asked the Prime Minister what decision has been come to by the Council of the League of Nations at San Sebastian with regard to a permanent health organisation?

The record of the proceedings of the Council of the League of Nations at San Sebastian have not yet been communicated to His Majesty's Government. I, therefore, regret that I am not in a position to reply to the hon. Member's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in future, immediately after the conclusion of every meeting of the Council and Assembly of the League of Nations, a statement will be made to the House as to business transacted and decisions arrived at?

The method in which the proceedings of the Council and Assembly of the League of Nations can most conveniently be placed at the disposal of the Members of the House of Commons is engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the actual payments made on account of the League of Nations; and whether he can state what further expenditure on this account is contemplated?

The payments made to the funds of the League of Nations by His Majesty's Government amounted in the past financial year to £23,000. A sum of £40,000 has been provided in the Vote for Diplomatic and Consular Services, 1920–21, for possible payments in the current year, but no such payments have yet been made. I do not feel able to give an estimate of the amount of the contribution which, under the terms of the Covenant, His Majesty's Government is likely to be called upon to make to the expenditure of the League in subsequent years.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many commissioned appointments in the new Army educational corps will be allocated to members of the disbanded corps of Army schoolmasters; how soon the selection of candidates for such appointments will take place; and whether the proposed methods of selection will guarantee to Army schoolmasters, who were debarred from gaining promotion during the War the same advantages of obtaining a permanent commissioned post as will be afforded to temporary education officers and instructors?

Until the Board of Selection, appointed to recommend applicants, has interviewed the members of the late Corps of Army Schoolmasters and the other candidates for admission to the Army Educational Corps, it is not possible to say how many appointments will be given to members of the disbanded corps. The Board of Selection has already seen a number of such candidates and will shortly interview the remainder. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the correspondence addressed to the War Office by ex-Private C. H, Heddon with reference to Major G. C. Evans and Lieut. Haydon; whether, in view of the War Office letter of 1st September 1919, he can say if the inquiries are yet completed; and whether it is intended to institute any proceedings in the matter?

The answer to the first two parts of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative, and as regards the last part, I do not propose to take any further proceedings. On 16th September, 1919, Mr. Heddon was informed that a further communication would be addressed to him should circumstances render such a course necessary. These circumstances did not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War the approximate cost of the 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth; and if this hospital is to be broken up or transferred to either the Ministry of Health or a Local Authority?

The 3rd London General Hospital consisted of the Royal Victoria Patriotic School buildings and grounds and a hutted portion on the common adjoining the school. Approximately £69,000 was spent on the hutted portion. During 1919, the school buildings and grounds were surrendered and the hospital concentrated in the hutted portion on the common. The hospital was closed on 31st July last, and is being reported to the Disposal Board as surplus to military requirements. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to a similar question asked by the right hon. Member for Platting (Mr. Clynes) on Wednesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Driver A. P. Paterson, No. 76,775, Royal Engineers, wandered from a camp in Egypt in May or June of 1916; whether hospitals and camps were visited and a search made; whether this man was complaining for days of pains in the head prior to his disappearance; whether the War Office are still keeping this man posted as a deserter and refuse to give his parents any satisfaction regarding his personal effects; and whether, in view of the isolated part in which this man was stationed, it would be better to presume him missing and enable his parents to obtain that which is due to them on account of a son whom they now look upon as dead?

This case has been very carefully considered, and I regret that I can add nothing to the reply to the hon. Member's question of 13th November last and to the letters on the subject which have been addressed to him from the War Office.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is now in a position to state a definite date when the Pavilion Rooms, Brighton, and the grounds will be restored to the Brighton Corporation?

I regret that it is not possible to name a definite date when these premises will be restored to the Brighton Corporation, but there will be no avoidable delay on the part of the Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the cases of Imogen Pamela Long and Henry James Long (No. T/292,286, driver, Royal Army Service Corps), her son, of 29, Edinburgh Road, Norwich; whether Henry James Long suffers from fits attributable to the effects of active service, but has been refused a pension; whether Mrs. Long, a widow with small children, has had her pension in respect of another son, killed in Mesopotamia, reduced on the grounds that H. J. Long can contribute to her support, whereas his disability prevents him from doing so; and whether he will consider the cases with a view to further assistance being granted?

Driver Long did not claim to be impaired on demobilisation, but subsequently preferred a claim to pension under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant. After full consideration of the case, it was not found possible to accept the disability (epilepsy), as due to or aggravated by military service, and this decision was confirmed, on appeal, by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal whose verdict is final. The pension now being paid to Mrs. Long in respect of her late son, Private D. A. Long, is the maximum admissible, having regard to the latest information as to the financial position of the household. If, however, Mrs. Long's circumstances have recently changed for the worse, application to her local War Pensions Committee will ensure immediate reconsideration of her case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has now considered the opinion of Dr. Stopford, of Grangethorpe Hospital, Manchester, on the case of Mr. Tuck, 68, Carter Street, Greenheys, Manchester, submitted to him personally on the 23rd July; and whether he will afford any help in this matter?

Mr. Tuck's claim has been considered by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal and disallowed on the ground that the disability from which he suffers is not attributable to or aggravated by military service. I have no reason to doubt that the full medical evidence was before the Tribunal, and as the decisions of that body arc, by Statute, final, I am precluded from any further consideration of this man's claim to pension. I am writing further to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will inquire into the case of Private Hugh Rennie, No. 7,201, late of the Black Watch, now at 8, Lemerbridge Street, Guardbridge, who has had his pension stopped, and who is physically unfit and has a wife and children in very poor circumstances?

After full consideration of this man's claim to pension it was not found possible to accept his condition as due to or aggravated by his military service, and this decision was confirmed, on appeal, by an Appeal Tribunal. Mr. Rennie is therefore ineligible for any award beyond the final weekly allowance already granted under Article 7 of the Royal Warrant, and which has now expired.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether applications for land by ex-soldiers in Huntingdonshire to their county council made prior to 1st July will be satisfied regardless of the undue expenditure of other county councils and the consequent reduction of the money available for land purchase generally; and whether local authorities are right in assuming that, in spite of the recent meeting of authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture, at which a policy of curtailment of expenditure was inaugurated, all applications prior to the meeting will be met?

Applications for land in the County of Hunts by ox-service men, approved before the 1st July, can be met if the county council will make full use of its powers for securing land in the manner recommended by the Ministry in its recent circular. Subject also to this proviso, although it is impossible to give any definite assurance on the point, the Ministry anticipates that in the case of most counties the whole of the outstanding demands of approved ex-service men can be met.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he anticipates that the services of any unemployed ex-service men can be utilised in connection with the coming harvest?

The coming harvest certainly offers an additional opportunity of employment for ex-service men, and I trust that, in engaging the labour that they require for this purpose, farmers generally will employ as many ex-service men as possible. In so far as the Employment Exchanges are asked to supply labour for the harvest, they, in accordance with their standing instructions, will, in submitting applicants, give a preference to ex-service men.

asked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to state when he will recommend that no further Government contracts shall be given to employers or firms who have not signed the King's Roll to take on the percentage of disabled ex-service men?

I have been asked to reply to this question. This matter is engaging my closest attention. It was announced on 14th June that Government Departments in placing contracts would give preference to firms on the King's Roll. I have already taken steps to have the matter re-examined in the light of the recommendation of the Select Committee on Pensions "that Government's contracts be limited, after a date to be fixed, to firms whose names are on the National Roll and who are employing the percentage of disabled men fixed for their particular trade." I hope to be able to make a announcement on the subject at an early date.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of acres of land in the province of Ulster which have been purchased by the Estates Commissioners under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, and when possession of such lands can be taken and applied for the purposes of the Act; what others offers, if any, have been made by the Estates Commissioners to acquire lands for the purposes of the Act in the area named, and for what acreage; if any of these offers have been refused; and if compulsory proceedings have been instituted in respect of any lands so refused?

The powers of the Estates Commissioners to acquire land under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, are limited to untenanted land, and they have no power to acquire tenancies or lands subject to land purchase annuities, nor can they acquire compulsorily demesnes or home farms. The area of suitable untenanted land in Ulster which could be acquired by the Estates Commissioners under the Act for division into holdings is very limited, but they have inspected some 575 acres and have already made offers for the purchase of some 120 acres of this area, and other lands are in course of inspection. Their offer for 88 acres has been refused by the owner, and the Commissioners have instituted compulsory proceedings in respect thereof which are pending. If the hon. Member can furnish the Commissioners with particulars of any suitable untenanted lands in Ulster which can be acquired by them for division into holdings for ex-service men, the Commissioners will be pleased to consider their acquisition.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on or about the 6th May last he received a communication from Thomas Elliott, solicitor, Strabane, informing him that on the 8th November, 1919, Mrs. Fawcett, of Strabane, had been killed owing to the negligent driving of a military motor lorry; that Mr. Elliott attended the inquiry on the 14th November as solicitor for the next-of-kin; that ever since Mr. Elliott has been in communication with various authorities, but has been unable to obtain any satisfaction, and asking him to move the military authorities to reply to letters on the subject; what action did he take on Mr. Elliott's letter; and can he now say if his action produced any result?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Payment of a sum of £350 has already been authorised in full settlement of all claims in this matter. I am informed that the delay was caused by larceny of the papers in connection with the case, which had in consequence to be reconstructed. The decision has been communicated to Mr. Elliott.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the two officers who were detailed by the chief warder of Mountjoy Prison to escort prisoners from Mountjoy to Armagh for trial at the recent summer assizes have ever performed similar or any escort duty before if so, have they been guilty of any act which should bar them from again being allowed to perform such duty; are they capable, competent, and trustworthy officers in every respect; if so, will he now say why they were taken off their duty by the governor on this particular occasion after being detailed by the chief warder to perform it; and what special qualification the officer selected by the governor possesses for performing escort duty?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question asked on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham West (Mr. Hayday) on the 22nd July. The selection of officers for escort duty rests with the governor, not the chief warder, and I see no reason to interfere with the discretion of the governor in this matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many assistant teachers and junior assistant mistresses in Irish national schools were disemployed by order of the Commissioner of National Education because they were unable to teach vocal music during the year ended 31st March, 1920?

I am informed that during the year ended 31st March, 1920, one assistant teacher and one junior assistant mistress were disemployed by the Commissioners of National Education because of their inability to teach vocal music.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will have inquiries made into the case of A. S. George Moss, H.M.S. "Winchelsea," who has made application to purchase his discharge on the joint grounds that his grandfather, by whom he has been cared for since the death of his parents, is in very bad health and needs him at home in order to take charge of his house property and attend to his business generally, and that, being an apprentice to the building trade when he joined the service, he desires to complete his term and make himself an efficient tradesman, his employment being open to him on release to complete his apprenticeship under trade union conditions and pay?

I have made inquiries into this case, and find that Moss's application for discharge was refused in March last, as his case did not then appear sufficiently urgent, compared with other, to warrant his release, in view of the limited number of men who could be spared in the Seaman Branch. If Moss is an indentured apprentice, his release will be considered irrespective of compassionate grounds, provided his indentures, or a certified copy, are forwarded to the Admiralty in support of his claim. Unindentured apprentices cannot be released at present in the absence of sufficient grounds other than the fact of apprenticeship. If Moss wishes his case reconsidered on compassionate grounds, he should himself apply to his commanding officer, which he does not appear to have done since he was unsuccessful in March. Since that date, however, it has been necessary to restrict discharges in the Seaman Branch (other than indentured apprentices) to eases where exceptional financial hardship to dependants results from a man's retention; and it is impossible to give any guarantee of release until the man himself has applied and furnished full particulars of the family circumstances.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish or lay upon the Table the Report of His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokio on the whole subject of Mr. Shaw's alleged action in affording means of escape and asylum to Koreans; whether His Majesty's Government acquiesces in the assumption by the Japanese Consul-General at Mukden that a British subject on Chinese territory is not free to afford means of escape from Korea or asylum in Antung to Koreans fleeing from Japanese political persecution; whether His Majesty's Government will inquire into the truth of the statement which appeared in the Japanese Press regarding the attempt by armed Japanese police to board a British ship and to search a British subject's house in Chinese territory; whether it is the view of His Majesty's Government that a British subject violates a neighbouring State's right by giving asylum to political agitators on neutral territory; whether His Majesty's Government will take immediate steps to see that Mr. Shaw is adequately defended when he is tried; and whether it will make representations to the Japanese Government on the manner in which he has been treated whilst awaiting trial?

The question of laying papers will be considered when further reports which are now awaited have been received. As regards the second part of the question, there is no evidence to show that this assumption was ever made by the Japanese Consul-General. What he asked His Majesty's Consul-General at Mukden was that he would influence Mr. Shaw to discontinue his unfriendly attitude towards Japan. Telegraphic inquiries are being made as desired in part (3). If by part (4) the hon. and gallant Member means to inquire whether the giving of asylum to political refugees is in itself a violation of the rights of a neighbouring State, the answer is in the negative. The charge against Mr. Shaw, whether substantiated or not, is of having assisted revolutionaries. Action as indicated in part (5) has already been taken. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokio reported on August 6th that the best legal assistance was being obtained for Mr. Shaw from Japan. In reply to part (6), as soon as His Majesty's Consul-General at Seoul heard of Mr. Shaw's arrest he sent His Majesty's Vice-Consul to the spot. Mr. Shaw told the Vice-Consul that he was being well treated and had no complaint to make, but he desired that proceedings might be transferred to Seoul, where he was accordingly moved on 31st July. There seems, therefore, to be no ground for representations on the subject of his treatment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Polish situation has in any way affected and, if so, how the attitude of Germany towards the Allied settlement of the Polish districts of East Prussia?

I do not quite clearly apprehend what the hon. Member intends to imply by this question. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the German Government have given no indication of any intention not to accept the decisions consequent upon the plebiscite in East Prussia which have been made in accordance with the stipulations of the Treaty of Versailles.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with reference to the detailed statistics given to the House on 17th November last, he can now give, in the case of Hungary alone, the total amount of property held by, and recorded with, the custodian in this country belonging to persons resident in Hungary, debts due by persons in the United Kingdom to persons resident in Hungary, the total amount of property belonging to persons resident in the United Kingdom and situated in Hungary, and debts due to persons in the United Kingdom by persons resident in Hungary?

The particulars asked for in the question are being prepared, and shall be sent to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why 4,000 tons of 80 per cent. muriate and 2,500 tons of 90 to 95 per cent. out of the German potash contract were authorised by the Potash Distribution Committee to be exported from Hamburg to the United States in view of the demand for such material in this country.

The sales in question were authorised by the Potash Distribution Committee on the ground that after careful investigation they were satisfied that the available quantities of these particular grades of potash were in excess of the home demand, as evidenced by the fact that purchasers for these particular quantities could not be found.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is such a serious scarcity of the supplies in this country of ferro-manganese ore, for which there is no substitute in the manufacture of steel, that, unless the supplies can be speedily and largely increased, a crisis is imminent in the steel trade; whether it it is within his knowledge that great quantities of this ore available in India have been allowed and continue to be permitted to pass into alien and ultimately into late enemy hands, and that, while British users of manganese ore have to go short, there arrived at Antwerp in June 18,500 tons, of which 12,000 tons went to Germany; and whether, in view of these facts, he will recommend an export duty against the export to foreign countries of ferro-manganese ore, or, if not, what immediate measures he proposes to take in order to ensure adequate supplies to British steelmakers?

The position in respect of the supplies of manganese has for some time past been receiving the attention of the Board of Trade in consultation with the India Office. Action has been taken to improve transport conditions in India, which have been restricting exports, and the imports into the United Kingdom have shown a steady improvement in the last three months. The question as to shipments to Antwerp and the suggestion as to an export duty, which raises a large and difficult question of general policy, are matters in the first instance for the India Office and the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the supply of ferro-manganese ore from India to this country has been seriously affected by the railway policy in India; that there is a shortage of many thousands of wagons on the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway and on the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, and that consequently the goods traffic on these railways is in a congested condition, but that, nevertheless, empty wagons, instead of loading manganese ore at Nagpur, go through without stopping; and whether, in view of the basic importance to the steel trade of this country of adequate and regular supplies of this ore, he will make representations to the Railway Board and the railway companies in India?

I have been in correspondence with the Government of India on this subject for a considerable time, and have asked them to take all possible steps for facilitating the transport of manganese ore to the ports. They have informed mo that there were stocks of 74,374 tons of the ore at Calcutta on the 10th July and of 9,000 tons at Bombay on the 30th July, and that provision has been made for the carriage of 500 tons daily to the latter port.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the United States steel trade and the Japanese steel trade have agencies in India for buying ferro-manganese ore, and that a Mr. Eyben has recently shipped from India 33,650 tons to Antwerp and Dunkirk solely for the use of foreign manufacturers; and what steps he is taking to conserve for British users the supplies of this ore in the British Empire?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative; to the second part, I was not aware of the particular fact stated. As regards the last part, I would refer to the opinion expressed by the Joint Select Committee which considered the Government of India Act (1919), that nothing is more likely to endanger the relations between India and Great Britain than a belief that India's fiscal policy is dictated from Whitehall in the interests of Great Britain For that reason the Committee recommended that the Government of India should have full liberty to devise those tariff arrangements which seem best fitted to India's needs as an integral portion of the British Empire.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what British banks have an interest in oversea banking institutions; and what is the interest in each case?

I have no special information on this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amounts were realised in 1913 and 1938 respectively by

Year ended 3lst December.	Excise			Net Customs Duty.	Total Exchequer Revenue.
	Gross Receipts.	Excise. Repayments.	Net Exchequer Revenue.
	£	£	£	£	£
1913	33,312	103	33,209	6,705	39,914
1918	48,416	23	48,393	393	48,786

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer within what length of time the whole debt would be redeemed by a ½ per cent., 1 per cent. and 2 per cent. sinking fund, respectively; and what in each of the three cases would be the annual charge?

On the assumption that compound interest may be taken at 5 per cent., a sinking fund of ½ per cent. per annum would complete redemption in 50 years; a sinking fund of 1 per cent. in 37 years; and a sinking fund of 2 per cent. in 20 years. On an estimated debt of £7,835,000,000 the annual cost would be £39,175,000, £78,350,000 and £156,700,000 respectively. On a 6 per cent. basis the periods would be 45 years, 34 years, and 24 years respectively, the annual cost remaining unaltered. These figures make no allowance for redemption of debt at a premium on the one hand, nor for purchase at a discount on the other.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the City Council of Manchester desire the amending of the Old Age Pension Acts so that a pension may be given to all applicants at 70 years of age, provided ho or she is not already in receipt of a

The amounts realised in the years 1913 and 1918 respectively by the duty on playing cards are as follow:—pension from public funds; and will he give the matter his consideration?

This matter was very fully considered before the passing of the Old Age Pension Act, 1919, and I am unable to re-open it now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in fact any public money has been expended upon the production of the film called the "Land of Mystery"?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to reestablish British authority in Mesopotamia?

The military situation is being taken in hand, and there is nothing further to add to the official communiqués that are being issued periodically.

asked the Secretary of State for India, if, under his direction and under the control of a civil commissioner, the work of government in Mesopotamia is carried on by various Departments, including education, law, customs, religious endowments, and agricultural development; if municipalities have been established wherever possible and tribal councils are developing into divisional councils charged with the expansion of railways, standardisation of weights and measures, and health services; and, if so, if he will say under what authority scientific Western administration of this character is being introduced into Mesopotamia?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second, municipalities and tribal councils have received every encouragement, and divisional councils have been created as a first step towards the development of those self-governing institutions, which, by the Anglo-French Declaration of November, 1918, we are pledged to foster. The suggestion conveyed in the last part of the question is, I think, rather in advance of the facts of the case, but the hon. Member has perhaps forgotten that administration of a kind was conducted with more or less inefficiency by the late Turkish Government, and that the duty of administering a country under military occupation is imposed by the Hague Convention on the Army of Occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, as reported in the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, it is the intention of the Government to withdraw from the northern portion of the mandatory territory of Mesopotamia; and, if that be the ease, will he define the Government's intentions in the matter?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the criticisms expressed at the last meeting of the North Biding County Council over the proposals to build extensive police stations at Guisborough and Saltburn; whether he is responsible for insisting upon this expenditure; whether he is aware that Guisborough is a portion of Cleveland not likely to experience much development as compared with other parts of the mining and steel manufacturing area; and whether, in view of the disapproval of the undertaking, he will review the whole situation so that the burden which already falls upon the ratepayers may be considerably eased?

At Guisborough and some other places there is great need for a new police station, but, in view of the present condition of things, I have not pressed for any building to be commenced at once.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to meet the representations of the Metropolitan Police Force for an increase in pay commensurate with the rise in the cost of living since the last award?

I made a statement on this subject on the 10th instant in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Gilbert).

asked the Home Secretary on what principle ho deals with the cases of prisoners who lose time by giving notice of appeal; whether a prisoner who gives notice of appeal is at once placed in what is practically solitary confinement, namely, 23 hours a day in his cell; whether ho is expected to do the same task there as if he were in association; whether he is deprived of the benefits of fresh books from the library; and on what grounds he insisted on Mr. C. Diamond serving extra the six days which were lost because of his notice of appeal?

The position of prisoners who appeal under the Criminal Appeal Act, 1907, is regulated by Section 14, which provides that the time during which an appellant in custody is awaiting the determination of his appeal shall not count as part of his term of imprisonment unless the Court of Criminal Appeal gives special directions to the contrary. During this time the prisoner is kept separate from convicted prisoners and is given special privileges in the way of visits and letters. He is given employment similar to that of other prisoners, but in order that he may have all facilities for conducting his appeal he is not tasked. He has the same treatment as other prisoners in the matter of books.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to certain placards publicly exhibited outside a London theatre warning the public against attending any English versions of German plays or musical pieces to be produced in London during the forthcoming season; and whether, as peace is now concluded with Germany and Austria and commercial relations are bound to be resumed, they approve this kind of propaganda, which must have the effect of causing much further serious ill-feeling between the two countries and may have a very prejudicial effect upon the works of English authors and composers in Germany and Austria, several of which are being performed at the present time in those countries?

I have no authority to prohibit them.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government will consider the desirability of abolishing the silence rule and the straight jacket in prisons, and the limitation of separate confinement?

There is no absolute rule of silence. Intercourse and communication between prisoners are regulated by Rule 77 which was based upon the recommendations of the Committee of 1894, who inquired specifically into this question. The straight jacket is not a punishment, but a restraint used only on medical grounds to prevent prisoners suffering from mental affection from injuring themselves or destroying their clothes, etc. I am not aware of any good reason for alteration in the Regulations governing the matters referred to in the hon. and gallant Member's question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of further facilities for the transfer of sick prisoners to ordinary hospitals?

The powers which already exist and are very freely used for the transfer of sick prisoners to ordinary hospitals are found to be sufficient for the purpose.

asked the Postmaster-General how many posts carrying a salary of £300 a year or over are held by women in the Post Office service?

There are nineteen posts for women in the Post Office on scales of salary rising to £300 a year or above, exclusive of war bonus.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the number of rooms, formerly used as offices, in London of which the Stationery Office has taken possession since 1914 and still occupies; and whether, in view of the serious shortage in business premises, especially in Westminster, a shortage which will be increased by the acquisition by the Ministries of Labour and Pensions of Queen Anne's Chambers and other buildings, and having regard to the reduction in the work and in the staff of the Stationery Office, he will consider the possibility of that Department vacating, some, if not all, of its temporary offices?

The answer to the first part of the question is 26 rooms. As regards the second part, there has been no reduction in the staff of the Stationery Office recently and, in point of fact, the latest staff return shows a slight increase. The hon. Member may be assured, however, that should any substantial reductions take place in the number of the staff, a corresponding amount of accommodation will be immediately vacated, and, if possible, returned to its former occupants.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if messengers employed in temporary Government Departments, many of whom are disabled ex-service men with recurring periods of sickness caused by their wounds, receive no pay for any time, however short, during which they may be absent from duty on account of sickness?

Temporary messengers, in common with other similar classes, receive no pay from their Department during sickness, but are entitled to the benefits of the Health Insurance Act in addition (in the case of disabled ex-service men) to any allowance or pension they may receive from the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a temporary Employment Exchange was recently erected at the Royal Lancaster Agricultural Show; whether he is aware that two permanent exchanges exist within two and a half miles of this ground; and the cost of erecting this temporary exchange, the number of the staff employed at the exchange, and the amount of wages paid them?

A temporary Employment Exchange, which consisted of a hut which was the property of the Office of Works, was erected at the Royal Agricultural Show for the convenience of the exhibitors and the public. 180 workpeople were placed in employment by the temporary exchange. There is a permanent exchange at Horwich, about two miles away, and one at Bolton about three miles away. The cost of erecting, furnishing and removing the hut was £49. Two clerks drawn from the permanent staff were employed, one for 10 days and one for nine days, at a total cost of about £12 12s.

asked the Minister of Labour how many dock workers were employed in Cardiff in the months of February, March, April, May, June, and July of this year, respectively?

No records are available showing the numbers actually employed from time to time in the Cardiff Docks. Under the registration scheme, which is in operation in this port, approximately 4,500 men are registered as transport workers. Included in this number are approximately 1,000 coal trimmers, who work under a system of pooling wages, and a large number of permanent employés whose work is not subject to casual fluctuation. There are, I understand, some 2,000 casual transport workers whose employment fluctuates according to the requirements of the port. There is a considerable number of employers in the port, and I regret I have no information as as to the exact number of registered transport workers employed on any day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of vessels are waiting for coal, cargo and bunkers, at the various ports in the United Kingdom at the present time; what is the number of dock labourers, sailors, or other workers thrown out of employment thereby; and what capital invested in docks is at present dormant through the stoppage of exports?

Information with regard to the first part of the question is being collected, and I will have it forwarded to my hon. Friend as soon as it is ready. As regards the second and third parts, I fear that no particulars are available, and, in order to obtain them, a considerable amount of inquiry would be entailed, which I regret that I do not feel justified in authorising at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when miners' wages have been advanced since 4th August, 1914; what was the amount of each advance; and what increase has taken place in the cost of living during that period?

Up to September, 1917, the dates and amounts of increases in the wages of colliery workers varied in the different districts. The general result of these increases was to advance the average wage of adult male colliery workers by about 50 per cent. above the pre-War level. Since that time the following general increases have been given:17th September, 1917.—1s. 6d. a shift (" War wage ").1st June, 1918.—1s. 6d. a shift (" War wage ").9th January, 1919.—2s. a shift ("Sankey wage ").12th March, 1920.—20 per cent. on gross earnings, exclusive of "War wage" and "Sankey wage," with a minimum of 2s. a shift.As a result, the average wage of adult male colliery workers is now 157 per cent. above the pre-War level. The percentage increase in the general cost of living over the same period is estimated by the Ministry of Labour to be 152. But this figure is based on working-class family expenditure on food, rent, clothing, fuel, etc., according to their relative importance before the War, and it must be remembered that the great majority of coal miners get their household coal either free or at privileged prices.

asked the Postmaster-General why no wireless messages can be despatched from either post offices or Marconi House to France, whereas they can be despatched to almost every other country in Europe?

The only public wireless services at present in operation to Continental countries are those to Spain, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. The question of providing similar services to other Continental countries, including France, is under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, owing to shortage of staff in the Bournemouth Telegraph Office, it was necessary for the superintendent at that office to take charge of the B side of the Southampton quadruplex between 12 and 1 o'clock on the 5th instant; and whether, in the interests of efficiency, he will give this matter his personal attention?

Owing to pressure of work and temporary shortage of staff, due to abnormal sick absence, it was necessary for an overseer to perform the duty referred to for a short time on the 5th instant to avoid delay to the traffic. In the exceptional circumstances I see no objection to the course adopted.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any messengers are being employed as postmen in any post office at Dundee; and, if so, whether these men will participate in the recent advances of wages?

The reply is in the affirmative. Such men will be allowed the benefit of any wage increase that may be granted to adult night messengers in general.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the railway companies throughout Great Britain have received instructions not to accept goods consigned to Ireland; whether he is aware that great inconvenience and injury are being caused to both countries by this action; and if he will immediately issue orders recalling any Regulations to this effect and give every practical facility to the interchange of traffic?

No Regulations of this kind have been issued by the Minister; but the railway companies themselves have had to place temporary restrictions upon the acceptance of traffic consigned to Ireland in consequence of the transport situation arising out of local conditions in that country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increase in season-ticket rates, which will inflict hardship on thousands of clerical and other workers, he will, in connection with the forthcoming increase in the price of workmen's tickets, instruct the railway companies to continue to issue such tickets to bonâ fide employed persons travelling by all trains up to 8 a.m., or by the first morning train should this leave at a later hour, such tickets to be available for return at the same hours and under the same conditions as govern the issue of workmen's tickets.

I would refer the hon. Member to Command Paper No. 857 (page 7), in which the Rates Advisory Committee state:

(a) each railway company must be left to settle the times at which workmen's trains should be run, provided that it does not fail to offer proper facilities up to a reasonable hour, the securing of which is already provided for (i.e., under the Cheap Trains Act, 1883).

(b) It would be better to recognise that any person travelling by such trains is entitled to do so at the reduced fare.

The Government is in agreement with these views, and I am taking up with the railway companies the detailed schemes necessary to give effect thereto.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will direct the railway companies to print the actual fare on all new series of tickets?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on the 11he instant to a somewhat similar question by the hon. Member for the Wrekin Division (Mr. Palmer), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in drafting new legislation for road traffic, he will consider the possibility of requiring all drivers to be insured against third-party risks; and whether he is aware that many owner-drivers are financially unable to stand heavy claims, with resulting hardship both to themselves and the damaged parties?

I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for his important suggestion, but the difficulties surrounding its adoption are so numerous and formidable that my right hon. Friend the Minister does not see his way to adopt it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has drawn the attention of those railway companies who are unable to run mid-week excursions to the number of main-line type locomotives and carriages still on the hands of the Disposal Board; and what steps he is taking to bring this surplus roiling stock into immediate use?

There are no main-line type locomotives in this country on the hands of the Disposal Board, and the only coaches for disposal are ambulance and specially fitted stock, which, without considerable alteration, is not suitable for use. I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Sir W. Do Frece) on 9th August.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the notice sent to a car owner on registration of the car contains the statement that identification marks are assigned to motor vehicles and not to the owners thereof, but that, nevertheless, the police are in the habit of summoning the purchaser of a second-hand car if he omits to procure a transfer of the registration to his own name; under the authority of what Act of Parliament such summonses are issued; and whether he will consider the propriety of including in the notice sent to the person who originally registers the car a statement to the effect that if the car is sold the registration must be either transferred into the name of the new owner or a fresh registration effected?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am not aware that the notice of registration contains the statement referred to, though such statement is correct in the sense that the identification mark can only be used for the particular ear registered. Under Article 4 of the Motor Car (Registration and Licensing) Order, 1903, if notice of change of ownership of the car is not given to the Registration Authority the registration becomes void, and any person driving it is guilty of an offence under Section 1 (4) of the Motor Car Act, 1903. Under the new licensing and registration proposals which will come into force on the 1st January, 1921, fresh regulations on this subject will be issued which, I hope, will be free from ambiguity, and I therefore see no reason to take any action.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience caused to motorists by the fact that the rapidly-increasing number of heavy motor vans and char-à-bancs are in the habit of blocking the smaller high roads so that all traffic behind them is for miles unable to get past; and whether he will consider the propriety of issuing a police regulation to the effect that all such vehicles shall carry a glass reflecting the traffic approaching from behind, and that any such vehicle whose speed does not normally exceed 10 miles an hour shall keep close to the kerb on its near side?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My attention has been called to the inconvenience referred to, and the matter is receiving the attention of the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles, and my right hon. Friend proposes to await their report before taking any action. With regard to a regulation requiring these vehicles to carry a reflector glass, the police have no power to make one of a general character, and I am not satisfied that such a provision is desirable. A regulation as to keeping close to the kerb would not be practicable. On country roads there are no kerbs, and the construction of the roads in many cases is not such as to render this desirable or even safe. Drivers of heavy slow moving vehicles are advised to keep to the left side of the road so far as practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport under what Section of which Act the Minister of Transport claims to charge additional tolls in respect of goods which the railway companies have contracted to carry at fixed rates over private railroads, not being railroads within Section 3 (1) (b) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, having regard to the fact that Section 3 (1) (e) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, applies only to a railroad of which possession has been taken in pursuance of Section 16 of the Regulation of the Forces Act, 1871, or of Section 3 (1) (b) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919?

The Minister of Transport claims no power to charge tolls upon any railway, whether controlled or not. His powers as regards this matter extend only to the issue of directions, after consulting the Rates Advisory Committee, as to the rates, fares, tolls, dues, and charges which may be charged by any undertaking of which he has retained or taken possession. Any rates, fares, tolls, dues, and charges so directed may be charged notwithstanding any agreement or statutory provision limiting the amount thereof. The Sections under which these powers arise are Sections 3 (1) (a), 3 (1) (b), and 3 (1) (e) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 31st December, 1919, the Prudential Assurance Company had in force in their industrial branch 751,887 so-called war bond policies, which policies were as a matter of fact not war bond policies but industrial branch policies; is he aware that this company were at the end of 1919 receiving a premium income of £2,260,493 on these policies without there being any risks attached to the policies; and what action does he propose to take in this matter?(2) whether he can inform this House how many war bond policies had been issued to the industrial branch of the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, under their various tables, up to 30th June, 1920; how many such policies were then in force; how many such policies had lapsed, and how much had been paid in premiums on such lapsed policies; and what has become of the premiums paid by the holders of these policies?

As far as I am aware, these war bond policies are in fact war bond policies, that is, a particular form of endowment policy payable at the option of the holder in war stock or bonds or in the cash equivalent at issue price, and involve the issuing company in all the usual insurance risks. I see no reason for my intervention, but if the hon. and gallant Member has reason to suppose that hardship is involved in any particular case the facts should be brought to the notice of the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Food whether any impediment is placed by the Ministry of Food to the sale of small quantities of malt to cottagers for the brewing of their own beer; and whether, in view of the hardship caused by the difficulty now experienced by cottagers in obtaining their own supply of malt, he will take steps to facilitate the sale of malt in small quantities to individuals?

There are no restrictions on the sale or purchase of malt imposed by the Ministry of Food, and the Ministry has received no complaint of any difficulties experienced by cottagers in obtaining supplies.

asked the Minister of Food if he can supply the numbers of cattle and sheep which passed through the grading markets during control; the numbers which have been allocated to livestock permit holders as retailers; and the numbers which have been allocated to wholesale supply associations and also to Government slaughter-house agents; and what has been the amount debited to the Central Livestock Fund for losses sustained by over-grading of stock supplied to the wholesale meat supply associations?

The accounts of the Central Livestock Fund have not yet been completed, and I am unable, therefore, to give the information asked for.

asked the Minister of Food what, if any, profit has been made by the Meat Section of the Ministry in Scotland alone during the period of meat control there from its commencement to the time of decontrol on 4th July last?

The accounts of the Meat Section of the Ministry of Food in Scotland are not yet completed, but it is not anticipated that these will show any profit.

asked the Minister of Food if he will give detailed particulars as to how many Government food stores exist throughout the country; what are the precise contents of each store; and for how long the food has been stored in each case?

It is impossible without a special inquiry from the Divisional Commissioners to give the exact details asked for by the hon. Member. It will, however, probably meet his wishes if I state that the largest individual item of the stocks referred to consists of 6,000 oases of salmon at Nottingham, which, as has already been indicated in previous replies, have either been or arc; about to be sold. The balance of the stocks comprise small parcels which constitute the Divisional Commissioners' working reserves for distribution, and which fluctuate accordingly.

asked the Minister of Food whether any steps are being taken to prevent the scramble for supplies of fruit among individual trades, which is cited as one of the main causes of the high price of fruit during 1919 in the Report of the Profiteering Sub-committee on the alleged existence of a combine to keep up fruit prices?

In view of the high price of sugar, it is not anticipated that the competition among the buyers of hard fruits will be such as to cause undue inflation of price.

asked the Minister of Food whether he anticipates that the price of jam will rise in the near future?

In view of the uncertainty in the movements of price in the world's markets for sugar, and of the fact that the hard fruit crop is only beginning to come on the market, it is impossible to give any forecast of the future movements of jam prices.

asked the Minister of Food whether, seeing that last season's New Zealand mutton and lamb has been sold at a profit to the Government to speculative buyers, free on board, New Zealand, for export to American ports, which sold for about 9d. per lb. there, vide American Press, he will state why old stocks of lamb should be charged by his Department 13d. per lb. to the distributor; and why the British public cannot be placed in as favourable a position as the American public and have their meat from our own Colonies at the same price as America?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on this subject on the 5th instant. In view of recent movements in the rate of exchange, such a comparison of sterling and dollar prices as that suggested by the question is entirely misleading.

asked the Minister of Health whether the London County Council has exercised the powers given to

District.	No. of houses	Limiting Price.		Tendered Price.
		A Type-Living Room and three bedrooms.	B Type-Parlour, living room and three bedrooms.	A Type.	B Type.
		£	£	£	£
Annfield Plain, U.D.	91	730	808	No tenders.
Easington, R.D.	12	860	—	1,024	—
Lanchester, R.D.	150	700	900	No tenders.
		Special form of construction. March, 1920.
West Hartlepool, C.B	120	870	970	920	No tenders.
		22nd June, 1920.
	51	950	1,050	No tenders invited in view of previous experience.
Seaham Harbour, U.D	50	870	—	1,000	—
Cudworth, U.D.	126	871	990	No tenders.
Halifax, C.B	62	775	—.	811	—
Kingston-upon-Hull, B.	250	750/640	940	No tenders.	1,026 & 1,069
Scarborough, B.	16	837	1,051	1,080	1,313
Thurnscoe, U.D.	24	829	—	No tenders.	873
Bentley-with-Arksey, U.D.	74	175/830	940/945	810/860	920/965
		836/700	965/970
		(including wages and materials increases to 26th June, 1920.)
Bootle, C.B	20	808	890	757	844
Manchester, T	500	To be agreed.		Tenders withdrawn No tenders asked.
Newton - in - Makerfield. U.D.	16	841	960	—	800
Liverpool, C.B	500	To be agreed.		Tenders withdrawn No tenders asked.
Abersychan, U.D., Penygarn.	50	—	1,100	—	1,250
Cardiff, C.B	60	—	950	—	960

Up to the 31st July the London County Council had issued prohibition orders under Section 5 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act in respect of 60 buildings, comprising 42 cinemas, 8 commercial buildings, ft theatres, 3 clubs, 3 buildings for billiards and other games, and I music hall.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the local authorities which have adopted schemes for building by direct labour, together with the number of houses contained in the scheme, and the estimated average cost per house?

supplies the following list, in accordance with his answer of 6th July last:

District.	No. of houses	Limiting Price.		Tendered Price.
		A Type-Living Room and three bedrooms.	B Type-Parlour, living room and three bedrooms.	A Type.	B Type.
		£	£	£	£
Swansea, C.B	150	761 July, 1919, prices. (Contract broken and L.A. allowed to complete up to maximum price.)	—	761	—
Llantriaant and Llantwit Padre, R.D.	200	No limiting price arranged.		925/975	1,037/1,190
Walsall, C.B	200	740	840	No tenders.	1,000
Ledbury, R.D.	200	750	—	865	929
Worcester, B.	100	1,000 aver.	—	1,104 & 1,130	—
Birmingham, C.B.	500	—	950	No tenders.
Bristol, C.B	50	800	900	No tenders.
Bath, C.B	12	—	850	No tenders.
Poole, B.	15		800	—	740 (1/12/19). Withdrawn.
Yeovil, B	87	—	950	No tenders.
Gosport and Alverstoke, U.D.	64	940	1,024	792	872
		(Including increase in labour and material to current date.)		(Including ante-May rates.)
Itchen, U.D.	176	—	740/880	—	879
		(Including increase in labour and material to current date.)		(including ante-May rates.
East Sussex, C.C.	14	—	786	—	—
			(Council desired to proceed by direct labour.)	—	—
Thakeham, R.D.	14	965	1,065	1,184	1,284
Tonbridge, U.D.	226	900	1,000	922	992
Acton, U.D	24 Flats.	Average 950		993
Tottenham, U.D.	100	897	1,035	897	1,035
		(Not to exceed tendered prices of other contract)
Maidenhead, B	86	867/886	839/945	No tenders.
Newbury, B	32	—	650	875	—
			(Estimated cost—No limiting figure fixed.)
Hemel Hempstead, B	46	848/850	969	855	987
Oxendon, R.D.	4	766	—	No tenders.
Brackley, B.	12	847	—	847	—
Blofield, R.D	8	650	700	—	720
Ely, R.D	8	—	750	No tenders.
Lowestoft, B	26	1,400 per pair	—	No tenders.
Norwich, C.B	144	—	850	—	900/950
					933/908
Newmarket. U.D.	20	—	875	—	1328
			(Exclusive of drainage and fences.)		(Including drainage and fences.)
Bochford, R.D.	30	—	800	—	1053

asked the Minister of Health whether the Ministry of Health refuses to agree to corrugated iron roofs for subsidised houses; and, if so, whether this policy will be reconsidered with a view to not insisting upon the more more expensive methods of construction?

I am making further inquiries into this matter, and will communicate with my Noble Friend in duo course.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will have a Return

Occupation.				* Total Number of men employed in the Building Industry or on the construction of works in January, 1920.	†Number employed on State-aided Housing Schemes, 30th June, 1920.
Carpenter	…	…	…	108,199	4,651
Bricklayer	…	…	…	53 063	7,031
Slater and Tiler	…	…	…	3,673	569
Plasterer	…	…	…	12,067	1,087
Painter	…	…	…	97,251	989
Plumber	…	…	…	31,249	773
* These are the latest figures of the numbers of operatives insured against unemployment: they do not include building operatives employed in other industries, e.g. shipbuilding.
† These figures de not include the numbers of operatives employed in the building of working-class houses not included in the schemes of local authorities or public utility societies.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give particulars of the scheme for widows' pensions which ho recently estimated would cost £50,000,000: what is the scale of pensions under this scheme; what is the maximum income which qualifies for pension; and whether the pension varies according to the number of dependants?

I am sending my hon. Friend particulars of the scheme to which I referred.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in regard to the condition of the Palace Theatre, Durham, he laid upon the Table of the House showing what proportion of the building operatives of each type is engaged on the building of working-class houses; and what proportion is engaged on other kinds of building, respectively?

supplies the following statement of the numbers of skilled operatives in the building trades and of the numbers employed on State-aided housing schemes of local authorities and public utility societies in England and Wales, in accordance with his answer of 4th August last:has seen the letter, dated 30th June, 1920, addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Health by Mr. G. A. Carpenter, the Town Clerk of Durham, in which he states, on behalf of the Health Committee of the Durham Corporation, that the sanitary inspector has frequently examined the theatre and holds that actionable nuisance exists; and whether, in view of that letter, he will say whether the Ministry of Health can compel proceedings to be taken?

The letter to which the hon. Member refers states that "no actionable nuisance exists." The misunderstanding which has arisen is due to a typist's error in omitting the word "no" from the copy of the letter, which was forwarded to the Actors' Association. I regret the error and the trouble occasioned thereby.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the comparative catches and values of fish landed in England and Wales in May and June respectively; whether the catch fell off in June; whether the price per lb. increased in the same month; and whether this falling off in the catch was due to a number of vessels being laid up?

According to the Returns obtained by the Ministry, the catches and values of fish landed in May and June respectively are as follows:—

	Quantity.	Value.
	Cwts.	£
May, 1920	1,027,678	1,333,624
June, 1920	989,619	1,595,871

From these figures it is apparent that the catch fell off by 38,000 cwts., and the value per lb. increased by 0·58d. It is probable that the falling off in the catch was due to some extent to vessels being laid up, but I am not in a position to say that that was the sole cause.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether, in calculating the profit or loss accruing on the Government trawling venture, he has charged the expenses of management to the expenses of I he vessel; whether and, if so, at what rate interest on capital, insurance, and depreciation charges have been debited against the vessels' voyages; from whom and at what rate are these vessels supplied with coal and stores; whether he will lay upon the Table the detailed calculations on which ho based his estimate that the Government trawling fleet was on the whole paying its way in June and July; and will he now state how many voyages have actually been made by the 36 Government steam trawlers thus engaged, and were vessels stationed elsewhere than on the West Coast fishing at a profit?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the vessels themselves, being Government property are uninsured. The risks of liability for damage to third parties, and in respect of workmen's compensation, are covered at ordinary current rates and debited against the vessels. No allowance is made for interest on capital or depreciation. Coal and other stores are purchased in the open market at current prices, except in cases where surplus Government stores can be utilised. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by publishing the detailed calculations referred to in the question, but I should be pleased to show the hon. and gallant Member a summary of the accounts of the various vessels. I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member by letter of the number of voyages made by these vessels. With regard to the last paragraph of the question, some of the vessels fishing on the East Coast were, at one time, not paying their way, and they have in consequence been transferred to the West Coast.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he received a letter. No. C.P. 115,357/19/G22,829, dated 24th November, 1919, from the British Trawlers' Federation, in which it was stated that all ex-service fishermen could easily be absorbed into their old places in the fishing industry, and that the industry was already suffering from an extreme shortage of men; whether the object of the Admiralty in utilising Government trawlers for fishing was to provide employment for ex-service men; whether, before deciding on 17th December, 1919, to use Government trawlers in this way, the British Trawlers' Federation was consulted with regard to the statement it had made in the letter above referred to; if not, why not; and for what reasons the Admiralty inaugurated the scheme of Admiralty trawlers, which have worked in competition with private firms suffering from shortage of labour?

The letter referred in the first part of the question was received by the Admiralty and answered on 3rd December. If the hon. Member in the latter part of his question is referring to the Government scheme for the disposal of Admiralty trawlers to an Ex-Service Fisherman's Co-operative Society, this matter has been discussed with the British Trawlers' Federation on more than one occasion. If he is referring to the temporary use of some of the Admiralty trawlers by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Federation was-not consulted on this matter. The use of such vessels as are already fitted for fishing was a purely temporary measure undertaken to ensure the profitable employment of the ships and to avoid deterioration pending the formation of the Co-operative Society.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is intended to reopen the British Museum to the public on Sundays; and, if so, when?

This is entirely a matter for the Trustees of the British Museum, who I understand intend to open the Museum to the public on Sundays as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made—probably early in the autumn.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, on the 2nd December, 1919, application was made before the General Commissioners of Taxes by Mr. Leslie Urquhart, Pinner's Hall, E.C.2, for the recovery of £7,500 Income Tax paid in error; that, after hearing evidence, the Commissioners decided that the amount claimed should be repaid, and issued an order to that effect; but that despite this the Treasury, notwithstanding frequent applications, still refuse to reimburse the taxpayer?

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question. It does not appear, however, that the General Commissioners had jurisdiction in the case, and as the assessment in respect of which the sum of £7,500 was paid was the subject of an appeal to the Special Commissioners the matter was necessarily held over pending the determination of that appeal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how much has been spent on concrete ships; what was the estimated cost of the building programme as originally decided and what was saved by the intervention of his Department; how much has been spent on the national yards and what was the estimated cost of the original scheme; and has any estimate been made of the loss to the taxpayer on each of these War emergency ventures?

Concrete Shipbuilding.—The cost to complete the contracts originally placed under the original programme would have been at least £8,000,000; it is difficult to estimate what the realisable value of the 209 vessels would have been, but it certainly would not have reached £3,000,000. Under the policy adopted by the Shipping Controller when he took over this business, namely, to cancel all contracts unless construction of the vessel was in an advanced state, 143 contracts out of 209 were cancelled. The total expenditure to date, including outstanding liabilities, is about £3,850,000, and the net loss, after deducting realisable value, is likely to be between £2,500,000 and £3,000,000, as against a net loss of at least £5,000,000, and probably a good deal more if all the contracts had been completed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Disposal Board has just sold all surplus stock of flannel; and whether, in view of the existing high prices, the Board has still to dispose of any stocks of articles which are represented among those on whose prices the Board of Trade index is conpiled, or which are in any way serviceable for home or personal use?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, the Disposal Board have for sale certain articles which come within the description referred to, and which the Board are anxious to sell at current market rates. Particulars of these are widely advertised in the Press from time to time and also in "Surplus," the official organ of the Board, and if my hen. Friend has any special articles in mind I shall be glad to give him more detailed information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his Department have carried out the terms of the agreement of the 4th December, 1919, with the Ailsa Craig Motor Company; and, if so, whether it was part of the agreement that the works were to be handed over in a damaged condition with the machines and tools that were left in a state unfit for use?

I regret I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 21st July last.

asked the President of the Board of Education if the acquisition of the Bloomsbury site was suggested to the Government by anyone authorised to speak for the University of London; if the Government is committed to the purchase of this site; if so, what is the purchase price, the available building area, the dates upon which the purchase will be completed and possession of the site given, and to what use it will be put should it not be accepted by the University; whether the Government are willing to assist the concentration of the University on a suitable site, or only upon this particular site; and, if the former, whether they will give consideration to a request for assistance by the University if it should come to the conclusion that concentration is desirable, but that some other site would be more suitable?

The Government decided that the Bloomsbury site was undoubtedly the best for the purpose, after careful consideration of alternative sites and of the views expressed by the public bodies concerned, including, of course, the University itself. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 10th instant, the Government are not prepared to ask the general taxpayer for the extraordinary contribution involved except in respect of the unique opportunities afforded by the Bloomsbury site. The Government is not committed to the purchase of the site, and I am not in a position to make any statement as to the purchase price proposed to be paid. In regard to the area and date of possession, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers I gave in the House on 1st June and 7th June last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of beer brewed in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Hungary, America, and the total for all other countries, in the years 1910, 1913, 1914, and 1919, respectively?

Such figures as are available on the subject are given below:

PRODUCTION OF BEER, 1910–1919.
Country.	1910.	1913.	1914.	1919.
	Million barrels (00,000's omitted).
United Kingdom (a)	33·5	35·9	34·7	22·1
Germany (d)	39·4	42·3	(b)	(b)
Austria	12·7	(b)	(b)	(b)
Hungary.	1·3	(b)	(b)	(b)
united States (e)	42·7	46·8	47·5	19·9
Other Countries (c)	32·7	35·7	28·1	(b)
(a) In standard barrels of 36 gallons at the standard gravity of 1055º.
(b) Information not available.
(c) Includes the output of the undermentioned countries only Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria, Argentina, Canada, Australia, Union of South Africa, New Zealand, and British India. Similar particulars for other countries are not available.
(d) Partly calendar years and partly years ended 31at March of the following year, according to the district in which produced. The figures include the output of Alsace-Lorraine.
(e) Years ended 30th June.

asked the Prime Minister whether any of the Allies are supplying munitions to General Wrangel in South Russia; and whether this support will be withdrawn in view of the moderate peace terms presented to the Polish Government by the Soviet Government of Russia?

I can answer only for the British Government, who are not supplying munitions to General Wrangel.

1909–10.	1912–13.	1913–14.	1918–19.
cwts.	cwts.	cwts.	cwts.
550,100	561,700	559,400	367,700

In the case of the United States, the consumption of hops by brewers is stated to

—	1910.	1913.	1914.	1919.
	cwts.	cwts.	cwts.	cwts.
Year ending 30th June Consumption by Brewers.	386,551	394,980	392,747	124,327

Statistics relating to the actual consumption in other countries do not appear to be available. The figures given below show the home production, together with the net quantities imported or exported. The home production represents the crops of the autumn of the previous year, whilst the net imports or exports refer to the calendar year stated:

—	1910.	1913.	1914.
FRANCE.	Cwts.	Cwts.	Cwts.
Home Production	45,000	78,000	70,000
Net Imports	44,000	39,000	19,000
BELGIUM.
Home Production	34,000	91,000	66,000
Net Imports	25,000	10,000	7,000
HOLLAND.
Home Production	*	*	*
Net Imports	13,000	12,000	18,000
GERMANY.
Home Production	119,000	405,000	209,000
Net Exports	108,000	78,000	34,000

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what was the consumption of hops in America, Germany, England, and other countries, respectively, in the years 1910, 1913, 1914, and 1919?

The Board of Customs and Excise has furnished the Ministry with the following figures showing the quantities of hops used for brewing in the United Kingdom. In each case the year covers the period 1st October to 30th September:be as follows:

—	1910.	1913.	1914.
AUSTRIA.	Cwts.	Cwts.	Cwts.
Home Production	167,000	396,000	169,000
Net Exports	163,000	126,000	26,000
HUNGARY.
Home Production	17,000	36,000	44,000
Net Exports	9,000	27,000	5,000‡
RUSSIA.
Home Production	73,000	86,000	152,000
Net Imports	6,000	24,000†	5,000
CANADA.
Home Production	*	*	9,000§
Net Imports	8,000	14,000	14,000
AUSTRALIA.
Home Production	11,000║	19,000║	16,000║
Net Imports	10,000	13,000	10,000
* No Statistics.
† Net Exports.
‡ Net Imports.
§ British Columbia only.
║ Is for the Calendar year stated.