asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Territorial Force authorities have drawn his attention to the reluctance of the Post Office telegraphists to re-enlist with their old units; whether he has been informed that the ex-commissioned warrant officers and noncommissioned officers who were formerly enthusiastic supporters of the telegraph company formed in the Central Telegraph Office, have, without explanation, declined to continue their connection with that body; whether these men, who were largely responsible for the formation of the company and who constituted its backbone, have given any reasons for their hostility toward the proposal to revive this signal company; and whether, having regard to the importance of securing the continued service of these skilled telegraphists, he will order an inquiry into the whole of the circumstances?

I understand that the men in question feel aggrieved at the decision regarding their war gratuity. Their claims were very fully considered by the Government. None of these men have drawn less in the aggregate of civil pay plus war gratuity than other Civil servants serving in the Army, and it is not considered that they have any legitimate ground for complaint.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he adheres to the statement that the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards have no national characteristics?

This statement, for which I accept responsibility, was unfortunately phrased and escaped my attention in the pressure of dealing with a large number of questions. The Grenadier and Coldstream Guards are English Regiments. The Grenadier Guards were originally raised in Flanders in 1656 as a regiment of Guards for King Charles II. The first officers and men were English Cavaliers, who had followed the King into exile. The regiment was first called the Royal Regiment of Guards. It went back to England after the restoration in 1660 and was subsequently named the 1st Guards, receiving its present title after Waterloo in commemoration of its having defeated the Grenadiers of the French Imperial Corps in that battle. The Coldstream Guards were derived from Monk's Regiment of the Parliamentary Army, which was raised at Newcastle in 1650 and formed part of the Army with which Cromwell invaded and afterwards occupied Scotland. The Regiment with other troops was quartered at Coldstream, a small village on the Tweed, in the winter 1659–60, and formed part of the forces with which General Monk marched from that village to London to restore the King. It is from this connection with Coldstream that the regiment derived its present title of the Coldstream Guards. The permanent recruiting districts of both regiments are and have always been in England, although some recruits have at different periods been raised in other parts of the United Kingdom for both. At the present moment 98 per cent. of both regiments are English.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the missing in the War have been traced and found by the British mission for the search for the missing during each of the last 12 months respectively?

The special mission for tracing British soldiers in France and Belgium has not traced any of the missing in the War as living and it was not anticipated that any such result would be attained. The mission has, however, collected and sent in a very large amount of information in the form of lists of burials in local cemeteries and reports concerning scattered graves. Unfortunately, in a large proportion of cases, only very imperfect descriptions of the individuals referred to could be obtained and consequently their identification has been a matter of very considerable difficulty. The bulk of the information has been found to be in duplication of that already received from other sources.' No record has been kept of the exact number of cases in which it was ultimately found that evidence of death could be accepted in cases where the officers and men were previously known only as missing. In a number of cases new information has been collected concerning the burial places of officers and men already reported as dead.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to say whether a medal is to be given to the men of the Royal Defence Corps who served during the War?

No, Sir; I am afraid I can add nothing to my reply on 22nd June last to the hon. Member for Tynemouth (Mr. Percy).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the delay owing to the lack of adequate shipping accommodation, in bringing home officers from the demobilisation camp at Kantara, many of whom have been for months at this camp waiting their turn; and whether he will consider the chartering of special shipping facilities in order to clear the camp?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 21st July last to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Lieut.-Colonel Guinness). I understand it is not correct that officers have been waiting embarkation for months. From reports recently received it appears that, although there has been delay, which is regretted, it has been unavoidable. During the period from 19th June to 21st July accommodation was provided for 285 officers and, up to date, 477 first class berths have been allotted for military passengers from Egypt. Arrangements have been made to provide sufficient shipping to embark, by 20th August, all military passengers now awaiting embarkation in Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Arabs who have opposed our occupation of Mesopotamia belong chiefly or exclusively to nomad tribes; whether any of the riparian fellaheen are included; and, if so, to what extent?

Inquiry on this and other points connected with the outbreak is at present being made, and details have not yet been received. Questions on this subject should be addressed to the India Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the electrical power plant at the munitions factory, Queensferry, North Wales, has been lying idle for about 12 months, notwithstanding the fact that there is a shortage of electrical energy in the district, and that industrial development is thereby being retarded; and whether he can now see his way to authorise, without further delay, the sale of this plant to the Corporation of Chester or any other would-be purchaser who will undertake at once to provide electrical power to works in the locality at a reasonable cost?

The electric power plant at Queensferry has not been idle for twelve months, as power has been generated to a small extent to meet the requirements of the factory in connection with wagon repair work and for the factory housing estate. The question of the future of the factory is now receiving consideration, and it is hoped shortly to ensure the fullest development of the factory electrical energy. It should in any case be pointed out that the offer to purchase the power plant so far made by the Chester Corporation is totally inadequate, and the Government would not be justified in coming to an arrangement which would involve a heavy loss on a valuable power plant.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of aeroplanes that are now being utilised; the number of air stations in England and Wales; and the staffs employed there?

The total number of machines being utilised is 5,174. This number makes provision for initial equipment, reserve and wastage. There are 45 air stations, including depôts and seaplane stations, in England and Wales, and the personnel employed total 1,389 officers and 16,750 other ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry intend to vacate the house Ferrycraig, North Queensferry, and, if so, at what date; whether he is aware that correspondence between the Air Ministry and the agents of the owner of the House has been proceeding since 5th March without result; and if it is within his knowledge that there is alternative accommodation in the district standing vacant?

I am aware that representations with regard to this matter have been made to the Air Ministry, but I am unable at present to say whether this house will be vacated. The alternative accommodation referred to in the third part of the question is the property of the Admiralty, and the possibility of utilising it in place of the house in question is being investigated. Every effort is being made to arrive at an early decision.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will inquire into the ease of Petty Officer Norman Percival Coleman, No. 786,940, who served in the R. F. Auxiliary Service as first wardroom steward, and who was discharged on the 23rd February, 1918; is he aware that this petty officer has not yet received any gratuity; and will he have the proper gratuity paid to him at the Corner House, Market Square, Winslow, Bucks, as soon as possible?

Norman Percival Coleman, late steward, M.M.R., No. 927,055, received special rates of pay on a mercantile basis throughout his service, and is, consequntly, ineligible for the Naval War Gratuity, which is issuable only to men paid at Naval rates of pay. He has been so informed on several occasions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, owing to the hardship caused by Army Council Instruction 326, of 1920, 2 (a), on limbless officers whose stumps are not sufficiently healed for an artificial leg or arm to be fitted in the time therein allowed, he will specially supplement their disability pensions until such limbs are fitted, so that it may amount to as much as their service pay?

When an officer, who has been demobilised, is waiting to be fitted with an artificial limb, and is unable to provide for his own support, he may be granted, from the Ministry, disability retired pay at the maximum rate during the waiting period, and I have no authority to make any larger allowances.

asked the Minister of Pensions why the pension of ex-Private C. Graham Lloyd, 83, Earlston Avenue, Glasgow, has not been paid since 9th June, 1920, and why no answer has been given to the various letters anent the same sent by him to the Pensions Department?

I regret that it has not been found possible to trace the relative papers in this case from the information given. If, however, my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of the man's late regiment and regimental number, I will have further inquiry made and inform him of the result.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will empower local war pensions committees with a discretionary prerogative to administer grants to disabled ex-service men who are awaiting the decision of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal as to whether their disability is due to, or aggravated by, military service, and thus prevent the discharged ex-service man from being compelled to apply for parish relief, as is the case so often now?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. T. A. Lewis) in reply to a similar question on the 29th July.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will favourably consider that out-of-pocket expenses incurred by applicants appearing before the Committee in connection with applications for alternative pensions should be reimbursed by the Ministry of Pensions?

The onus of proving his present earning capacity for the purposes of an application for alternative pension rests with the man, and the arrangements made with the Ministry of Labour for the utilisation of the experience of Local Employment Committees in this connection provide that the applicant shall always be given the opportunity of appearing before the Committee, and that the expenses of any necessary witnesses whom he may call in support of his claim shall be paid. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to recommend any further concession in this direction.

asked the Minister of Pensions when the pensions book issuable to Joseph Verity, late No. 11,691, 19th Manchesters, of 18, Annie Street, Greenheys, Manchester, due on the 11th March last from the Pensions Issue Office, Regent's Park (reference S.B.O. 6,440), will be issued; and what has caused the delay in such issue?

The allowance book for current pension was despatched to the Post Office on the 10th July, and the allowance book for the arrears due on the 15th July. The case is therefore in order, so far as my Department is concerned, but, although no intimation has been received to show that payment has not been made, I am making inquiries at the Post Office to ascertain that the allowance books have not miscarried.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that James McKay, late corporal, No. 4,223, West Riding Regiment, who was invalided out of the Army in June, 1900, for rheumatism and heart trouble after six years' service, and is unable to do any work owing to his invalidity, is only in receipt of Is. 3d. a day pension; and whether he will take steps to secure an increase of pre-war pension to invalided ex-soldiers?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The pension of 1s. 3d. a day of which Mr. James McKay is in receipt is the maximum rate allowed by the regulations for a corporal discharged, as he was, on account of disease due to climatic conditions abroad on ordinary military service. As his disability was not incurred on war service, he is not eligible for any increase under the warrants relating to former wars, and I regret that I have no power to award him any higher rate than he now has. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for the Yeovil Division of Somerset (Mr. A. Herbert) on the 2nd August, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Private H. Boulter, No. 111,204, late Royal Army Service Corps Remounts, who re-enlisted in 1915 and served for two and a half years in France until totally disabled by rheumatism contracted during the period of his service; and whether such disability entitles him to a pension?

My medical advisers have been unable to accept Mr. Boulter's disability as due to or aggravated by his military service. Mr. Boulter has, however, exercised his right of appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal against the consequent refusal of pension, and the ultimate decision now rests with the Tribunal.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the record of service during the War of ex-Lieutenant R. C. Barton, late of the Dublin Fusiliers, at present serving a sentence of penal servitude?

This ex-officer enlisted in the Inns of Court Officers Training Corps in October, 1915, and was granted a temporary commission in April, 1916, as a temporary second lieutenant in the 10th battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He had no overseas service and was permitted to resign his commission in September, 1917, for agricultural purposes, and was granted the honorary rank of second lieutenant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether aeroplanes manned by Sinn Feiners, wearing British uniforms, recently visited certain British camps in the west of Ireland; and whether there is any reason to believe that these aeroplanes were Government property during the War?

I am informed that nothing whatever is known of this matter, and I think it may safely be assumed that the whole story is a fabrication.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he addressed a number of journalists last Saturday afternoon at the Irish Office on the subject of the Govern- ment's Irish policy; whether these journalists attended by invitation; if so, whether any invitations were sent to representatives of Irish newspapers; if not, why were they excluded from the conference; whether his speech to the journalists was confined to the Government's treasure for setting up courts-martial; if not, whether any reference was made to an intention on the part of the Government to submit a more acceptable scheme for the settlement of the Irish Question; and whether he will lay upon the Table of the House an authenticated verbatim report of the proceedings of the conference?

An invitation was issued to all Sunday newspapers to hear a statement from the Chief Secretary, to clear up some serious misconceptions in reference to the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act and the Government's policy in reference to Ireland. An authenticated verbatim report of the interview was published in the Sunday Press.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds the Government condone the eviction of certain workers from the shipyards in lfast; and if the Government has laid down that the right of work shall be determined by certain religious creeds or political allegiance?

The Government does not condone, but regrets the eviction of the workers from certain shipyards in Belfast. The Government does not agree that the right to work should be determined by religious creed or political allegiance. The Government is doing everything it can to bring about normal conditions of employment in Belfast. The labour difficulty in Belfast is due to a cleavage of opinion among the workmen themselves.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the Sinn Fein circular issued from 23, Drumcondra Road, Dublin, demanding subscriptions for the Sinn Fein munitions of war fund; whether he has any reason to fear that pressure is being brought to bear upon individuals to subscribe to this fund; and what steps the Government intend to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The fund in question is intended for the support of those railway servants who have been dismissed owing to their refusal to obey orders, and not as might be supposed from its title for the purchase of munitions of war for Sinn Fein. No complaint has been received from any persons that pressure has been brought to bear on them to subscribe to the fund, and no action on the part of the Government appears to be necesary.

asked the Secetary for Scotland what steps it is proposed to take to bring under the local option provisions of the Temperance (Scotland) Act, 1913, the premises in Scotland at present occupied by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) for the purpose of the sale by retail of exciseable liquors for which no certificates within the meaning of the definition contained in Section 15 of the Act have been granted by the Licensing Courts?

I have consulted the Central Control Board and the other Departments concerned regarding this matter. I am now in a position to state that the Board will give effect, as regards premises of the nature mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend, to any Resolutions passed under the Temperance (Scotland) Act affecting areas in which such premises are situated. As at present advised, I think it may be possible, by Regulations under the Act, to provide for any variations in the pocedure which may be necessary in order to carry out this decision.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the new education charges in some places are as high as £70 to £80 per child; whether cars are engaged at the cost of the rates to take individual children long distances to school and back; and, if the answer be in the affirmative, whether he proposes to take action to bring the cost of education within the means of the ratepayers and taxpayers of Scotland?

I have no information as to the educational expenditure per child in individual places where, owing to particular difficulties, the cost is necessarily much above the average cost per child throughout the country. The responsibility for arrangements for the conveyance of children to and from school where this is found to be necessary, is placed by the Education (Scotland) Acts upon the Education Authority. Cars are engaged by some authorities for this purpose in preference to conducting expensive small schools. The cost does not fall as an exceptional burden upon particular places, but is chargeable to the education fund of the authority concerned. I cannot assent to the implication underlying the last part of the question. I would, however, refer the hon. Baronet to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stirling and Clackmannan (Sir H. Hope) on the 21st July. When the necessary information has been obtained, the matter will be carefully investigated with a view to determining whether a case has been made out for special relief of individual parishes and, if so, how it can be compassed.

asked the Secretary of State for India when he intends to carry into effect the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill by announcing the rates of the pensions that he considers suitable to the period of service of those members of the Service who, owing to the changes made, may desire to be allowed to retire?

I can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to his question on this subject on the 30th June last.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the new Army Regulations in India include a Clause to the effect that troops called out to suppress riots are not to be allowed any ball ammunition; and, if so, what is the reason for this new Order?

I have not yet received the Government of India's answer to my telegraphic enquiry, but will let the hon. and gallant Member know when it comes.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the difference in principle between the Auxiliary Force Bill, brought in by the Government of India on a compulsory basis for the defence of India, and the Military Training Act passed by the Government of Australia on a compulsory basis for the defence of Australia; and, as the Australian Act was not prohibited by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, why the Indian Bill should now be prohibited by him?

I do not accept the implication that any principle which the people of Australia choose to apply to themselves is ipso facto suitable to be applied to India. As regards the latter part of the question, I must again refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by me on the 28th July.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the circular letter issued on 15th September, 1919, by the Government of India (Indian Munitions Board) to the various local governments and administrations in India concerning the drugs and surgical dressings required by the forces in the field supplied to Government by a firm of chemists in Bombay, and stating that the drugs were so adulterated and the dressings so medicated, and otherwise below' the represented quality, as to imperil the lives of soldiers; that this was done deliberately by the firm in question to swell its own profits; that the name of the firm had, therefore, been removed from the Government of India list of contractors, and recommending that it should be removed from the lists of contractors to the provincial governments; whether, in communicating this information to the public through the Press, the name of the firm in question was suppressed and is still being withheld, and why: whether he will communicate the name of this firm to the House and explain the reasons of the Government of India for their failure to prosecute the directors or managing directors, or both; and whether he will direct that such prosecution shall take place?

I have no information on the matter to which the hon. Member refers, but I will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, when the concession that rupee pensions should be paid at a minimum rate of 1s. 9d. to the rupee was made in 1890, the official rate of exchange was 1s. 4d.; and, seeing that the official rate is now 2s. to the rupee and therefore the 1s. 9d. rate is no longer a concession, will he take steps to see that the minimum rate for the payment of pensions is not less than the official rate obtaining at the time of payment?

In 1890–91 the official rate of exchange, that is, the rate fixed from time to time for the adjustment of transactions between the Imperial and Indian Exchequers, was 1s. 5d. At present it is revised monthly on the basis of market rates. Rupee pensioners drawing their pensions in sterling from the India Office also receive the benefit of the market rate if above the minimum rate of 1s. 9d. on the date of issue of pension, otherwise conversion takes place at 1s. 9d. It is not intended to raise the minimum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the imports of toys from Germany, from Holland, and from other countries, respectively, for the first six months in 1920 as compared with the first six months in 1914?

The information required is as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of imports and exports per head of population in the United Kingdom for the years 1913 and 1919?

The declared value of the net imports (namely, imports less re-exports) in the year 1913, per head of the estimated population of the United Kingdom, was £14 8s. 5d., and that of the exports of United Kingdom produce and manufactures was £11 9s. 10d. The corresponding figures for the year 1919 were £31 13s. 3d. and £17 6s. 1d.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that many ships are laying in the Tyne, North-East Coast, owing to a shortage of exporting coal, and have been for some time; whether he is aware that many of these men were from torpedoed ships; and if he will put more coal on the Tyne for export?

I am aware that there is not sufficient coal available for export to provide cargoes for all the ships which are sent to the Tyne to load coal. As I have repeatedly explained, it is necessary to restrict export if home supplies are to be safeguarded, and I am satisfied that the existing export restriction cannot at present be safely relaxed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that American tyre and rubber footwear manufacturers, while there is apparently no difference between their price lists and those of British manufacturers, are allowing a discount to British buyers of 50 per cent., whereas British manufacturers cannot allow more than from 5 per cent. to 12½ per cent. and pay the rates of wages and observe the hours of labour demanded by the rubber workers in this country;(2) if he has yet considered the question of re-imposing the 33½ per cent. Duty upon imported tyres and rubber footwear; whether he is aware that since this import duty has been withdrawn foreign tyre manufacturers have swamped the British market and have driven a number of small firms out of existence; that thousands of our rubber workers have already been discharged and that others are under notice; that one large well-known firm alone has already discharged 1,700 hands; and if he can hold out any hope that this unfair competition will be prohibited in the near future?

I have no information as to the alleged differences between the discounts given by British and foreign manufacturers, but I shall be glad to consider any definite evidence on the subject which my hon. Friend may be able to furnish. I would point out that the goods in question have not at any recent time been subject to duty upon importation. On the general question involved I am not at present in a position to make any statement, but the whole matter of dumping is receiving the careful consideration of the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the export of English china clay during the last few years has been very limited; and whether he can suggest any steps being taken that will stimulate this trade?

The exports of china clay, in common with most of the products of this country, have been small during the last few years as compared with pre-War years. The exports for 1913 were 629,703 tons, and these declined to 232,464 tons in 1918. Since the Armistice, however, there has been a satisfactory improvement in the figures: 286,543 tons were exported in 1919 and 211,636 tons for the first six months of 1920. It is hoped that an improvement in transport facilities will accelerate this satisfactory rate of progress.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller the number of steam trawlers now lying at Brightlingsea, and how long they have been lying there: whether these trawlers are large powerful vessels requisitioned during the War from the chief Scottish and North-east Coast fishing ports, and now lying moored two or three abreast blocking up the fairway and generally deteriorating; whether he is aware that Brightlingsea is not a suitable port to refit numerous steam trawlers of large size and that no serious work is being done upon these ships; and whether his Department will arrange for the vessels to be properly taken in hand and restored forthwith to their original service in the interests of the national supply of food?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Forty Admiralty-owned steam trawlers awaiting disposal are now laid up at Brightlingsea. The vessels were laid up at various dates since the Armistice on completion of their naval duties; they are under the charge of the Senior Naval Officer at Brightlingsea and care and maintenance parties are provided to look after the vessels and to prevent deterioration. The majority of the vessels are awaiting transfer to the Trawling Society for ex-Service fishermen which is in course of formation and which was referred to by the late Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in his reply to the hon. Member for Banff on the 27th October last. Fourteen of the trawlers are being satisfactorily reconditioned as fishing vessels by local firms to the requirements of Lloyd's Survey; the remainder allocated to the Society will be taken in hand as circumstances require. Negotiations are proceeding for the sale of the remaining vessels, namely those not required for the Society. There are now no hired trawlers at Brightlingsea.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to set up the Royal Commission to inquire into the conditions under which the Lancashire cotton industry is carried on, which was demanded by the United Textile Workers' Association at their recent conference?

I understand that satisfactory machinery for the joint discussion between employers and employed of matters affecting the cotton trade already exists. I am aware, however, that at the recent conference of the United Textile Workers' Association, a resolution was passed demanding the appointment of a Royal Commission, and if a definite request to that effect is submitted to the Government, and it can be shown that the existing machinery is inadequate for the purposes suggested, the matter will be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether the Port and Transit Executive Committee is in occupation of an area of land known as the Rock Cutting, adjoining the Barton Aqueduct, Manchester Ship Canal; for what purposes this land is now used; is he aware that the land is urgently required for business purposes, and that if released by the Government Department concerned the transport of hundreds of tons of goods to Manchester and vicinity could be effected direct by water instead of as at present by rail from East Coast ports; and can he say that a special effort will be made to release the land at an early date?

I am informed that no land is or has been in the occupation of the Port and Transit. Executive Committee. The latter parts of the question do not therefore arise; but inquiries are being made as to the occupation of the land referred to, and I will inform the honourable and gallant Member of the result.

asked the Prime Minister whether any details of the policy now being carried out by the Ministry of Transport are submitted to the Cabinet for approval; if so, whether the Cabinet approved the proposal to appoint seven area-transport commissioners at salaries of £800 rising to £1,000 a year, together with a Foreign intelligence officer at a similar salary and 35 clerical assistants at an aggregate cost to the taxpayer of £4,200 a year; whether the Government ', are aware of the public feeling aroused e by these proposals; and will he give the a House and the country an assurance that e no large expenditure of the Transport Ministry will be made without the express sanction of the Cabinet?

Expenditure by the Ministry of Transport is treated like expenditure by any other Department, except that, as the hon. Member is aware, the Treasury have a representative of their own permanently engaged in the Ministry. No expenditure is incurred without Treasury sanction and Cabinet approval is obtained as and when it is thought necessary. As regards the particular appointments named in the question, they were sanctioned by the Treasury and were not criticised by the Select Committee on National Expenditure in their recent Report. I think that that fact may be taken as proof that they are neither unnecessary nor extravagant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in submitting Estimates to the Treasury, it is usual for Ministers to specify the cost of any particular branch of their Department or of any proposed new policy; whether the Minister of Transport rendered details of the cost of his scheme for setting up area-transport commissioners with attendant staffs; and what were the sums, if any, sanctioned by the Treasury?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. Details as to the sums authorised by the Treasury have already been published in the Estimates of the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what is the tonnage of general merchandise traffic collected and delivered or collected or delivered by the railway companies; what are the receipts per ton-mile from general merchandise with and without collection and delivery; whether the amount which he allocates in his published statistics as cost of collection and delivery is the full actual cost to the railway companies for the services of collection and delivery, including overhead charges, or how the estimated amount is ascertained; whether he is satisfied that an ample allowance is provided in the Return to cover the full actual cost of collection and delivery which now many times exceeds the amounts allowed by the railway companies for these services when the collection and delivery rates were formulated;(2) the full cost per ton, including overhead charges, incurred by any main line railway company for the road haulage of collected and delivered or collected or delivered traffic; in particular, can he supply the cost per ton so incurred by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company; and can he ascertain whether the railway companies have this information as part of their ordinary trading records?

The returns from the controlled railways in Great Britain show that the tonnage of general merchandise carted during the four weeks ended 29th February, 1920, was approximately 2,567,000 tons. The gross receipts per ton-mile from general merchandise during the same period were 2·759d. and excluded the cost of collection and delivery 2·394d. The amounts allocated to cost of collection and delivery of merchandise traffic are those provided under the Railway Companies (Accounts and Returns) Act, 1911, as set out in Abstract F. of Schedule, and do not include all overhead charges or any allowance for interest on capital. The figures supplied by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Company show that their average cost per ton of carting merchandise traffic during the four weeks ended 29th February, 1920. was approximately 5s. per ton.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the prosecution of the Neath and District Automobile Company at the Neath Police-court on Tuesday, 3rd August; that this prosecution arose from the attitude of the Glamorgan County Council in refusing to allot to motor traders identification numbers in accordance with the provision of the Law; that the Bench, in dismissing the case, made the statement that they considered difficulties had been placed in the way of traders by the decision of the Glamorgan County Council, and expressed a wish that these should be removed; and will he make representations to the Glamorgan County Council to come into line with every other public authority in the United Kingdom and at once issue identification numbers to the motor traders with in their area?

My attention has not been drawn to the case in question. I am aware that the Glamorgan County Council decline to issue general identification marks to manufacturers and dealers under Section 2 (4, b) of the Motor Car Act, 1903. The issue of these marks is a matter within their uncontrolled discretion. Representations have been made by my Department to the Council, who replied that there were no manufacturers in the county, and that the issue of these marks to mere agents appeared to them to be liable to a great deal of abuse and to impede the careful supervision of motor cars on the road, which it is their desire to maintain. The whole question is under consideration in connection with the new taxation proposals.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the conviction of Messrs. May and Butcher, Limited, of Heybridge, timber "merchants, by the Lexden and Winstree Bench of magistrates, on the 22nd May last, for using a tractor without a licence from the Essex County Council, when a fine of £5 was inflicted; whether he is aware that a licence was applied for to the Essex County Council and the fee of £10 paid, but that such licence was refused on the ground that the width of each crossbar of the driving wheels of the tractor was 2¼in. instead of 3in., as provided by Sub-section (4) of Section 28 of the Highways and Locomotive Amendment Act, 1878; whether he is aware of the unreasonableness at the present time of the above statutory provisions affecting light locomotives and motor tractors, and the hardship and loss of time involved if the law is stictly enforced; whether the injury to the roads by the double journey arising from the restrictions of towage is greater than the towage itself would produce; and whether his Department will recommend legislation to repeal the above Sub-section and to allow a light motor to draw more than one trailer so long as they do not together carry more than 8 tons in weight in summer and 6 tons in weight in winter, such weight when distributed doing less damage to the roads than overloading one trailer?

The hon. Baronet communicated with me in March last as to the refusal of the Essex County Council to license Messrs. May and Butcher's tractor, the cross bars of the driving wheels of which are only 2¼ inches. The matter was fully inquired into, and on the 29th April he was informed that it was considered that the action of the County Council was entirely justified. The limit of width is imposed to prevent unnecessary damage to roads. Whether any, and if so what, legislation is desirable will be considered by the Minister in the light of any advice he may receive on the subject from the Departmental Committee on Road Vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that it has been the usual practice among railway companies to allow any person who travels by workmen's train to do so at the workman's fare, he will make inquiries as to whether any railway companies are contemplating differentiation; and whether, in that case, the authority for the Ministry for the differentiation will be necessary, and, if necessary, will be withheld?

The whole subject has recently been under review by the Railway Rates Advisory Committee, who have made certain recommendations in their Report (Cmd. Paper 857), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. In view of the probability of the recommendation receiving immediate effect, it does not appear to be necessary to institute the inquiries suggested.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a case in which it was decided that a railway company is liable for the loss of property in the station which was handed over to a porter, as a private arrangement, and not deposited for a fee in the cloak-room provided for the purpose of safeguarding the property of passengers; and whether he will take steps to amend the law, which is unjust to railway proprietors, who are for the most part small investors, and cannot afford to pay the value of articles lost because the owner elects to run a risk rather than pay his twopence?

In the case referred to the learned Judge decided on the facts that the property was in the control of the railway company as carriers, and that in accordance with the law, as it has been long laid down, the company were liable for its loss. No amendment of the law appears to be called for by the finding in this particular case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to state the receipts of the controlled railways in Great Britain per ton and per ton-mile of general merchandise, including live stock, and coal, coke, patent fuel, and other minerals, respectively, for any period?

The gross receipts per ton and per ton mile from "General Merchandise including live stock," "Coal, Coke and Patent Fuel" and "Other Minerals" traffic respectively on controlled railways in Great Britain for the four weeks ended February 29th, 1920, were as follows:

	Gross Receipts per ton.			Gross Receipts per ton mile.
	£	s.	d.	Pence.
General Merchandise	1	1	4	2·759
Coal, Coke and Patent Fuel		3	5	·910
Other Minerals		4	9	1·114

asked the Minister of Transport what is the amount of rolling stock that is run for first-class passengers and the proportion of revenue derived from the same?

It is not possible to give particulars of the amount of rolling stock run for first-class passengers, as the accommodation is largely provided in composite vehicles. The first-class seating accommodation on the 31st December, 1919, represented 12·45 per cent. of the total, while the revenue from first-class passengers amounted to 14·68 per cent. of the total receipts from all passengers carried in the year ended 31st December, 1919.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the railway companies are at the present moment issuing tickets with the words "Actual Fare" upon them, although as a matter of fact they are charging more than the sums marked on the tickets; and whether, for the convenience of the travelling public, he will give orders that the actual fares, that is, the fares which include the increases recently sanctioned by Parliament, shall be printed on all tickets?

As I have previously stated, the Railway Companies have been requested to arrange for the correct actual fare to be printed upon the tickets as soon as possible, but 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 if he will issue instructions to the effect that only closed vans shall be used for the transport of fish, supplying plenty of ventilation without being exposed to the sun?

Special fish vans are used as far as possible, but do not exist in sufficient quantities to deal with sudden gluts of fish at any place. It is not possible to provide them. Invariably, special open fish trucks are preferred to ordinary closed goods vehicles. The provision of suitable rolling stock is one of the matters which is being discussed by the recently-formed Fish Transport Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that his policy in discontinuing control of the canals and waterways of this country is causing much concern, and many independently-owned canals will be compelled to close down on 31st August; and if he will consider the advisability of retaining control until the Report of the Com- mittee on Canals and Waterways is received?

The hon. and gallant Member is, I think, under a misapprehension. The Minister is taking possession under Section 3 of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, of such canal undertakings as make the necessary application. The fears expressed in the question have, I believe, been removed by the answers already given, including the one to my hon. and gallant Friend yesterday.

asked the Minister of Food the quantity of sugar delivered to manufacturers by the Sugar Commission during the first three months of the year 1920 and the quantity delivered to them during the second quarter; and if the quantity estimated to be taken is being taken?

The quantity of sugar distributed to manufacturers by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply during the first period of 12 weeks of this year was 88,388 tons, and during the second period 68,312 tons. The actual requirements of manufacturers appear at present to be less than the quantity originally estimated as being required.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the same sugar for which the Sugar Commission are charging manufacturers £145 per ton is being sold in Mincing Lane at £138; is this a case of profiteering on the part of the Commission; and, if not, will he instruct the Commission to bring their prices into line with the market value of the article?

The prices of sugar for manufacturing purposes as charged by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply are revised regularly to conform to the prices ruling in the world's markets. The Commission's price for white sugar since the 9th instant has been £140 per ton, and free sugar of similar quality was sold yesterday in Mincing Lane at the same price.

asked the Minister of Food if the Godstone district food control office is the only district in the London and home counties area which has not been amalgamated with other districts since local food committees were abolished; if so, the reason; and whether, in view of the fact that an expenditure of about £250 is involved by the continuance of a separate office, he will, in the interests of public economy, take steps to amalgamate Godstone with an adjoining district?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The special circumstances of each district in the London and home counties division were carefully considered, and in a number of cases amalgamation was found to be in advisable. In the case of Godstone, the nearest food offices with which amalgamation would have been practicable are situated at Croydon and Reigate respectively, and in view of the difficulty of access by the rural population of Godstone to these two points, amalgamation was not considered desirable so long as the rationing of sugar has to be continued. The possibilities of further amalgamation in all parts of the country with a view to securing economy of expenditure are being continuously kept under observation, but, at the moment, I do not consider it desirable to alter the arrangements in force in the Godstone district.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that an order was issued in July for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire that all sheep were to be dipped twice within 14 days; that as a result of this order being carried out over 100 sheep have died; who is responsible for this order and from whom damages should properly be claimed; and whether he will cause the whole question of these sheep-dipping orders to be investigated so that at least sufficient notice shall be given to prevent future orders overlapping, and to enable those affected to protest where necessary?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that the order was issued on 26th June. As regards the second part a certain number of losses attributed to double dipping have been reported to the Ministry, but full details are not yet available. The double dipping order imposed in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, according to which sheep have to be dipped twice within a period of 14 days in a dip approved by the Ministry, was one of a number of orders applied to various parts of England, Scotland and Wales in pursuance of the Ministry's policy for the eradication of sheep scab. The reports which have reached the Ministry indicate that the losses in question have been due to the use of a poisonous dip for the second dipping. In this connection it was expected that the advice given by the Ministry on the subject of the use of sheep dips, especially as regards the choice of a non-poisonous dip for the second dipping, would have prevented the losses in question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the recommendations of the District Whitley Council as to the rates of pay and conditions of the employés at Kew Gardens?

An increase in the basic pay of the stokers employed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, by 2s. a week, i.e., from 32s. to 34s. a week (plus bonus at Civil Service rates), has now been sanctioned, but the other recommendations of the Kew Gardens Whitley District Committee as to the rates of pay and conditions of other grades of industrial employés are still under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the amount of rent paid by the tenant of the Limes Farm, near Horbling, Lincolnshire, held under the Crown, for each of the seven years ending Lady Day, 1920; what yearly rent was received by the tenant for the farmstead and land sublet by him for the same period; the cost of the bathroom and water supply; by whom paid; and what is the annual value of the shooting retained and of the house, pleasure grounds, and premises occupied by the tenant?

The Horbling Estate was purchased on behalf of the Crown in 1913 with completion on the 25th July in that year. The Limes Farm comprised 241 acres, I rood, 17 poles at the date of purchase and it was held by Mr. Edward Smith at a rent of £350 a year. Two hundred acres, 2 roods, 13 poles were re-let to him from the 6th April, 1914, on annual tenancy at a rent of £318 a year, and the rent remained at that figure until the 6th April last. When the Crown purchased the property, Mr. Smith resided in the farm house and exercised his right to sub-let the farm buildings and land, and that arrangement was continued under the Crown. The Commissioners of Woods and Forests have no knowledge of the terms of the sub-letting. As one of the conditions of the re-letting, a bathroom and water supply were provided by the Crown at a cost of £176 10s., and Mr. Smith pays interest at 4¼ per cent on £76 10s. of that sum. The farm being let as a whole, the Commissioners of Woods and Forests have no information in respect of the separate value of the house and shooting.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a serious injustice threatens Mr. A. Carbine, of 92, Gladstone Street, Middlesbrough, who, after four years' service in the Army, is about to be evicted from his home, which owing to house shortage has been with his wife's mother and the latter having emigrated to America, where Mr. and Mrs. Carbine had also arranged to go; that an order for ejection has been issued: and, as Mrs. Carbine has been forbidden by her doctor to travel on account of her delicate condition, can he, in the interests of the health of the expectant mother and child, secure a temporary suspension of the eviction order until it is safe for them to emigrate to America where they have arranged to go?

The Increase of Rent (Restriction) Act gives me no power to intervene. The question whether an order for possession should be granted, refused, or suspended is entirely for the Courts, and I may remind my hon. Friend that increased powers of suspension were given in the new Act.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the strong feeling on the part of local authorities in Ireland that the present scheme of housing subsidy based on the amount of rent obtainable fails to give the greatest proportion of assistance in the hard-pressed areas, and that they demand in substitution a subsidy of 6 per cent. on £20,000,000 of an expenditure on slums and a subsidy of 5¼ per cent. on £30,000,000 for the better class houses; and whether, with a view to the better promotion of housing in Ireland, he will consider this proposal?

I am aware of the existence of a feeling that the terms of the Housing Subsidy are unsatisfactory, but the demand for an increased subsidy based on a proportionate increase in capital expenditure rather than on rents collected is one to which in principle the Government could not in present circumstances accede.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health why lower subsidies in proportion to floor space are granted in aid of housing in Scotland than in England; and whether, approximately, an expenditure of £1,000 in England entitles aid to the extent of £140, whereas in Scotland £1,200 must be expended in order to secure the same subsidy?

As a general rule, the apartments in the smaller Scottish houses have a larger floor area than in England, and the intention is to maintain this standard in the subsidised houses. The subsidy for a four-apartment house is £240, and the difference in cost as between England and Scotland is approximately, as suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, £200. The question of discontinuing all minimum over-all area standards is under consideration by the Scottish Board of Health. If this course is taken, it will tend to minimise the difference referred to in the proportion of subsidy to cost.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction that exists owing to the disqualification of old age pensioners who are inmates of Poor Law institutions to receive their old age pensions; that the old age pensioners concerned feel that once having obtained their pension it involves a stigma to lose it again; and whether he is prepared to recommend the amendment of the Old Age Pensions Act to the effect that indoor and outdoor paupers be treated alike, and thus relieve the disqualification?

In view of the fact that the Old Age Pension Acts were amended so recently, and that the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend was definitely rejected by the Departmental Committee, I am not prepared to recommend the alteration which he proposes.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the old age pension of Edward Parry, 127, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, was stopped when he applied for a new book, after having been in receipt of full pension since April, 1916, after inquiry by the local pensions committee, who decided that he was entitled to full pension, the local pensions officer also agreeing that he was entitled to full pension, but still no pension has been paid since February; and whether he will have this case inquired into and the payment of the pension made at the earliest possible date?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave yesterday in answer to the hon. Member for Newton (Mr. R. Young), except that the pensions officer did not agree to the rate of pension proposed by the local pensions committee in this case. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my previous reply.

asked the Home Secretary in how many instances, under the power conferred on him by the Police Act of 1919, by which he can issue Regulations as to the government and conditions of service of the police throughout England and Wales, he has issued such Regulations; and whether any such Regulation refers to the employment of musketry instructors?

No Regulations have yet been made under the Police Act, 1919.

asked the Home Secretary whether policemen with 26 years' service and on special duty at the end of the period have either to retire or to resume duty on the streets; whether, since special duty has unfitted them for the latter alternative, they usually resign; and why in all suitable cases it is not possible to continue them on special duty and thus diminish the heavy charges on the pension fund?

As I explained to the hon. and gallant Member for the Holborn Division (Sir J. Remnant) on the 19th July, it has been decided that police officers on special duty who are entitled to retire on full pension are to be transferred to ordinary duty in order that other deserving men may have an opportunity of obtaining special duty appointments. As the arrangement will not come into operation until 31st December, it is impossible to say whether it will lead to the retirement of the men concerned as suggested in the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether any branch of his Department is responsible for the articles of an anti-Semitic nature now appearing in the Press; and, if not, whether his Department has any knowledge of the sources from which these articles emanate?

The answer to both questions is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Committee to inquire into the two-shift system, with special reference to the Clause deleted from the Women, Young Persons, and Children (Employment) Bill, has been appointed; if so, will he state the personnel of the Committee; and whether, in view of the fact that the Bill purports to give effect to the findings of the Washington Convention, and that the point covered by the Clause in question was not dealt with at Washington, he will consider the advisability of passing the Bill as it stands without further delay, and, if necessary, deal with any extraneous matters in a separate measure?

The constitution of the Committee has not yet been finally settled, but I hope to announce it in a day or two. The latter part of the question is under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether any of the representative women's trade unions were invited to serve upon the Committee appointed to consider the employment of women and children?

A woman trade union official has been invited to serve on the Committee.

asked the Home Secretary what is the result of his inquiry into the legality of employing the funds of county councils for entertaining foreign children, and to whom such money as has been spent upon such entertainment is to be finally debited?

I have been asked to answer this question. As I have already informed the hon. Member, I am advised that there is no legal authority for expenditure of this nature out of the funds of a county council. With respect to the last part of the question, as an appeal might be made to me against a disallowance by a district auditor of any such expenditure, it would obviously be improper for me to decide in advance what action I should take until I had heard the appeal.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether his attention has been called to a communication addressed to the Lunacy Board of Control, dated 19th July, 1920, dealing with the case of a voluntary boarder at St. Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, the illegality of whose detention has been described at intervals during the last three years, in connection with which case the Board of Control have admitted that there were offences against the Lunacy Act, 1890, but in respect of which offences the Board refuse to prosecute the offenders; whether he is aware that the Lunacy Act provides in Section 325 that proceedings can only be taken, for offences against that Act, by certain officials or by their order, or with the consent of the Law Officers of the Crown; and, in view of the interference with the liberty of the subject disclosed by such admitted offences and the stigma involved, whether he will obtain the consent of the Law Officers to a private prosecution or, alternatively, bring before them their duty to prosecute;(2) whether he is aware that the Board of Control, while admitting certain offences against the Lunacy Act, 1890, for example, an offence against Section 35. committed in 1917 in the process of certifying a voluntary boarder at St Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, have dismissed such offences as mere carelessness, even though the offence rendered valid a medical certificate and a reception order which would otherwise have been invalid, and concealed from the petitioner that a statement purporting to be his own had been illegally inserted in the petition at St. Andrew's the day after he had issued it; that it is by such minor offences as these that the gravest offence of all was effected, namely, an offence against Section 315, that is, the confining as a lunatic of a person received as a voluntary boarder, such detention extending from the hour of her reception as a voluntary boarder until the order for her reception as a lunatic had been obtained by such illegal procedure as that above indicated; and that the Board of Control, in their final adjudication on this case, dated 22nd July, 1920, have dealt with two only out of the 10 offences against the Act brought to their notice, ignoring the rest; and, in view of the fact that the Board have failed to carry out a thorough investigation of the alleged offences, if he will take the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown on the desirability of inquiring into the matter or, alternatively, direct a full inquiry into the matter, at which the voluntary boarder can be represented, with a view to a prosecution?

I have been asked to answer those two questions as the responsibility for the Board of Control has now been transferred from the Home Office to the Ministry of Health. The points raised by the hon. Member have been brought to the notice of the Board of Control, and a thorough investigation has been made by a Commissioner, who visited St. Andrew's Hospital, and by the Chairman of the Board. It is admitted that owing to war conditions and pressure of work there were certain slight irregularities in the filling up of the necessary forms, but they were not of such a nature as to invalidate the documents on the strength of which the patient in question was detained. I see no ground for any further enquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Education what direct or indirect action he has taken in order to make use of the cinema for educational purposes; whether he is aware that the Minister of Public Instruction in Prance has appointed a commission to consider this question; and whether he proposes to consider it himself?

The use of the cinematograph for educational purposes is being carefully watched by the Board's officers and they are in touch with the Committee of the London County Council which is considering the matter. I am quite alive to its possibilities, but I should not feel justified at the present stage in pressing local educational authorities to incur expenditure at the present time on its introduction into the schools.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the death-rate amongst the Chinese indentured labourers during the period of German control of the mandated area of Samoa?

The Secretary of State has no information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the Chinese indentured labourers in Samoa have been there for periods exceeding five years and ten years, respectively?

The Secretary of State has no information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why no diplomatic representative has been appointed to Montenegro; and whether any remonstance has been addressed to Serbia in reference to her interference with the work of the British Relief Mission under Colonel Burnham?

In view of the fact that the status of Montenegro is still undetermined, His Majesty's Government are not yet in a position to appoint regular diplomatic or consular representatives in that country. A reliable official has, however, recently been despatched to Montenegro for the purpose of keeping His Majesty's Government informed of conditions there. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether holders of 4 per cent. and 5 per cent. War Stocks obtain any and what rights under the Clause in the prospectus referring to the Depreciation Fund or whether the liability of the Exchequer to the holders of the stocks ceases after putting money to the Depreciation Fund;(2) whether it is purely optional on the part of the Treasury whether any purchases of either stocks are made, there being no obligation on their part to purchase unless they think fit: if so, whether he would be willing, as long as there is a depreciation in both stocks, to consider the application of the monthly quota in purchases of the two stocks in proportion to the amount contributed on behalf of each stock, leaving only the accumulated fund to be subject to the discretion of the Treasury;(3) whether, in view of the large number of investors interested in war stocks, a Return of the application of the Depreciation Fund could be issued similar to that issued in regard to the Sinking Fund before the War; and whether a similar Return could be issued for the Funding Loan Sinking Fund?

The undertaking of the State under the prospectus of the 4 per cent. and 5 per cent. War Loan is, as stated therein, to provide certain sums for the Depreciation Fund. That fund is employed by the National Debt Commissioners in accordance with the terms of the prospectus in such a way as will have the best effect in supporting the price, and I think it would be most undesirable for me to interfere with the exercise by the Commissioners of their discretion in the matter of the purchases best calculated to achieve this purpose. Particulars of the application of the fund are given in the Annual Finance Accounts, and I do not think there would be sufficient justification for incurring the expense of a special Return.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people paid Super-tax in the year 1913 and each succeeding year?

The number of individuals assessed to Super-tax at 31st July, 1920, was as follows for the years mentioned:—

1913–14	…	…	…	13,937
1914–15	…	…	…	29,991
1915–16	…	…	…	29,275
1916–17	…	…	…	32,040
1917–18	…	…	…	34,567
1918–19	…	…	…	44,500
1919–20	…	…	…	45,696

No figures are available as to assessments for the current year 1920–21. The limit below which Super-tax is not charged was reduced in 1914, and again in 1918, and has been further reduced this year.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether there is any reason for withholding the Civil Service war bonus from the foremen and timekeepers in the Departments of the Office of Works in view of the fact that the award was intended to apply to un-established as well as established officers of this class?

The pay of foremen, timekeepers,. and assistant timekeepers has hitherto been augmented by a special war bonus regulated in such a way as to preserve the relation which existed before the War between the wages of these grades and of the workmen they supervise. The question of increasing this bonus or of substituting for it the general Civil Service war bonus is now under consideration.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the percentage of increase of the consolidated rates of pay of the foremen and timekeepers in his Department since the commencement of the War, and how this percentage compares with that granted to the men whom they supervise?

The percentage of increase for foremen at the mean of the scale is 97·3 and for timekeepers 84·3. The average increase in the case of workmen is 123 per cent.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the approximate cost of providing a children's sand pit in any of the royal parks; and whether, considering the great number of children who use Hyde Park, he will reconsider his decision as to providing such a sand pit in this park?

The approximate cost of providing a sand pit would be £500, and £150 per annum for upkeep. This is exclusive of the cost of the provision of lavatory accommodation and attendant, which is essential where a large number of children congregate. Hyde Park is not so frequented by children as the other parks. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to reconsider my decision.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, under the proposed new telephone rates, a charge of 3d. will be made to a person speaking from Sheffield to Rotherham, a distance of seven miles, but a person may speak from Horncastle to Croyam, a distance of 14 miles, for 1½d.; and what is the reason for charging the higher rate over the shorter distance?

Under the proposed rates, the total charge for a call between Sheffield and Rotherham would be 3d., lid. for the local message fee and 1½d. for the trunk fee. I have not been able to locate Croyam, but the total fee for communication from Horncastle to an exchange 14 miles distant would, under the proposed tariff, be 7½d.

asked the Postmaster-General whether an ex-soldier named A. E. Braiden, who has served his time in the Life Guards and in the telegraph division, is at present employed in the Southampton telegraph office as a temporary telegraphist; whether Mr. Braiden has asked to be considered for an established position and has been informed that he has no claim to appointment; whether a revision scheme is on foot which has for its, object the appointment of nine temporary women; and whether he will explain why, if nine appointments can be found for temporary women, it is not possible to give Mr. Braiden a permanent position, which he would appear to merit on account of his long service to the country?

A provision is under consideration under which it is proposed to increase the female staff at Southampton. The prospect of a vacancy on the male staff at Southampton being available for Mr. Braiden is doubtful, but it is proposed to offer him a permanent appointment at some other town.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has arrived at any decision in the matter of providing substantive appointments for acting head postmen (provincial); and if he is aware that a great amount of discontent is felt at the long delay?

Steps are being take nto provide substantive appointments where-ever the duties performed justify this course.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the lowest of the minima fixed by trade boards for adult women workers; whether there are any classes of adult women workers whose average wage is less than the lowest of these minima; if so, what the employments in question are; and what is the average wage in each case?

The minimum time rates of wages fixed by trade boards for women in Great Britain range from 7d. per hour for women in the laundry and lace-finishing trades to 11¼d per hour for women in the boot and shoe-repairing trade. Moreover, certain trade boards have fixed minimum rates, identical with the men's rates, for women employed on certain skilled operations normally performed by men. There are, of course, employments where lower rates are being paid, but, as I have already explained, action is being taken to establish with the least possible delay trade boards to meet the circumstances in these trades.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the estimated number of adult males in this country in receipt of a weekly wage of less than £4?

I am afraid no statistics are available which would enable trustworthy estimates to be made. In order to make such estimates it would be necessary to obtain information as to the individual wages of workpeople, both time-workers and piece-workers, and as to the numbers of such workpeople, in all industries, occupations and districts throughout the country.

asked the Minister of Labour when the family budgets were collected which form the basis of the "Labour Gazette" index figure of the rise in the cost of living; and what proportion of the total number of budgets utilised was submitted by unskilled workers?

I am sending my hon. Friend an extract from the "Labour Gazette" for March last, in which a full account is given of the scope and method of compilation of the index number.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what is the estimated number of unemployed in Bermondsey; what steps he is taking to deal with the situation which has arisen in that area;(2) what is the estimated number of I unemployed in the city of Birmingham; and what steps he is taking to deal with the situation in that city?

As regards Bermondsey, at the end of July the numbers of unemployed registered at the local Employment Exchange were 2,392 adults. Of these, 960 were women, 1,057 were ex service men drawing Out-of-Work Donation, and 375 were either civilian men or ex-service men whose Out-of-Work Dona- tion was exhausted. As regards Birmingham, at the same period the numbers were 5,204. Of these, 1,613 were women, 2,266 were ex-service men drawing Out-of Work Donation, and 1,325 were either civilian men or ex-service men whose Out-of-Work Donation was exhausted. As I have already said, the whole question of unemployment, and particularly the continued unemployment of ex-service men, is at present engaging the earnest attention of the Government.

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed ex-soldiers have been registered in the burgh of Leith; and what steps he is taking in connection with the matter?

On the 30th July, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of ex-service men registered for employment at the Leith Employment Exchange was 319. The Local Employment Committee, which is representative of employers and trade unions in the Leith district, is in close touch with the situation, and is doing everything that is possible to minimise unemployment. But there is considerable difficulty at the present time in finding new openings owing to slackness of trade in the district, especially in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the whole problem of the unemployed ex-service officers and men is constantly before us.