asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government sale of flax by public auction resulted in a complete failure to sell; whether the bidding did not reach Government price; whether this price bore any relation to the state of the market; and whether it is the policy of the Government to exploit the needs of the community in this commodity?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. No flax has been offered for sale at auction by the Government. I presume that the sale to which the hon. Gentleman refers was a sale of flax which was the property of the Latvian and the Lithuanian Governments, and His Majesty's Government have no control over it or over the policy pursued in regard to its sale.

asked the Minister of Transport whether traffic congestion in the Metropolitan area has increased since the Report of the Select Committee on London Traffic was issued; whether any new proposals have been made by public authorities and private companies, and brought forward since the publication of the Report referred to; whether these proposals would have the effect of further adding to the traffic congestion in the London streets; and whether, in view of these circumstances and of the certainty of yet further traffic difficulties, he can make some statement with regard to the setting up of a Traffic Board for London before the Recess?

I understand that the Report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic is referred to. There are no data available to indicate that traffic congestion has increased since the Advisory Committee reported. On the other hand some improvements by the passenger carrying undertakings have been effected, more particularly by increases in rolling stock. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which was given him in this connection on the 12th ultimo.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to state how the proposed new railway fares for passengers travelling in this country will compare with the fares charged on the railways in France, Canada, and in the United States of America?

The percentage increases in ordinary passenger fares in this country and the countries named in the question over pre-War fares are as follow:

• United States, 80 per cent., as from 1st September.
• France, 70 to 80 per cent., according to class, and further increase imminent.
• Canada, 40 per cent., and Press announce additional 40 per cent.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can say what increase of revenue to the railways has resulted from the increased rates of 15th January; and whether he is now providing for a deficit of 86 millions, instead of the estimated deficit of 54½ millions?

The increase of freight rates by both goods and passenger trains imposed on the 15th January last was estimated to produce additional revenue at the rate of £50,000,000 per annum, and the figures up to the 30th June last indicate that this estimate has been realised. I do not recognise the figure of £86,000,000 quoted in the hon. and gallant Member's question; but I answered a similar question by the hon. Member for the Leek Division (Mr. Bromfield) on the 29th July, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now come to a decision as regards the Report of the Advisory Committee on Railway Goods Rates; will he state what increase the Committee recommend; and what increase the Government propose to put on goods rates from 1st September, the date already announced when increased rates would come into force?

The Report of the Rates Advisory Committee on the interim revision of railway goods etc. rates, is under consideration, and I hope to be able to make a definite statement early this week. The Report of the Committee is being printed, and will be laid on the Table of the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a definite announcement before the House rises?

I said I hoped to make it early this week. I will endeavour to do so before the House rises.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the loss and inconvenience suffered by timber merchants owing to the failure of the railways to deal adequately with this class of traffic; and whether he can take steps to ensure that in future this traffic is dealt with expeditiously?

I am aware that certain amount of inconvenience is being suffered by timber merchants owing to the shortage of bolster wagons for the transport of timber. During the War bolster wagons from the steel trade were available for timber owing to the decreased output of the kinds of steel re- quiring this type of wagon; the home timber trade, which developed consider ably during the War, is now faced with a reduction in the supply of these special wagons, many of which have had to return to the steel industry. Every effort is being made to increase the stock of bolster wagons.

asked the. Minister of Transport if he is aware of the over-crowded condition of the night trains running between Aberdeen and London; that passengers have to travel the whole journey in the corridors of the carriages; and whether he can do anything to remedy matters?

I was not previously aware of any cause for complaint against the companies in regard to over-crowding on this service. While economy in adding to the load of existing trains, and in duplication is rigid and essential, there is no wish to do this to an unreasonable extreme I have had immediate inquiries made, and will communicate further with the hon. Member as soon as I receive replies.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any regulations exist with reference to heavy public-service vehicles or heavy vehicles adapted to carry passengers which limit their size, the number and disposition of passengers which may be carried, the amount of overhang over the rear axle, the width of the tyres in relation to the total weight fully loaded, the efficiency of the brakes and steering gear, in the interest of public safety and the safety of the passengers; and, if not, and in view of the enormous increase in the number of such vehicles and of the urgency of the problem, will he consider issuing emergency regulations until such time as a properly considered legislation can be passed?

The only general Regulations on the matters referred to are those contained in the Motor Car (Use and Construction) Order, 1904, and the Heavy Motor Car Order, 1904, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend. With regard to such of these vehicles as require to be licensed to ply for hire, the licensing authorities can impose such reasonable conditions on the grant of a licence as they may think desirable in the general interests of safety.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these vehicles have largely grown in size since the period mentioned, and that the Order to which he refers never contemplated vehicles of such size using the roads, and can he not give an assurance that the matter is really receiving urgent attention?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will remember that I have stated on several occasions that this is being considered, but that legislation is necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that his Department will not unnecessarily hamper motor chars-a-banes, against which a lot of prejudice is being aroused by selfish interests?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that danger is caused by the great overhang of these vehicles?

Is he aware that in Sussex many of the lanes are very narrow, that a great deal of danger is caused by these chars-a-banes, and that there have been very bad accidents?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these chars-a-banes are very hard on the county rates, and will he also tax them?

I am aware of all these things. I do not take up an attitude either for or against the chars-a-banes until the matter has been fully investigated, but I think it would be a great calamity if we had to do anything to prevent the economic use of the char-a-bane.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he can now make any statement as to the running of excursion trains by the various railway companies; whether it is proposed to run any such trains during the present year; if so, about what date, by what companies, and to what places; can he state on what basis the approximate excursion fare will be fixed, whether on an extra percentage over pre-War fares or on the principle of a double journey for a present single fare;

(2) whether he has now approached all the railway companies on the matter of excursion trains; whether some of the companies are against giving such facilities; whether the southern companies are willing to provide such trains, and, if so, will he authorise the railway companies willing to meet the desires of the public to supply such trains forthwith; can he state if societies like the National Sunday League, who in pre-War times were given special rates for holiday trains by certain companies, will be allowed to have such facilities now; and if special rates for trains can be given to such societies so as to enable them to issue cheap day railway trips as before the War?

I am glad to be able to state that arrangements have been made under which special "Holiday Day Excursion" trains, available to all members of the public without distinction, at fares less than the ordinary fares, will be run at an early date—possibly in the week commencing 16th August—by the principal railway companies, with the exception of the Caledonian, Cambrian, Glasgow and South Western, Great Western, London and North Western, London and South Western, and North British Railways. [HON. MEMBERS: Which are left?] Some of the latter companies may be in a position to run such trains at a later date.

The conditions under which these special trains will be run are as follow:

1. The tickets to be available for both the outward and return journey on the date of issue only, and by the scheduled public excursions trains only.

2. The fare to be charged to be the single ordinary fare in operation for the time being for the double journey; fractions of 3d. to be reckoned as 3d.

3. No luggage to be allowed.

4. The trips to be run during mid-week only and to be available to the public generally; they should be for purely holiday traffic, and only introduced from centres of population to holiday resorts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state if on these excursion trains the companies will book tickets three or four days ahead, so that people can secure their places?

I should like notice of that question.

What is the reason for Scotland being excluded?

It is not a question of nationality, but of the ability of the railways to supply the locomotives.

Will week-end excursions be arranged?

I do not think I can answer anything further than I have done, which is a good deal.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has seen the advertisements in the Press issued by the Disposal Board inviting tenders for four ambulance trains now lying at Didcot, composed of 61 passenger vehicles; and whether, seeing that the railway companies express their difficulty in running excursion trains owing to the shortage of rolling stock, and that these trains were originally the property of the Great Western, the London, and North Western, and Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Companies, he will advise the withdrawal of these advertisements so that the companies concerned can recover their rolling stock and refit the trains for ordinary passenger use?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The second part does not correctly state the reason given on behalf of the railway companies, as it was shortage of locomotives and not coaches which was given in evidence as the principal obstacle to running excursion trains. As to the conclusion of the question, the companies have been invited many months ago to do what the hon. Member suggests, but the offers which they submitted to the Disposal Board were insufficient in the opinion of that authority.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to suggest that any other persons or companies can pay more for railway trains than the railway companies themselves?

I do not know what other people want, but the railway companies are short of locomotives, not rolling stock.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that he has no legal power to require the Midland Railway Company to reopen the closed exit to their Nottingham station, he will press upon them the desirability of taking this step in order to allay the local irritation and ill-feeling which will exist until the convenience is restored to the travelling public, as shown in the humble petition which was presented to this House by 18,000 users of the station at a time when the petitioners believed that power to grant their petition was vested in his Ministry?

I do not think I can usefully add to what I said on the 2nd August and on previous occasions.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the increase of unemployment in Newcastle-on-Tyne, and that many workmen have been thrown out of employment in some of the large firms in Tyneside owing to shortage of material due to lack of transport; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the position so created?

No, Sir, I am not so aware. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I will be glad to look into the matter and let him know the result.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confer with the Ministry of Labour on this matter?

Certainly; I shall be glad to do so.

asked the Minister of Transport if his Department on the 27th July issued instructions authorising the railway managers to renew season tickets expiring before the 6th August for periods of six, nine, and twelve months, at the same time instructing them not to grant to new applicants tickets for a longer period than three months; and, if this is so, will he state his reasons for giving preferential treatment to one class of applicants over the other?

In view of the alteration in charges that came into operation on 6th August, the railway companies issued instructions that season tickets expiring before that date were not to be renewed for a longer period than that covered by the expiring ticket, and that no new ticket was to be issued prior to 6th August for a longer period than three months. In the circumstances, I consider this was a reasonable arrangement.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this was put into effect by instruction of his Department, and not by that of the railway managers; and is he not further aware that this means subsidising one set of passengers at the cost of another?

The instruction was put into force on the recommendation of the general managers. They asked me if I concurred, and, as my answer shows, I did concur, and the course we have adopted is a very common course in all cases of effort to prevent forestalling when any new impost like this comes in. It is a very common practice that the regular customer gets the regular ration, so to speak, and the now customer has to take a moderate amount.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Persian Government has decided to lay the Anglo-Persian Agreement before the Persian Mejliss for ratification; when His Majesty's Government intends to lay it before the British Parliament for ratification; and whether the Russian Government has been notified of the termination of the Anglo-Russian Agreement with regard to Persia entered into by Viscount Grey?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Anglo-Persian Agreement has already been presented to Parliament in Command Paper 300 of 1919, and does not require ratification. In reply to the last part, the hon. and gallant Member is aware that diplomatic relations have not been established between His Majesty's Government and a Russian Government, and no statement has been made in the sense indicated. In the meantime His Majesty's Government regard the agreement as in suspense.

Does that mean that this Parliament is to have less powers than the Persian Mejliss, and also may I ask whether, because we do not recognise the present Government of Russia, we are going to tear up the agreement made by Viscount Grey before the War?

As regards the last question, I said it is in suspense. As regards the comparative powers of this Parliament and the Mejliss, I would back this Parliament.

Why was it not submitted to us for ratification or discussion, in view of the fact that this may lead us to vast commitments and the loss of valuable lives?

The agreement has been before the House for more than a year. If the House desired to discuss it, surely it could have done so.

Is it not a fact that we have already violated vis-à-vis Russia this agreement?

Not that I am aware of.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give to the House the latest information concerning the situation at Tabriz and Kasvin?

Considerable nervousness reigns among the population at Tabriz owing to the proximity of enemy forces at Nakhitchevan. The Acting British Consul is understood to be still at his post, but circumstances may force him to leave. The recent murder of Captain Geard is, according to present information, considered to be an isolated crime without political significance. The situation at Kasvin is believed to be normal. A body of British troops under General Champain is near the town.

What are the enemy forces?

I, too, was going to ask of what are the enemy forces composed—are they Zangali brigands, or forces from outside?

According to my information, they are Zangali brigands.

May I ask what interest we have that we should have armed forces, British officers in danger of their lives, and—

The hon. and gallant Member had better give notice of that question.

Is not the presence of these forces a breach of the Anglo-Russian Agreement?

I do not think so.

asked the Prime Minister whether representations have been made to Great Britain by the United States of America regarding equal opportunities for American citizens in the development of oilfields in countries where mandates will be exercised under the League of Nations, including those of Mesopotamia; whether a reply has been made; and, if so, what are the terms of the reply?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 5th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).

asked the Prime Minister whether, before a decision is finally arrived at as to the manner in which the oil of Mesopotamia is to be exploited, he will give an opportunity for the suggested plan to be discussed by the House?

The House is already in possession of information on the general facts of the situation, and on the possible alternative methods of development, but although there will probably be opportunities for discussion, I cannot give the definite undertaking asked for.

May I ask if these questions are inspired by a fear lest British trade should profit by the expenditure of British blood and treasure?

The Minister cannot know what is their source of inspiration.

asked the Prime Minister whether a decision has yet been come to as to the manner in which the oil of Mesopotamia is to be exploited; and, if so, what is that decision?

No decision has yet been reached on this question.

asked the Prime Minister if he is assured that the British officials at present occupying high administrative positions in Mesopotamia favour the Government policy of establishing there an Arab state; when Sir Percy Cox will return to Mesopotamia; and will he be instructed to facilitate the economic development of the country by promoting and encouraging local initiative in accordance with the Anglo-French Proclamation of November, 1918?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Sir Percy Cox will return shortly to Mesopotamia, but the date is not fixed. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the officials responsible for the administration in Mesopotamia are in favour of the Government policy?

Certainly. I cannot say what men's individual opinions are. They are servants of the Government, and must carry out the Government's policy.

Is it not a fact that one distinguished official has published something quite contrary to the Government's policy, namely, the Proclamation of that area?

I am not aware of that, and I should be glad if the right hon. Gentleman would give me particulars.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how many of these persons are qualified by knowledge of Arabic?

I do not know the proportion. I know a great many are.

Are the local officials in favour of what has been rumoured, namely, the appointment of a Sunni Chief from the Hedjaz to rule over an Arab State which consists mainly of Shiah Mohammedans?

The House, I am sure, knows that one of our main difficulties in Mesopotamia is the absence of unanimity as to the form of Arab State they want. That is one of our difficulties. We have been doing our best to overcome it.

Why not send Colonel Lawrence to Bagdad?

Why not send Colonel Wedgwood?

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can give the House any further information regarding the position on the Lower Euphrates?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The 34th Brigade Column, under Brigadier-General Cuningham, which relieved Rumeitha, had reached Jerbuiyah, en route to Hillah, on 7th August. The newly laid railway lines, since the raids, have been distorted by the extreme heat, and this has caused the delay of the return of this relief column. On the 4th August, rebels concentrated for attack on Hillah, but were frustrated by a cavalry reconnaissance. The Kufa garrison is still holding out. The health of the troops is good, although the heat and weather are very oppressive. All the railways in Mesopotamia are intact except between Samawah and Mahmudiyah. Arab raids still go on.

How are the troops housed at Hillah?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

Of what is the garrison at Kufa composed?

I cannot say, without notice.

asked the Prime Minister on what basis, for the purposes of the German indemnity, the ships and coal surrendered are respectively calculated?

In accordance with the Inter-Allied agreement arrived at at Spa, Germany will be credited (a) in respect of ships, with a value to be ascertained by the Reparation Commission based on the prices realised by their sale, subject to any adjustments rendered necessary by repairs or the expenses of delivery; and (b) in respect of coal, if delivered by rail or inland navigation, with the German internal price in accordance with paragraph 6 (a) of Annex V of Part VIII of the Treaty of Versailles, and if delivered by sea, with the German export price f.o.b. German ports, or the British export price f.o.b. British ports, whichever may be lower, in accordance with paragraph 6 (b) of the same Annex.

asked the Prime Minister the date of and method to be employed in the proposed sale of German ships, as indicated in his recent statement?

I am not at present in a position to add anything to what was said in Debate on the 21st July. The matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister how the Soviet delegation to this country is composed; whether any further news has come through with regard to our officers and men retained as prisoners at Baku; whether the Government have any information as to whether Bolshevik money is being spent in revolutionary interests in Great Britain and, if so, what steps are being taken to deal with it and with those who are responsible; and whether it is proposed to continue negotiations irrespective of the Polish question while such a state of affairs exists?

The Soviet delegation is composed of Messrs. Krassin, Nogin and Rozovsky for trade negotiations; Messrs. Kameneff and Milutin for political questions arising out of trade negotiations; M. Klishko, secretary; eight technical advisers and six secretarial staff.

The most recent information received goes to show that the British prisoners in Baku, including Mr. Hewelcke, are now receiving better treatment. His Majesty's representative at Tiflis telegraphed on 31st July that letters, parcels and money were being sent to the prisoners by a Bolshevik courier. I understand that British women and children in Baku have not been molested, and they have been allowed to look after their male relations in prison.

In answer to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Home Secretary on the 3rd August.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government has made any representations to the Vatican with regard to the campaign of murder that is being carried on in Ireland; whether the Vatican has refused to interfere; and whether the Government is now in a position to say when the British envoy will be withdrawn?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I cannot add anything to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone on Thursday last. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of the immediate cessation of disorder in Ireland, he will undertake on behalf of the Government to introduce a Bill, and carry the same through all its stages by Christmas, giving Ireland self-government on the basis of Dominion Home Rule, reserving only the control of the Army and Navy and giving any Ulster county the right to vote itself out of the scheme should it desire to do so?

I can add nothing to the statements made in debate on Thursday last.

In the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman is there any system of Dominion Home Rule in the world to which such reservations as these could be applied?

It certainly would not be Dominion Home Rule, but people would call it that.

asked the Lord Privy Seal by what means and under what powers it is proposed to prevent Archbishop Mannix from landing in Ireland?

Under an Order made by the Competent Military Authorities under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the recommendations in paragraphs 66, 67, 68, and 69 of the Report of the Vice-Regal Committee appointed to inquire into various matters connected with the offices of clerks of the Crown and Peace, etc., in Ireland, have been considered; and what steps he proposes to take to carry these recommendations or any of them into effect?

The recommendations referred to by my hon. and learned Friend relate to the position of assistants in the offices of the clerks of the Crown and Peace. The alternative proposals suggested for the improvement of the position of these assistants would, in the opinion of the Viceregal Committee, require legislation, and the matter is being considered in connection with the other recommendations in the Report of the Committee.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many magistrates and how many members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, respectively, have tendered their resignations during the past three months?

The number of magistrates who have resigned from the 1st May to the present date is 315. The number of resignations from the Royal Irish Constabulary from 1st May to 31st July, is 556. The number of recruits for the same period is 816.

I did not ask for the number of recruits?

I thought I would give the hon. Member all the information I could.

How many fresh magistrates have been sworn in?

I cannot say without notice.

How many of the recruits came from this country?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that although a special train was provided for the conveyance of directors of the Dublin and South Eastern Railway to the funeral of their late chairman, Mr. Frank Brooks, such is the terrorism in the district that not one of the directors dared attend; and whether any special police or military protection was afforded to the train in question?

A special train was provided, as stated by the hon. Member, for the conveyance of directors and their friends to the funeral of the late Mr. Brooks. No special police protection was asked for, nor was it considered to be necessary. The train was not interfered with in any way either before or during the journey. So far as I am aware there is no reason why anyone should have refrained from travelling by the train in question.

Is it not a fact that none of the directors did attend?

I do not know.

If that is the case, does it not show a singular lack of courage on the part of the other directors?

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Electricity Commissioners have received a proposal from the County of London. Electric Supply, Limited, for the construction of a generating station at Barking; whether it will be possible for the company, with the approval of the Commissioners, to connect the proposed generating station with the various areas of supply of authorised undertakers in the County of London; whether the Commissioners are prepared to give their consent to this application; whether the London County Council, as the purchasing authority, and the other authorised undertakers have had an opportunity of making representations to the Commissioners?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Commissioners have the application under consideration at the present moment, but have not yet given their decision; and they are in communication with the London County Council as the purchasing authority under the terms of the London Electric Supply Act, 1908, and the Council have been given an opportunity of making representations to the Commissioners. The Commissioners do not propose to consult with other authorised undertakers unless a local inquiry is deemed necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the County Council has now gone into Recess, and they are, as a matter of fact, preparing a scheme for the electricity supply of London, and will he give an assurance that he will not in any way prejudice the possibilities of coming to an agreement by giving approval to the scheme now before him?

As to the first part of the question, I was not aware of that; as to the second part, I should like to have notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions why the following articles have been sold by the Disposal Board to the Bradford corporation, namely, 20,000 pairs of gloves, 20,000 pairs of socks, 5,000 collars, 4,200 caps, 2,000 suits, 1,000 overcoats, 2,000 vests, and 500 capes and mackintoshes; having regard to these transactions, will he state the reason why subsequent tenders of 5th and 14th May for 50,000 pairs of worsted socks, 10,000 flannel shirts and collars, and 3,000 pairs of white drawers have been declined by the Disposal Board in a letter of 27th July, after numerous communications from the corporation; having regard to the standing of this municipality and the check upon profiteering they have been able to exercise by these operations, will he reconsider that decision; and if he will state to what extent the decision not to accept further tenders from the corporation has been influenced by objections to municipal trading held by the Disposal Board or urged upon the Board by outside agencies?

The Disposal Board were advised that a Municipal Corporation had no legal power to purchase goods for retail sale, and it was on this ground that the offers referred to were refused.

Why was this illegality not discovered in respect of other transactions.

It is understood that the offers to purchase were made because the Bradford Corporation wished to accumulate stock for their own employés.

Was it not because they are in competition with the ordinary private trader?

No. I am advised that the Disposal Board have not been approached.

Is there any difference between this and the Government going into partial nationalisation of the fishing industry?

I did not catch the hon. Member's question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the whole or, if not, what proportion of the stores at Kantara in Egypt, have been declared surplus to military requirements and are available for disposal; and what steps have been taken to dispose of them?

Approximately 10 per cent. of the whole of the stores at Kantara have been notified to the Disposal Board as surplus to military requirements. All stores so notified have already been offered for sale by public tender, and a large proportion was sold within one month of notification.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that houses erected at Guildford under the Municipal Housing Scheme, at a cost of roughly £900 per house, are being offered to the tenants for the sum of £600 per house; and, if so, will he say why this reduction is being made and where the loss on the transaction will fall?

I have not up to the present received any proposal for the sale of houses at Guildford. Local authorities are required to obtain my approval to any schemes for the sale of houses, and I am prepared to assent to sale at the best price obtainable as the Housing Act provides.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Llandudno Education Committee have declined a request made for the use of the Llandudno Central School to accommodate 120 children during the holidays; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

I have no information on the matter, which in any case does not appear to be one in which I have any authority to intervene.

asked the President of the Hoard of Education if he is aware that six successful candidates in the bursar examination at St. Mary's Roman Catholic School, Earlestown, were granted leave to continue their studies at Catholic secondary schools, and that the principal of St. Helen's Catholic Grammar School was willing to accept the boys, but the Director of Education has refused assent, thus forcing the scholars to travel to Liverpool, a distance of 17 miles, instead of five miles to St. Helens; and whether he will say why the school at St. Helens is not recognised by the Board of Education, seeing that it has to keep up the requirements of the Board and that its scholars are accepted both at the Hammersmith and Liverpool training centres?

The St. Mary's Roman Catholic Grammar School is not recognised by the Board of Education as an efficient secondary school, and bursar-ships, therefore, cannot be held there. The governors of the school have not applied to the Board for the recognition of the school as efficient. The school was inspected by the Board in January, 1919.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received representations on behalf of the widows and dependants of soldiers and sailors in Scotland and elsewhere and on behalf of discharged and disabled men on pension drawing attention to the great increase in the cost of living; whether, under Section 24a of the Royal Warrant of 6th December, 1919, there can be no readjustment of pension in respect of the cost of living before April, 1923; whether this places such dependants and others at a great disadvantage compared with industrial workers, who have the benefit of changes in a sliding scale based on the cost of living at much earlier dates; and whether, in view of the hardship now endured by many dependants, he is prepared to take steps to make provision for increase in the cost of living by pension and other allowances on more generous lines?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply which the Leader of the House gave to the hon. Member for the Western Division of Derbyshire on the 16th June, of which I am sending him a copy.