asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that on 8th September the Surveyor of the Southgate Urban District Council placed an order with the Director of Building Materials Supply for 250,000 Fletton bricks; whether the order was neither executed nor acknowledged; whether on 4th October the Surveyor called on the Department and was told that no bricks would be forthcoming from the Department; and whether he can take steps to prevent the waste of valuable time such as has been caused in this instance by the Department failing to notify the Surveyor that the order could not be executed?

I regret the delay in notifying the local authority that the class of brick demanded could not immediately be supplied. A supply has been obtained for Southgate. Arrangements are now in force which will ensure that local authorities are notified promptly where it appears likely that difficulties will arise in supplying a particular article.

asked the Minister of Health the number of completed houses and those for which the foundations have been laid within the Metropolitan police area since the appointment of the Director-General of Housing; and if he will give the total cost of the new Housing Department since its creation?

2,500 houses including 410 by conversion into flats have been completed in the Metropolitan police area, in some cases with the exception of painting. Local authorities had in hand a further 6,936 houses in various stages of construction at the date of the last return; and an additional 3,586 houses are being provided under the grant to private builders, making 10,522 in all. But I have not detailed information as to progress of erection in respect of the subsidy houses. The cost to date of the new Housing Department for England and Wales is approximately £236,000.

asked the Minister of Health what is the actual date for the new increase of rent to come into operation under the 1920 Act?

An increase of rent permissible under the Act dates from the expiration of a valid notice given by the landlord. At least four weeks' notice must be given, except in the case of an increase on account of an increase in rates, in which case only one week's notice is necessary.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has approved a housing scheme for the parish of Moreton, Staffordshire, submitted by the rural district council of Gnosall, which would involve the dispossession of a smallholder and the only blacksmith in the village; whether the owner of the land, who is himself a smallholder, has offered an alternative site which would avoid any evictions; whether he is satisfied that new houses are required in Moreton and that the alternative site offered is equally suitable: whether the rural district council have already given notice for compulsory acquisition; whether the appeal of the owner and the two threatened present occupiers against this notice has been received; and whether, in view of the local feeling aroused by this case, he will authorise an independent inquiry before allowing the compulsory acquisition of an unsuitable site to proceed?

A scheme has been approved for the erection of 12 houses on land in the parish referred to. The site is part of land owned by a smallholder, and a blacksmith's shed was recently erected on the ground. Approval was given to this site so long ago as November, 1919, and I understand that terms of purchase were provisionally agreed between the local authority and the owner last January. Considerable delay has been caused by the desire of the owner to import conditions into the contract, but it was not till 30th September that he intimated any unwillingness to sell. An Order for the compulsory purchase of the site has been submitted to me by the local authority, since the making of which the owner has offered an alternative site, which had previously been considered and rejected as unsuitable. In view of the fact that the points at issue between the council and the owner were so small, plans for the lay-out of the site and for the houses have been prepared by the Council and approved, and a tender for the erection of the houses has been approved and accepted. I do not think that the erection of these houses should be further delayed, and I propose to confirm the compulsory Order forthwith.

asked the Minister of Health if he is yet in a position to add to the statements already made respecting the attitude and future policy of the Ministry towards the voluntary hospitals?

I have nothing to add at this stage to my previous statements, but there will be an opportunity of discussing this question on the Ministry of Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to announce the intentions of the Government with regard to the superannuation of local government officers; and if there is any likelihood of a Superannuation Bill being introduced at an early date?

A Bill is in course of preparation, but my hon. Friend will realise that I cannot hold out any expectation of the measure being passed this year.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the hardship of many aged discharged municipal employés; and whether it is his intention to draft legislation to provide superannuation for all municipal workers, irrespective of occupation?

A Bill is being prepared to make provision for the superannuation of employés of local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to state when a Bill to give effect to the Washington draft convention, concerning the employment of women before and after childbirth, will be introduced; and whether he is aware that action on these lines has already been taken by the respective Governments of Belgium, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, South Africa, and Venezuela?

This question is at present engaging the attention of the Government, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. I am not aware what action is being taken by foreign governments in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a person who has contributed towards health and unemployment insurance from the inauguration of the Act is entitled to a grant on emigration from this country?

Under the National Health Insurance Acts, if an insured person emigrates and becomes insured against sickness as a member of a society, in a British Possession or a foreign country, of a kind similar to an Approved Society, his transfer value in respect of his insurance in this country may, under certain conditions, be paid to that society. If he does not become so insured no grant is payable in respect of his health insurance in this country except in the case of a deposit contributor, who is entitled to receive one-half of the sum standing to his individual credit in the Deposit Contributors' Fund. As regards Unemployment Insurance, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that an insured workman on emigration cannot obtain any refund of his contributions to the Unemployment Fund, out of which, when he was resident in this country, unemployment benefit would be paid to him. A refund of contributions from this fund is only permitted in the case of a contributor who has reached the age of 60, and had made a certain minimum number of contributions

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the appointment of a town clerk, a local authority is compelled by law or regulation to advertise the vacancy, or can he state the usual practice?

There is no general legal requirement to advertise, but particular local authorities may have standing orders bearing on the matter. Public advertisement is probably the usual practice, and is one which my Department have recommended, particularly in the interests of ex-service men.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Madras has now inquired into the allegations against the management of the Government secondary training school for girls at Triplicane, in the Presidency; and if he will indicate what action is being taken as a result?

I have no information on the subject. If the hon. Member will be good enough to supply me with the material on which he bases his question, inquiry will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the recommendations contained in Part I. of the Committee appointed to inquire into the administration and organisation of the Army in India are calculated, if carried into effect, to endanger the constitutional supremacy of the civil power and to transfer the control of the Army in India from the Government of India to the War Office, which the India Office communiqué of 3rd October last declares is not the intention of His Majesty's Government, he will give an undertaking that none of the recommendations of this Committee are carried into effect, or in any way acted upon, until they have been discussed and approved both by Parliament and the Indian Legislative Assembly?

I would refer to the replies given to the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) and by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Swan) last Thursday. Until the Report as a whole has been considered by the Secretary of State in Council and by His Majesty's Government, my right hon. Friend is not in a position to make any announcement. But, as was stated on Thursday, many of the recommendations made in the later parts of the Report, other than Parts I. and II., concern natters of detail which are within the competence of the Government of India, and he does not propose to delay dealing with them pending consideration of the important but controversial question to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action has been taken by the Government of India in regard to the officers who were found to have been guilty of excesses during the administration of martial law in the Punjab in 1919. in accordance with the terms of the right hon. Gentleman's despatch to the Governor-General in Council, dated 26th May last, leaving to the Governor-General in Council the task of marking by censure, or other action which seemed to be necessary, the disapproval of His Majesty's Government of conduct which flouted standards of propriety and humanity; and in each case the name of the officer concerned, and the action taken in regard to him by the Government of India?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT an extract from a report of the proceedings in the Indian Imperial Legislative Council on 16th September, which supplies in detail the information asked for by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for India to what extent Indian, Burmese, and other labour is being brought into Mesopotamia; what are the conditions of entry for such labour; and are the wives and children of the labourers being admitted?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to give the particulars asked for in the question, but he is making inquiries and will inform the hon. and gallant Member. At present, such Indian labour as has been introduced has been organised in the form of labour corps by the military authorities for temporary purposes. The question of policy involved in the employment of Indian labour remains for consideration when the Arab State has been created.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of British and Indian troops, respectively, at present employed in or under orders for Mesopotamia?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply yesterday to the hon. Member for Wigan (Mr. Allen Parkinson.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will return the numbers of British officer rank and file now serving in Mesopotamia, together with the cost of the operations and administration for the six months ending 30th September?

The numbers of British troops, all ranks, at present serving in Mesopotamia (including North-west Persia) are 17,500. These numbers are not, however, additional to the ordinary strength of the British Army. The cost of the whole garrison, British and Indian, for the six months ended 30th September last is estimated at, approximately, £13,000,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total British and foreign personnel employed at the British military headquarters at Smyrna; what are their present functions; and what is the annual cost of this headquarters?

The personnel of the British military headquarters at Smyrna was withdrawn on 15th October. It was maintained for liaison work with the Greek forces during their operations against the Turks in Asia Minor.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether all employés over sixty and under sixty-five years of age employed at Woolwich Arsenal are to be discharged; if so, whether he will explain the reason for this decision; and whether, in view of the hardship which will be caused to men who have expected to remain in the service until the retiring age of sixty-five years, this decision will be reconsidered?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to my reply to a question on the same subject put by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills) on the 26th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War what, if any, amending Regulations affecting the Territorial Force, issued by the War Office since 1st February, 1920, have been laid before the House in accordance with the statutory requirements of Sections 7 (7) and 37 (1 and 2) of the Territorial Forces Act, 1907, 7 Edward VII., cap. 9?

All schemes made by the Army Council for the establishment and constitution of Territorial Force County Associations have been laid before Parliament in accordance with Sections (1) and (37) of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907. Amendments to the Regulations for the Territorial Force will be laid upon the Table of both Houses, in pursuance of the provisions of Section 7 of the Act, at an early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval schoolmasters will be carried in H.M.S. "Malaya" on her forthcoming commission?

No naval schoolmasters will be carried in H.M.S. "Malaya" on her forthcoming commission, but it is proposed to appoint an Instructor Officer who, in addition to instructing midshipmen, will supervise the general educational work of the ship.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of civilians employed in the Admiralty outport establishments at home for the latest pre-War date and the latest available date in 1920?

The figures asked for are as follow:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will reconsider the discharges of workmen in the Royal Dockyard, Woolwich, who, although usually retained until the age of 65, are now being discharged upon reaching the age of 60, and thus save these men from flooding the unemployed market at a time when there is no hope of employment for old men?

It is a standing Admiralty instruction that all employés are normally to be discharged at the age of 60, but retention year by year up to the age of 65 is provided for in special cases. No discharges are at present actually being made under this Regulation in Admiralty Departments at Woolwich; the next case will occur in January next. It is held that the Regulation in question is desirable, having regard to the fact that employment can be given only to a limited number of men.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists in the Navy owing to the fact that the flat rate increase of pay asked for by the men was not approved; that not only is the cost of living continuing to rise, but the men have been deprived of such privileges as railway passes and annual travelling facilities for their wives and families; and whether any steps are being taken by the Admiralty to increase the pay of the men on the lower deck cither by a bonus or other means, irrespective of rank or rate, to meet the increase in the cost of living which falls on all ratings equally?

The suggestion contained in the first part of the question is not borne out by any information in possession of the Admiralty. As regards the second part of the question, I am aware that the conditions are as stated, but I would point out that in the main the privileges referred to were granted as a war measure, and these have consequently ceased under peace conditions. The question of the adequacy of the emoluments of the men of the Royal Navy is one that the Board of Admiralty will not fail to keep in view.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed that the Welfare Committee should be called together again; whether he is aware that there is considerable disasatisfaction on the lower deck due to the fact that the two societies, namely, the Royal Naval Mechanicians', Chief Stokers', Stoker Petty Officers', Leading Stokers', and Stokers' Benefit Association and the Seamen's, Signalmen's, and Telegraphists' Benefit Society, representing 70 to 80 per cent. of the lower deck, have not the same voting power as each of the remaining 17 societies, whose membership only represents about 20 per cent. of the Navy; and whether he will consider the alternative of dissolving the present Welfare Committee and re-electing the same on a proportionate basis, the committee to be called into being to consider the various outstanding matters immediately after election?

It has been decided that no steps shall be taken to assemble another Welfare Conference this autumn as there is no indication of any Service need for this to be done. The action to be taken next year will be decided by the Admiralty in due course with reference to what may appear to be the wishes and the best interests of the Service. As regards the section part of the question, it is necessary, in order that requests affecting each branch of the Service may receive equal consideration, that the conference of interport representatives, and also the advisory ratings attached to the Welfare Committee itself, should be representative of branches, not numbers. The numbers included in each branch are, of course, known to the Admiralty, and all requests put before the Welfare Committee on behalf of any branch are considered both there and by the Admiralty, whether the representatives of other branches support them or not. The reference in the hon. Member's question to benefit societies is due to a misapprehension. It would be taking these benevolent associations outside their proper sphere to introduce them into this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Pte. W. G. E. Tomlins, No. 16,777, Royal Army Service Corps, enlisted as a single man, despite the fact that he has a wife and children; whether the separation allowance necessary for the support of Mrs. Tomlins has been refused, thereby compelling her to apply for Poor Law relief; and if he will inquire into the matter?

Marriage allowance is issuable only when the soldier's family is either living with him or is separated by the exigencies of the Service. This man left his family before enlistment, and marriage allowance is not issuable. He has, however, been placed under stoppages for the support of his family at the maximum rate permissible under the Army Act, viz., 1s. 6d. a day.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have under consideration the question of providing pensions for widows and orphans of men of the Royal Navy?

I cannot do better than quote the reply given by the Admiralty to a request put forward through the Welfare Committee on this subject:—"The Board cannot but feel that this is a natural aspiration on the part of the men of the Navy, but the question cannot be dealt with as one affecting the Navy only, and, apart from all other considerations, financial reasons prevent its being proceeded with."

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the hardship arising from the reduction by Regional Boards and directors of the percentage of disability after the actual payment of higher percentage rates authorised by Local Pension Committees and the consequent repayments demanded from disabled ex-service men; and whether he will issue an order that rates of payment authorised by Local Pensions Committees stand until reviewed by higher authority, and if reduced by the latter the reduced rate is only to become operative from the date of the higher authority's decision?

The arrangement by which medical referees are in certain limited classes of cases allowed to assess disability provisionally in advance of medical examination by a full Medical Board was made in the interests of the men to meet exceptional eases of emergency where hardship might have been caused if the man had had to wait for a board. The main function of medical referees is, however, not assessment for pension purposes, but the determination of the need of medical treatment, and it is fully understood by all concerned that any advance given provisionally by a local committee on a referee's finding is liable to adjustment on examination by a properly constituted board. My right hon. Friend regrets therefore that he is unable to adopt the suggestion made in the latter part of the question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the provisional pension payable under Article 9 (Royal Warrant) to J. Parker, 9, Waterloo Grove, Manchester (Z 8,678/B.D.M. 1,851), was discontinued last August pending a decision by the Regional Director, and that this ex-soldier is now unable to work owing to dysentery; and whether he will expedite the decision in question?

I regret that in the short time available it has not been possible to ascertain the full facts of this case, but I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men have been trained for the boot and shoe industry; the number of such now unemployed; and how many are now in course of training?

The number of disabled ex-service men trained for the boot and shoe trade is approximately 2,800. It is not possible to say how many of these are now unemployed. The number under training at the moment is 1,732. These figures relate almost entirely to the hand-sewn trade, as the number of men trained in the machine trade is negligble.

asked the Minister of Labour how many employers of labour have not yet taken back the men whom they employed prior to enlistment; and, if such is not available, will he institute an immediate inquiry?

It is not possible to state how many employers of labour have not yet taken back the men whom they employed prior to enlistment. As my hon. Friend, however, will be aware, I appointed in March last a Committee to consider the best means of facilitating the re-employment of ex-service men, and to make recommendations with regard thereto.This Committee has made an interim report which was presented to the House on 12th August last, in which they stated that they were satisfied that employers generally have fulfilled their obligations with regard to the re-instatement of ex-service men formerly in their employment. This will be obvious from the fact that 5,000,000 ex-service men and over 200,000 ex-officers have already been absorbed into employment. It was further stated, however, that this was not universally the case, but action has already been taken, on the recommendations of this Committee, to secure that everything that is possible to effect the re-instatement of ex-service men is done. As the Report of the Committee followed an exhaustive inquiry by them into the position, I should doubt whether further general inquiry is necessary, but individual oases of difficulty will certainly continue to receive the special attention of the Local Employment Committees and of my Department generally.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of any employers refusing to adopt the Government's scheme for augmenting the wages of apprentices returned from the Army; whether he is aware that in Aberdeen a number of employers in the engineering industry have refused to pay the wages necessary to entitle apprentices to the Government grant; and whether any action can be taken to bring these apprentices within the scheme?

I am aware that a limited number of firms have not adopted the Government scheme for assisting ex-service apprentices. In Aberdeen, with the exception of five firms, all the engineering establishments have adopted the scheme. The scheme is a voluntary one, and I have no power to compel acceptance. I should, however, state that every effort has been made by the Labour Ministry to overcome the opposition of these five employers, but unfortunately so far without result.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Sergeant G. Roy was awarded some time ago a civil liability grant under No. X.D. 32544/3, D.S.E./41, and that it was stated on the 10th September that a provisional grant of £40 had already been made and the balance would be paid as soon as premises had been taken; that the Ministry was informed on the 1st October that Sergeant Roy had as yet received no money, and that to this letter no reply has been received beyond an acknowledgment; and whether he will take steps to expedite a settlement of this non-commissioned officer's claim without further delay?

I find that a provisional grant of £40 was made to Sergeant G. Roy at the end of August last, and that the Glasgow War Pensions Committee was informed of this on 3rd September. The grant was made conditionally on Sergeant Roy producing evidence that he had obtained the requisite business premises, but I understand that this evidence has not yet been furnished.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether 25,000 officers of the Army and Navy are now being educated at Oxford, Cambridge, and other universities and colleges at the expense of the taxpayer; of the total cost of this; and when expenditure upon it will end?

The number of ex-service officers and men who are now in receipt of grants under the scheme, administered by the Board of Education, for the higher education of ex-service students, and are now in attendance at universities and colleges, is 19,814. The total number of applications approved is 27,311, but 864 awards were not taken up; 2,488 awards have been cancelled or relinquished before completion of the course; and 4,013 have expired on completion of the course. If all the courses for which awards have been made were completed, the total estimated cost would be £8,500,000. I anticipate that all the awards will have expired before the end of the financial year 1925–1926.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a Commission has been despatched to Bulgaria for the purpose of destroying aeroplanes; if so, what is the constitution and cost of the Commission; what is the number of aeroplanes to be destroyed; and whether this task could have been undertaken by other British personnel already in the neighbourhood?

The British Section of the Inter-Allied Aeronautical Commission of Control for Bulgaria left this country on the 14th August last to supervise compliance with the air clauses of the Peace Treaty with Bulgaria. The British Section consists of three officers and six other ranks. The cost of the Commission will be borne by Bulgaria. The number of aeroplanes and seaplanes to be destroyed is 57. No other British personnel was available in the neighbourhood for this duty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on or about what date the procedure and payments as to indemnities due to the Allies from Germany will be fixed?

No statement can be made on this subject at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement regarding the internal situation in Palestine and trans-Jordania, respectively; whether the High Commissioner of Palestine eon-templates the floating of a Government loan for Palestine for expenditure upon railways and other public works; if so, whether such loan will receive any guarantee from the British Treasury similar to that accorded to the Soudan last year; whether an immigration ordinance has been promulgated by the High Commissioner of Palestine; and whether any further steps have yet been taken in Palestine to develop the local resources of the country?

All our recent reports from Palestine show that the good reception accorded to Sir H. Samuel on his arrival in Palestine at the end of June has been followed by a period of tranquillity and freedom from internal disturbances or external raids. The relations between the different sections of the population seemed to have much improved and the people to have been settling down, while awaiting the developments promised by Sir H. Samuel in his inaugural address. The censorship has been abolished. The administrative establishment is being gradually completed. The districts have boon reorganised with a resultant economy of the British staff employed there and a larger employment of Palestinian officers and an Advisory Council has been created composed of ten officials, four Moslems, three Christians and three Jews.The Administration are considering the preparation of a scheme of educational development, and Sir H. Samuel has also appointed commissions of inquiry presided over by an officer of the administration and representative of the various elements of the population, to deal with:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information concerning the shipment of arms and munitions to Mustapha Kemal from European sources; and whether the Government propose to take any steps to carry out the provisions of Article 8 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, wherein it is laid down that the Council of the League shall advise how the evil effects of the manufacture and sale by private enterprise of munitions and implements of war can be prevented?

The Turkish Nationalists are believed to receive from Bolsheviks supplies of arms and ammunition imported through Trebizond and other Turkish ports on the Black Sea, and measures for controlling this traffic are under consideration. As I stated in this House on the 29th July, a report that Mustapha Kemal had received similar supplies from Italy was brought unofficially to the attention of the Italian authorities. Article 8 of the Covenant of the League of Nations provides for advice by the Council of the League and not for any initiative by His Majesty's Government, who have hitherto not been approached by the League on this point.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of a large number of infant children being knocked down by cars of various kinds on our streets, for instance at Gateshead; and if he will see that this matter is inquired into with a view to getting better roads and seeing that the speed of cars is lessened in order to protect children from injury and death?

I am not aware of any increase in the number of such accidents either generally or in the district mentioned, but I shall be glad of any information proving such an increase which my hon. Friend can supply me with. The prevention of accidents does not depend so much upon regulations as upon individual care on both sides. I am, however, specially inquiring into the Gateshead record.

asked the Minister of Transport what balance accrued on the working of railways under Government control during the three months ending 30th September?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 19th October to the hon. Member for Stratford Division (Mr. Lyle). The figures for the three months ending 30th September are not yet available, and in the circumstances the hon. Member will perhaps repeat his question in 10 days' time, when I hope to be able to furnish him with a definite reply.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that workmen on the afternoon and night shifts do not get the advantage of workmen's tickets, which are issued on Mondays for the early morning trains, he will order tickets to be issued at workmen's rates irrespective of what time the shift commences?

The arrangements referred to are based on the recommendations of the Rates Advisory Committee under the title of cheap early trains, and the general extension to all hours of the day is impracticable, though there are some special cases in which previously existing arrangements have not yet been terminated.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fatal accident at the Wimbledon District Railway station on the 14th instant through an electric train mounting the buffers on to the platform; whether there was a similar accident some years ago; whether the jury at the recent inquest found that, in their opinion, the buffers used in the station were unsuitable and should be replaced by buffers of an up-to-date design to suit electric trains; and what course he proposes to adopt?

An inquiry into the recent accident referred to has already been held by an inspecting officer of railways, and in his report he will make such recommendations as the circumstances may seem to call for, and these will receive every attention.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the speed of trains when passing the Blacknest level crossing on the Bentley-Bordon light railway was limited by the Board of Trade in 1914 to five miles an hour, and that in consequence of this speed being greatly exceeded complaints have been made to the Hampshire county council, by whose direction trains were recently timed when passing this dangerous crossing; that out of 39 trains so timed only three passed at a speed under 10 miler per hour, and none at five miles or under; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that the Board of Trade Regulation should be strictly complied with, or that some other precautions be taken to ensure the safety of those using this crossing?

The instances of excessive speed at this crossing mentioned by the hon. Gentleman were brought to notice by the County Council some months ago, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport was afterwards assured by the London and South-Western Railway Company that steps were being taken to ensure that in future the speed regulations should be strictly observed. The County Council were informed accordingly on the 14th April last, and no further complaint of breaches of the regulations has been received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what staff is occupied in the stores which are run by the Ministry?

The staff of the stores depôts on the 1st October numbered 7,997, comprising 1,117 administrative and clerical staff and 6,880 industrial workers. These figures show a total reduction of 2,064 as compared with the corresponding figures for the 1st July last, when the staff numbered 10,061, including 1,454 administrative and clerical staff and 8,607 industrial workers. I may add that the total staff of the factories and stores at the Armistice numbered 428,993.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what are the salaries paid to Sir S. Dannreuther and Mr. D. Neylan on their appointment as joint secretaries to the Ministry of Munitions in succession to Sir W. Grahame Greene; whether these officials were permanent Civil Servants prior to the War; if they will be retired when the Ministry is wound up; and what are the reasons which make it necessary to have two secretaries for a Department which it has been stated will shortly be closed down?

The salaries to be paid to these two gentlemen have not yet been finally settled with the Treasury. Prior to the War they were permanent Civil Servants when the Ministry of Munitions is wound up. These gentlemen will continue to perform their present functions of Accounting Officer and Finance Member of the Disposal Board respectively in addition to their duties as Joint Secretaries. This arrangement has been made in the interests of economy, the two officials carrying out between them the work formerly carried out by three.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping when it is proposed to wind up the Ministry?

I beg to refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Poplar (Sir A. Yeo) on the 19th instant.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as the Ministry of Shipping is presumably shortly vacating its premises over the lake in St. James's Park, he will utilise the opportunity to pull down the structures it occupies, and thus begin to restore the amenities of this resort?

The Ministry of Shipping is not likely to vacate its premises in St. James's Park for some considerable time. Large reductions are taking place in the staff of the Ministry, but the space thus vacated is being utilised in order to release requisitioned business premises and the huts on the Horse Guards Parade, which will be demolished early next year.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number and annual cost in salaries of the regional headquarters in Leeds; what reduction in the London staff has been possible, in view of and since the delegation of work to Leeds; and whether he is aware of the considerable dissatisfaction which is felt in the West Hiding of Yorkshire over the working of the regional system?

The total number of staff employed at the regional headquarters in Leeds is 575, and the total annual cost £120,198. A considerable reduction of staff has been effected at the Ministry headquarters in consequence of decentralisation, but it is, for obvious reasons, not possible to make any precise estimate of the proportion of this reduction which is appropriate to the Yorkshire region as distinct from all other regions. My right hon. Friend is aware that the working of the regional system has met with adverse criticism from local bodies in some parts of the West Riding, though their attitude is-far from having received general support. My right hon. Friend intends, however, to investigate personally the causes of such dissatisfaction as exist.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any applications for passports have been received from people who desire to give evidence before the representative commission of American men and women who have been entrusted with the task of fixing responsibility for the present state of disorder in Ireland?

No obstacle has been placed by the Irish Government in the way of the issue of passports to persons desiring to proceed to America for the purpose of giving evidence before the body referred to. Two such applications have been received.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland "whether he has any information as to the identity of the persons who flogged a party of men at Varden's public-house, Cumner, county Galway, on the 17th instant; whether there is any reason to believe that they belonged to the Royal Irish Constabulary auxiliary corps of ex-officers; and what steps the Government proposes to take?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a private notice question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. T. P. O'Connor) yesterday.

asked the Minister of Food if sugar is now being sold in America at 6d. per lb. in the ordinary avenues of retail trade, and no restrictions as to quantity are in operation; why prices remain at such a high level with restricted supplies in this country; and whether he can hold out any hope that in the immediate future more abundant supplies at a reasonable price are likely to be available?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The latest advices from New York are to the effect that the refiners' selling prices are 12 cents per pound, which at the present rate of exchange is equivalent to 8¼d. per lb. To this costs of transport, duty and distribution would have to be added to arrive at a figure comparable with retail prices ruling there. As regards the remaining parts of the question, it has been repeatedly announced that the price of sugar in this country is fixed every four weeks at a level corresponding with the prices ruling in the world's markets, and there is no intention at present of abandoning this principle. The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that, apart from the present emergency measures, there is any longer a severe restriction of consumption in this country. For some weeks prior to the present emergency the sale of all coloured sugars was free from any quantitative restriction, and it is intended to revert to this arrangement so soon as the emergency is over.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps, if any, are now being taken to discover new sources of oil fuel and oil shales in this country; and whether the Government have yet arrived at a definite policy with regard to any oil fuels that may be discovered in this country?

In addition to 11 Government borings in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Scotland, three licences have been granted to companies or persons wishing to bore for petroleum. A company is now engaged in developing the oil shale deposits of Norfolk. With regard to the second part of the question, the matter is still under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister if grants and allowances have been made by Government Departments during the War to industrial and commercial undertakings for the purpose of meeting expenditure on alterations, additions, and repairs to buildings and other constructional work, plant, and machinery, in order to increase production; whether these grants were based on the assumption that there would be a considerable fall in prices after the War; whether, in view of the fact that such fall has not taken place, it is possible to review the grants and allowances; what is the total amount of such grants and allowances; and if he will cause a Return to be made showing the Departments making and the undertakings receiving such grants and allowances, with the amounts in each case?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no doubt that the possibility of a fall in prices, or, perhaps, more exactly, a fall in the value of the undertakings and plant when the special War demand for their products ceased, was one of the factors taken into consideration in fixing the grant or allowance. In each case the amount of the grant was settled by negotiation at the time, and it is not now possible to reopen the contractual arrangements then made. I am unable to say what was the total amount of such grants and allowances, and the compilation of the Return suggested would involve a detailed examination of an immense "number of transactions from the outbreak of War onwards, and I do not think that the result would justify the expenditure of time and labour involved.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of individuals and organisations, representative of all shades of opinion, are pressing for the adoption of the Majority Report of the Committee of Inquiry on Old Age Pensions; and if it is the intention of the Government to put the same into effect?

I must refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on the 19th December last. Effect was given by the Old Age Pensions Act then passed to such of the recommendations of the Majority Report as the Government were in a position to accept, and they are not prepared to reopen the question at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether dissatisfaction exists owing to the disqualification of old age pensioners from receiving their pensions whilst inmates of poor law institutions; and whether he will obtain powers to enable recipients of indoor and outdoor relief to be treated alike in this respect?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amounts have been paid to date in refund of the Land Value Duties recently repealed; and whether Income Tax at the rate in force for the years in which the duties were paid is deducted before the money is refunded, or whether interest is being paid by the Government for the period since the date of payment?

Up to the 16th October last, the total repaid in respect of Land Values Duties under Section 57 of the Finance Act, 1920, amounted to £228,591. Income Tax is not deducted from the sums so refunded; nor is interest paid by the Government in respect of Land Values Duties which are being repaid.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in South Africa an alcohol fuel for internal combustion engines, called natalite, was introduced during the War because of the impossibility of obtaining petrol, and that this spirit is still being used in that country and is cheaper than petrol; whether our Excise Authorities would allow the importation of this liquid fuel into this country with the same denaturant that the South African Government considers satisfactory; and, if not, will he state the kind of denaturant he considers necessary to safeguard the interests of the Revenue Authorities?

I am aware that an alcoholic mixture called Natalite has been in use in South Africa as a motor fuel, but have no information as to its price in relation to that of petrol. Natalite, irrespective of the denaturant used, may only be imported into this country subject to payment of duty, as in the case of other spirit mixtures; but plain spirits may be imported for use duty-free as a source of power, provided the differential duty has been paid, and on condition that after importation the spirits are denatured as Power Methylated Spirits, in a manner approved by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. The question of the denaturants to be prescribed for this description of Methylated Spirits is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the net assessments of death duties in Great Britain and Ireland, respectively, for the years ended 5th April, 1919 and 1920?

Owing to the suspension during the War of the compilation of Estate Duty statistics the full information desired is not available. For the nine months, 1st July, 1919, to 31st March, 1920, the total net capital value on which Estate Duty was paid was:—

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the effect of the repeal of Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, upon persons other than clergymen and ministers of religious denominations who occupy lands or houses rent free or at rents less than the net assessment in such circumstances that the annual value of such lands or houses does not fall to be regarded as part of their income; whether he is prepared to take any steps to relieve the grievances of those individuals who have become subject to Income Tax through the repeal of the said Section; and, in particular, whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to provide that any sum on which an individual is liable to be charged to Income Tax shall be deemed to be part of his income, except so far as he is entitled to recover such tax from some other person or persons?

I would refer my hon. Friend to Section 18 of the Finance Act of this year, from which he will see that in place of the exemption of incomes not exceeding £130 under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, there are now personal allowances—£225 in the case of the married couple and £135 in other cases. If my hon. Friend will give me full particulars of any case in which it is suggested that the taxpayer is prejudiced by what is in effect an increase of the exemption limit, I will look into the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the unemployment among efficient ex-service men, he will state how many Portuguese subjects in the East African Civil Service are receiving salaries which, together with all emoluments, are above £300, £400, and £500, respectively, a year?

I have not the information available, but I will ask the Governor of Kenya to supply it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a mass meeting held in Nairobi last week to consider the Mbaraki scheme for the harbour of Kilindini; and whether, with five dissentients, it was resolved to recommend the Legislative Council to reconsider the desirability of making this the official undertaking with the object of liberating the Government allocation for use on other development projects?

I have no information on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that great difficulty is being experienced by education committees in obtaining suitable sites and buildings to meet the needs of the recent Education Act; and what steps he proposes to take to expedite matters?

I am not aware that local education authorities are experiencing difficulties in obtaining sites, whether by agreement or compulsorily. I am prepared to consider any reasonable proposals for the cheaper construction of educational buildings, but otherwise I cannot provide a remedy for the general embarrassment caused by the present high cost of building.