asked the Minister of Pensions the number of appeals heard by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal both before and after 1st November, 1919; and the percentage of appeals allowed in both cases in favour of the appellant?

The number of appeals decided by the Pensions Appeal Tribunals to the 31st October, 1919, was 14,731, of which 5,064 were allowed. The similar figure for the period 1st November, 1919 (when the statutory tribunals were constituted), to the 30th September, 1920, is 13,030, of which 4,130 were allowed.

asked the Minister of Pensions what proportion of the cases taken to appeal prior to the establishment of the Lord Chancellor's appeal tribunals was allowed; what proportion of the cases heard by the Lord Chancellor's tribunals had been allowed; how many widows' cases have been heard by the latter tribunals; and what proportion of them was allowed?

The number of appeals decided by the Pensions Appeal Tribunals prior to the establishment of the statutory tribunals on the 1st November, 1919, was 14,731, of which 5,064 were allowed. During the period 1st November, 1919, to 30th September, 1920, 1,3030 appeals were decided by the statutory tribunals., of which 4,130 were allowed. For widows alone the number for the second period is 1,131, and of these 417 were allowed.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now state the decision of the Ministry upon the case of Mr. John Griffiths, of 17, Prince's Street, Rotherhithe, S. E., reference No. KO/S 28,010, seeing that it is over a fortnight since the last medical examination took place, and that it is between four and five months since the first application was made to the local pensions committee?

It has been decided that there is no ground for holding that the tuberculosis on account of which Mr. Griffiths claimed pension was due to or was aggravated by military service, and no award of pension can therefore be made. I may point out that Mr. Griffiths was discharged from service in October, 1916, on account of a gun-shot wound in the foot which had been sustained ori- ginally in the South African War, and that his application for pension on account of tuberculosis was only made in August of the present year. Mr. Griffiths, of course, has the right to appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal against the decision of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether pensions to ex-service men are being reduced in some cases because the pensioner is earning a considerable weekly wage, and not because the pensioner's disability has decreased; and whether he will explain why a reduction in such circumstances is being made in view of the terms of the Royal Warrant?

I am not aware of any case in which a disablement pension has been reduced on the ground alleged. Medical Boards are strictly precluded from inquiring as to the wage which a disabled man is earning. If the hon. Member has knowledge of any case in which this rule has been disregarded, my right hon. Friend will be obliged if he will furnish him with full particulars when the case shall be at once investigated.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of claims for pension which have been refused on the grounds that the disability is not due to Army service?

The total number of claims to pension which have been refused on the ground that the disability is not connected with service in the late War is approximately 240,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that since the abolition of the Marshland Local War Pensions Committee no pensioner in Walsoken has received any pension whatever: that this hold-up has now lasted for over two weeks; that all the documents are lying still in the office of the late secretary of the Marshland Committee; and what steps can he take to secure an immediate resumption of payment?

My right hon. Friend has caused immediate inquiry to be made into this matter, but a report is not yet to hand. He will, however, communicate with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as he is in a position to do so. I may, however, remind my hon. Friend that pensions are not paid through local war pensions committees, and I do not understand, therefore, how there can have been a complete interruption of all pensions in Walsoken.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been called to cases of hardship arising from the putting into operation of circular 204, whereby disabled men who are certified by the medical referee as being unable to follow a remunerative occupation are being denied treatment allowances by the Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services on the ground that the disability pension is an assessment of the average disability over the period of its currency, and account is taken in its award of such brief periods of incapacity as might be expected to occur in the normal course of the disablement; and, if so, will he give the matter further consideration, and at any rate postpone the further operation of circular 204 until he has had an opportunity of reviewing the situation in the light of fuller information now available?

Treatment allowances are by the terms of Article 6 of the Royal Warrant confined to cases where it is considered by the Ministry that a man should undergo a course of treatment and is in consequence rendered unable to support himself. Circular 204, which draws attention to this principle, has been in force in its present form nearly nine months, and my right hon. Friend is unable to adopt the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions who are the four representatives of ex-service men on the Staffordshire county pensions committee; and whether they all saw service overseas during the War and served in the ranks or non-commissioned ranks?

There are at present only two ex-service representatives on the Staffordshire Local War Pensions Committee. Two other ex-service men, whose names have been suggested by the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers, and the Comrades of the Great War, respectively, will be considered for appointment by the County Council at their next meeting. All of these persons have served in the ranks and three have served overseas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War 'Office whether, under a recent Army Order, the scale of separation allowances has been reduced; if so, whether he is aware that many men enlisted on the understanding that the then existing separation allowances would continue; and whether this matter will be reconsidered?

The Army Order referred to (No. 357, dated 28th August, 1920) abolished separation allowance and introduced a system of marriage allowance common to the three services. But, as will be seen by reference to the Army Order (a copy of which I am sending the right hon. Member), care has been taken to safeguard any legitimate vested rights to a continuation of the old allowances. I would point out that separation allowance was special to the War, and that when the rates of pay were increased in September, 1919, it was distinctly stated that the allowance was subject to consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the number of farm colonies established by the Ministry; the number of ex-service men and others settled thereon; and how many contain a central farm organised and equipped for the training of men with a view to their becoming farmers or smallholders?

The number of farm settlements is 14 and the settlers number 706; of these 531 are ex-service men and 14 are ex-service women. Seven settlements at present contain a central farm. The purpose of the latter is not, however, to train men, as all settlers are required before admission to have sufficient experience or training to manage a small holding or to undertake other farm work.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that late Sapper A. Livingstone, No. 86422, 178th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, and at present residing at 152, Garngled Hill, Glasgow, was discharged from the Army 18 months ago after four and a-half years' service with the colours; that on discharge he, being in possession of sufficient capital to stock and work a smallholding, applied to the Board of Agriculture for a small-holding, and that the Board have failed to provide him with one; that he is only one of many like cases, and will he inquire into his case and take steps to get him placed on the land and to accelerate the workings of the Board of Agriculture in respect of placing ex-soldiers upon the land?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, an officer of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland reported in December, 1919, that this applicant's character and experience were satisfactory but that his capital was only £25, which was obviously insufficient for the working and stocking of a small-holding. It was not until September, 1920, that the Board were informed that his capital had increased to £130. The Board are keeping this applicant in view along with others equally deserving in connection with their schemes of land settlement. I am aware of the demand for small-holdings by ex-service applicants, and can assure my hon. and learned Friend that all possible steps are being taken by me and by the Board to expedite settlement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware; that at many ports there is a grave shortage of men in the fishing industry; and if he will say how many ex-service fishermen are now unemployed?

I reget I am not in a position to furnish the exact information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend. The only available statistics of unemployment among ex-service fishermen relate to the number in receipt of Out-of-Work Donation. The latest figure available is that for 1st October, at which date 222 ex-service fishermen were in receipt of Out-of-Work Donation. I am informed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries that, so far as they are aware, there are sufficient fishermen in England and Wales to man the existing fishing fleets. No doubt there are difficulties experienced at times in making up the crews of vessels. Owing to the reluctance of fishermen to transfer from one port to another, it frequently happens that there is a shortage at one port and a surplus at another.

asked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken to carry out the promises that he made with regard to resettlement after the War to those proprietors of one-man businesses who volunteered?

I have been asked to reply. The Department known as the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department was created to provide assistance towards meeting serious financial hardship caused to officers and men while serving in His Majesty's Forces and to assist discharged and demobilised officers and men to resettle in civil life. A large number of proprietors of "one-man businesses" who volunteered, as well as those who joined under the Military Service Acts, have been, and are still being, assisted, under this scheme, to resettle after demobilisation.

asked the Minister of Labour the total monthly expenditure of the Ministry of Labour (Appointments Department); and also the number of posts found for officers and ex-service men of higher education registered with this Department?

The total monthly expenditure of the Ministry of Labour (Appointments Department), based on the August figures, which are the latest available, is £104,029 16s. 5d. The work of the Appointments Department includes provision both for appointments and training. Of the £104,029 16s. 5d., salaries (including both training and appointment officers) amount to £18,000, and £86,000 is for grants to trainees. An estimated reduction of £6,000 in monthly salaries is anticipated from the end of this year. The total number of posts found for officers and ex-service men registered with the Department up to the 15th October is 42,868.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping how many discharged soldiers have been dismissed from his Department since the Armistice; and how many women have been dismissed in the same period?

Since the Armistice 24 ex-soldiers have been discharged from the Ministry of Shipping, and during the same period 1,072 women have resigned or were discharged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether before discharging demobilised soldiers or sailors on reduction of staff he communicates with other Departments, such as the War Office and the Admiralty, to see if they can discharge some boy or girl clerks, and so make vacancies for men who have fought in the War?

It is now the rule that if the services of a demobilised man have to be dispensed with owing to reduction of staff, the case is notified to the Joint Substitution Board recently set up by the Treasury.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the number and description of all railway wagons owned or controlled by his Department, setting out separately those which are for disposal from those which his Department are operating; what reasons, if any, he can advance why the latter are more usefully employed under the control of his Department than they would be if controlled by the Minister of Transport; and if he will give particulars as to the time railway wagons owned by his Department were underload, empty, and in transit, for the four weeks ended 20th June, 1920, the four weeks ended 18th July, and for the four weeks ended 17th October, respectively?

The disposal of all Ministry of Munitions wagons (5,770 in number) to the Ministry of Transport has recently been effected, and arrangements for the transfer of administration are in progress. On these wagons becoming surplus, they were let out on hire to private users, who have been responsible for their working.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of railway wagons owned or controlled by the various Government Departments, naming the number of wagons owned and/or controlled by each Department; what reasons, if any, can be advanced why railway wagons are more usefully employed under the separate control of Departments than they would be if controlled by him and allocated by him in the general interest; why in the railway statistics published by the Ministry of Transport no information is given in regard to Government-owned railway rolling stock; and why information as to the average miles run and the average time occupied per wagon is not based on the stock of Government-owned wagons as well as on the stock of railway-owned and private-owned wagons?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by the First Commissioner of Works and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping on the 21st instant in regard to the wagons controlled by their respective Departments. So far as I am aware the only additional wagons owned or controlled by other Government Departments are 5,817 wagons mainly for the conveyance of home ore owned by the Ministry of Munitions and 1,505 wagons controlled by the Admiralty consisting of 1,200 hired coal wagons which are being released as quickly as possible and 305 special type vehicles required for the Admiralty purposes. It is proposed that the whole of the wagons owned by the Ministry of Munitions should be taken into the Ministry of Transport Pool and allocated to the railways, but I do not think that any advantage would accrue from taking over wagons of special types required by the Admiralty. So far as the statistics referred to are concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the Census of Private Traders' wagons taken by the Board of Trade in 1918 from which he will gather that Government owned and controlled wagons are included in the total of 628,344 privately owned wagons, and are covered by the four-weekly statistics of operation. Separate figures for particular groups of wagons could not be compiled.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number and description of railway wagons owned or controlled by his Department; what reasons, if any, he can advance why they are more usefully employed under the control of his Department than they would be if controlled by the Minister of Transport; if he will give particulars as to the time railway wagons owned by his Department were underload, empty, and in transit for the four weeks ended 20th June, 1920, the four weeks ended 16th July, and for the four weeks ended 17th October, respectively'

The War Department does not own or control any railway wagons in this country, with the exception of those required for internal use in depots and on camp railways. The majority of these wagons are unfit for main-line traffic. All wagons from overseas, owned by the War Department pass into the hands of the Ministry of Munitions as soon as they reach this country, for inclusion in the pool of Government wagons under the control of the Ministry of Transport. These wagons, and also those belonging to British railway companies which are on the way from overseas, still bear the old War Department identification marks, and this may have given rise to the misunderstanding that they are still owned and controlled by the War Department.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number and description of railway wagons owned or controlled by his Department; what reasons, if any, he can advance why they are more usefuly employed under the control of his Department than they would be if controlled by the Minister of Transport; if he will give particulars as to the time railway wagons owned by his Department were under-load, empty, and in transit for the four weeks ended 20th June, 1920, the four weeks ended 18th July, and for the four weeks ended 17th October, respectively?

The only railway rolling stock owned by the Admiralty, apart from that for internal use in H. M. naval establishments, is of a special character for particular work, such as the carriage of propellers, Admiralty fuel, oils, etc., and and it is assumed that the hon. Member is not referring to such stock. The Admiralty has on hire a number of coal wagons, the number on 30th September last being 1,319, and about 100 less to-day. These wagons, which represent all that are left of 16,030 on Admiralty hire at the Armistice, are in process of being returned to their owners. Some are in regular use for delivering coal from South Wales to naval establishments; the rest are being released to their owners day by day as quickly as they can be collected and hauled to South Wales sidings.

asked the Minister of Transport whether consideration is being given to the possibility of reinstating day and half-day excursions on Saturdays and Sundays at the lowest possible fares, and walking-tour and pleasure-party tickets at pre-war rates, plus 75 per cent.; and whether he is aware that if these can be reinstated much additional revenue will accrue?

The question of reinstating excursion trains is constantly engaging the attention of the Ministry and the railway companies. The right hon. Member will no doubt be aware that during the last two months it has been found possible on my initiative to run a number of excursion trains on Sundays and a few on Saturdays at a single fare for the return journey. The question of issuing tickets at fares lower than the ordinary fares to pleasure parties, etc., is under consideration by the Rates Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to put into immediate operation the Trent Navigation Act of 1916 in view of the importance of the improvement of the waterway service between Nottingham and Newark in, and beyond, the Eastern Midlands?

The position with regard to the Trent Navigation Act of 1915 was fully discussed with the deputation of the Trent Navigation and the Nottingham Corporation which visited the Ministry on August 11th. The deputation urged that the putting into operation of the Act of 1915 depended upon Government financial assistance and the Ministry made it clear that nothing could be decided on an application for financial assistance in a particular case until the Minister has received the Report of the Committee on Inland Waterways which is now reviewing the present position of canals in this country and will make recommendations to the Minister as to the future.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the wish of merchants, manufacturers, and traders in the Eastern Midlands to obtain some simple, cheap, and readily accessible means of obtaining inquiry into, and redress of, grievances connected with railway administration; and whether he can see his way to formulate some scheme which would effect the required reform?

The question of providing some simplified machinery for the settlement of disputes between railway companies and traders is one which is engaging the attention of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

asked the Minister of Transport if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to give effect to the outline of proposals as to the future organisation of transport undertakings in Great Britain as given recently by his department; and if he has received any protests against the system of grouping?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but it will be realised that it is not possible for me to indicate at this juncture the extent of the variations which will be made in the proposals outlined in Command 787 as the result of discussions with the interests concerned. I have received many representations and whilst I think I may say that the policy of grouping the railways has been received with general approval, I have received some criticisms upon the particular grouping outlined in Command 787. I have, however, received no concrete alternative from any representative body.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the North British Railway Company have intimated their intention of discontinuing the steam ferry between Tayport and Broughty Ferry; and if he will compel the company to continue running the ferry pending a legal decision, as it is held locally that the company is under an obligation to keep up the ferry?

The question of the continuance of the steam ferry between Tayport and Broughty Ferry has been brought to my notice. The legal question involved is being examined and I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any complaints from the Grimsby district regarding the increase of workmen's fares; whether he is aware that an approximate increase of 166⅔ per cent. has been added to fares charged in 1914; and whether he will consider the possibility of these charges being reduced?

Complaints have been received respecting the workmen's fares between Grimsby and Immingham; this fare has been increased by the percentage named. The present fare between the points named is in accordance with the Rates Advisory Committee's recommendation, with the further limitation imposed by the Cabinet that no increase should exceed 2s. per week. In this case the workman travels over 12 miles for 8d.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the proposals put forward by the railway companies before the Rates Advisory Committee that inclusive S to S rates should be charged to cover the accommodation and services in connection with collection from or delivery to private railway sidings, he will state the tonnage over certain periods of general merchandise traffic loaded and discharged at railway stations and the cost to the railway companies of providing the station accommodation and the station services for such traffic; and, if the information is not in his possesion, will he obtain it and include it in the next issue of his railway statistics?

As the hon. Member is aware, a great deal of statistical information essential to a systematic revision of rates is being compiled. The question of obtaining returns of the tonnage of general merchandise loaded and discharged at stations is already under consideration, and when I am in receipt of the Rates Advisory Committee's report on the general principles which in their opinion should govern railway rates, I shall be in a better position to decide what further detailed information is required. I am trying to steer a prudent course between necessary figures and those which we can do without. The hon. Member no doubt realises that he has raised one of the most difficult of all costing problems in connection with railway administration. I am as anxious as he is to arrive at a fair and satisfactory issue, and will consult with him to that end if he will give me the opportunity.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received complaints from several district councils in Monmouthshire re workmen's fares; whether he is aware that workmen's tickets are issued on Monday mornings available only by the early morning trains; that large numbers of men work on the afternoon and night shifts, and consequently have to pay the ordinary fares; and will he take steps to rectify this anomaly which bears so hardly on these men?

I cannot find that any complaints have been made tome from the Monmouthshire District Councils respecting workmen's fares. So far as I know, the complaint is one which could have been made all over the country since the introduction of these early-morning cheap fares.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, by the terms of the agreement arrived at by the negotiating committee of railway managers and the accredited representatives of the railway police service, the increased pay and other conditions are to be retrospective from 1st January, 1920, and are to be applied to all sworn-in railway police officers; that, since the agreement has been formally signed, the metropolitan railway authorities have re-graded several sworn-in constables to the position of ticket collectors; and that the officers in question were allowed to elect their representatives to participate as police officers; and whether he will make representations to the railway authorities concerned, as their action is regarded by members of the railway police as a breach of faith?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the rest of the question, I have received no complaint of the matter mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, so that the reply is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the vacancy for a chief officer of the Great Central Railway police has been filled by the appointment of an ex-superintendent of the Metropolitan Police; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the directors of the Great Central Railway, in view of the fact that the appointment of an officer drawing a large pension from public funds is liable to cause great dissatisfaction amongst the men now in the railway police service, whose opportunities for promotion are lessened by appointments of this description?

As explained in reply to a question which was asked by the hon. Gentleman on the 21st June last, the appointment of officers and servants of the railway companies to existing posts is a matter over which the Government has no control whatsoever.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he is aware of the facts relating to the claim of Mr. E. H. S. Cooke, late chief officer of the ss. "Charles Tellier," owned by the Ministry of Shipping, for payment of overtime worked by him and due under the overtime clause contained in the articles, which overtime had been certified by the master; that representations were made to the Ministry by the Mercantile Marine Service Association on behalf of Mr. Cooke in November, 1919, and again by their solicitors in a letter on the 17th March, 1920, and that in accordance with a request from the Director of Transports and Shipping the solicitors sent to him on the 27th April, 1920, a copy extract from the ship's articles, and that since that date they have on three occasions written to the Director of Shipping pressing for a reply, but all their letters have been ignored and no reply received; and whether he will cause immediate inquiries to be made into the facts and a settlement to be made of this claim which relates to a period over 12 months back?

A correspondence was conducted with the Mercantile Marine Service Association, as a result of which a payment was made in December last to Mr. Cooke which was considered to be a full settlement. Subsequently the matter was taken up by the solicitors, who put forward a claim for salvage. This involved reference to the legal advisers, and subsequently the claim for salvage was dropped and a claim for overtime substituted. The extract from the articles was submitted as stated in the question, but it was considered desirable that the complete articles should be inspected. Unfortunately, these have been mislaid and the whole question deferred. Should these articles not be found promptly the question will be dealt with on its merits on the extract furnished.

asked the Minister of Transport whether Messrs. MacBrayne have reduced the sailings of their cargo boat between Glasgow and Stornoway to one trip in 14 days; whether he is aware that this service is the chief means of transport for food and other necessaries to a population of 30,000; that during the winter the population is increased by several thousands in connection with the winter herring fishing; and what steps the Ministry propose to take in order to secure regular food supplies to the people of Stornoway and Lewis?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the fortnightly service between Glasgow and Stornoway will be maintained by larger boats, and that there is no reason to fear any immediate shortage of supplies at the latter place. If, when the herring fishing starts, the present service threatens to prove insufficient, the matter will be reconsidered.

asked the Minister of Food what has been the fall in the price of wheat on the Winnipeg and Chicago exchange during the past month; and what benefit in the way of reduced prices will the British bread consumer obtain from this fall?

Between 20th September and 20th October the price of wheat options fell by 36½ cents per bushel at Chicago and by 41½ cents per bushel at Winnipeg, but, so far as British purchases are concerned, this fall has been partially neutralised by the adverse movement of the exchange during the same period. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the British consumer has for a long time been paying for bread a price considerably below the world wheat price. If the present lower prices continue, in the absence of adverse movements of exchange, the result will operate to equate the world price with the subsidised price.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the fixation of a control price of eggs, or a schedule of prices for the coming winter?

An Order has been issued revoking the General Licence under which eggs are at present suspended from control, and embodying also an amended schedule based on the price to the consumer of 6d, for fresh eggs.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, notwithstanding previous explanations and promises, unsound food condemned as being unfit for human consumption continues to be sent into the city of Neweastle-on-Tyne; and if he will give the amount and value of such unsound and condemned food sent into that city during the years 1918 and 1919 respectively, and for the first nine months and for the month of September of the present year?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle East (Major Barnes) on 28th July. I can only repeat that no food in an unsound condition is despatched by the Ministry of Food to the city of Neweastle-on-Tyne or anywhere else. Owing to the efficiency of the local inspection of food supplies, of which the Food Controller heartily approves, a certain quantity is condemned from time to time in course of distribution, but this applies also to other places where the standard of inspection is equally high. As regards the figures asked for in the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Health if he can now give his promised statement as to the amount of unsound food condemned as being unfit for human consumption sent into the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne during the past year; by how much is this amount above or below the average for the rest of the country; and what is the total value of condemned and destroyed unsound food in the United Kingdom during the last year?

I understand that the amount of food sent into the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne which was condemned in the year 1919 was approximately 300 tons, exclusive of poultry and game. The number of poultry and game was approximately 6,000. I have no information as to the value or amount of unsound food destroyed in the whole of the United Kingdom.

asked the Minister of Food whether the price of a cup of coffee in certain London restaurants has been increased from a pre-War price of 2d. to 3½d.; whether coffee cost in 1914 98s. per cwt., in April, 1920, 150s. per cwt., and in the first week of October 111s. per cwt.; and, if so, how can the rise in price to the consumer be justified?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The wholesale prices of a good average quality of coffee would be approximately those mentioned by the hon. Member at the various dates set out in the question, but I understand that the grounds put forward for the increase in the charge for a cup of coffee are higher establishment charges. If the increase on these grounds is regarded as unreasonable, the remedy lies in proceedings under the Profiteering Act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the renewed appeal made by leading Scottish agriculturists for the admission of Canadian cattle into this country; and whether, in view of the consumers' need of all available supplies of meat, in order that prices may be brought down, and of the complete freedom of Canada from the disease which was originally urged as the reason for the embargo, he can now state whether the Government has come to a new decision on this question?

The Ministry is aware of the desire for the admission of store cattle from Canada on the part of certain agriculturists, and the Minister has recently received a deputation from the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture on the subject. There is, however, a marked lack of unanimity on the part of agriculturists in Scotland as well as in other parts of the United Kingdom with regard to this matter, and in view of the present position of stock-breeding in the United Kingdom and the improbability of any increase in meat supplies resulting from the admission of store cattle, the Minister does not propose to introduce the new legislation that would be necessary to remove the existing embargo. So far as the consumers' interests are concerned, there is, of course, no restriction on the importation of Canadian cattle, provided they are slaughtered immediately at the port of landing.

asked the Minister of Food whether there is now in this country a supply of home-grown hops sufficient for requirements until next year's harvest; and what quantity of imported hops is also in the country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Accurate information as to the quantity of imported hops in this country is not available, but it is estimated that there is about 6 months' supply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he intends to adhere to his promise to introduce the Fisheries Bill this Session?

I regret that I am not in a position to make any definite statement on this matter at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have given 12 months' notice to the Launton allotment holders to give up their holdings; whether it is the intention of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to sell this land, which is 33 acres in size; and whether he will make representations to prevent the unnecessary dislodgment of so many men from actual practical cultivation?

This case had not previously been brought to my notice, but I am arranging for immediate inquiry to be made, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps have been taken to increase the pre-War pensions of distressed widows and dependants of officers of the Indian Army, both of those under the Indian Military Service Family Pensions Fund and of those under the older Presidency Military Funds the assets of which were taken over by the Government?

Pensions under the Indian Military Service Family Pension Regulations have been temporarily increased by 25 per cent. for 5 years from the 1st January, 1920, owing to increase in the rate of interest allowed on the half-yearly balances, the increase having no relation to the financial circumstances of the pensioners. I am still considering in consultation with the Government of India the possibility of dealing more or less on the lines of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, with small pensions from Indian revenues inclusive of pensions from the various Indian Family Pension Funds, civil and military. Some further delay is likely to arise as, owing to the many thousands of small pensions payable in India, the Government of India are obliged to take into full consideration the Indian aspect of the case, since any increase would be at the expense of Indian revenues.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the latest information in his possession regarding the industrial troubles reported from India; how many strikes are in progress, where they are taking place, the character of the industry or department, the number of workers affected, and the demands they have put forward in each case; whether any disturbances have taken place in connection with these industrial disputes; and what action, if any, has been taken by the imperial or provincial governments, as the case may be, to bring about a settlement?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will send him full extracts from the telegrams and Local Governments' reports, which I have received, to show him the information now at my disposal. I am at present awaiting a comprehensive report on the whole subject from the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India when the provision for increasing the retired pay and pensions of pre-War pensioners of the British Service under £200 a year if married, sanctioned by Army Order with effect from 1st April, 1920, will be made applicable to pre-War pensioners of the Indian Services; what are the increases that will be granted; and from what date?

The application to the Indian Services of the Army Order referred to is now under my consideration, and I am doing my best to expedite the decision. I will see that the date of effect of any concessions that are approved is not affected to the prejudice of the pensioners in question by the time required to reach a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the anti-Brahmin agitation in Madras, a political movement, has resulted in unfair depreciation of Brahmins, the most intellectual and educated class in Southern India, and is prejudicing their claims to appointments for which by merit they are better fitted than any other classes of the community; and whether he will take steps to prevent any unfair discrimination in this behalf?

My hon. Friend is asking me to - express my opinion on matters regarding which he is as qualified as I am to form an opinion. I have no reason to suppose that the Madras Government will be influenced by any agitation to adopt a policy which would be unfair to any class of the population of the Presidency.

asked the Secretary of State for India when the revised rules for leave pay and unemployed pay for officers of the Indian Army will be issued?

Revised rules have been approved and will be announced very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the reports of the. strong non-Brahmin dissatisfaction at the recent appointments of Brahmins to the posts of permanent collectors in Madras over the heads of non Brahmins who were senior to the former in the service; and whether there is any ground for this dissatisfaction?

I have seen in the Press reports to this effect, but I have no reason to doubt that the officers selected for any of the posts in question were chosen as most suitable in all the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the reports appearing in the Press regarding recent troubles in certain tea estates in Assam to the effect that grave disturbances had broken out; that five Europeans were assaulted; that some managers were dragged from their bungalows and tortured into promising an increase of wages; that the Assam Rifles were called out to deal with the situation, and that, though rioting began on 22nd September, news of the disturbances was only allowed to reach Calcutta eleven days later; whether these disturbances have now ceased; what are the exact facts as reported by the Assam Government; the number of casualties, if any; the nature of the grievances of the labourers; whether these grievances have been redressed or are being dealt with, and what action, if any, the Government has taken in repressing the disturbances and to secure due consideration for the grievances of the labourers?

I give the hon. Member all the facts in my possession, which are as follows: The coolies of eight tea gardens within a six-mile radius of Dum-Duma, in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, went on strike for higher wages. The movement, which seems to have involved some 10,000 persons, was carefully planned with a view to making an effective demonstration at one garden after another. The coolies looted the local market and Marwari shops, assaulted an assistant manager and garden officers, and damaged bungalows of the latter. Apparently the opportunity was seized on to molest members of the garden staffs who were personally unpopular, but no special animosity was indicated against Europeans as such or against the Government. Mr. Furze, a superintendent of police, went to the spot with a force of police, and he and some constables were assaulted while trying to restore order. A few platoons of the Assam Rifles (a military police force) were then despatched, and order was restored, no further disturbances having occurred since. The trouble was due to high prices combined, probably, with a reduction in the amount of the coolies' overtime earnings due to the slump in the tea market. Mr. Furze's injuries consisted of a fracture of the right ulna, an injury to the right knee, and two head wounds and bruises. Mr. Sang, the assistant manager of the Dhoedam garden, received severe head wounds and contusions. Two constables were also injured, but all the four persons assaulted are progressing favourably. As regards the last part of the question and also the allegation of suppression of information, I am awaiting reports from the Government of India, for which I have telegraphed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Report of the Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies on the Austrian Peace Treaty has been officially brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether it has received any attention?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number, rank, and total emoluments of those British officers who are at present supervising the three ships which constitute the remains of the Austrian naval fleet?

The number of vessels of the Austrian naval fleet is 173. Only a small proportion of these have yet been disposed of. The officers of the Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control for Austria, whose duties include the disposal of these 173 ships, consist of:—1 Rear-Admiral,1 Commander,1 Paymaster-Lieutenant,1 Acting Lieutenant-Commander.The expenses of their pay and allowances are borne by the Austrian Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the approximate value of the ex-enemy private property confiscated to date under the terms of the Treaties of Peace?

I have been asked to reply. No property has been confiscated. According to figures supplied by the Public Trustee, the nominal value of the property in the United Kingdom of ex-enemies which is charged in accordance with the terms of the Treaties of Peace is about £170,000,000. This includes a sum of approximately £40,000,000 cash received as the result of the realisation of assets belonging to former enemies, but it is not possible to give an estimate of the value of the property which has not been realised.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the recommendations of the Royal Commission of 1914 on the Civil Service are being carried out with regard to the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service?

Effect has been' given to the recommendations of the Royal Commission to the fullest extent, so far as it has been found in practice possible to do so. If there are particulars with which the hon. Member would wish to be furnished I shall be glad to communicate them to him.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any account of the conditions in which the prisoners at Baku have been kept for the last two months; whether these prisoners have yet been released; and, if not, what prospect there is of their release in the near future?

The most recent information which I have on this subject is derived from a letter from Baku dated the 22nd of September, according to which the prisoners were still confined in what is known as the Polish building and only allowed to take exercise for two hours in a small yard adjoining it. His Majesty's representative at Tiflis has been incessantly making the strongest representations for the amelioration of their treatment pending their release, and he has been successful in sending them food and other comforts. His Majesty's Government have every reason to hope that the arrangements foreshadowed in the notes which they have exchanged with the Soviet Government will shortly be carried into full effect and that the prisoners will in consequence be repatriated at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether 35,000 Albanian refugees, whose homes have been destroyed by the Yugoslav troops, are in a destitute condition at Scutari; and if steps are being taken to relieve them?

The numbers of Albanian refugees at Scutari appear to approximate to the numbers mentioned. His Majesty's Government will continue, as in the past, to urge on all the parties concerned in these disputes the urgent necessity for a peaceful settlement of the Albanian, as of the whole Adriatic question, but they do not feel justified in proposing any further direct intervention

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many persons are employed in the League of Nations office, London; what is the total of their salaries; and whether they are exempt from Income Tax?

The desired information is not in the possession of the Foreign Office. The Secretary-General and part of his staff are at present attending the meeting of the Council of the League at Brussels. On the close of that Conference it is understood that the whole establishment of the Secretariat-General will be removed to Geneva, where it is to remain permanently.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether this country has been approached to join the Franco-Belgian Alliance; and whether this country is still bound to defend the neutrality of Belgium under the new conditions brought about by this alliance?

No invitation has been received from either the French or the Belgian Governments to join in the military agreement which has recently been concluded between those two countries, and the terms of which have not been communicated to us. Any obligations which may have been incurred by His Majesty's Government towards Belgium in the past cannot therefore be affected by any such arrangement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has protested against the Franco-Hungarian agreement, and what was the result of the protest?

An official communiqué was published by the French Legation at Vienna on the 14th inst. to the effect that whilst some Vienna newspapers had published reports concerning an agreement concluded between France and Hungary, these reports were entirely incorrect.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the sum total of fines imposed in the cases of convictions obtained in respect of cases of alleged profiteering brought before the local committees set up under the Profiteering Act;(2) whether imprisonment has been imposed in the case of any conviction obtained in respect of any alleged profiteering brought before the local committees set up under the Profiteering Act; and, if so, in how many cases imprisonment has been so imposed?

Down to 31st August last fines amounting in the aggregate to £1,779 had been imposed in prosecutions under the Profiteering Acts instituted at the instance of local committees, in addition to which orders for the payment of costs amounting in the aggregate to £436 had been made. In no case have the justices imposed a sentence of imprisonment on conviction for offences against the Profiteering Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in how many cases of alleged profiteering brought before the Central Committee set up under the Profiteering Act prosecutions have actually been undertaken; how many convictions have been obtained; and what has been the penalty imposed in each case?

Six prosecutions have actually been undertaken by the Central Committee under the Profiteering Acts. In four cases convictions have been obtained, the penalties imposed being a fine of £25 and 5 guineas costs, a fine of £20 and 15 guineas costs, a fine of £5 and 5 guineas costs, and a fine of £25 and 5 guineas costs. One case has been part heard and the hearing adjourned, and in the remaining case the information has been laid and the hearing fixed for 3rd November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many eases of alleged profiteering have been brought before local committees set up under the Profiteering Act to date; and how many convictions have been obtained?

On the 31st August last, local committees, established under the Profiteering Acts, had heard and determined 4,373 complaints of alleged profiteering. In 1,032 cases the local committee found that an unreasonable profit had been sought or obtained. Out of 174 prosecutions instituted during the same period by local committees before Courts of Summary Jurisdiction, convictions have been obtained in 138 cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the maximum fine imposed in the case of any conviction obtained in respect of alleged cases of profiteering brought before the local committees set up under the Profiteering Act?

The maximum fine imposed by the Justices on conviction for offences against the Profiteering Acts is one hundred pounds.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the length of time, in respect of each investigation into prices, costs, and profits undertaken by the central committee or subcommittees set up under the Profiteering Act, which has elapsed from the initiation of the investigation to the publication of the Report?

The period of time which elapsed between the initiation of the investigation into prices, costs and profits by the Standing Committee on Prices or its sub-committees and the publication of the Report was as follows:—

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade what is the present position with regard to the control of forage, and, in particular, hay, straw, and oats; what is the justification for the continued high prices which are being demanded, seeing that the military forces' requirements have been reduced to a pre-War footing, and the increase of motor vehicles has caused a reduction in the demands for feeding stuffs; whether the farmer, merchant, or the intermediate salesmen are responsible for the maintenance of the excessive prices now prevailing, though nearly two years have elapsed since the Armistice; and what steps he proposes to take to restore a more reasonable price?

With the exception of the prices of hay and straw of the 1918 crop, which are governed by an Army Council Order, neither the prices nor the distribution of hay, straw, and oats are controlled. The Profiteering Acts have been applied to hay, straw, and oats, and it is therefore open to any member of the public who is aggrieved at the price he is called upon to pay for any of these commodities, except hay and straw of the 1918 crop, to complain to the appropriate local committee established under the Profiteering Acts, or, in the case of wholesale transactions, to the Central Committee, when the matter will be investigated. I understand that the wet season has had the effect that the crop of first-class undamaged hay is relatively short, which naturally sustains the price for the best qualities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recommendation of the Rubber Growers' Association that there should be a reduction of 25 per cent. in the monthly output owing to the decline in price; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the community from such action?

I have seen references in the Press to a recommendation of the Rubber Growers' Association that estates should reduce their output temporarily by 25 per cent., owing to the present and prospective surplus of production over demand, and the difficulty of carrying large stocks, in view of the present financial stringency. I have no power to prevent such action being taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the suggestion of the Shipping Controller that a Parliamentary Secretary should be appointed to deal with shipping; if, in view of the great increase in recent years in the number of paid offices allotted to Members of both Houses of Parliament and the pressing need for economy, he will state whether the Government have the creation of such a post under consideration; and if it is contemplated that a salary should be attached thereto?

This matter is under consideration, but no decision has yet been arrived at. The points to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will be borne in mind.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what steps have been taken to diminish the consumption of gas, electricity, and water in Government offices in view of the coal strike?

On the declaration of a strike, arrangements were immediately made to reduce the heating of all Government buildings to a minimum; to dispense with corridor, heating wherever possible; and to cut off all hot water supplies. A circular was also issued to all Government staffs, both in London and the provinces, suggesting various methods by which the utmost economy in the consumption of fuel and light could be effected.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount of coal delivered to coal miners during 1919, and during the first six months of 1920, for their own use free or at special prices; the total amount of money charged for this coal; and the total sum which this coal would have cost the miners if they had had to pay for it at current market rates?

The total amount of coal delivered to coal miners during 1919 amounted to 6,322,000 tons, of which 2,886,000 tons were supplied free of cost and 3,436,000 tons were supplied at a total cost of £1,360,000. During the first six months of 1920 the amount of coal delivered in the same way was 3,429,000 tons, including 1,532,000 tons supplied free of cost and 1,897,000 tons supplied at a total cost of £782,000. The total sum which miners' coal would have cost if it had been paid for at current market rates cannot be stated precisely, but it is estimated that the advantage to the miners is represented by a sum of more than £8,000,000 per annum at the present time.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed at a meeting of the political council of the Burslem and District Industrial Cooperative Society, representing 23,000 members resident in the Parliamentary Divisions of Burslem, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Leek, and West Staffordshire, indignantly protesting against the continued wanton destruction by the armed uniformed forces of the Crown, in a so-called reprisals campaign, of co-operative creameries in Ireland, the property of an entirely unpolitical and unsectarian movement of small farmers and workers, calling upon the Government to immediately stop such outrages, to take steps to punish the offenders, and to make full reparation for the damage done out of the Imperial Exchequer; and what steps the Government intends to take respecting the same?

My attention has been called to the resolution in question. I can add nothing to what I said in the course of last Wednesday's Debate.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of magistrates who have left the British service as a protest against the military violence of the British Government?

Out of a total of 5,000 magistrates in Ireland, 1,069 have resigned their commissions since April, 1920, but I cannot say how many of these have resigned for the reason stated in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Accounts Department of the Timber Supply Department has a staff of 300 persons; and whether there is any necessity for this large staff in view of the fact that the operations of this Department have now practically ceased?

The accounting staffs of the Timber Supplies Departments, i.e., home-grown and imported timber, at present number 327, of whom 69 are under notice to leave. The work of winding up both Departments will necessitate the retention of a considerable portion of the remaining staff of 256 for some time while the assets are being realised.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping how many clerks with salaries of less than £250 a year and how many above that sum were employed on the 1st January last; and how many of each section have been since discharged?

This numbers are 877 and 139, and 98 and 8, respectively. In addition, 217 clerks with salaries of £250 and under and 38 with salaries above that sum have resigned.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers are employed in the War Office that have been so employed since 1914 and how many since 1915; and what is the number of officers with temporary commissions who are still employed in the War Office or in outside Departments which are under the control of the War Office?

The number of officers who have been employed in the War Office since 1914 is 3; and the number so employed since 1915 is 11. The number of officers holding temporary commissions who are still employed in the War Office is 49.

asked the Home Secretary whether the pensions granted to widows of policemen under the provisions of the Police Act, 1890, will be increased in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether an Order has been made including police pensions in the benefits of the Pensions Increase Act?

Yes, Sir. I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy.

asked the Home Secretary what is the cost to the taxpayer or ratepayer of the women police in London; whether women police are maintained elsewhere by local bodies; and, if so, whether at the request of, or by the suggestion of, the Home Office?

The present cost of the Metropolitan Women Police is £19,000 per annum, the total strength being 112. In addition, about half of this number are provided with quarters, rent free.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the feeling of unrest caused among the single policemen by the inequalities of the recent pay bonus; whether a number of men in London refused duty; if so, how many; and what disciplinary action was taken in the matter?

I am not aware that any feeling of unrest exists among the single men. No men have refused duty, and therefore no disciplinary action has been taken.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to reinstate the police and prison officers dismissed in August, 1919, for striking against the Police Act, 1919, who are now willing, as a condition of their re-instatement, to serve under the provisions of the Police Act and to dissolve the National Union of Police and Prison Officers?

No, Sir. The decision not to re-instate these men is final.

asked the Home Secretary whether any protests have been made by county, city, or borough councils against the removal of control of police from these bodies and now vested in the Home Secretary by Section 4 of the Police Act, 1919; and, if so, will he give particulars of the bodies so protesting and state how he proposes to deal with them?

The Police Act, 1919, does not vest the control of the county and borough police forces in the Secretary of State. It extends, and applies to borough forces, the power of making general Regulations which the Secretary of State has always had under the County Police Act, 1839, and thus enables him after consultation with the police authorities to introduce some degree of uniformity in the conditions of service of the police in the various forces. Such action has long been recognised as desirable by the police authorities themselves, and on more than one occasion they have urged its adoption on the Home Office. Objections have been raised by some of the borough police authorities to certain provisions dealing with discipline in the Regulations made last August. These objections appear to have been due to misapprehension of the effect of the Regulations. The matter has been fully discussed with a deputation from the police authorities concerned, and I think that the difficulties have now been removed.

asked the Home Secretary when the second Report of the Desborough Committee can be published, and whether an opportunity will be given for its discussion in the House?

The second part of the Committee's Report was published in February last. Many of their recommendations can only be dealt with by legislation, and there will be an opportunity for hon. Members to discuss them when legislation is introduced.

asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to pass the Women, Young Persons, and Children (Employment) Bill through its remaining stages and in what form?

The Government hope to pass this Bill during the present Session, but until I have received the Report of the Committee which is considering the two-shift system I cannot say in what form the Government will ask the House to pass it.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed at meetings of the Working Men's Institute and Suburban Club, Burslem, strongly protesting against the suggested rearrangement of hours of closing on Sundays and requesting that the hours for supplying intoxicants remain as at present; and whether he can indicate the Government's intentions respecting the same?

I am not aware of the particular resolutions referred to, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given last Thursday by the Chancllor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Woolwich.

asked the Minister of Health what steps the Government propose taking to ensure that an adequate number of building trade operatives are employed on the work of erecting working-class houses, in view of the overwhelming proportion which is at present engaged on other types of building?

I have already referred the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister last Tuesday. In addition the Government in the Ministry of Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill at present before the House propose to strengthen the powers for prohibiting building operations which interfere with the provision of dwelling houses.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that under Section 16 (3) of the Increase of Rent and Mortgages Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1920, the purchaser of a house for his own occupation, who terminates a tenancy on 25th March, accepts rent on 24th June as mesne profit, the tenant remaining in possession, and accepts the following quarter's rent, is thereby prejudicing his right to possession, and that the limitation of three months in respect of the acceptance of mesne profits has this effect, he will consider whether the Act should be amended in this behalf?

I cannot at present undertake to introduce legislation for amending the Increase of Rent Act. Should further legislation become necessary, my hon. Friend's point will be considered.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that during the course of each week his Department issues a large quantity of printed and typewritten matter relating to the progress of housing operations all over the country; what is the number of separate postal packets of these documents weekly and what is the approximate cost of printing, paper, and the labour of despatch; and will he consider, having regard to the heavy burdens upon the taxpayer, whether this expenditure could be either wholly dispensed with or very considerably reduced?

Owing to the great interest taken by hon. Members, and especially the Members of the Housing Group, every effort has been made to give them full details of the progress of housing. As, however, the initial difficulties have been overcome steps have been taken during the last two months to curtail distribution of information, and I propose to reduce it still further. I cannot readily give the detailed figures for which the hon. Member asks. I shall, of course, be happy to supply any Member with information on particular points if he so wishes.

asked the Minister of Health if he will furnish a list of the local authorities, including boards of guardians, who have refused to adopt for their officers the Civil Service scale of bonus which came into operation as from 1st March, 1920, and has been recommended by him for adoption by local authorities, including boards of guardians; and what steps he is taking to secure its adoption by all such bodies?

I am afraid that I do not possess the information necessary for the preparation of the suggested list. I have issued circulars to all the local authorities, including boards of guardians, drawing their special attention to the Civil Service scale of War bonus, and sanctioning its adoption in every case where such sanction is required. Further, in cases of dispute I have pressed the local authorities to submit the question to arbitration.

asked the Minister of Health what is the cost per patient repaid to boards of guardians for lunatic patients in county asylums; whether, owing to the increased cost in such asylums for lunatic patients, there is a growing tendency to retain these mental cases in workhouses; and whether he will consider that an increase in the grants repaid to boards of guardians should be given to secure the removal of mental patients to suitable hospitals where more highly skilled treatment can be obtained?

The grant payable to a board of guardians in respect of a lunatic in a county asylum is 4s. weekly. I have been unable to find any evidence of the tendency suggested, and I do not think that an increase of the grant is called for on this ground.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the greatly increased cost of maintenance of pauper lunatics, he is prepared to introduce legislation amending the Act of 1888 so as to provide repayment to boards of guardians of a contribution proportionate to the present high cost of maintenance, and also towards the large increase of salaries and bonuses of the officials of Poor Law unions?

As I have repeatedly stated, in view of the contemplated legislation for the reform of the Poor Law it would not be practicable to deal with these particular points at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Sergeant S. M'Bright, Bucks battalion, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, Territorial Force; whether he is aware that this warrant officer has been in the battalion orderly room for over 13 years, with the rank of sergeant since 1911, was promoted colour-sergeant (orderly room sergeant) on mobilisation, and proceeded overseas with the battalion on the 30th March, 1915, returning home on 3rd May, 1919, during the whole of which time he was at general headquarters, 3rd echelon, being promoted quartermaster-sergeant, warrant officer class 11, on 5th August, 1917; whether he is aware that Sergeant M'Bright, in answer to his commanding officer's appeal, joined up again this year and in part 2, orders, No. 17, dated 3rd August, 1920, was promoted quartermaster-sergeant, warrant officer, class 11, dated 29th June, 1920, under articles 886–888 of the Royal Warrant, whereupon this promotion was cancelled by the officer-in-charge, records, Warwick; and that, if Sergeant M'Bright had been serving in the Regular Army, he would not only have retained his rank, but with his present service would have been entitled to an extra 6d. per day from 5th August, 1920; and if he will see that this is at once corrected and that Sergeant M'Bright is no longer penalised for being a Territorial?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advisability of granting the discharge of Lance-Corporal J. Derbyshire,

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement as to the arrangements come to between himself and the French Ministry of War during his recent visit to Paris?

No, Sir. There is no statement to make.

This case had already been brought to notice, and instructions have been issued for Lance-Corporal Derbyshire to be discharged from the Army on extreme compassionate grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War what has been the total number of casualties in Mesopotamia from the armistice with Turkey to the present time?

The information is as follows:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can say when the distribution of medals to the mercantile marine will take place?

I have been asked to reply. It is expected that the distribution of medals to the mercantile marine will take place early next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what medal or medals are awarded to mechanics who joined the Royal Air Force before the Armistice and who volunteered for special service at Archangel?

Airmen who served at Archangel after the 11th November, 1918, are entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the Ministry of Agriculture or any other Department contributed out of public funds towards the formation expenses of the Minesweepers' Co-operative Trawling Society by printing and circulating prospectuses to prospective shareholders; were the prospectuses and forms of application for membership printed by His Majesty's printers; if not, by whom; what Department will defray the printing expenses; and whether these sums are to be a subsidy from public funds to the society in question?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Treasury approved of an advance from public funds for certain expenditure for the formation of the Minesweepers' Co-operative Trawling Society, and stipulated that the printing should be done by the Stationery Office, on the understanding that these expenses will be recovered from the Trawling Society. No subsidy has been granted from public funds to the society.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his Department in August, 1920, circulated an abridged prospectus of the Minesweepers' Co-operative Society to private persons; how many circulars were thus issued; what was the cost of printing the prospectus and what was the cost to the public; will this cost be recovered from the society, and how; and by whose orders were the circulars sent out?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The prospectus of the Minesweepers' Co-operative Trawling Society was issued by the society through the Stationery Office, whose services were utilised in the manner explained in reply to the previous question on this subject, No. 9. A certain number of copies were supplied to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for distribution through local officers to fisher-men who inquired about the scheme. The cost of printing will be recovered from the society. All further particulars in regard to this prospectus should be obtained from the secretary of the society at its registered offices, 110, Leman Street, E.1.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (1) how much money has been guaranteed or subscribed to the Minesweepers' Cooperative Trawling Society by the Wholesale Co-operative Society or any other society; how much has been subscribed by ex-Service men; will the scheme now be able to go forward in its entirety;(2) whether a clause was put in the prospectus of the Minesweepers' Cooperative Trawling Society that anyone who might ultimately enter: the fishing industry might take up shares in the society; whether a pamphlet was circulated at Milford Haven offering shares to any trade unionist; whether the society was formed in order to help ex-service men who were engaged in minesweeping during the War; and, if so, why it is that the society has opened its membership to all and sundry?

The Admiralty has been asked to reply to these questions. It has been ascertained from the Minesweepers' Society that the Co-operative Wholesale Society has neither quaranteed nor subscribed any money for shares in the Minesweepers' Society. The society is at present engaged in enrolling members and is going forward with the scheme in its entirety. Application for information as to the affairs of the society should be addressed to the society's secretary at the registered offices, 110, Leman Street, E.1. The society has supplied the following information:—The society is being formed in the interests of ex-service fishermen who were engaged in minesweeping. It has been found necessary in framing the rules to provide that all persons employed in the society's work shall be eligible for membership. This would include shore hands and others. It is also necessary under the Act of Parliament under which the society is registered that the rules should provide means for the continuity of the society being maintained by enrolment of future members.

asked the Palliarmentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any Admiralty clerk or other person in the service or employment of the Admiralty recently visited Milford Haven and spent some time in the town canvassing for shares in the Minesweepers' Co-operative Trawling Society; by whom were the expenses of this visit paid; and whether it is the practice of the Admiralty to employ Civil servants in missions of this nature?

Admiralty representatives recently visited Milford Haven to explain the formation of the Minesweepers' Trawling Society, in accordance with the scheme approved by the Government and announced by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty in the House of Commons on 27th October, 1919. The work of enrolling members in the society was not done by Admiralty representatives, but by the local agent of the society appointed for the purpose. It is the intention of the Admiralty to carry out the declared policy of the Government in assisting in the formation of this Trawling Society, in order to reinstate ex-service fishermen with a stake in their own industry. As regards expenses incurred in the promotion of the society, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 20th inst. to a similar question put by the Member for Buckingham.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the value of paper money issued monthly by the Treasury from 1st June, 1919, to 1st June, 1920?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement containing the figures in answer to this question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps, if any, have been taken to recover the moneys paid to manufacturers of tobacco in anticipation of loss of trade, seeing that no loss of trade occurred owing to the imposition of 2d. per ounce on tobacco as a measure of war taxation; and whether there was actually an increase in tobacco?

I do not understand the hon. Member's question. So far as I am aware, no money has been paid by the Exchequer to manufacturers of tobacco in anticipation of any loss in trade. There can, therefore, be no question of recovering it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of suspending the operation or further operation of Acts passed during and after the War which necessitate large expenditure, in view of the heavy burden of rates and taxes already resting upon the British citizen?

As I have already said, in answer to previous questions, the Government are not prepared to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the post office at Thorpeness, near Leiston, Suffolk, was closed on Monday, 11th October, to the great inconvenience of the inhabitants; whether this was done by order of the manager of the stores known as Thorpeness, Limited; and what steps he will take to prevent the recurrence of such inconvenience?

The Thorpeness Post Office was irregularly closed by the Sub-postmaster for about two or three hours on the afternoon of the 11th October. Suitable notice is being taken of the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why, under enactments repealed in the Schedule to the Finance Act, 1920, the words in Section 4, Sub-section (3) (b) of the Finance Act, 1910, with a stamp denoting that all particulars have been delivered to the Commissioners, were not repealed; what is the object of the retention of these words; and will instructions be given to the officials that they need not insist upon particulars being delivered to the Commissioners now that increment value duty has been abolished?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the hon. Member for Thornbury (Mr. Rendall) on the 3rd of May last. I am causing a copy of that reply to be sent to him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Regulations under Section 3 of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, have been made; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay?

An Order under Section 3 has already been made applying the provisions of the Act to police pensioners, pensioners of the London County Council, and certain other pensioners of local authorities, and Regulations have been made under Section 4 applicable to the above pensioners and also to those to whom Section 1 applies.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a national agreement has been reached between the National Vehicle Builders' Association and the trade unions concerned covering 25,000 of the employés; whether he has been in communication with both parties to the present London and Glasgow dispute in the vehicle building industry with a view to the matter being referred to arbitration; whether the National Union of Vehicle Builders have agreed to such a reference; if a reply has been received from the National Federation of Vehicle Trades; and what further action he proposes to take with the Employers' Federation in view of the production of commercial vehicles necessary for the welfare of the community being held up in consequence of a small section of the employers in these cities refusing to conform to the agreement?