still being supplied for the education of Serbian youths in London; and whether funds will be supplied during the recess for these purposes and for the continued education of officers at Oxford and Cambridge at the expense of the taxpayer?

I am in communication with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in regard to the continuation of the grant to the Institute at Florence. The Civil Service Estimates (1920–21) include £25,000 as a grant-in-aid for the maintenance and education of young Serbians in this country, and £3,000,000 for grants towards the higher education of ex-officers and men of like standing. The latter grant is confined to men who served in His Majesty's Forces. Payments are made as required.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has seen a copy of the Budget Bill recently presented, by the Roumanian Minister of Finance, wherein it is stated that no provision is made for payment of unpaid coupons of the Roumanian external National Debt on the ground that the cost of meeting such financial engagements at the present rate of exchange would foe very heavy, but that the Roumanian Government hopes to raise a loan abroad; whether he will consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to the advisability of permitting a foreign Government to raise a loan here in face of the fact that it has for some years past failed to meet the interest coupons on its earlier loans in the hands of British subjects and now falls back upon adverse exchange as the reason for such failure; and whether the British Government regards adverse exchange as a principle to be countenanced when a debt is indisputably due to a British subject by a Foreign creditor?

The answer to the first and last parts of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the Foreign Office are in constant touch with His Majesty's Treasury in regard to foreign loans. As regards the general question involved I would again refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply returned on 28th July last to the hon. Member for Central Nottingham (Mr. Atkey).

asked the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs whether the camp for Amenian refugees at Bakonba is still maintained; whether some 40,000, more or less, have been provided for in this camp without any return for two years at the expense of the British taxpayer; and whether this charge is to continue during the Recess?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The camp was opened in October, 1918, and at present is believed to contain about 13,000 Armenians. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on 7th July.

asked the Home Secretary how many men are employed by his Department to interrupt and, if possible, to break up the various open-air meetings held in different parts of London which deal with political topics opposed to the present Government?

The answer is "None."

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens of nationalities which were hostile during the War have been permitted to enter Great Britain since the Armistice; and how many of these aliens so admitted have been deported during the War on account of their hostile origin or attitude?

Up to the end of December, 1919, practically no former enemy aliens were admitted to this country except British-born wives or widows and their children. The number admitted during the first, six months of this year is 4,529, of whom 1,443 were British-born wives or widows and children; a number not exceeding 700 were admitted in pursuance of Section 10 (4) of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919; and the rest were admitted under Section 10 (1) on special grounds and for short periods only. No enemy alien who has been deported from this country is permitted to reside here, and a few who have attempted to return have been sent back.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons known to have been spies or agents of countries which were Great Britain's enemies during the War have been allowed to land in Great Britain since the Armistice; whether Nurtova was allowed to land in this country on a passport issued by the Russian Soviet Government; and how long he was allowed to remain at large in this country before any action was taken by the authorities?

Persons known to have been spies or agents of enemy Governments are not allowed to come to this country. Four or five who came or were suspected of coming within this description have come over, but have been identified and sent back. Through the error of an official Nuorteva, who carried a passport issued by the Soviet representative in America, was allowed to land in this country on the 24th June, and it was decided on the 12th July to deport him to Russia. He was in custody from 15th July till his departure.

asked the Home Secretary if persons known to be in communication with the Russian Soviet Government and believed to be acting as their agents are at large in this country; and are adequate measures being taken to ensure that they are not distributing money for purposes of revolutionary propaganda in this country?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative; to the second, that such measures are taken as are possible under the existing law.

asked the Home Secretary whether the women police are to be retained throughout the Recess, or whether the Committee has reported and action will be taken before the House rises?

There is no question of discontinuing the employment of policewomen in the Metropolitan Police District, and I have no reason to doubt that police authorities will retain them in other districts. The Committee has reported, but it will not be possible to take any action before the House rises.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received complaints from the Actors' Association concerning the employment of policemen in film studios; what steps, if any, the Home Office has taken to prevent what is a breach of the Regulations so far as the Metropolitan Police are concerned; and whether he will use his influence to prevent the provincial police competing in this way with the profession of the actor?

The Actors' Association brought to my notice one case in which some Metropolitan police officers had accepted an invitation to appear in a film scene. These officers have been suitably dealt with, and steps have been taken to remind all ranks that the acceptance by serving officers of any other employment is contrary to the Regulations of the Force. So far as I am aware this was an isolated case; but if any cases have occurred in county or borough police forces I shall be glad to bring the matter to the notice of the authority concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that ex-Sergeant Garner, of the London City police, who was returned as medically unfit on 13th November, 1919, has been refused re-examination with the view to re-entry into the police service to enable him to complete his full period of service for pension; and, as three independent medical practitioners have now certified him to be in excellent health physically and mentally, whether he will have this case reconsidered under the terms of the Police Act, 1890?

This is a matter for the police authority for the City of London, with whose discretion I have no authority to interfere. I may say, however, that I have ascertained that this ex-Sergeant was guilty of offences of a very grave character which, if his mental state had been normal, would have necessarily involved his dismissal, and that is was only because of the medical certificate as to his mental condition that it was possible to allow him to retire on pension. It appears to me that in these circumstances it is impossible for the police authority to recall him to the force. He enjoys a pension of £117 a year.

asked the Home Secretary what was the number of adult male emigrants in the months of April, May and June of this year, respectively, and in the months of April, May, and June of 1914, respectively; and what percentage of the adult male emigrants in each of these six months, respectively, consisted of wage earners leaving this country to seek employment elsewhere?

I have been asked to reply. The number of British male subjects of 12 years of age and upwards, recorded as leaving permanent residence in the United Kingdom to take up permanent residence in non-European countries during each of the three months March, April and May of 1914 and 1920, as reported to the Board of Trade, was:—

The corresponding figure for June, 1914, was 7,401, but particulars for the month of June, 1920, are not yet available. I am unable to state what percentage of these persons were wage earners.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether many men formerly employed at Barrow-in-Furness are being paid off and are going to the United States of America; what is the reason; whether a similar situation has arisen elsewhere in the country; and whether the Government is taking any action?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have seen a statement in the Press on this subject and have made some inquiry. I have, however, no information that men formerly employed at Barrow are being paid off and are going to the United States of America, nor have I been able to ascertain that this condition obtains in other places.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any reason to believe that Excess Profits Duty is paid by the manufacturers and not passed on to the consumer; whether the Reports of the Committees which have investigated the position of the biscuit and cloth manufacturers prove that this tax is passed on; and whether he will attempt to find at least one method of taxation which will not fall upon the consumer?

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, the precise ascertainment of the ultimate incidence of any tax is a complex subject upon which different opinions are almost inevitably held. My own opinion for what it is worth is that no general statement as to the ultimate incidence of the tax is universally true and that its incidence varies with the conditions of particular trades and even of particular traders. The further assumption made in the question that all our existing taxes fall on the consumer appears to me absurd, and if it were accepted as correct it would seem to indicate that it passes the wit of man to devise a direct tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many Americans have come into this country since the beginning of the year; what the revenue would have been had they paid a head tax and visa tax to the same extent as the American Government charge;

(2) whether an Englishman desiring to set feet in America has to pay the American Government a head tax of £2 10s., plus £2 13s. 8d. for the visa, whilst an American lands in this country without any cost;

(3) whether, if travellers from other foreign countries paid a similar head tax and visa tax to that which the American Government charge, it would considerably increase the revenue of this country; and, if so, by what amount?

American citizens are charged from 10s. to £l for a visa for the United Kingdom. 35,629 American citizens have entered this country since the beginning of this year. The American Government are understood to impose a visa tax of 10 dollars and a head tax of 8 dollars on foreigners entering the United States. The revenue derived from similar taxes levied on American citizens visiting this country would amount to 641,322 dollars (roughly, £160,000), the revenue from such taxes levied on all foreigners coming here since the beginning of the year is estimated at about £800,000.

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

No such offer as is referred to in the question can be traced, neither can any auction sale be identified in the Marseilles sub-area at which the sum mentioned was realised. If my hon. Friend will furnish further particulars I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Minister of Labour if the engineers in the Oldham district have decided not to work over-time on repair jobs, as is customary; if this decision, if enforced, will mean enforced idleness on hundreds of other workers; and if he will take steps to get the engineers to alter their decision?

I am informed that the Engineers in the Manchester District have decided not to work overtime until their claim for an increase in wages is conceded. The decision not to work overtime, if enforced, would undoubtedly lead to unemployment amongst other workers. I understand that the matter is the subject of communications, between the Engineering and National Employers' Federations and the Amalgamated Engineering Union, and I trust-that an early and satisfactory settlement will be reached.