asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now considered the case submitted in May last to the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office with regard to the hardship caused to women and children by Section 145 (3) of the Army Act in cases where an affiliation order is made against a soldier but is served on him only when under orders for service overseas; and whether he can see his way to amend that Section so as to give effect to such an order where the soldier has in fact attended the hearing of a summons at the cost of a complainant and the court has in fact considered all the circumstances before making the order?

The question of amending the Army Act to meet this point will be considered in connection with the Army (Annual) Bill for 1921.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office the reason for the prolonged delay in settling the accounts of Pte. G. Scott, No. 89,067, Royal Defence Corps, of 9, Oak Street, Hulme, especially with regard to the non-payment of proficiency pay from 10th November, 1916, to date of demobilisation?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Coal Controller is during the coming winter taking any steps to ensure that so far as possible a sufficient supply of coal shall at least be available for those poorer families who are compelled to purchase in small amounts?

The coal trade organisations responsible for the distribution of coal Lave had constantly before them the necessity of providing for the needs of small purchasers, and the Department has not ceased to press the importance of the matter. The merchants have done, and are doing, their utmost to use the stocks of coal available in such a way as to give prior consideration to those who have to purchase in small amounts.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been begun and completed, respectively, under the Government housing scheme.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to the hon. Member for Whitechapel (Mr. Kiley), of which I will send him a copy.