asked the Home Secretary whether condemned criminals have been released on promising to serve in what is known as the Black-and-Tans?

No, Sir. There is no foundation for the suggestion in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the military lorry on which three soldiers were killed and others wounded in county Tipperary on Thursday last was armoured; if not, what protection, if any, was provided for the soldiers who were in it;(2) whether the disaster to a patrol of the Essex Regiment in Ireland on the 22nd October was due to one of the military lorries employed being brought to a standstill by being struck in a vital part of its machinery by a bullet; and, if so, whether any precautions had been taken to protect that and other vital parts of its machinery?

The lorry was not armoured. As regards the provision of armoured cars for use in Ireland, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on 28th October. I regret that it is not in the public interest to answer in greater detail.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether on Friday, 29th October, Templemore, County Tipperary, was sacked; whether this town is the depot of the 1st Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment; and whether there is evidence to show that it was the Northamptons who reduced the town to its present condition?

I have no information at present, but expect to receive a report from the military authorities in due course.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Mrs. J. Annan Bryce was detained at Holyhead on the night of Friday, 29th October; whether she was taken to Bridewell under military custody; whether she was subsequently released and informed that no charge would be made against her; and for what reason she was arrested?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on Monday to a private notice question addressed to me by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Hogge).

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that ex-Sergeant Richard B. Tilson, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, lately-stationed at Randalstown, County Antrim, is entitled to a pension of twenty-two-fiftieths of his pay at the date of his discharge on the 18th June, 1920; and that he has actually only been in receipt of a pension of £63 12s. 11d. since that date; and whether he will make inquiries as to the delay in the payment of Sergeant Tilson's full pension?

As I explained in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South Tyrone (Mr. Coote) on 28th ultimo, the reassessment of pensions of members of the police forces in Ireland who have retired since 1st April, 1919, is being carried out as rapidly as possible. Sergeant Tilson's pension has already been re-assessed at £117 a year, and arrears are being paid to him as from the date of his discharge. This is twenty-four-sixtieths of his annual pay at the date of his discharge, as recommended by the Desborough Committee.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will give the names of the history or other text books removed from the list of books sanctioned by the Commissioners of National Education on account of their sectarian character or unsuitability which was written by members or officials of the National Board, with the names of the authors; and what steps the Board has taken to prevent the writers of these books from forcing the adoption of the views contained in these treatises upon the schools?

The only book by a member or official of the Board of National Education which has been removed from the list of books sanctioned by the Commissioners is Mr. F. C. Beamish's "Pupils'" Irish History in Biography and Ballad. This book was regarded as unsuitable on literary grounds. Mr. Beamish is now an inspector of National Schools. No objection has been taken by the Commissioners of National Education to the views expressed in Mr. Beamish's book, nor has any complaint been received that he has been endeavouring to force them on any school. The second part of the question does not, therefore, seem to arise.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether a decision has yet been reached regarding the petition of the Rosyth Chargemen's Association, presented in December last year?

I can only repeat the answer which was given to my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) last Wednesday, that it is expected it will be possible to issue the reply within the next, week or two.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the late Frederick William Lee, petty officer, first class, who was invalided out of the service on account of injury on the 3rd July, 1915, was entitled to any, and, if so, how much prize money; if he was so entitled, will the prize money be paid to his widow, Lee having died in May, 1920; and how soon is she likely to receive it?

The sum of £20 is due to the estate of the late Frederick William Lee on account of naval prize money. As the deceased died intestate, his widow is entitled to receive the prize money for purposes of administration, and payment of the amount due will be made when the form of Statutory Declaration which was forwarded to her on the 6th October is duly executed and returned to the Accountant-General of the Navy, Admiralty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn both to the time occupied and the incidents that occurred in the hired transport "Patricia" on her last voyage from Bombay to Liverpool; whether he is aware that the ship was very much overcrowded; that the accommodation afforded was very indifferent; that the ship was in an insanitary condition, and that there was such a shortage of fresh water that only one small can was allowed for four persons per diem; whether the refrigerating plant broke down, with the consequent effect of bad meat, etc., being the only food available until some meagre stores could be embarked at Aden and elsewhere; whether the bully beef and tinned meat was in good condition; whether the prices charged by the ship for refreshments, tobacco, etc., were extortionate; and whether, in view of the previous experiences of passengers forced to travel in this vessel, a thorough inquiry will forthwith be instituted into the causes of these events?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and I immediately called for reports. The "Patricia" is not a hired transport, but a surrendered German steamer being managed for the Government by a private firm. She was built particularly with a view to Atlantic trading, and would not have been used on the Eastern routes but for the dearth of passenger tonnage and urgent demand for passages. The accommodation was fully occupied, but she was not overcrowded, and probably no complaint would have arisen in cold water trades. There was no shortage of fresh water, but economy had to be observed in view of the fact that notice had been received that supplies were not available at Aden. No serious complaints were received about the sanitation and minor defects were at once remedied. The refrigerating plant was not capable of keeping the temperature down below freezing point in the Red Sea and fresh meat and fish taken on board at Aden had to be thrown overboard, but the bully beef was in perfectly good condition. With regard to the charge for refreshments, tobacco, etc., the price list was considered by the officer commanding the troops too high, and it was reduced shortly after leaving Bombay. The first prices could not, however, be termed extortionate, and I should be prepared to show my hon. and gallant Friend a price list.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many offices are occupied by him in Liverpool; whether he is aware that there is a great shortage of office-room in that city; and whether he will take steps to see that those offices, taken over for war purposes, are vacated at once?

To meet permanent requirements in Liverpool, the Admiralty are in occupation, under agreements, of premises at 30, Canning Place and the Harbour Master's old offices. For temporary purposes they occupy 11 rooms taken over for war purposes in the Royal Liver Buildings, with a floor space of about 540 square yards. The Admiralty are fully alive to the fact that there is a great shortage of offices in Liverpool. Both in the interests of economy and of the trading community, every effort has been and is still being made to concentrate the accommodation required for various naval purposes and to surrender as soon as possible the requisitioned offices; but it is not practicable to vacate all this accommodation at once in view of the necessity for clearing up work resulting from the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the strength of the naval and military establishments, respectively, now maintained at Gibraltar; and whether he has considered the question of effecting reduction and economy in respect of the military establishment?

I have been asked to reply. The question of economy in military personnel has already been considered. The pre-War military establish- ment at Gibraltar was 173 officers and 3,719 other ranks, with a strength on 1st August, 1914, of 160 officers and 3,674 other ranks, while the provisional military establishment for 1920–21, which is subject to further consideration, is laid down at 114 officers and 1,942 other ranks, and the strength on 1st October, 1920, was 114 officers and 1,892 other ranks. It has therefore already been reduced by 59 officers and 1,777 other ranks. As regards naval establishments, I must refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the, First Lord of the Admiralty.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Private Orrell, No. 113,613, King's Liverpool Regiment, enlisted in the Army when 16 years of age; if he is aware that his mother applied for his release before he attained the age of 17; and whether this boy was drafted overseas before he reached the age for such services, and contrary to the regulations?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private H. Malonry, No. 7629, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, attached to No. 6 concentration camp, Doolali, completed his service in the Army in the year 1916, but was kept in the service under the Military Service Act of that year; whether he has not yet been demobilised owing to his having been awarded various terms of detention since June, 1919; whether it is the, case that this man never had any detention during his service prior to June, 1919; whether he is aware that on 11th August, 1920, he was awarded 18 months' detention, which sentence was confirmed by the general officer commanding, Bombay brigade, who directed that the sentence should be carried out not in the United Kingdom; whether this man was wounded about a fortnight before the Armistice in Mesopotamia and invalided to India; and whether, in view of the fact that this man had a good character without detention until June, 1919, and in view of the fact that his service as a reservist expired in 1916, he is prepared to reconsider this case and allow this soldier to return home, seeing that he has been in the service two years after hostilities have ceased?

Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that on 22nd July, 1920, he sent a card to Private George Smith, B Squadron, 6th Dragoon Guards, attached 4th Hussars, No. 35,580, South Cavalry Barracks, Aldershot, Hants, promising to consider his release on the grounds of his being 17 years of age when he joined up and that he had work to go to, and from that date till now he has heard no more about it; and will he inquire into it?

This case was referred to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief concerned, who is authorised to deal with such applications. Enquiries are being made as to the action taken, and I will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private G. F. Beaver, No. E.M.T. 55297, Royal Army Service Corps, has been paid at the rate of 3s. 6d. per day instead of 5s. 6d. per day, as promised at the time of his re-enlistment?

I am having enquiries made, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Secretary for War whether the question of the promotion of lieutenants of the Royal Malta Artillery of 17 years' service and upwards, which was under consideration in March, 1915, has yet been decided; and, if so, with what result?

The whole question of promotion of officers of the Royal Malta Artillery is under consideration and it is hoped that instructions in this connection will shortly be issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Cuthbert Knight, late of the Dorset Regiment, applied in April last year for a permanent commission in His Majesty's Army; that frequent inquiries have been made with regard to the progress of his case since then; that no information has been given of any sort by the War Office; and whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Knight is being completely prevented by the uncertainty of his position from making any plans for the future, he will definitely state whether a permanent commission will or will not be granted to this officer?

I am informed that there is no record of Mr. Knight having himself made any inquiries regarding an application for a permanent Commission. His case has been represented by the hon. and gallant Member who was informed, on the 3rd September last, that Mr. Knight had not been selected for appointment. The claims of Mr. Knight were carefully considered, but his qualifications, when compared with those of other candidates, were not sufficient to earn him a place on the selected list. This is, of course, no reflection upon him or upon his services. We have been guided by an elaborate system of marking for months of service at the front, decorations for fighting exploits, wounds, etc.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now have returned to the London Territorial Association free of buildings their parade ground at the Duke of York's headquarters?

I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works regarding this matter, and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result of the negotiations in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can explain why heavy guns were being fired around London last Friday morning and also on other days; whether he is aware that the firing of these guns has a very bad effect on many hospital patients in London, as well as on highly nervous people who have not yet forgotten air raids; and can he take any steps to stop a repetition of this heavy gun firing in or near London?

The gun fire referred to was no doubt in connection with the testing of heavy guns at the proof butts at Woolwich, as this is the only place near London where such firing is carried out. I would remind the hon. Member that the proof of heavy guns has been carried out at Woolwich for many years, and I am afraid that the suggestion contained in his question cannot be adopted.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in Scotland and elsewhere at the present time, in the case of dependants other than widows and children of deceased sailors and soldiers, pensions are being reduced in innumerable instances on the ground that the family income has increased or the general circumstances have improved; whether reductions are being made even when there is no substantial change in the family position; whether this is done in accordance with a scale which has been laid down by the Ministry, and is regarded by many pensions' authorities as full of anomalies; whether this scale can be submitted for the consideration of Members of this House; and, in view of the continued increase in the cost of living, whether instructions can be given to allow, at all events for a reasonable period longer, the pensions which have hitherto been payable to such dependants?

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind that one of the three classes of pension payable to parents of deceased men which is awarded on the ground of incapacity for self-support coupled with pecuniary need. This class of pension is necessarily reviewed periodically and is in each case subject to increase or decrease according to the circumstances of the case at the time of review. The administration of pensions based on pecuniary need follows the prin- ciple recommended by the Select Committee on Pensions, and accepted by the Government, that need should be broadly interpreted as reasonable expectation of what the deceased soldier would have contributed had he lived; and, while in applying this principle a general standard must be adopted, each case is dealt with on its merits and with regard to the position of the deceased soldier in relation to th applicant's family as a whole. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to adopt the suggestion that were a review of the circumstances points to a change of rate, the re-assessment should be deferred, but he is looking personally into the working of the scheme of assessment in this class of pension. My right hon. Friend is prepared to consider the suggestion that the scheme should be made public.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now state the decision of his department upon the case of Mr. H. F. Orrin, of 20, High Street, Wandsworth, late Honourable Artillery Company, No. 626,643, driver, who was brought up from convalescence at Bournemouth on 18th August to have a medical examination by his local war pensions medical referee, and was told not to bring his luggage as he would be going back at the end of that week, but who has now been home about three months, during which time he has had a medical board, with the result that they say the aggravation he suffered has passed away and therefore, although during the time he has been home he has had to pay for his room at Bournemouth and has some back expenses and needs his luggage, the war pensions will not pay his fare to get it though according to independent medical evidence he is still suffering from severe tuberculosis?

In the short time available I have not been able to complete my enquiries into this case, but I hope to be in a position to write fully to my hon. Friend in the course of a few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether every soldier is entitled to one month's leave prior to discharge on completing 21 years' service; and, if so, whether a soldier discharged from hos- pital as unfit for war service after serving 20 years 335 days with the Colours is entitled to receive his full pension as if he had completed his 21 years?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, if he is a re-engaged man, discharged for unfitness due to military service, he would get a service addition to his disability pension from the Ministry of Pensions. If he is not re-engaged for pension, he would get a service pension if granted a disablement pension, but in neither case would the award for service be the same as if he had actually completed 21 years.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the case of Regular soldiers who were discharged before the War, and joined up again in 1914, their five years of service in this War count for long-service pensions?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. If the man was discharged on pension before the War, he drew his pension while serving during the War, and was not entitled to any increase of pension (unless for disability) in respect of his War service. If ho was not a pensioner before the War, his War service is added to his former service, and if the total amounted to 21 years ho would be eligible for pension if he had sufficient qualifying service.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for stoppage of allowances previously made to the mother of Private T. Hudson, No. 10,538, 1st Cheshire Regiment, and the mother of Private T. Poyser, Lancashire Fusiliers?

Inquiries are being made and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private James M'Hallam, No. M/2–167,673, Royal Army Service Corps (Mechanical Traction), who was demobilised in March, 1920, has not yet received his gratuity; whether several letters have been sent by him to the Department, the invariable reply being that the matter is receiving attention; and whether he will do something to expedite payment of this soldier's gratuity?

I am informed that only one application is traced as having been received and payment of the amount due is being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether those ex-service men who from shell-shock or some other cause, have lost their memory during the War will be provided with suitable accommodation in homes, and not in lunatic asylums?

I have been asked to take this question. Special accommodation is provided by my Department for any ex-service man suffering from loss of memory due to his services in the late War; but should the malady unfortunately develop into certifiable insanity the patient can no longer be detained in a Ministry institution but must be transferred, in accordance with the present Lunacy Laws, to the care of the Board of Control.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many persons have been appointed to permanent positions in the Civil Service since the 1st August, 1914, without passing the regular examination; and how many of them had served at the front in the recent War?

During the War the regular competitive examinations for male candidates of or approaching the military age were suspended, and general recruitment of the classes concerned was also suspended. Shortly after the Armistice a scheme of competitive selection by means of qualifying examination and personal interview was introduced to meet the circumstances of men who had been on active service in the War and consequently were not prepared for competitive examination. Under that scheme 2,128 men have been appointed to permanent situations in the Home Civil Service, distributed as follows:—

Class I Clerks	181
Junior Appointments	190
British Museum Assistants	8
Officers of Customs and Excise	632
Customs and Excise, Preventive Men (Certificated)	29
Board of Education: Assistants in Science Museum	3
Foreign Office: Third Secretaries	53
King's Messengers	6
Consular Appointments	20
Inspectors of Factories	20
Clerks in Employment and Irish Departments, Ministry of Labour	779
Clerk or Deputy-Superintendents in Mercantile Marine Offices	31
Patent Office Assistant Examiners	46
Post Office Supplementary Clerks	130
	2,128

Practically all the men so appointed had served in His Majesty's Forces during the War, but separate record has not been kept of those whose service was at the front.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction exists among the trainees under the Ministry of Labour scheme at Cardiff owing to the inadequacy of the allowances paid to them and their dependants, the short period of training allocated to the respective courses of training, and the desire for direct representation on all committees concerned with their present and future welfare; and will he give favourable consideration to these complaints so as to remove the cause of discontent?

As a result of a recent visit to Cardiff, I am aware of the representations made by the trainees there. As regards the scale of allowances, I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reply given on 26th October to a question by the hon. Member for Burslem. As regards the duration of training periods, in practically all cases the length of the course has been settled in consultation with National Committees fully representative of both the employers and employed of the trade concerned. I have, however, ordered a careful review of the whole of the courses. As regards the question of representation on committees concerned with the interests of the men, most of the institutions have welfare committees, exclusively composed of the trainees themselves. Further, ex-service men are invariably represented on Local Employment Committees, which are concerned, amongst other things, with the employment of trainees. Difficulty has been experienced in securing representation for trainees on Local Technical Advisory Committees. The view is held that, as these committees deal with functions of a purely technical character, the presence of the ex-service man could not add to the value and authority of the committees' decisions. There is, of course, a great deal to be said for this view. Nevertheless, I hope the National Committees will look at the matter afresh, and consider whether the representation sought should not be accorded.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, if all the ex-officers now receiving education at the taxpayers' expense at universities and colleges, under the scheme for the higher education of ex-service students, complete their courses, the total cost will be £8,500,000, or whether that sum will be reduced by the Estimate made for the ex-officers who have not taken up or, having take a up, have relinquished their awards?

The total of £8,500,000 was based on the assumption that every award made under the scheme would be taken up and held for the full duration of the course for which it is made.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the educational syllabus sanctioned by his Department contains any arguments in favour of prohibition, or of drastic restrictions upon the consumption of other than temperance drinks?

The intention of the syllabus on the Hygiene of Food and Drink, to which, I presume, the hon. Member refers, is, broadly speaking, to promote the inculcation of habits of moderation and self-control, and to prevent the formation of habits of intemperance and excess in all kinds of food and drink. It does not advocate any measures of State action by way of prohibition or restriction of the consumption of other than temperance drinks, but in a matter intimately affecting the life and habits of the people, it is impossible to secure that no arguments shall be based on such a document, which go beyond its scope and intention.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Rahmy Pasha, ex-governor of Smyrna, was officially thanked through His Britannic Majesty's Minister at Athens for unvarying kindness to British subjects in Smyrna during the War; that Rahmy Pasha is still a prisoner at Malta; whether Rahmy Pasha has been tried; and, if not, what action he proposes to take?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 6th July, and add that as soon as the Turkish Treaty has been ratified by Turkey we shall be prepared to consider the release of Rahmy Pasha.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any answer from the British delegate on the Reparations Commission as to German competition in Belgium and Czceho-Slovakia against British firms making rolling stock; and whether he can now say if the obligations of Germany under the Treaty of Versailles as to rolling stock have been fulfilled?

No, Sir. I have, however, made a further inquiry and will send the hon. Member the reply as soon as it is received.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great necessity for establishing the sugar industry widely throughout the various parts of the Empire, assurances will be given as to adequate preference in the future for Empire-grown sugars as against foreign sugars imported into this country that are subsidised by bounties or in any other way; and whether the Government is aware of the importance not only of the direct product but of the available byproducts of sugar manufacturing, especially in the matter of power alcohol?

As my hon. Friend knows, a very valuable preference is now being given to Empire-grown sugar, and it is certainly the intention of the Government to continue this system. The importance of sugar and of its by-products is fully recognised.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government regard the boundaries of Palestine, as defined in the Sykes-Picot agreement of 1916, as binding; and, if not, is he prepared to take action with a view of the present position of the frontiers being reconsidered?

The boundaries of Palestine are at this moment under discussion with the French Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Persian Government has resigned office; and whether he can give the House any information regarding the position in Teheran and the probability of an early meeting of the Medjliss?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Elections for the Medjliss have been in progress for some time, and the former Persian Cabinet hoped to convene Parliament at an early date. A new Cabinet is being formed, but the probable date of the opening of the Medjliss cannot yet be announced. Pending the completion of the Cabinet, the general situation at Teheran appears normal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British men-of-war in the Black Sea have stopped the Italian merchantman "Ancona," bound to the Russian port of Novorossisk; if so, upon what grounds, and by what authority, was a ship of a friendly nation so stopped on the high seas while upon her lawful occasions; whether the "Ancona" has since been released; whether any protest has been received in connection with the incident; and, if so, what reply has been given?

I have no information regarding the s.s. "Ancona" other than that contained in protests received from the Soviet Government. Inquiries are being made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue received since 19th April, 1920, from the duties (including ad valorem) upon champagne and the duty (including ad valorem) upon imported cigars; and what revenue was received in respect of those goods during the same period in 1919?

It is not customary to give details of the yield of revenue in the current year in answer to questions, and in this particular case for the reasons given in my answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Hood) on the 28th Octber any comparison based on these figures would be misleading.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the forthcoming Supplementary Estimates for several Departments, he proposes to make a statement to the House, as he did in October, 1919, dealing with the effect of such Supplementary Estimates upon the working out of the Budget of this year and so giving the House an opportunity of reviewing, as a whole, the trend of national expenditure whilst such review may be effective?

The circumstances last year were wholly exceptional, and I do not think it is necessary or desirable to attempt every autumn a revision of the Budget. I have already said that, but for the strike, I should have seen no reason to revise my general Budget expectations; and it is too early yet to forecast with any accuracy the effect of the strike on my calculations.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, having regard to the reduced revenue from Excess Profits Duty and the growing expenditure of the Government, he will grant a day for the discussion of the country's financial position?

I do not understand what my hon. Friend means by speaking of the reduced revenue from Excess Profits Duty, as I am informed there is no reason, if the coal strike is settled, to believe that the Budget estimate of £215,000,000 (reduced by concessions from £220,000,000) for revenue from Excess Profits Duty during the current financial year will not be approximately realised. Nor can I pass unchallenged the implication of the phrase "the growing expenditure of the Government." As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated on the 19th October, there was nothing in the situation before the coal strike to require the presentation of a revised financial statement. Opportunity for discussing particular forms of expenditure will arise on the Supplementary Estimates to be presented shortly, but if there should be a general desire for a discussion of the financial position, I have no doubt that time can be found for it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether workmen receiving wages to an amount rendering them liable for Income Tax have to pay Income Tax on the sums deducted from their wages as contributors under the National Health Act; and whether this will also apply to any contributions under the Unemployment Act when that Act comes into force?

The Income Tax Acts do not permit any deduction in respect of payments to secure benefits during sickness or unemployment, whether such payments are made in the shape of premiums to insurance companies or by way of contributions under an Act of Parliament. The law in this matter applies, of course, equally to all classes of taxpayers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the employés of the Liverpool Corporation are debarred from the rights accorded to other citizens of being assessed for income tax by the local surveyor of taxes, when they would obtain a notice of assessment and an account showing the sum due and a receipt for the amount paid to the collector; whether Liverpool is only one of two corporations where the tax is deducted from the employés' salaries; whether it is a fact that six months' tax is being deducted from one month's salary without any previous notice; and whether he will take steps to obtain an alteration in these two directions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for the Westhoughton Division (Mr. T. Wilson).

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that increases of pension have been granted to retired officers of nearly every Crown colony and protectorate in the Empire irrespective of the date of retirement; whether officers of the uncovenanted services of India who retired before 23rd July, 1913, have been refused an increase, notwithstanding that an increase has been given to those officers of the same services who retired after that date; and whether he will say why this difference in treatment has been accorded to officials in the same services between whom a purely artificial distinction has been drawn by a time limit?

Both the Government of India and I are aware of the fact stated. As regards the remainder of my hon. Friend's question, I would refer him to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton (Colonel Yate) on the 28th October.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the delay in announcing the proposed scheme for Burmese constitutional reforms is causing serious uneasiness in Burma; and when he will be able to make an announcement on the subject?

I am aware that there is a certain amount of anxiety in Burma regarding the future of the Constitution I am now actively engaged in considering the questions involved, and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the resolutions expressing lack of confidence in the Governors passed by the Ceylon National Congress; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that at the extraordinary session of the Ceylon National Congress recently held in Colombo resolutions were unanimously passed rejecting the reforms in the Constitution of Ceylon, announced in this House, as inadequate, reactionary, and an affront to the people of Ceylon; whether the reasons given for this decision were that the changes proposed involve a limitation of the right of free discussion, an increase in the autocratic powers of the Governors, the imposition of humiliating disabilities on Members of the Legislative Council, and the denial of even initial steps towards responsible government; whether the Congress further resolved to boycott the forthcoming elections; and whether, in view of the public dissatisfaction which exists in Ceylon, the Secretary of State for the Colonies will reconsider the scheme of reforms and introduce such Amendments at an early date as will meet the desires of the people as far as possible?

The Secretary of State has received several resolutions from the Ceylon National Congress expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed scheme of constitutional reform, but as these resolutions were passed before the publication of the complete scheme and the Secretary of State's explanatory despatch, and before the Governor of Ceylon had had an opportunity of making clear the provisions of the reforms, the Secretary of State does no consider it necessary to take any action. The resolutions obviously misrepresent the considerable advance that the reforms involve in the direction of popular control.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has been decided to bring in industrial conscription for the races of British East Africa; and, if so, whether, in view of the best traditions of this country, the decision will be reversed forthwith?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the questions asked by the hon. Members for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare), Harrow (Mr. Mosley), and Hother Valley (Mr. Grundy) on the 26th and 27th October.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received the return for which he made a request in March last as to how many of the 35,000 Rhodesian natives, referred to in White Book Cmd. 547, have already been removed from their holdings; and what financial provision has been, or will be, made to them in order to cover the cost of rebuilding their houses and kraals upon, and the bringing into cultivation of the new land upon which they have been, or are to be located?

The Report referred to has been received. Of the 35,000 natives mentioned, 5,514 had already moved of their own accord between 1917 and May of this year. The Native Commissioners have been instructed to assist the natives to the best of their ability in their removals, but no special financial provision is considered to be necessary for the purposes suggested. Changing the sites of their kraals is no hardship to the natives, who constantly do so of their own accord; nor is any expense whatever involved in building the kraals, as all the material necessary is obtainable on the spot.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the stabilisation of the rupee at 2s. in the Kenya Colony and Uganda was effected in the interests of the producers; whether he is aware that the course of the sterling exchange with India has been such that producers in Kenya Colony and Uganda are far worse off than if no stabilization had been effected; whether the action of the Government in stabilising the rupee ta 2s. was based upon the assumption that the exchange value of the rupee could not, except for temporary fluctuation, fall below 2s. sterling and in all probability would remain above that figure for a considerable period; that by 16th June last the sterling rate of exchange had fallen to 1s. 9½d., and since that date has never again reached 2s. and has been as low as 1s. 6½d.; and, in view of this miscalculation, what steps the Government propose to take to remove the hardships that have thus been imposed upon producers?

The rupee (for which the florin is being substituted) was stabilised at one-tenth of a pound sterling in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika at the time when the value of the rupee in India was raised to one-tenth of a gold sovereign, equivalent at that moment to over 2s. 10d. sterling. The change was made in order to secure for all sections of the community the advantage of a stable sterling exchange, the actual figure fixed being the lowest that could then have been fixed in the interest of the white settlers without injury to other sections of the community and without a complete dislocation of currency and banking. There seems to be no reason to suppose that the exchange value of the Indian rupee will remain permanently below 2s. sterling, and I am not prepared to sacrifice the advantage to East Africa of a stable exchange and a definite association with sterling because of a temporary depression in the Indian exchange.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what action, if any, has been taken to prevent the exodus of coloured labour from Jamaica; whether the question of erecting central Government sugar factories to handle cane grown by small growers has been considered as a method likely to induce natives to remain settled in the country; and, if so, what practical steps have been taken to deal with this urgent matter?

A scheme for a central sugar factory has been approved. The factory will be built as soon as possible, and will buy cane from small farms under arrangements similar to those which have proved successful elsewhere. The erection of central factories on modern lines is undoubtedly one of the best methods of fostering the sugar industry and so providing employment. I may add that, in so far as the exodus of labour depends on the offer of higher wages in foreign countries, it is obviously not under the control of the Government, but the Secretary of State is in frequent communication with the Governor on the subject, and the latest reports show that substantial increases in wages have been made in Jamaica.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Select Committee on Business Premises and Restriction of Rent have reported; and, if not, what steps he contemplates to protect tenants whose leases expire this year who are being asked increases up to 600 per cent., and, failing compliance, notice to quit?

May I refer my hon. Friend to answers I have given in the last four days to the hon. Members for Buckingham (Captain Bowyer) and Finchley (Colonel Newman), of which I am sending him copies.

asked the Minister of Health what, in proportion to the cost of the buildings constructed under Government subsidy, is the lowest non-economic rent charged in any part of the country; what is the highest non-economic rent in its relation to the actual economic rent; and whether he has had occasion up to the present to make any representation, and, if so, of what nature, as to too high or too low non-economic rents?

I am unable to state the lowest or highest rent in relation to the cost of building as in many cases the houses already let form part of a large contract still uncompleted. Generally the rents agreed between the Ministry and the local authorities vary from 5s. 6d. per week in rural villages for cottages containing a living room and three bedrooms to 23s. per week in urban areas for houses containing two living rooms, scullery and four bedrooms, in each case exclusive of rates. I have had to make representations in many cases to local authorities with a view to their charging a higher rent than they proposed.

asked the Minister of Health whether a licensed club premises, containing a concert hall, and where admission to the club is by a ticket of membership, is a public or a domestic building as denned by the model bye-laws issued by the Ministry of Health; and if it is a public building can the premises be extended if by means of such extension the open space exclusively belonging to such building, and at the rear of such building, is reduced below the aggregate area of 150 square feet?

The answer to the question of my hon. and gallant Friend depends upon the bye-laws in force in the district which may differ very materially from the model bye-laws, and I do not think I can usefully express any opinion upon the matter without knowing all the facts. Further, even if I knew the facts I could not do more than express an opinion: I have no jurisdiction whatever to decide questions as to the application of local bye-laws to particular premises.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in attempting an equitable readjustment of existing Government subventions in relief of rates, he will take into consideration the inadequacy of the 4s. allowance in respect of the maintenance of pauper lunatics?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Guardians of the Bramley, Leeds, Union propose the amalgamation of two out-relief districts; whether he is satisfied that a congested working-class population of about 58,000 can be efficiently dealt with by one officer; and, if he is so satisfied, will he see that, as the two relieving officers concerned have each had 17 years of service, the dispossessed officer is adequately compensated for loss of office?

Yes, Sir, I have asked the Guardians to submit to me their proposals for meeting the case of the displaced officer.

asked the Minister of Health if, in order to assist smaller districts threatened by annexation schemes such as those put forward by Leeds and Bradford and to save them from incurring heavy expenses in resisting such schemes, he will indicate the nature of the special reasons which would justify him in refusing or postponing an inquiry?

While I cannot of course indicate what special reasons may arise in hypothetical cases I may say that in the past my predecessors have been led to refuse inquiries for such reasons as that—

(1) the sanitary condition of the borough proposing to extend was defective;

(2) extension of the borough in the direction of the proposed added area was neither taking place nor likely to take place;

(3) the representation was accompanied by financial conditions with which it was impossible to comply;

and to postpone them because—

(1) sewerage questions required further consideration;

(2) two boroughs desired to include the same area.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the unfortunate effect which the extension proposals of Leeds and Bradford are having upon the housing schemes of the districts affected; whether he is aware that the uncertainty of their position and the doubt as to the extent of the expenditure in which they may be involved in resisting those proposals is interfering with and seriously hindering the provision of houses which are badly needed in those localities; and whether the urgent need for these houses constitutes a special reason why the extension proposals in question should be postponed until the necessary houses have been provided?

I have no information to show that the proposed extensions of Leeds and Bradford are having any serious effect upon the progress of housing schemes in the districts which might be affected by such extensions, and I do not think that there is a case for postponing consideration of the proposals on the grounds suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what is the current price of British wheat as compared with the various prices of foreign imported wheat; to what is the difference attributable; and to what extent in each case?

The current price of British wheat per quarter of 480 lbs. is 90s. 6d. The current selling prices of imported wheat, as issued by the Wheat Commission, per quarter of 480 lbs. are as follow:—

		s.	d.
No. 1.	Northern Manitoba	116	6
No. 2.	Northern Manitoba	113	6
No. 3.	Northern Manitoba	110	6
No. 4.	Northern Manitoba	100	0
No. 5.	Northern Manitoba	106	0
No. 6.	Northern Manitoba	103	0
No. 1.	Hard Manitoba	118	0
No. 1.	Red Winter	115	6
No. 2.	Red Winter	113	6
No. 3.	Red Winter	111	6
No. 4.	Red Winter	100	6
No. 5.	Red Winter	106	6

		s.	d.
No. 1.	Hard Winter	116	6
No. 2.	Hard Winter	114	6
No. 3.	Hard Winter	112	6
No. 4.	Hard Winter	110	6
No. 5.	Hard Winter	107	6
No. 1.	Mixed Winter	115	6
No. 2.	Mixed Winter	115	6
No. 3.	Mixed Winter	111	6
No. 4.	Mixed Winter	109	6
No. 5.	Mixed Winter	106	6
No. 1.	Mixed White Winter	115	6
No. 2.	Mixed White Winter	113	6
Australian		121	0
Argentine		111	6
No. 1.	Northern Spring	113	0
No. 2.	Northern Spring	113	0
No. 1.	Amber Durum	114	0
No. 2.	Amber Durum	114	0
No. 3.	Amber Durum	112	0
No. 4.	Amber Durum	108	0
No. 1.	Mixed Durum	112	6
No. 2.	Mixed Durum	111	0
No. 3.	Mixed Durum	109	0
No. 4.	Mixed Durum	107	0
Pacific	Hard Winter	118	6
Pacific	White (all grades)	118	6
Pacific	Red (all grades)	117	0
Manchurian		115	6

The difference between the price of British and imported wheat is due to the fact that a maximum price of 95s. per quarter of 504 lbs., which is equivalent to 90s. 6d. per quarter of 480 lbs., has been imposed on British wheat of the 1920 harvest in accordance with the announcement made by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on 11th March last.

asked the Minister of Food what is the estimated quantity of flour used annually in the United Kingdom for purposes other than the making of bread; and what is the equivalent in grain?

The total quantity of flour consumed annually in the United Kingdom is estimated approximately at 5,250,000 tons. No exact data are available as to the proportion of this amount that is used in the preparation of foodstuffs other than bread and for industrial purposes, but it is estimated that about six-sevenths of the total is used for bread-making, leaving for all other purposes an annual quantity of 750,000 tons of flour. The rate of extraction, of course, varies, but at 75 per cent. extraction this is equivalent to 1,000,000 tons of wheat.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has received an offer from the co-operative movement to place the machinery of its organisation at the service of the Food Ministry during the miners' dispute for the purpose of distributing the food supplies of the nation without discrimination between the co-operator and private trader; and whether, in view of the feeling that may be caused by the formation of a volunteer service such as was formed during the railway dispute, he is prepared to accept this offer?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I may say that there was nothing novel in this offer, as the co-operative movement has always joined forces most loyally with the Ministry of Food in the distribution of food supplies, both in normal and at emergency periods. The Food Controller deprecates the suggestion that any ill-feeling could be caused by the formation of a volunteer service, such as was formed during the railway dispute, in view of the fact that during that dispute a large number of local food committees, mainly composed of trades unionists and co-operatives, freely availed themselves of this organisation, and helped it to secure the food supplies of all classes during the emergency.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the outlook for the potato crop in Ireland; whether it will be sufficient to provide the Irish population; and, if the price is high, whether he can take steps to bring the price within the means of the poorer classes of the people in Ireland?

The Department see no reason to believe that the total production of potatoes in Ireland this season will be insufficient to provide for the Irish population and to leave a surplus for export. The question of regulating prices will be considered should the necessity arise.

asked the Minister of Food whether the widespread practice of adulterating foodstuffs has been brought to his notice, as shown in the recent Report issued by the Government; whether it is the case that certain firms advertising egg powders have been proved to have no eggs in their productions; and whether, seeing that this constitutes a fraud upon the public, he is prepared to institute prosecutions against such firms?

I have been asked to reply to this question which presumably refers to the First Annual Report of my Department. I am aware that certain articles are sold as egg powders although containing little or no egg. The question of prosecution in such a case is one for the consideration of the local authority in whose district the sale takes place.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether, when the tithe on any land has been redeemed by a terminable annuity, and part of the land is sold, the annual payment and liability can be apportioned under any Statute other than Section 109 of the Enclosure Act, 1854; whether this method is cumbersome and unworkable; and whether, in view of the large area over which tithe is now bring so redeemed, he will at an early date introduce a short Bill to legalise these necessary apportionments?

There would appear to be no statutory provisions other than those referred to by my right hon. Friend under which rentcharges can be apportioned. I cannot give any undertaking to introduce legislation to meet the difficulty, which is not confined to these tithe rentcharge annuities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether any further steps have been taken in the matter of the Hexhamshire Light Railway; and, if not, how he proposes to afford proper transport facilities for the ex-service men's settlement in that district?

Officers of the Ministry have in the course of the last few days been conferring with representatives of the Northumberland Small Holdings Committee with regard to the development of the estate referred to, and I am advised that it will not be necessary to build a light railway for the purposes of the small holdings which are to be provided. The detailed proposals have not, however, yet been submitted to the Ministry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentages of the total pithead values of coal sold in 1913 and 1920, latest available figures, distributed between capital, labour, and royalties, respectively?

The percentage distribution of the total pithead values of the coal sold in 1913 and during the first six months of 1920 between capital, labour, and royalties was approximately as follow:—

	1913.	1920, first six months.
	Percentages.	Percentages.
Owners' profits	15	6
Labour	63	68
Royalties	4	2

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are no orders for Newcastle and Blyth coal at present from Scandinavian ports; and can he state the reason?

No information has reached me that there are no orders for Northumberland coal from Scandinavia. I understand, however, that there has been a distinct falling off in Scandinavian inquiries and orders owing to the heavy importations from America in recent months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Coal Emergency Order will be cancelled immediately if the miners' ballot is favourable, so as to prevent unemployment in other trades as much as possible?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that these restrictions will be relaxed as soon as the circumstances permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Mr. M. L. Meyer, acting as officer on his behalf, sold to Messrs. Hillas, of Hull, 500 standards of flooring boards, in January last, at £31 per standard, landed against a market price at that date of about £39 c.i.f.; whether Mr. Meyer gave open unsecured credit to Messrs. Hillas amounting to approximately £750,000; whether he is aware that one of the principals of Messrs. Hillas's firm sat daily in Mr. Meyer's office; whether he is aware of rumours in the timber trade that Mr. Meyer is a partner in Messrs. Hillas's business as also in others to which he was selling on behalf of the Governrment; and whether, in view of these rumours, he will cause a committee of inquiry to be set up with full power to examine the books of Messrs. Hillas and other firms, and to examine Mr. Meyer's passbooks and private paper's?

Approximately 470 standards of flooring boards were sold by the Imported Timber Disposal Section to Messrs. Hillas in January last at £31 per standard which was the price charged to other firms for clearing similar parcels. The greater part of this lot had been lying in the yards for over two years, and owing to its having been stacked by unskilled labour had deteriorated. The value of the contracts entered into with Messrs. Hillas was approximately £600,000, delivery being spread over a long period. Their present liability is £98,000, but as delivery has still to be given of certain lots of timber their actual liability probably does not exceed £50,000. I am not aware that any member of the firm was accommodated in Mr. Meyer's office nor of the rumours referrd to in the question. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Director-General of Traffic respecting the Ducane Road Hospital, Shepherd's Bush, and the position of the platforms Bush, and the position of the platforms on the Central London system; whether this statement was drafted in the Ministry of Transport and, if so, who is the official responsible for it; whether at the point suggested by Captain Scott Moncrieff for a temporary station the gradient changes from 1 in 54 to 1 in 330; and, if a temporary station can properly be constructed at this point, on what grounds he justifies the present service of empty trains between Wood Lane and Ealing Broadway?

The letter written by Captain Scott Moncrieff which appeared in the "Times" on the 28th October was the first intimation I had of any application for a platform opposite the Ducane Road Hospital, and I caused inquiry to be made by the Director-General of Traffic in this Ministry, and at my request he communicated to the Press the result of this inquiry. At the point at which it is suggested that the platform should be provided the lines cross thus, necessitating a falling gradient of 1 in 54 on one line and a rising gradient of 1 in 108 on the other. It is true that the falling gradient changes from 1 in 54 to 1 in 330 eastward of the point suggested for the platform, but the provision of a station on this easier gradient would involve a difficult and lengthy approach with a large number of steps. The rising gradient of 1 in 108, which presents difficulties in working, exists for about three-eighths of a mile on each side of the proposed site. Owing to the circumstances explained, the provision of platforms in the vicinity suggested would involve an expenditure both in capital cost of construction and in operating costs far in excess of what would apparently be justified, and in the present need of rigid economy I am not prepared to advocate the provision of platforms. East Acton Station, which is close to the hospital, was built at that point at the request of the County Council, it being their opinion and the opinion of the railway company that that was the most suitable point to serve the need of the district, and there does not appear to be justification for another station between East Acton and Wood Lane.

asked the postmaster-General the cause of the excessive delay in the parcel post between England and France; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the matter?

Parcel mails are exchanged daily between England and France; and at present the time of transit of the mails ranges from two to four days. No delay occurs on this side in dealing with parcels for or from France; but the treatment of the parcels in France is understood to be slower than in ordinary times, as a result of transport difficulties, and, in the case of parcels for France, of Customs delays. Representations on the subject have already been made to the French Post Office, and I believe that the service is improving; but if the hon. and gallant Member can supply me with details of recent cases of excessive delay, I shall be glad to have enquiry made.

asked the Postmaster General whether his Department requires postal servants to attach a 2d. stamp to their wages sheet when signing for their weekly wages; and, if so, what is the reason?

Post Office servants are required to affix a 2d. stamp to their wages receipts, where the amount involved is £2 or more. This is in accordance with Sections 1 and 101 and the First Schedule of the Stamp Act of 1891, and the Finance Act of 1920. This matter is at present under the consideration by the National Whitley Council for the Civil Service.

asked the Secretary for Scotland why 5s. is charged for the Report by the Committee on Women in Agriculture in Scotland when the English Report, though slightly longer, is published at 1s. 6d.; and whether he will consider this Report being issued at a price which will make it more accessible to the general public?

The selling price of all Stationery Office publications is based on the cost of production. In the case of the two Reports mentioned by the hon. Baronet, the difference in price is due to the cost being spread over a much larger edition in the case of the English Report as compared with the Scottish Report. The loss to the Exchequer if the Scottish Report were priced at 1s. 6d. would be roughly £50, and in view of that fact I see no reason for departing from the usual procedure in this instance.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government are prepared to consider any form of conditional reinstatement of the police and prison officers who withdrew their services in August, 1919; and, if so, will he state what the conditions are?

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