asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether an inquiry has been held into the action of the police in attacking Mr. Stephen Kane, of Tuam, county Galway, on 20th September, 1920; and whether the police asked him to resign membership of the Transport and General Workers' Union and, after his refusal, beat him to the ground with blows from their rifle butts and kept him in the street for five hours, during which time they made frequent assaults upon him?

I have enquired carefully into the matter. Mr. Stephen Kane was arrested on the 20th September in a building which was searched by the police and in which seditious documents were found. He was brought to the police barracks, and there detained for some hours pending enquiry. He was not asked to resign membership of the Transport and General Workers' Union, and I understand has at no time had any connection with that body. The statements as to his having been kept in the street beaten to the ground with rifle butts, or frequently assaulted, are entirely untrue.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any inquiry has been held into the action of the police on 22nd September, 1920, in seizing Mr. Daniel Lehane, of Lahinch, county Clare, firing several shots over his head, and finally bayonetting him in the throat in consequence of his refusal to disclose the whereabouts of his son; and whether the police later discovered his son and murdered him, throwing his dead body into the flames of his father's house?

The troubles at Lahinch following the ambush in which six policemen were murdered by expanding bullets near Ennistymon are still under enquiry, and I cannot at present add anything to my statement in Debate in the House on the 20th instant.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the following happenings in Co. Tipperary; whether, on the morning of Tuesday, 26th October, uniformed men entered the house of Michael Ryan, of Curraghduff, and shot him dead, the body being riddled with bullets; whether at the house of John Kinane uniformed men ordered Mr. Kinane's two sons out of bed and said they were to be shot; when they were kneeling in the yard each covered by two revolvers the two brothers sprang up and escaped, one of them escaping to safety whilst the other was found in a field five hours later with two wounds; whether the house of a man named Gleeson, in the same district, was visited at about half-past three in the morning and James Gleeson inquired for, who was not present; whether an argument was going on between the father and the uniformed visitors when another son, a lad named Willie, called out from his bed, "Let them shoot me, father, instead of you," and one of the assailants said, "That is not the man," but on another one exclaiming, "He will do," the lad was dragged from his bed in his shirt, taken 200 yards from the house, and shot dead; and whether he will order a full and searching inquiry into these outrages?

My attention has been drawn to these tragic occurrences, but pending the result of the military inquiry in lieu of inquest in each case I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many of the trials which have taken place under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act have not been open to the public?

I am informed that every trial which has taken place under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act has been open to the public.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to state whether the 70 prisoners awaiting trial for political offences at the time of the passing of the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act have been brought to trial under that Act, with the exception of the eight hunger-strikers; and with what result in each case?

I do not know from what source my hon. and gallant Friend obtained the figure mentioned by him. In my speech on the Bill in this House on the 5th August I mentioned that there were 76 such prisoners awaiting trial, but on the date on which the operation of Regulations made under the Act began, namely, 20th August, there were 94. Of these, 19 were discharged without trial on a review of the evidence against them, nine are on hunger strike, and two have died. Of the remaining 64, 26 were acquitted, one was bound to the peace, three were fined, 32 were sentenced to terms of imprisonment varying from one day to two years, and two were sentenced to penal servitude.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many justices of the peace for the counties of Antrim, Down, Armagh, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh, respectively, have tendered resignation of their commissions of the peace during the six months ended 30th September, 1920; and the total of magistrates holding the commissions of the peace in each of the above-named counties?

The numbers of resignations of magistrates for the six months ended the 30th September, 1920, in the six counties covered by the hon. Member's question are as follows:—

Down	17
Fermanagh	12
Londonderry	1
Tyrone	21
Antrim	Nil
Armagh	11

The following are the total numbers of magistrates at present in commission of the peace in these counties:—

Antrim	303
Armagh	155
Down	312
Fermanagh	115
Londonderry	225
Tyrone	269

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when he proposes to give effect to the promise made by successive Chief Secretaries for Ireland to amend the pensions of the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who were retired before the schedule of amended pensions came into force?

Except in a small number of cases the pensions of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who retired subsequent to 1st April, 1919, being the date from which the new scale of police pensions takes effect, have been reassessed, and payment at the increased rates is already being made. I can assure the hon. Member that every effort is being made to complete the work as soon as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if a committee has been formed in America to inquire into and investigate the outrages committed in Ireland, and that the witnesses invited to give evidence before such Commission have been refused passports; and, if so, will he explain the reason for this action?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills) yesterday.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been directed to a resolution passed by the members of the Athlone branch of the Typographical Association in which it is stated that an attempt was made by armed forces of the Crown to burn and destroy the premises of the Athlone Printing Works Company, Limited, on Sunday, 17th October; whether the facts set forth in the said resolution have been inquired into; and, if proven, what action has been taken against the perpetrators?

Exhaustive inuiries have been made by the police, who are unable to obtain any information as to the perpetrators of this outrage. The people who are in a position to help the police in the matter will not do so. I can find no ground whatever for the suggestion that the outrage was committed by the armed forces of the Crown.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any information concerning the alleged attempt to burn down the premises of the Athlone Printing Works Company, Limited, in the early hours of Sunday morning, 17th October, by armed forces of the Crown; what steps he has taken to trace the perpetrators of this outrage; and how does he propose to prevent a repetition?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a somewhat similar question asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Norwich (Mr. G. Roberts) to-day.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a circular, marked private and confidential, inviting recruits for Class B of the new Irish special constabulary, has been sent to members and ex-members of the officers' training corps at Queen's University; whether these gentlemen were informed in the circular that, upon joining, they were required to report to their senior officers anything they might get to know in private life or social intercourse which they considered likely to be detrimental to the interests of the State; and whether it is his intention to require a body of citizens to act as spies in this manner?

I have no knowledge of any such circular.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Class B of the new Irish special constabulary, to consist of well-disposed persons, are only to undertake duty one evening a week and are to be in receipt of various allowances, but no pay; and whether these special constables are to serve under their own officers who, in turn, are to be under the police authority for the area?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The members of this class will be organised under their own officers, but in the execution of duty will act under the direction and control of the police authority of the area in which they may be serving.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that at the funeral of Michael Fitzgerald in Cork, on the 19th instant, soldiers fully armed entered the church immediately after the conclusion of Mass and handed to the officiating canon a document regarding the funeral arrangements; that, outside, soldiers were drawn up with rules at the ready and an officer announced through a megaphone that he had orders to fire on the people if more than 100 persons followed the remains: and for what reason was this done?

The facts of this case are as follows:—An officer with a military party entered the Church with a message for the priest to the effect that the military had decided to enforce in this case the Regulation restricting the number of persons attending funerals. Funerals have, in the past, been used for parades of Irish Republican Army, and such are prohibited in order to avoid breaches of the peace. The reason for delivering this message was to avoid any possibility of bloodshed. The demeanour of the officer and military party was highly respectful, decorous and reverential throughout, and they removed their helmets when entering Church. The officer appealed to the priest to assist in seeing that the Regulation was observed, and the priest made an appeal to this effect. It will be recalled that Royal Irish Constabulary Sergeant Malhern was murdered in the porch of the church while going to Mass at Bandon on 25th July last. Many other policemen have been murdered going to or from Mass at or near the church door. Also that threats of murder in retaliation for death of hunger-strikers have been freely circulated for several weeks past, even the prison doctors bring threatened.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what provision has been made for the widows and dependants of officers and men of the forces of the Crown who have lost their lives in Ireland in consequence of reprisals made upon them for carrying out their duty of maintaining law and order; what provision is made for such men if disabled; what the total expense or liability now is under the above headings; how much of it falls upon the British taxpayer; and how much is a charge upon the districts in Ireland in which the outrages are perpetrated?

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to put his question down again next week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is a fact, as stated by Sir Nevil Macready, that the murders of soldiers and policemen in Ireland are committed by a small body of men whose names are known?

I do not wish to qualify in any way the statement made by General Sir Nevil Macready in this matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there were reported in the Irish Press, during the years 1917 and 1918, 1,456 arrests and 1,244 sentences for political offences, 115 deportations without trial or charge, 99 suppressions by military force of gatherings of unarmed men, women, and children, 32 suppressions of assemblies such as fairs and markets, and 12 suppressions of national newspapers; and whether he is aware that during these two years only one policeman lost his life in Ireland?

While I regret I cannot verify the Press reports to which the hon. Member refers I am making inquiry as to whether official statistics of the happenings in question are available.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a statement coming from an authoritative source to the effect that in the recent murderous attack on the barracks of the 17th Lancers at Mallow two civilian painters working in the barracks, who had boon employed by the Government for over two years, left their work, jumped over the body of Sergeant Gibbs, who had been murdered, and fired some shots into the guard room and then held up the remainder of the guard with revolvers; whether the facts are as stated; whether these painters have been arrested; and whether he will give directions that all painting and other work given out by Government Departments in Ireland shall be given, so far as possible, to ex-service men?

My attention has been drawn to the statement in question and the facts are substantially as stated. It is already the practice of Irish Government Departments in giving out work to employ ex-service men where possible. One of the painters mentioned in question was an ex-service man.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps have been taken, or will be taken, to increase the number of armoured cars for the use of the military in Ireland, and to equip them with quick-firing guns in order to prevent, as far as possible, repetitions of what happened to soldiers of the Essex Regiment on Friday last?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The question of the provision of armoured cars for use in Ireland is very seriously engaging the attention of the military authorities. Large numbers, armed with machine guns, are already in Ireland, and steps are being taken to effect a considerable increase in these numbers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the number of unemployed persons in Belfast; whether, approximately, 7,000 workers are, owing to sectarian or political persecution, prevented from following their usual employment; whether these workers have been discharged and, therefore, entitled to State unemployment benefit, and if not discarged are they in receipt of said benefit; whether the loss of employment in such cases is equal to the loss of property and, therefore, entitled to compensation; and, if so, from which source?

I have been asked to reply. I have no figures showing the total number of persons unemployed in Belfast. The number of persons registered at the employment exchanges in Belfast as unemployed on 15th October was 6,226. There were at this date about 2,500 ex-service men claiming out-of-work donation, and about 2,800 civilians claiming unemployment benefit, the great majority of whom were either receiving payment or serving the waiting period. The last part of the question presumably relates to the right to compensation for damage to property given by the Malicious Injuries (Ireland) Acts. Although I am not in a position to give legal advice on the matter, I understand that those Acts relate only to injuries to property, and do no give a right to compensation for loss of employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the net assessments to property and Income Tax in Great Britain and Ireland respectively, for the years ended 5th April, 1919 and 1920, comparable with Table VI printed on page 58 of the final Report of the Financial Relations Commission, 1894–6?

The total net assessments charged to Income Tax for the year 1918–19 on the same basis as those appearing in the table mentioned are as follows:

	£	Per cent.
Great Britain	1,496,097,000	97·39
Ireland.	40,163,000	2·61

A more reliable approximation of the true income of taxpayers liable to the tax is arrived at by taking the figures representing the original assessments as ultimately corrected by the elimination of all overcharges, errors, exemptions, etc., but before granting the personal allowances and abatements. On this basis the information for the year 1918–19 is as follows:

	£	Per cent.
Great Britain	2,018,836,000	97·45
Ireland	52,736,000	2·55

Similar information for 1919–20 is not yet available. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the radical changes which have been made in the Income Tax structure in recent years render impossible any effective comparison between these figures and those for the year 1893–4.

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:

	£
Great Britain	288,772,599
Ireland	18,730,985

Full figures are available for that property which consists of Free Personalty situated in the United Kingdom. The net capital values are:

	1918–19	1919–20
	£	£
Great Britain	208,470,118	257,236,076
Ireland	12,656,928	16,410,740

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a letter over the signature of Sir Horace Plunkett, in the Press of 26th October, directly traversing the Chief Secretary's statement to the effect that he had never seen a tittle of evidence to prove that the servants of the Crown had destroyed creameries; and whether he will have published the evidence which, according to the letter in question, has been furnished directly to the Government by the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society itself?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Since the Debate on the 20th instant I have seen a number of statements dealing with the destruction of a creamery at Reiska, but there is no evidence which could form the basis of a charge against any individual servant of the Crown. The question of compensation is on a different footing, and, as I have already stated in the House, is being considered by me. It is open to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society to publish any statements they may have in their possession.

asked the Secretary of State for India when the new rates of pension for officers invalided from the Indian Army will be issued?

The new rates of pension for officers invalided from the Indian Army have already been sanctioned. A communique to this effect was issued to the Press on 5th October. I will have a memorandum sent to the hon. and gallant Member, showing hte new rates and the conditions governing revision.

asked the Secretary of State for India, considering that the Public Services Commission, appointed before the War to inquire into the pensions of the uncovenanted Civil Services of India, decided that the pensions then in force were inadequate, if he will explain why, when these pensions were raised, the date 23rd July, 1913, was fixed on as the date prior to which no retired member was to benefit, thus depriving the men for the inquiry into whose case the Commission was appointed of all benefit from that inquiry?

In a letter of 23rd July, 1913, addressed to certain memorialists, the Government of India promised that, should the pension rules be modified as a result of their memorials, or in consequence of any recommendations of the Public Services Commission, the position of officers who had retired from the service by then would no doubt be taken into consideration when the conditions of eligibility for the altered pensions came to be fixed, due weight being given to the arguments adduced by the memorialists in favour of their being allowed to participate in the better pensionary terms, even if the alterations were effected after their retirement. In 1919, when furnishing the Secretary of State with their views on the recommendations of the Public Services Commission, the Government of India duly considered the date from which effect should be given to the new pension rules. They recommended that all officers in the Service on the date of the letter in question should be allowed to participate, and after careful consideration I sanctioned their proposal. This was a large and very unusual measure of retrospection, and I am not prepared to extend the concession to officers who retired before that date.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether widows and orphans of Bengal Indian Civil Officers, who contributed to the Bengal Civil Fund and retired prior to 1881, receive their annuities at sterling rate when resident in this country, whilst widows and orphans of contributors who retired after 1881 come under new rules and receive benefit of the increased value of the rupee whether they reside in India or England; and, if so, whether he can see his way to bring all annuitants under the new rules who are at present excluded?

Pensions under the Rules of the Bengal Civil Fund are payable at fixed sterling rates to pensioners residing in this country and at fixed rupee rates to pensioners residing in India without reference to the date of retirement of the contributors. A new scheme for pensions of widows and orphans of members of the Indian Civil Service called the Indian Civil Service Family Pension Regulations, was introduced in 1881, to which all members appointed to that service after its introduction contribute. Under these Regulations the pensions are payable at fixed sterling rates. Pensioners in this country receive payment at those rates. Pensioners in India have the option of receiving payment in this country at the sterling rates or receiving their pensions in Indian currency at the rate of 15 rupees to the pound sterling. No benefit accrues to pensioners from the increased value of the rupee in any of the above cases.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that there is widespread dissatisfaction amongst British officers in the British and Indian Armies in India with the provision made for the housing of these officers and their families; that in some places officers have to sleep four in a room; that in certain cantonments, such as Kohat and Pinhi, there are units which are unable to obtain a house for a mess: that the moss is often a long way from the barracks and the living quarters even further: and if he will urge the Government of India to take early action on the recommendations relating to the more adequate provision of officers' quarters contained in Part V of the Report of the Esher Committee?

I am aware that dissatisfaction has been expressed to the Esher Committee, as recorded in their Report. F have already asked the Government of India to let me have their views on the recommendations in Parts III to IX of the Report as soon as possible. They are in the best position to judge of the relative urgency of the various recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the resolutions passed at a conference of the Hindu backward classes; held at Bombay on 6th June; and whether the representation of the Mahrattas and allied castes on the Bombay Provincial Council has been increased so as to give the backward classes their due number of seats on the council in accordance with their proportion to the population?

I have seen the resolutions. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware from the electoral rules which have received the approval of Parliament that provision has been made for the reservation of seven elected seats on the Bombay Legislative Council for Mahrattas, and of one nominated seat for a representative of "depressed classes." The former provision represents the award of an arbitrator, slightly modified on the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee. The latter provision was considered adequate by the Government of India and the Bombay Government, who estimate these classes to amount to 3 per cent. of the population.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the proposals made by local authorities in Plymouth and Exeter for the establishment of a south-western university; and whether, as one of the steps towards the achievement of this object, he will give favourable reception to the proposed charter for a university college at Exeter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the Board of Education are considering, in consultation with the parties locally interested, proposals for developing the work of the Royal Albert Memorial College, but the recommendation of the grant of a charter is a matter for the Privy Council.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can give an approximate estimate of the additional expenditure that would be likely to be placed upon the local education authorities if the recommendation of the departmental committee on scholarships and free places in schools for an increase in the percentage of free places in secondary schools were carried out; and if he will consider the advisability of deferring this, and as many as possible of other changes involving an increase of expenditure, until the financial position of the local authorities, which is regarded with concern by the ratepayers, has improved?

An estimate of the cost of carrying out the Committee's recommendations is being prepared, but is not yet completed. Before coming to a decision the Board will carefully consider the matter in its financial aspects.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many free places there are in secondary or higher grade schools in England and Wales; and is it his intention to increase that number at an early date so as to assist many of the sons and daughters of the working classes in gaining increased knowledge and skill to enable them to be of more use to the State?

In the year ending the 31st July, 1920, out of about 300,000 pupils in secondary schools in England and Wales about 93,400 held free places; this number is more than 13 per cent. in excess of that for the previous year. A further increase may be anticipated this year. I believe that substantial progress is being made in the direction indicated by Section 4 (1) of the Education Act, 1918, and I have recently received the Report of a Departmental Committee on the subject, which is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that school inspectors in Scotland have been included in the provisions of the Scottish Superannuation Acts for Teachers, he will agree to the inclusion of teachers promoted to the rank of inspectors or educational organisers in England and Wales within the benefits of the Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1918?

The adoption of this proposal would involve legislation, and the position of these officials is still under consideration between myself and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has made any estimate of the total annual cost to the taxpayer when a system of education available for all persons capable of profiting by it has been established under the Education Act, 1918; and how such annual cost will compare with the sum paid by the taxpayer for the financial year 1913–14?

I cannot anticipate the results of the deliberations of the local education authorities, who are now engaged in preparing their schemes under the Education Act, 1918, as to the needs of their areas, the educational developments which they will propose, and the time within which they will carry them out. When these schemes are submitted to the Board they will be carefully considered in their financial aspects. Their cost to the ratepayer and taxpayer will obviously depend largely on the prices of commodities and personal services ruling during the period over which the necessary developments are spread.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many education authorities have submitted schemes under Section 3 or other Sections of the Education Act, 1918; how many of these schemes have been approved; and what is their estimated total cost?

Schemes or instalments of schemes under the Education Act, 1918, have been formally submitted by 39 local education authorities in England and Wales. Of these, two have been finally approved by the Board. In one of the two cases the estimated additional capital expenditure involved is rather more than £100,000, and the additional annual maintenance expenditure when the scheme is in full operation is estimated at rather over £14,000. In the other case, the scheme was a small preliminary instalment of a scheme affecting a county as higher education authority and a borough as elementary education authority, and related to the conversion of a higher elementary school into a secondary school, and no estimate was furnished.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a debt commission has been set up in Turkey; what are its functions and powers; whether applicants for concessions in Asiatic Turkey have to apply to this commission; how is it composed; and how is the voting on the commission arranged?

Under the Treaty the Council of the Ottoman Public Debt will continue to exercise its functions pending any subsequent decisions. On the Ratification of the Treaty a financial commission will be set up, composed of a French, an Italian, and a British delegate, with whom a Turkish commissioner will be associated in a consultative capacity. It will control the estimates and execution of the Budget provisions; will regulate currency, the raising of new loans, and the granting of concessions; will be responsible for the Customs administration and tariffs; and generally will deal with all financial matters not already entrusted to the Ottoman Public Debt, under the Decree of Monharrem. Decisions in the financial commission will be taken by the vote of the majority,

asked the Prime Minister whether the Brussels Economic Conference passed a resolution denouncing the coal export duties imposed by the British Government; and whether the Government propose taking any action in view of this resolution?

No coal export duties are imposed by the British Government, nor am I aware of any resolution of the Brussels Conference denouncing such duties.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under whose actual control is the town and port of Trebizond; and whether any Greek or other Allied troops have been landed there?

Trebizond is under the control of the Turkish Nationalists who do not acknowledge the Sultan's authority. No Greek or other Allied troops have been landed there.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Armenians are still supported by the British taxpayer at Bakouba; whether 1,000 tons of fuel were provided by the British Government for fuel for the Armenian railways; and, if so, how repayment of this sum is to be ensured?

The Armenians in question are now at Basra pending a final decision as to their repatriation. Negotiations as to this question are proceeding. Meanwhile His Majesty's Government are still inevitably responsible for their maintenance. 1,000 tons of fuel were recently supplied against repayment to the Armenian Government who were in urgent need of it for purposes of military transport in connection with their defensive operations against the Turkish Nationalists. The method of repayment is under arrangement.

asked the Prime Minister what length of time has elapsed since President Wilson undertook to delimit the boundaries of Armenia; and how long it is proposed to wait before adopting other means of settling this question?

President Wilson's willingness to undertake the task of delimiting the frontiers of Armenia was signified in a note addressed to the President of the Peace Conference by the United States Ambassador in Paris on 18th May. His decision is expected at an early date. I need scarcely add that no other means of settling the question have been considered.

asked the Prime Minister what is the number of Russian prisoners still held by the British Government in Egypt and elsewhere?

Arrangements are being made to send to Odessa some 300 Russian prisoners who have been detained in Egypt and Constantinople. These persons were on the point of being repatriated when the Bolshevik revolution occurred at Baku in April last, resulting in the seizure and imprisonment of a considerable number of British subjects. As both the House and the Soviet Government are fully aware, His Majesty's Government are most anxious to repratriate to Russia any and all Russians who wish to return to that country, but only on a basis of reciprocity.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a committee with full power to investigate and report on the ownership of the British Press, and the sources from which they draw their funds?

I am not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that considerable anxiety exists in this country as to the permanent preservation of the remains of the Cloth Hall at Ypres as a memorial of the historic defence of the town during the late war by British and Imperial troops; and what steps, if any, have been taken by His Majesty's Government to approach the Belgian Government in order to secure this object?

The Belgian Government have agreed temporarily to leave the Cloth Hall, the Cathedral, and the ramparts of Ypres in their existing state pending formulation of a scheme by the British Government for the erection at Ypres of a memorial to the troops that fought there. As announced by the Financial Secretary to the War Office on the 14lh June, in answer to the hon. Member for Kensington (South), the question of the erection of national memorials has been referred by the Cabinet to a Committee presided over by the Earl of Midleton. This Committee has made certain recommendations which include the rebuilding of the Menin Gate at Ypres, and I hope to be able to make a fuller announcement before long.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the long-promised bronze scrolls or medallions will be delivered to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the late War; is it being done now; and how long will it take to supply all those entitled with the same?

Two memorials, a scroll and a bronze plaque, are being issued to the next-of-kin of those who lost their lives in the War. Including issues to the Dominions, over 800,000 memorial scrolls have already been despatched to those entitled to them, and it is anticipated that the distribution will be completed by the new year. As regards the bronze plaque, over 88,000 have been issued at home and over 55,000 are awaiting despatch to the Dominions. Steps are being taken to expedite the manufacture and delivery of the bronze plaque.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the long delay in effecting a final settlement of the account of Driver Thomas Willacy, No. L/9136, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery; and will he see that a settlement is made at once?

The last pay certificate is awaited from India in respect of Driver Willacy, but steps have been taken by cable to hasten the despatch of the certificate in this and other outstanding cases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether he has received any representations from Mr. E. J. Gainer, of 29, Rose Cottages, Telegraph Street, Stafford, regarding the effects of his son, Sapper T. E. Gainer, No. 143661, 55th Field Company, Royal Engineers, who was killed in France on 8th October, 1917, expressing doubt as to the accuracy of the copy of A.F. W. 3,296 sent to him; and whether he will consider the possibility of Mr. Gainer being sent the actual pay book of his son as, from other evidence given to Mr. Gainer, he is convinced that some error has been made in the amount of pay drawn by his son before his death?

No representations have been received from Mr. Gainer on the subject, but arrangements could be made for Mr. Gainer to inspect his son's pay book at the Regimental Pay Office at Lichfield, or, if that is inconvenient, arrangements will be made as a special case to send it to him for inspection on his undertaking that it will be returned promptly.

asked the Secretary of State for War what information he can give regarding the fate of Private P. V. B. Hunt, No. 73843, No. 14 platoon, Z Company, 2nd Hants (Grogan's Brigade), Allied Forces, Archangel, North Russia, last seen at Tulgas, wounded in the thigh, surrounded by Bolsheviks, on 20th June, 1919, reported prisoner?

The first report received in the War Office was that Private Hunt was wounded and missing on 20th June, 1919, and later the military authorities in Russia were enabled to report that he had died on the field. No corroboration whatever has been received of the unofficial statement that Private Hunt became a prisoner of war, and I regret that there is no ground for doubting the accuracy of the official report of his death.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Maharajah of Kapurthala has offered 12,000 troops for operations in Mesopotamia and Persia; if so, whether this offer has been accepted; and whether he can give an assurance that these troops will not be used to assist in any movement against the Soviet Government of Russia I

The Maharajah of Kapurthala offered the services of a unit of Kapurthala Infantry for service in Mesopotamia. The approximate strength of the unit is 465 Indian ranks. The offer was accepted and the unit is now serving on the Lower Euphrates. Its role, like that of all other British troops, is to maintain the security of the country for which Great Britain, as the mandatory Power, is responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether provision has been made to include tinned milk in the scale of rations now being issued to the Indian troops in Mesopotamia; and, if not, will he direct that this should be included in the operations scale now being issued there?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Tinned milk forms part of the normal ration issued to Indian troops in Mesopotamia, and this ration is not departed from except under exceptional circumstances. It is not included in the operations scale of rations in which the components are reduced to a minimum for reasons connected with transport problems. The operations scale of rations is issued on rare occasions and only for short periods.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many medical boards have been held in Belfast from 1st March, 1920, to 31st August, 1920; the number of men examined by the said boards during that period; the number of men's pensions reduced to a lower percentage owing to improved conditions of health from the previous board; the number of men recommended to remain on their present rate of percentage of pension owing to no alteration in health from the previous medical board: the number recommended for no further award of pension owing to improved conditions of health, from the previous board, i.e., pension discontinued and no further awards of gratuity given; the number of appeals against the decisions of the medical board; the number of appeals dismissed; and the number upheld?

All the particulars asked for have been called for but have not up to the moment of answer been received from the Regional Office. I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to give the information.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether the assessment of pensions to ex-service men during the first six months of the year compared with the same assessments for the last six months of 1919 were tangibly reduced by the medical boards in the aggregate throughout England and Wales; whether he will publish a return of these assessments for the period named;(2) whether any confidential circular or circulars have been addressed by the Ministry, either to medical boards or any other officials under the direction of the Ministry, urging the desirability or need for cutting down pensions to ex-service men; whether any circular, confidential or other, conveying that interpretation has been so issued during the past six months; and, if so, will the Ministry consent to the publication of the same?

It has not been possible in the time available to calculate the results of the re-assessments made in the several hundred thousand cases which have been dealt with in the course of the 12 months indicated in the question, but I may perhaps be allowed to give my hon. Friend the results of a somewhat similar investigation over a shorter period, which had already been undertaken by my instructions before he put down his question.Comparison was instituted in regard to the results of re-assessments of pension over two periods of four months, namely, June, July, August, and September, in 1920, and the same four months in 1919. The figures show that in the four months of last year 138,000 men were re-examined by Medical Boards, with the result that in 43·4 per cent. of the cases the previous rate of pension was unchanged, in 13·1 per cent. of the cases the assessment was raised, and in 435 per cent. of the cases the assessment was reduced.During the same four months in 1920, 210,000 men were re-examined, with the result that in 43·8 per cent. of the cases the previous assessment of pension remained unchanged, in 7·4 per cent. of the cases the rate of pension was increased, and in 48·8 of the cases the assessment was reduced.The question raised by my hon. Friend as to whether any instruction has been issued from the Ministry urging the desirability and need for cutting down pensions is one to which I am glad to have the opportunity of replying. I wish it to be clearly understood that no such instruction—confidential or otherwise—has been issued by my Department, and none such will ever be issued with my knowledge or consent. Bearing in mind that the assessment for pension purposes depends on the estimate of the extent to which the man is disabled, as determined at intervals of six or even twelve months by a Medical Board; that, in the course of nature, it is only to be expected, especially in cases of disease which form 54 per cent. of the whole, that the men should to some extent recover their health; and that the Ministry are spending several million pounds a year in providing treatment for disabled men, to the number of 125,000 at any given time, I think the figures which I have quoted are sufficient in themselves to refute the unfortunate, if not mischievous, suggestion that there is any concerted attempt to reduce pensions arbitrarily.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture how many ex-Service men are now training as land workers at Rodbaston, in Staffordshire; whether all such trainees will be given land in the county as soon as their training is complete; whether he is aware of the opinion expressed at a recent meeting of the Stafford County Local War Pensions Committee that the men now training at Rodbaston at the cost of the State would neither obtain a small holding on completion of their training nor would they be able to obtain employment; and what steps will be taken to prevent these trainees from being forced to enter the Poor Law workhouses?

31 disabled men are at present in training at Rodbaston. As regards the second part of the question, only 17 of the above 31 men have applied for small holdings. In the case of 9, it is hoped that holdings will be available, provided their training proves satisfactory. The applications of the re-maining eight have only been recently received, and, as in their case, from seven to ten months' training has still to be completed, it is impossible for the small holdings committee to decide now whether the applicants would eventually prove suitable for settlement. No effort will be spared to meet the requirements of suitable men when trained. It is also hoped that the Government's recent decision to provide further funds for land settlement will enable councils to provide a limited number of cottage holdings for disabled ex-Service men trained at the expense of the State, provided the council concerned is satisfied that a man will be able, with the help of his family, to cultivate the land properly, and at the same time succeed in obtaining a livelihood by means of his pension, and any earnings derived from his holding.

asked the Postmaster-General why a rule is made and enforced that employment must not be given in Post Office work in the country except to applicants registered and selected by the local employment exchange; what is the objection to employing ex-Service men recommended by responsible persons without the formality of registration at an exchange?

In order to secure equality of treatment it is considered desirable to entrust the registration and selection of ex-service men for Post Office employment to a single authority, and the most appropriate authority is the Employment Exchanges of the Ministry of Labour, on which Department has been devolved general responsibility for finding employment for ex-service men.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of ex-service men in Ireland skilled in the building trade are unable to obtain employment; whether the Irish Board of Works, in giving out contracts recently for building and reconstruction works in Dublin, has made any provision for the employment of disabled or other ex-service men; whether the painting of the King's Inns in Dublin is now being performed by civilian labour: whether such work or the greater part of it could be suitably performed by partially disabled ex-service men; whether steps will be taken to have these men so employed: and whether, with a view to the employment of ex-service men, Government contracts will in future be given to ex-service men who, through grants or otherwise, have been re-established in business?

I am informed that there is no considerable number of ex-service men qualified as skilled tradesmen in the building trades out of employment in Ireland at present. Owing, however, to a strike in several of the building trades in Dublin there are at the moment some ex-service men registered as painters and out of work in that city. The larger building firms with whom contracts are placed by the Board of Works employ many ex-service men and the Board are endeavouring in every way to facilitate the employment of such men whether disabled or not and will be happy to give those who have been re-established in business an opportunity of tendering for works which they are in a position to undertake. They are themselves directly employing 135 ex-service men besides those on their regular staff on various works in Dublin and Kingstown. In regard to the work at the Kings Inns the expenditure is not met out of Government funds. I have ascertained that it is being carried out by a large Dublin contractor under the orders of the Benchers and at their expense.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will seek power to use all suitable buildings, sheds, etc., used during the late War for the purpose of training ex-soldiers, disabled and otherwise, in the manufacture of British-marked furniture; is he aware that such goods would readily command sales at best prices; and that it would put an end to the cheap furniture of to-day and mean a new national industry of benefit to the country?

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that it is the view of the Government that the interests of ex-service men will best be served by their absorption in the country's existing industrial system, and all means to that end have been, and are being, vigorously prosecuted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Report of the Committee on Currency and Exchange of the Brussels International Financial Conference contains a Clause to the effect that banks should be freed from political pressure; whether His Majesty's Government subscribes to that Clause; whether the existence of a huge floating debt constitutes a form of political pressure; and, if so, what measures the Government has in view for carrying into effect the recommendation made in the Clause in question?

The recommendation referred to was as follows:

"Banks, and especially Banks of Issue, should be freed from political pressure, and should be conducted solely on the lines of prudent finance."

His Majesty's Government are in complete agreement with this recommendation. There is no reason why the existence of a large floating debt should involve the exercise of political pressure on a bank of issue, so long as a Government meets its maturing obligations without creating additional inflation, as has been done in this country since the beginning of 1920, during which period there has been an appreciable reduction in legal tender circulation. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the next recommendation of the same Committee, namely, that

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange for copies of the Report of the International Finance Conference which was recently held at Brussels to be made available to Members of this House?

Yes, Sir. The necessary arrangements shall be made, and copies will be placed in the Vote Office as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the statements in pages 8 and 9 of Cmd. 832, that, although the actual pre-War profits of the Salt Union were between £80,000 and £90,000, the standard allowed by the Board of Inland Revenue for the purpose of computing Excess Profits Duty was £219,863, and that the latter figure was based on a share and debenture capital exceeding the actual shares and debentures "by £1,600,000; if this allowance permits the Salt Union to increase their profits above their actual pre-War profits by at least 140 per cent. before they become liable to Excess Profits Duty; what is the total amount of profits which come under the view of the Board of Inland Revenue for the purpose of levying Excess Profits Duty; what is the total amount exempted for the Duty; and by what percentage it exceeds the actual amount of pre-War profits?

My attention has not previously been specifically directed to the statements referred to by the hon. and gallant. Member. As stated in Command Paper 832, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are precluded from disclosing information relating to the liability to Excess Profits Duty of a particular taxpayer. All that I can say is that in this as in other cases they followed the provisions of the taxing Statute which, broadly speaking, directs that the computation of the percentage standard of a business for purposes of Excess Profits Duty shall be made by reference to the cost price of its assets. The statistical information asked for in the latter part of the question is not available; nor could it be prepared without an expenditure of time and labour which I cannot see my way to authorise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the receipts from Excess Profits Duty in the six months ended 30th September, 1920, were less by more than £20,000,000 than the receipts in the corresponding six months in 1919?

The yield of the Excess Profits Duty for the six months ended the 30th September, 1920, was, as my hon. Friend states, some £20,000,000 less than the yield in the corresponding period of 1919. I would, however, remind him that owing mainly to the reduction in the rate of duty to 40 per cent. effected by the Finance Act, 1910, the estimated yield for the current financial year is about £75,000,000 less than the yield for the financial year 1919–20.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Co-operative Wholesale Society has become entitled to a sum of over £700,000 by way of repayment of Excess Profits Duty under Section 38 (3) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915; and does he now therefore-agree to relieve these working-class thrift organisations of this unfruitful method of taxation?

As regards the first part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are precluded by statute from disclosing information relating to the taxation of particular taxpayers. As regards the future of Excess Profits taxation, I can add nothing to the statement made by mo in the summer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount which has been allowed to Excess Profits Duty payers in respect of refund during the current year?

The total amount of Excess Profits Duty repaid between the 1st April, 1920, and the 26th October, 1920, is £6,300,385.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will obtain and give to the House information as to the number of companies and firms which, having been resident or carrying on trade in the united Kingdom, have changed their place of residence or the seat of their trading operations so as to be situated outside the United Kingdom, as to the number of companies and firms which are known to be considering such a change at the present time, as to the profits earned by such companies and firms before such change, and as to the cases in which the existence of Excess Profits Duty has been assigned as one of the reasons for making such change?

No, Sir. I have no moans of obtaining the information which the hon. Member desires.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of Excess Profits Duty assessed but unpaid on 30th September, 1920, or other recent date and whether he has yet begun to charge interest on these outstanding amounts?

The amount of Excess Profits Duty in assessment but unpaid at 30th September, 1920, was approximately £240,000,000. Except in so far as Duty is being collected by instalments or is not yet due, payment of a considerable portion of this amount is in suspense pending the settlement of appeals and other questions which cannot yet be determined, and it must be anticipated that upon the final adjustment of liabilities, the total figure in assessment will be very substantially

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount was paid for duty on imports of cigars from Cuba during the six months ended 30th September, 1918, 1919, and 1920, respeclively; and, of the last-mentioned amount, what sum represents the ad valorem duty?

It would be possible to give the quantities and declared values of cigars imported from any particular country during a given period, but not the yield of duty, as duty is normally not paid on importation, but when the cigars are taken out of bond, and then no record of the country of consignment is kept. Any figures comprising the payments of duty on cigars for the six months ending 30th September, 1918, 1919 and 1920, respectively, would in any case be misleading, as for the first few months after this year's Budget, clearances from bond were abnormally low, partly owing to the fact that stocks in retailers hands had just been replenished on anticipation of a rise in Cuban prices which shortly after-wards took place, and partly owing to the desire of traders to know what the result of the Budget discussions on the cigar duties would be before they cleared.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why rebates on Income Tax under the new Finance Act are being dealt with first by the Special Commissioners of Income Tax at York House, Kingsway, London, and afterwards by His Majesty's inspectors of taxes in the local districts; if this involves a multiplication of officials; and why is it necessary to first issue Form No. 360/S.C. in London, and then remit under No. 358/S.C. the case to the locality?

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. The procedure to which he refers, which is adopted only in the case of persons assessable to Super-tax, secures an economy of labour and at the same time aims at ensuring that the Income Tax allowances and reliefs to which they are entitled are given with the minimum of trouble to the taxpayers concerned. Indeed, the arrangement has worked so smoothly that the use of Form, 358/S.C. has been found to be unnecessary and has now been discontinued.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to introduce a Bill to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Income Tax; and whether it is his intention to carry it into law this year?

I am not in a position to add to the reply which I gave on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Wood Green (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson) on the 21st instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total expenditure on National Health Insurance; what proportion of this total is spent on administration; and whether the expenditure on administration is commensurate with the benefits received?

In reply to the first and second parts of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Return of 23rd July, 1920 (H.C. 160), in which the figures for the year 1919 are contained. In reply to the third part of the question, I would point out that no reliable conclusions can be drawn from a comparison of the expenditure on administration with the amounts paid in benefits, in view of the fact that the administration of National Health Insurance covers a much wider range of duties than the payment of benefits. I may, however, say that the amount which approved societies are allowed to spend on administration is limited by regulations, and, having regard to the importance of securing an efficient service, I have no reason to think that it is excessive.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the increase that has been granted under the new rules to the pensions of superior officers in the Home Civil Service who prior to the War retired on a pension of £700 a year and upwards; and what they will now retire on?

Civil servants who retired before the War with pensions of £700 a year and upwards are not eligible for any increase either under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, or otherwise. It is not possible to give a single figure for the present day equivalent of a pre-War pension of £700; pensions are assessed on length of service and pensionable emoluments at the date of retirement, and the percentage increase of the latter above the pre-War level varies according to the amount of the pre-War salary.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether instructions have been issued from the Treasury to the effect that members of the London Association of Accountants are no longer eligible for the post of public auditor, but that such posts in future are to be confined to chartered accountants; whether the qualifications of and examinations passed by members of the London Association of Incorporated Accountants are as high as those in the case of chartered accountants; whether any representations have been received on the matter from the London Association of Accountants; and whether a number of Fellows of the latter are at present carrying out the duties of public auditor in a satisfactory manner?

The Treasury has followed the trend of recent legislation in arranging that applicants for appointment as public auditor should be limited in future to members of the Institutes of Chartered Accountants and the Society of Incorporated Accountants and Auditors, but no person already on the list has been removed because of the new Regulations. There are 35 members of the London Association of Incorporated Accountants on the present list, and five have been removed during the years 1916–1919 for unsatisfactory audit work. Representations from this Association have been placed before and considered by the Treasury.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what are the salaries paid to Sir S. Dann-reuther 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?

I fear I can add nothing to the answer that I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 27th instant.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that an official of his Department, an accountant by profession, is using Government stationery and Government offices for the purposes of his business; that on the 16th of this month this official wrote a letter, enclosing a dividend of 10d. in the £ in respect of a certain debt, on Government paper with a request to address the reply to personal, room 422; and what steps he intends to take to stop such practices?

I have made inquiry into the matter referred to by the right hon. Baronet, and I find that on Saturday, 16th October, the date in question, an accountant employed in my Department did write on Government notepaper certain letters in connection with the liquidation of a small insolvent estate. He used his own envelopes and postage stamps. The accountant has been admonished, and has expressed his regret. In view of the fact that pressure of work in connection with the emergency had compelled him to remain at the Ministry of Food late on Friday night and throughout Saturday and Sunday, and that it was under these exceptional circumstances that the misuse of Government notepaper occurred, no drastic action will be taken. I would point out that the regulations of the Ministry stringently prohibit any such misuse of Government stationery and time, and it is believed that in normal times these regulations are strictly observed.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total cost of the Irish branch of the Ministry of Labour; what are the salaries paid the chief officers in Dublin and Belfast, respectively; and how many other officers there are in both Departments drawing salaries of £700 per annum and upwards; and is he aware of the general feeling in all parts of Ireland that this Department might be wound up?

I have been asked to reply. I would explain that the head-quarters of the Irish Department of the Ministry of Labour are in Dublin, and that there is no separate branch at Belfast, the local offices of the Ministry in Belfast being under the direct control of the Dublin office. The cost of the Irish Department of the Ministry of Labour for the financial year 1920–21 is estimated at £240,000. This includes the additional expenditure incidental to the administration of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, and the cost of services rendered by other Departments. The Secretary of the Irish Department, who is the officer in charge of the Department, receives a salary of £1,500 per annum, plus the current Civil Service war bonus. In addition there are four officers whose salaries, exclusive of war bonus, equal or exceed £700 per annum. None of these officers is stationed at Belfast. I am not aware of any general feeling in Ireland that the Department should be wound up.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if a chairman has been appointed to the Central Control (Liquor) Board and how often the Board has met since 1st July, 1920; if it has transacted any business since that date; and, if so, what that business was and the number of members of the Board who attended?

I am informed that the Board has met once since the date named in the question. On the question of Chairmanship, and publication of the proceedings of its meetings, I fear I can add nothing to answers which I have previously given.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed on 18th October, 1920, at a special meeting of the Alder-shot Liberal Club, to the effect that the club is strongly of opinion that the time is long overdue for the abolition of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) and its orders; that its continued existence is against the liberty of the subject, is insulting to the intelligent and self-respecting workers, and provocative of social unrest which may easily result in regrettable disorders; and whether the Government intend to pay any attention to resolutions of this nature which have been received by Members of Parliament from various quarters?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. He has received a copy of the resolution mentioned in the first part of it; as regards the last part, I would refer my Noble Friend to the frequently expressed intention of the Government to deal with the matter by legislation as soon as the pressure upon the time of Parliament permits.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are at Georgetown, in Renfrewshire, unoccupied hostels, houses and workshops which at small expense could be adapted for housing purposes; and whether it would be better to fit up such unoccupied hostels, &c., rather than eject the present occupants of other houses who are ex-employés of the factory to afford accommodation for the employés of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps?

It is not practicable to use as dwellings the huts within the ordnance depôt at Georgetown. The huts are scattered and there are no roads to them. To make them habitable it would also be necessary to provide for heating, water supply, drainage, etc., and would entail a very heavy expenditure which could not be justified. Owing to fire risks, no fires are allowed in the ordnance storehouses, and if dwelling-houses were permitted within the area of the depôt the danger of fire would be greatly increased. The houses occupied by the ex-employés of the munitions factory were let by the directing board of the factory up to Whit-Sunday, 1920, on the distinct understanding that they would be vacated on or before that date. They are now required for the accommodation of officers and civilian employés of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Depôt, which is now located in the factory premises, and I regret that the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion cannot be adopted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a leaflet published by the Council of Action, and recently distributed, which endeavours to convey to the working classes the idea that housing is being held up in this country owing to the fact that huge quantities of timber are being prevented from importation to this country from Russia; and whether he will take steps to disillusion the people of this country with regard to the exaggerated hopes held out in the matter of Russian timber supplies, in view of the transport situation in Russia?

My attention has been called to the leaflet referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that he has no evidence that there is any shortage of timber available for housing. I may point out that the important timber-growing areas now comprised in the Baltic States and Poland are already accessible to British importers.

asked the Minister of Health whether, as suggested in a leaflet issued by the Council of Action, housing is being held up in this country owing to the non-importation of Russian timber; and whether there is any evidence that the means of transport exist in Russia for sending large quantities of timber to this country?

I have no evidence that housing is being held up on account of shortage of timber.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Government grant for houses erected with corrugated iron roofs will be paid if work thereon was commenced prior to 6th July, 1920, but will be refused if commenced after that date; and whether he can say what material difference there is between the two cases?

This question has been further considered, and grants will not be withheld on the ground that the form of construction described is adopted.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the number of ejectment orders which are served upon the tenants of business premises nothwithstanding the fact that, owing to the shortage of houses, no other suitable accommodation can be found by the tenant; and will he provide either that all ejectment orders served upon the tenants of business premises be stayed until the shortage of houses has been relieved, or at least that no ejectment order be enforced unless the tenant has been able to find equal accommodation elsewhere for carrying on his business?

Questions affecting the tenure of business premises generally are at present under consideration by a Select Committee of this House, and I may remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the tenants of certain business premises are already protected by the Increase of Rent Act.

asked the Home Secretary whether contracts have been placed, or are contemplated, for the building of police barracks or quarters, either in London or the provinces; whether the plans aim at segregating the various ranks such as inspectors, sergeants, and constables; whether residence in police barracks or quarters will be compulsory; and whether recreation rooms and canteens are to be established as in military or naval barracks?

In the Metropolitan Police more than nine-tenths of the single men of the force are already provided with quarters in section houses. Only a very small proportion of the married men live in quarters at present. It has recently been decided to build blocks of quarters for married men and their families in the inner districts, where there is very acute difficulty in finding suitable accommodation. So far, only two contracts have been placed, for 54 sots of quarters, but I hope that others may be placed shortly. It is not proposed to segregate the different ranks, and residence in quarters will not be compulsory for married men. Recreation rooms and canteens (the latter being managed by the men themselves) are provided in section houses, but not in married quarters. I am not in a position to give any details of the building schemes of provincial police authorities.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Chairman of the Housing Committee of the Irish Local Government Board has expressed the opinion that, to meet the case of the poorer members of the working-classes, the special rate for all loan charges should apparently be about I per cent., and the State-aided houses should be free of all rates for 10 years; and whether, in view of the difficulties in the way of Irish local authorities dealing with the housing problem, it is proposed to follow the course suggested?

If the Chairman of the Housing Committee expressed such an opinion it must have been a purely personal view and not an opinion expressed on behalf of the Local Government Board. The question of increasing the measure of Government assistance under the existing scheme, in view of the increased cost of building since that scheme was adopted in 1919 is under consideration, and I hope that an early decision will be arrived at.

asked the Secretary for Scotland to what use the sum of £4,000 per annum has been put which has been set aside under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, for the encouragement of allotments in Scotland?

The Board of Agriculture for Scotland are in course of appointing a number of horticultural instructors whose duties will consist in working in collaboration with local authorities and allotment holders for the purpose of asssting them in the management and development of allotments and advising them on questions arising out of the Allotments Acts. Details of the Board's proposals will be made public without delay.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that 90 women bakers have recently been dismissed from their employment in Glasgow; whether he is aware that the master-bakers are perfectly willing that these women should continue at work; whether the general secretary of the Scottish Bakers' Operatives' Union has declared that he personally is not in favour of these women being forbidden to follow their employment; and whether, as the women are suffering grave hardship, having now been some weeks out of work, he will cause an immediate inquiry to be instituted?

I am aware of the circumstances attending the dismissal of certain women employed in the baking trade in Glasgow. I understand that the Scottish Bakers' Industrial Council have had the matter under consideration, and that a scheme dealing with the employment of women in this trade will shortly be submitted to the Scottish Master Bakers' Association and to the Executive Committee of the Scottish Bakers' Operatives' Union, after which the Industrial Council will have a further meeting. In these circumstances I do not think an inquiry now would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it has been brought to his notice that the Income Tax collector in the burgh of Dumbarton is refusing to allow widowers the £45 deduction allowed under Clause 19 of the Finance Act unless they have young children; whether the tax collector is entitled to do so; if a widower is entitled to the deduction if he has a daughter or other female relative keeping his house, although there are no young children to look after; and whether he will take steps to see that the deduction is allowed to be made?

Under Section 19 of the Finance Act, 1920, which in this respect follows the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax, the deduction of £45 from assessable income granted under certain conditions to a widower or widow, is restricted to cases where there are children. I think that in the third part of his question the hon. Member may be confusing this deduction with the deduction of £25 from assessable income given under Section 22 to any claimant who by reason of old age or infirmity is compelled to depend upon the services of a daughter resident with and maintained by him or her.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total imports from all sources of iron and steel castings, tonnage and value, for 1913 and 1919, and the first six months of 1920?

The registered imports into the United Kingdom of iron and steel castings in the rough, from all sources during the periods specified, were as follows:—1913, 19,711 tons, value £319,434 1919, 770 tons, value £37,048; and the first six months of 1920, 3,461 tons, value £149,052.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the partial cessation of upper-leather production in the United Kingdom caused by the importation of finished upper-leathers from the Continent at prices which in many cases, on account of the exchange, are below the cost of the raw materials in this country; and what steps he proposes to take in order that trained labour and factory plants available in this country may resume employment?

My attention has been drawn to the imports of upper-leather from the Continent, and I understand that some of this leather has been offered at low prices, but the volume of such imports is considerably smaller than in pre-War years, and I doubt whether they are, to any great extent, responsible for the unsatisfactory state of employment in the leather trade of this country. The situation is, however, being carefully watched.

asked the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade the amount of credits that have been taken up under the Overseas Trade (Credit and Insurance) Act during the last two months, and for what countries; and what has been the cost of administering the scheme under the following headings: staff, rentals, overhead charges, and commissions, if any has been paid?

The amount of credits taken up during the last two months to date under the Overseas Trade (Credits and Insurance) Act is £55,164 1s. 1d. in respect of Finland, Roumania, Poland, Czecho-Slovakia, and Jugoslavia. As to the cost of staff, it would be misleading to give figures for so short a period as two months, but the annual estimate for the staff of this Department is at the moment approximately £2,930. The staff consists of a manager, a secretary (on loan from the Department of Overseas Trade), a contracts officer, a chief correspondence clerk, and a small subordinate staff. The amount of commission payable by the Department during the last two months was £27 11s. 4d.; on the other hand, the Department earned in commissions on advances £3,522 1s. 11d. These latter commissions are charged in order to form a fund for defraying the expenses of the Department and for meeting any losses.

asked the Presi-of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, on 4th November, 1918, Cecilia Pearce, 32, Paragon Street, Hull, took out a policy of the Prudential Assurance Company which she believed was a War Bond, on the instalment system, and for which she was to pay 10s, per month; that some time after a policy was issued to her upon which was printed in bold black type £5 National War Bonds; that for 30 months she paid instalments as they became due; that, in the meantime, she had married and was about to become a mother and was unable to pay the next instalment when it became due, and the policy has been lapsed; that application was made to the company for some return for the £10 paid in premiums, but the company refused, and as the policy had not been in force two years she does not obtain protection under the Courts Emergency Powers Act; whether these policies are War Bond policies or merely ordinary industrial assurance policies; whether they are issued with the authority of the Government; and, if not, whether he proposes to take steps to stop this practice and to carry out the recommendations of Lord Parmoor's Committee on Industrial Insurance?

I am informed by the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, that a monthly premium endowment assurance policy in the Industrial Branch of that company was issued to Cecilia Pearce, under which the sum assured is payable at the option of the holder in £5 National War Bonds or the cash equivalent at the issue price of the bonds. In accordance with the terms of the policy, the assured has power to surrender the policy or take up a fully paid up policy for a reduced benefit after premiums for two years have been paid. In this case no surrender value attaches to the policy, because the payment of the premiums was discontinued on the 22nd March, 1920. The company states that no application for a return of the premiums has been received at the head office. Lapsed policies may, however, be revived at any time during one year from the date of the last payment of premiums, on production of evidence of good health, and payment of arrears of premiums. The issue of these policies does not require the authority of the Government. In reply to the concluding paragraphs of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 16th August to the question addressed to him by the hon. Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), and to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 25th October to the question addressed to him by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Food if he can explain why the cost of bread in the Belfast area in Ireland is 1s. 5½d. the 4-lb. loaf, less 5 per cent., whereas in the Dublin area the cost is 1s. 5½d. net; and will he inquire into and, if possible, prevent the operation of these charges in the latter area?

My attention has been drawn to local disparities in the prices now charged for bread in all parts of the United Kingdom. These are now being investigated. Reports already to hand show that in 123 towns the average increase in the local prices ruling immediately prior to 16th October has been 3d. per 4-lb. loaf.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Government have sold or entered into any negotiations to sell to Messrs. Vestey Brothers, Ltd., the whole or any substantial portion of the remaining stocks of imported cut mutton; if so, what quantity has been sold and at what price; and what precautions have been taken to ensure an equitable distribution of this cheap meat to consumers of this country?

A certain quantity of the stocks of imported cut mutton surplus to the requirements of this country has been disposed of to the firm named in the question for export. While I am engaged in the heavy task of liquidating to the best advantage of the British Treasury the large stocks of meat which accumulated in this country and in the Colonies under War conditions, it is inadvisable to publish the details relating to a single transaction. All information relating to this and other transactions will be put before the House when these are completed. I may say, however, that in this particular case the price obtained was higher than that at which the mutton is being sold in this country. A saving to the taxpayer has thus been effected, while the interest of the consumer is sufficiently protected by the fact that supplies of imported mutton amply sufficient for the needs of this country are still available.

asked the Minister of Transport what decision, if any, has been come to with a view to alleviating the great distress amongst railway superannuitants?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the previous replies given on this subject including those given to the hon. and learned Member for Ealing (Sir H. Nield) on the 20th July, and to the hon. Member for the Edge Hill Division of Liverpool (Sir W. Rutherford) on the 26th July, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any progress has been made during the last three months regarding the establishment of civil courts, the appointment of a controller of mines and the promulgation of a mining law, and the reorganisation of the land department in Tanganyika Territory; when the terms of the mandate for Tanganyika Territory are likely to be presented to the League of Nations: whether the document pertaining to land matters were hidden by the late German administration and have not yet been handed over; whether any new grants of freehold land have been made to non-natives of the territory since 1st January, 1920; whether the land law of Tanganyika Territory will be assimilated to that of Nigeria; whether most of the officials now employed by the Colonial Office in Tanganyika territory are only temporarily appointed; and when the staffing of Government Departments in that territory will be placed on a more regular and permanent basis?

The Chief Justice and Puisne Judges have been selected and the Courts will shortly be established. The draft of a mining law has been approved and the organisation of a land and mines department is in progress. The head of the department has been appointed. The position as regards the mandate is, I understand, still as stated in the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member on the 22nd of July last. Arrangements have been made, in co-operation with the German Government for the recovery of certain documents which were concealed by their authorities in the Territory. No such grants of land have been made. No immediate change in the land law is in contemplation, but the experience of adjoining, as well as of remote African territories, will naturally be carefully considered before any changes are made. The staff of the Government Departments may now be said to be on a permanent basis. Out of over 100 administrative posts, only three are at present filled by temporary holders.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received returns from British West Africa showing the measure of financial advantage which has accrued to the local treasuries from the working of the differential duties on the export of palm kernels?

Yes, Sir. During the period from the date of the imposition of the duty to the 31st of July last, duties amounting to £21,898 7s. 3d. were collected in Nigeria and duties amounting to £1,829 3s. 9d. in the Gold Coast. No duties were collected in Sierra Leone or the Gambia, as there were no shipments from these colonies to foreign destinations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture:, if, in view of the increased cost of living, he will recommend to the Treasury that the basic rate of wages of the employés at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, be brought up to the same rate as the employés in the Royal parks under the Office of Works?

The extra cost of living has been met for the Kew employés by giving them the bonus allowed to the Civil Servants for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the composition of the Kent county council's list of members to form the Kent agricultural committee; whether he is aware that of the 29 chosen by the council no representative of labour has been included; and whether, in the appointment of the remaining 14 by the Ministry, he will consider the possibility of restoring the balance by appointing representatives of the agricultural labourers?

The composition of the agricultural committee for the county of Kent has already been completed. The members appointed by the county council include one representative of the Workers' Union. Among the 14 members appointed by the Minister, there is also one farm labourer, who is a representative of the National Union of Agricultural Workers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been traced to infection from packing material imported from abroad; and if he will consider the question of prohibiting the importation of straw and hay in any form from countries where cattle plague and foot-and-mouth disease are known to exist?

Prolonged inquiry has failed to establish any relation between imported packing material and the numerous invasions of foot-and-mouth disease which have occurred. The importation of hay and straw from all European countries, except Norway, is already prohibited with certain exceptions, which include hay and straw actually used for packing merchandise. The Departmental Committee on Foot-and-Mouth Disease in its Report dated May, 1912, stated that they recognised that packing straw constituted a source of danger, but that, in view of the serious dislocation of general trade which such action would entail, they were not prepared to advise its prohibition until there was further evidence against it. In the absence of any evidence connecting an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease with packing materials, the Ministry is not prepared to consider the prohibition of the importation of hay and straw in every form.

asked the Minister of Labour, if, having regard to the fact that an increase in our annual production of wealth is essential before we can solve the problems of high prices, heavy taxation, unemployment, and labour unrest; and that increased production must be accompanied with either higher wages or lower prices to prevent gluts; and that before any increase in production can be obtained a better understanding between employés and employers and the thorough organisatoin of every industry must be established, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation for the compulsory establishment of industrial councils or trade parliaments in every industry in this country, upon which both sides are equally represented, such bodies to have power to enforce all agreements concerning wages and conditions of employment upon the whole of their respective industries, subject to representatives of the Government being allowed to serve upon those bodies to watch and safeguard the interests of the consumers?

On the question of compulsory enforcement of agreements, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my predecessor on 8th March, a copy of which I am sending him. The agreement of opinion between employers and workpeople on this subject, to which my right hon. Friend refers, does not yet exist. I should certainly like to see in every industry, either a trade board or a joint industrial council, or failing that some equivalent machinery for dealing, not merely with wages matters and subjects of disputes, but with all matters affecting the well-being of the industry. But apart from the fact that many industries, being comparatively unorganised, are unsuitable for joint industrial councils, I do not think that the element of compulsion which he advocates would tend to secure industrial peace.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can make any statement showing how the earliest effective use can be made of the scheme of unemployment insurance?

The scheme of Unemployment Insurance under the National Insurance (Unemployment) Acts, 1911 to 1919, is at present in operation, and benefit is being paid under these Acts to unemployed persons who are insured under these Acts. The Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, comes into operation on the 8th November, and benefit at the new rates provided in the Act can be paid on and from that date to claimants, satisfying the usual conditions, who have served a waiting period of six days before the 8th November, or not having served a waiting period of six days before the 8th November, Serve a waiting period of three days from the 8th November. As regards new entrants, that is to say, persons who are brought into insurance for the first time by the new Act, benefit cannot be paid until at least four contributions have been paid in respect of them. As contributions are payable in respect of calendar weeks, such four contributions cannot be completed until the week which ends on the 4th December. As soon as four contributions have been paid, a claimant may receive an aggregate of eight weeks' benefit under Section 44 of the Act, subject to a waiting period of three days. This provision will apply to persons insured under the repealed Acts who have at least four unexhausted contributions to their credit. The rate of benefit under the repealed Acts to 8th November is 11s. for men and women, with half-rates for boys and girls. Under the new Act, and as from the 8th November, the weekly rates of benefit are: Men, 15s.; women, 12s.; boys, 7s. 6d.; and girls, 6s.

asked the Home Secreretary how many late alien enemies have been allowed to return to this country since the Armistice and since the beginning of the current year?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Aberdare (MR. Stanton) on the 5th August last, up to the end of December, 1919, practically no former enemy aliens were admitted to this country, except British born wives or widows and their children. The number admitted during the first nine months of this year is 9,073, of whom 1,931 were British born wives or widows and children; about 700 were admitted in pursuance of Section 10 (4) of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, and the rest were admitted under Section 10 (1) on special grounds and for short periods only.

asked the Home Secretary when the consideration of the Shops (Early Closing) Bill will be resumed?

As soon as possible.

asked the First Commsisioner of Works, (1) whether he is aware of the frequent discharge of a dense volume of smoke from a chimney shaft from the engineering department, western branch, Orange Street, and of the opinion of the medical officer of health for Westminster to the effect that the nuisance caused thereby is a menace to the surrounding neighbourhood; and, in view of this opinion and the fact that the smoke cannot be without a deleterious effect upon the pictures in the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, the buildings of which are within some 30 yards of the chimney, he will take the same steps to abate the nuisance as was done with such excellent results by the Charing Cross Hospital, near by, by the installation of an apparatus which paid for its cost within a twelve-month by lessening the coal consumption;(2) whether he is aware that an undertaking was given by the Office of Works that provision had been made in the Estimates last year for the abatement of the nuisance caused by the smoke from the chimney of the Orange Street pumping station; and will he explain why this undertaking has not been fulfilled?

Provision was made in the Estimates for new hot water boilers, but unfortunately their delivery has been delayed, so that they cannot now be installed until the spring, when the heating of the National Gallery can be shut down. It is anticipated that these boilers, which will be substituted for the existing steam boilers, will do away with the nuisance complained of.