asked the Secretary of State for India if contractors for the making of packing-cases for Government departments are bound to pay their men such increases as are awarded; if John Witney, contractor to the India Store Depot, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, is paying the increase of 4d. per hour granted to case-makers; if not, whether he will see that such increase is paid, together with any arrears due on this account; and if he will take steps from time to time to ascertain that all contractors pay the agreed district rate and thus prevent unfair competition by such contractors as may endeavour to evade the terms of the contracts?

I am informed by the High Commissioner for India that the contractor named is bound by the conditions of his contract to observe the Fair Wages Clause, and that he has now agreed to pay the increase granted with arrears. Experience has shown that in ordinary circumstances it may reasonably be left to the workers' representative, to bring to notice any failure on the part of their employers to observe the Fair Wages Clause. I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for calling attention to this particular case.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether pre-War pensioners of the Indian Army are not participating in the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Act; and, if so, the reason for the delay in this matter?

The provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, do not apply to pensioners of the Government of India, who are paid from Indian revenues; but the question whether these should be granted similar increases to their pensions is having my most careful consideration in communication with that Government.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the anomalies arising out of the rules promulgated by the Government of India under the new Arms Act; and whether he proposes to take any action to remove them?

I have been in communication with the Government of India regarding this question, and am informed that they have removed anomalies as far as practicable where good grounds exist for doing so. They are also ready to receive further suggestions, and are issuing a leaflet explaining the policy of the Government and the requirements of the Rules so far as they affect individual holders of arms.

asked the Secretary of State for India what are the number of voluntary enrolments in India up to date under the Auxiliary Force Bill, and how this number compares with the number that were enrolled under the Indian Defence Force Act; and what is the date fixed as the time limit for volunteering under the new Act?

I have no information on the points mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member, but will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that when the rates of pay for the officers of the Indian and British Army were revised an increase of pay and a war bonus were also promised to the Royal Artillery officers in the Indian Ordnance Department; that such increase of pay was granted from 1st July, 1919, but stopped on 28th February, 1920; and that a war bonus was granted till 1st July, 1910, and again from 28th February, 1920, till September, 1920, since when these officers have had neither increased pay nor war bonus; the reasons why this pay and bonus have not been paid according to promise; and whether, considering the hardship inflicted on these officers, he will at once give orders that this promise shall at once be fulfilled and the increased pay and war bonus immediately paid?

The increase in the pay of officers of the Indian Army and of the British Army in India involved a corresponding improvement in the pay of Royal Artillery officers of the Indian Ordnance Department, but no promise of a bonus in addition to new rates was made. The settlement of the new rates raised difficult points, but the rates have now been fixed and will have effect from 1st July, 1919. Pending a decision, the officers should have received the old rates plus Army of Occupation Bonus, and I am not aware that other rates had been issued. Adjustment as from 1st July, 1919, will now be made by the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can see his way to alter the rules of the Bengal Civil Fund to enable pensioners to benefit by the increased value of the rupee, seeing that pensioners of the Indian finance un-covenanted service receive this advantage?

Pensions of the latter class are fixed in rupees, and benefit, of course, by a rise in exchange, whereas the former are fixed in sterling. I am afraid I can hold out no hope of altering the rules of the Fund, but I am considering, in consultation with the Government of India, whether any relief can be afforded to their pensioners, including those of the various Family Pension Funds, on the lines of the recent British Pensions (Increase) Act. It is improbable, however, that any such relief would extend to pensioners in receipt of incomes in excess of the limits prescribed in that Act.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on the night of 8th September, 1919, some hundreds of soldiers left the barracks at Fermoy and proceeded to wreck the town, under the leadership of some of their officers in mufti, by way of reprisal for the shooting of a soldier in an attack on a military party some days before; whether over 50 shops were wrecked and looted and a great deal of the property thrown into the river; whether no attempt was made by those in authority to stop them, though several of their officers resided in the Royal Hotel near where the wrecking occurred; whether the men who attacked and shot the soldier did not come from Fermoy, but were all from outside districts 20 or 30 miles away, as they have all been arrested or are certainly known to the authorities; whether the shops wrecked belonged principally to people who belonged to no political party—for example, the local branch of the Munster and Leinster Bank and Messrs. Tyler's boot shop, Messrs. Tyler being an English firm, suffered damage sworn to over £1,000; whether the persons injured claimed compensation, and decrees running into thousands of pounds were ordered to be paid by the ratepayers, including persons whose property was destroyed; whether these decrees were made by the Recorder of Cork, and several of them were on appeal confirmed by a High Court Judge sitting as Judge of Assize; whether the Government were represented on the hearing of all these cases by a legal representative; whether, in view of the fact that absolutely innocent persons were injured and absolutely innocent persons have to pay for the damage, the Government have done anything, or intend to do anything, to compensate these people; whether they have not been paid the amount of compensation granted by the Recorder; and why was no punishment meted out to the troops for this outrage, although many were ready to come forward and identify the officers and men who were implicated?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question, and I will answer the points seriatim. On 8th September, 1919, a party of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, after hearing the verdict given by a Coroner's jury, broke shop windows and did considerable damage to the property of the members of the jury. The verdict given at the Coroner's inquest was to the effect that Private Jones died from a gunshot wound when attacked by a party of civilians, who wished to obtain rifles, but did not intend to do any harm. Private Jones was murdered on the way to church in Fermoy on Sunday, 7th September, 1919. The soldiers were not led by officers in mufti. Some officers in mufti who eventually arrived prevented further damage, and got the soldiers back to barracks with the assistance of a picquet. Approximately thirty-nine shops were damaged. There is no evidence to show that property was thrown into the river. Some of the men arrested in connection with the murder came from the neighbourhood of Fermoy. I am informed that claims for compensation were made by a number of persons, including those named by the hon. Member. Messrs. Tylers' claim was for £1,120, and they were awarded £158, but the claim is the subject of an appeal now pending. I have no knowledge of the politics of the em- ployés of the two claimants mentioned. The total compensation awarded amounted to about £3000, including costs. The decrees were made as stated, and some were confirmed at Assizes. The Government has no locus standi at the hearing of such cases. The responsibility for payment of the sums awarded rests with the local authority, and I understand that they have not made any payment up to the present. No civilian witnesses would give evidence, although invited and encouraged to do so. As there was no evidence against any individual, no disciplinary action was taken.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any further information as to the burning down of the printing works at Athlone; and if armed forces of the Crown were responsible for an attack on the premises on 17th October and for the subsequent destruction?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Athlone Printing Works were burned and completely destroyed by the armed forces of the Crown at 3 a.m. on Wednesday, the 3rd instant; that the proprietor of the works, Mr. Chapman, carried on an extensive job printing department, and published a number of newspapers on the premises; that close on 300 hands were given employment by the firm; that these, as well as a number of outdoor workers, are left idle, and that the value of the property destroyed was £130,000; that three of the employes who slept on the premises made heroic efforts to combat the fire, and had succeeded in controlling it when they were cautioned by the forces of the Crown that if they interfered their lives would be taken; and whether he will take immediate steps to secure that adequate relief will be afforded to the disemployed hands, that compensation will be paid to the proprietor of the destroyed works, and that searching inquiry will be made with a view to the identification and punishment of the perpetrators of the outrage?

It is the case that the Athlone Printing Works, which I understand carries on an extensive job printing and newspaper printing business, was destroyed about 3 a.m. on the 3rd instant, and that about 100 employés have in consequence been thrown out of work. I have no means at present of checking the hon. Member's estimate of the loss sustained. I am informed that no attempt on the part of the employés to extinguish the fire was observed by the police, and that none of the employés were threatened as alleged. The inquiries which are being made with a view to ascertaining the perpetrators of the outrage, and of the similar outrage committed on the 17th ultimo, have so far proved unsuccessful. As I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for West Bromwich on the 4th instant, the local police were all in barracks at the time, and there were no other police in Athlone. Further, the curfew patrol did not see the outrage committed. The question of the relief, if any, to which the workers who have been thrown out of employment are entitled is one which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, and the question of compensation to the owner of the property is one which falls to be dealt with by the ordinary courts of law subject to a claim being made by the owner in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Injuries Act.

asked the Secretary of State for War how long a period of time elapses before the War Office receives full particulars of the circumstances in which soldiers in Ireland are killed or wounded while carrying out their duties?

A telegram is received daily from Ireland containing a brief report of encounters and ambushes, giving the locality and, if known, the number of soldiers killed and wounded. The necessary notification to the next-of-kin is made direct by the local military authorities. Full particulars of the circumstances of every encounter are not ordinarily reported to the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many times since 30th June last soldiers on military duty in Ireland in motor cars or lorries have been attacked by men in ambush; how many soldiers have in consequence been killed; how many soldiers wounded; how many soldiers captured or disarmed; and how many rifles and how much ammunition Secured by the attackers?

I am in communication with the General Officer Command- ing-in-Chief in Ireland regarding this question, and should be glad if the hon. Member would repeat his question in a day or two.

asked the Attorney-General the provisions of the Regulations under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act and of the Regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act under which Mrs. Annan Bryce was arrested at Holy-head?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer already given on the 3rd instant so far as the Defence of the Realm Act is concerned. Regulation 55 under Restoration of Order in Ireland Act will be found at page 73 of the Regulations.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what precisely were the actions committed or to be committed by Mrs. Annan Bryce which were such as to prejudice the public safety or the defence of the realm?

Mrs. Annan Bryce was suspected of committing offences against Nos. 27, 27c of Defence of the Realm Regulations and also against regulations under Restoration of Order in Ireland Act, and documents were found upon her which justified such suspicions.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the rough notes of a speech and a cartoon copied from an English paper, taken from Mrs. Bryce after her arrest, have not been returned to her?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the notes of a speech taken from Mrs. Bryce after her arrest have been returned to her; if not, why this has not been done; and whether they will be returned to her forthwith?

The notes and cartoon in question constitute an offence against Nos. 27 and 42 of the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations and other Regulations, and will be retained under the powers conferred by Regulation 55 of both sets of Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give particulars as to the quantity of outside orders now being carried out in Woolwich Arsenal; and whether there is any possibility of further steps being taken to increase the volume of work in the Arsenal by accepting contracts for other work in order to avoid the discharges taking place and to provide work for ex-Service men and others now unemployed?

As regards the first part of the question, the alternative work at present carried out at the Arsenal includes 100 locomotives, 2,500 new wagons, wagons and lorries for repair, and a variety of orders of a miscellaneous character. The approximate number employed on this class of work is 1,756, which represents about 20 per cent, of the total productive labour in the Ordnance Factories. As regards the second part, the various points raised by the deputation received at the War Office on the 28th October are being carefully followed up.

asked the Secretary for War if Sergeant Richard Fairhurst, No. 79540], transport section, 2nd Manchester Regiment, now stationed in Mesopotamia, is the eldest son of a widowed mother, whose two other children are aged, respectively, daughter 16 years and son 18 years, whose wages are not sufficient to support the home; and whether, in view of the fact that employment is assured him by his former employer, he will consider the case, and, if possible, grant his discharge on compassionate grounds?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Unity Dalton, of Tanfield Lea, County Durham, widow of the late George Crosby Dalton; whether he was a munition worker at Gretna and Bridlington, and suffered from exposure to noxious gases and rain; whether he ceased work on 21st July, 1919, and died on 30th September, 1919; whether Dr. Abbott, of Carlisle, has certified that he died of pulmonary tuberculosis greatly aggravated, if not actually brought on, by his exposure to noxious gases at the munition works at Gretna; whether the Ministry have nevertheless refused to make any payment by way of compensation to his widow; and whether he will cause that decision to be reconsidered?

I have been asked to reply, as the Gretna Factory is now controlled by the War Office. I understand that, after careful inquiry, the widow's claim to compensation was rejected in the absence of any evidence that, the death was the result of an injury by accident or of any of the industrial diseases scheduled under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and that neither the information forthcoming as to the conditions of Mr. Dalton's work at Gretna nor the opinions of the departmental medical officers by whom the case was considered supported the view expressed by Dr. Abbott as to the connection between the death and the Gretna employment.

asked the Parliamentarw Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the acreage of ground covered by the Rotherwas depôt, the number of people at present employed, and the weekly wage for the same; whether they are employed for the purposes of dismantling the depot; if so, how long will such operations last; and, if not, for what purpose are they employed?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The total area of the factory and depot is 520 acres. The number of people employed, together with the weekly wages paid, are as follow:—

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a camp building at Seaford camp, and numbered lot 65, was on 1st September, 1920, sold by auction to a Mr. Burtenshaw and paid for by him; that when the purchaser went to remove the building he found it had been stolen; and whether, seeing that such a theft could not have taken place if the War Office had had anyone in charge of the camp, he can see his way to recouping the purchaser the whole or some of his loss?

I am informed that the statements contained in the first and second parts of the question are substantially correct. Under the conditions of sale the purchaser is responsible for the safety of his acquired property from the time of sale, and there is nothing to prevent him placing any guard or caretaker he wishes in the building. It is entirely an act of grace that the purchaser is allowed to leave his property in situ up to twenty-eight days, from the date of sale, and I regret that the suggestion contained in the last part of the hon. Member's question cannot be entertained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Brigadier-General Sir G. W. Hacket Pain has resigned his command of the Northern District in the Irish Command?

Brigadier-General Sir G. W. Hacket Pain vacated the command of the Northern District Irish Command on 1st November, 1919.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a considerable number of applications for dependants' allowances in different parts of the country are being delayed pending a decision of the Ministry on the general question of entitlement to dependants' pensions in cases where the disease which caused the soldier's death was not the cause of his removal from military duty; and whether, in view of the hardship involved in the delay, a decision can now be given?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that a decision on this point has now been reached, and applications which were necessarily held up pending the decision are now being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can state that, where men on enlisting in the Navy, Army, or Air Force have passed for service and have been discharged and are still suffering from some disability caused or aggravated by active service, they should continue to receive their pension and not have to apply to Poor Law authorities for assistance and become chargeable to local rates, but their claims, when disputed, should be dealt with by the local war pension appeal tribunals for that purpose, and with a view to alleviating cases of hardship there should be closer co-operation between the local insurance committees and local war pensions committees, and that local war pensions committees should be allowed increased discretionary power in dealing with border-line cases; and if he will take action in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Burslem (Mr. Finney) on the 5th November in reply to a similar question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received representations to the effect that the constant attendance allowance of 15s. for men who have lost both arms is quite inadequate at the present time; whether he will make inquiries into the adequacy of this allowance; and whether he can hold out any hope of its increase?

The maximum constant attendance allowance of 20s. a week is always granted in double arm amputations where the man has lost both arms above the elbow. In cases, however, of amputation below the elbow, the man is, as experience has shown, in a markedly better position, both, from the point of view of fitment of artificial arms and of capacity for self-help; and in such cases the allowance is normally limited to 15s. a week. The difference of 5s. in the allowance well expresses the variation between the two classes of amputation. While not prepared to recommend any change in this general rule, my right, hon. Friend is always willing to consider any individual case of the latter type in which the circumstances are exceptional.

asked the Prime Minister, if, in view of the appeal made to employers of labour to do all in their power to employ discharged ex-service men, the Government will have regard to the disabled ex-service men in the employ of the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, who by reason of their disablement are unable to obtain employment with private firms, and will take steps to have the dismissal of these men cancelled?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. There has been no production of cordite at the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, since shortly after the Armistice. The present establishment of the factory, which is mainly engaged in maintenance work, storage and despatch of surplus stocks, is 656, and is being reduced to 616, all of whom will be pre-War workers. The position will be reconsidered in March with a view to bringing the establishment down to about 500, which will be sufficient for any likely requirements of cordite in the near future. Owing to the special nature of the factory it is not practicable to find employment for a larger number of workers. No promises can be given that men will be retained indefinitely if no suitable work can be found for them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Note from the Russian Government to His Majesty's Government on the question of the treatment of Russian submarine boats by vessels of His Majesty's Navy will be published?

The hon. and gallant Member does not seem to be aware that the Note was published as long ago as 2nd November.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has authorised the stoppage of merchant ships of other nations upon the high seas; whether or no subjects other than British have been forcibly removed from merchant ships; and, if so, how many since 1st August, and upon what grounds?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but in one particular case only. At the request of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the Senior Naval Officer, Baltic, was directed, on 29th July, to intercept the Finnish steamer "Ariadne" and divert the vessel to Dantzig in order to take off eight Bolshevist prisoners who were proceeding to Russia via Helsing-fors. These eight Russian prisoners were being released in exchange for British prisoners, amongst whom were officers and men of the Navy at Baku. As no satisfactory assurance from the Soviet Government had been received that the Baku prisoners had been released, the only steps available to His Majesty's Government was to intercept and remove these eight Russians until news was received of the arrival of the British in safety.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if negotiations have been proceeding between the Italian Government and the Albanian Government, and have now reached a satisfactory conclusion?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I returned to his question on the 7th July last. I have no information to show that any final conclusions have been reached in the negotiations between the Italian Government and the Albanian Government set up at Tirana.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Great Britain has got a special responsibility with regard to the Albanian State in so far as the Albanian State was constituted at the ambassadorial conference of 1913 under the presidency of Lord Grey of Falloden; and if Great Britain will support the request of the Albanian Government for admission to the League of Nations at the assembly of the League of Nations of 15th November?

No, Sir; His Majesty's Government have no other responsibility than that shared by all the principal Allied Powers. Since there is no Albanian Government recognised by His Majesty's Government, the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the First Commissioner of Works why the huts at present encumbering the Victoria Tower gardens are not removed and the gardens restored to their proper use for the advantage of the public, seeing that a long range of huts on the other side of the road, recently in Government occupation, are now advertised as to be let?

The huts in the Victoria Tower Gardens are at present fully occupied by the staff of the Ministry of Pensions, but it is hoped that they will be vacated within the next few months. The huts on the opposite side of the road have never been in Government occupation, and can only be secured on lease at too high a rental to warrant their acquisition.

asked the President of the Board of Education what increases in the staff and remuneration of such staff in his Department has occurred between the years 1919 and the current financial year?

The total staff, indoor and outdoor, serving in the Board of Education, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Royal College of Art, was, on 1st November, 1919, 2,328, and the total monthly remuneration of the staff at that date was £56,271. On 1st November, 1920, the figures were 2,432 and £75,938, respectively. The increase in the staff between the two dates is due to the return of officers either from the Forces or from other Departments to which they had been lent during the War, and to the creation of new posts to deal with the increase of work arising out of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, the Government Scheme for the Higher Education of ex-Service Students, and, to a certain extent, the Education Act, 1918. The increase in the remuneration of the staff is due to a small extent to an increase in its numbers, but mainly to an improvement in the scales of pay of certain grades, and to an increase in the war bonus paid generally throughout the Civil Service.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the conditions under which the girl clerks sat for their examination at the Crystal Palace recently; whether he is aware that during the course of the examination Press photographs were taken of the girls at work; that the general public were moving about the galleries, and that bands were playing in the near vicinity; that several of the girls fainted owing to the amount of distraction that was going on around; and whether, in view of the conditions under which these girls had to carry out their work, he will consider the possibility of having this examination reheld at a more suitable place and under equal con- ditions to those carried out in other parts of the country?

The Crystal Palace was the only building capable of accommodating the large numbers of candidates attending the recent examination for appointment to the Clerical Class (Women). No complaints on the grounds stated in the question were made to the Superintendents while the examination was in progress. Neither the band which on one day played in a distant part of the Palace for thirty-five minutes of the time when candidates were under examination, nor the movements of the public in other parts of the Palace, were sufficient to cause serious distraction to the candidates. The disturbance was probably less than that caused by the sounds of ordinary street traffic at other centres at which the examination was held.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can explain in general terms the reasons given for the non-payment of Excess Profits Duty, due long since, to the Treasury; and whether many firms have not yet paid any sum, although the amount is not disputed?

Many industries, in consequence of the present abnormal conditions, find it necessary to employ largely increased resources in order to purchase stocks and carry on their business generally. In such case the difficulty of making prompt payment of large sums for Excess Profits Duty is obvious; and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, in accordance with their statutory powers, allow payment of duty to be made by reasonable instalments, as the circumstances of each case require. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order that business men may be able to undertake new enterprises and the development of present undertakings, he will now make a definite announcement with reference to the continuance, modification, or abandonment of the Excess Profits Duty?

As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for the Royton Division (Mr. Sugden) on the 28th October, at present I can add nothing to the statement made by me in the summer as regards the future of Excess Profits taxation.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, with a view to meeting the requirements of the recent Education Act in the matter of continuation schools, it is proposed by the Wimbledon and other education committees to use huts recently in occupation of service men; and whether this suggestion has the approval of the Ministry?

I am advised that satisfactory temporary accommodation for Continuation Schools can be constructed out of suitable Army huts. In view of the great difficulty of building permanent schools at the present time, I see no reason to take exception to the use of such temporary buildings, and, indeed, I am disposed to encourage their use in the interests both of educational development and economy.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the annual cost of the inspectorate of public elementary schools; whether the inspectors, sub-inspectors, and assistant inspectors have their time fully occupied; who allots the work and time spent in doing it; whether there is an appreciable number of schools which have not been examined in reading, writing, and arithmetic during the past five years; and what is the rule of the Department as to conferences of inspectors and teachers, collective and individual, in order to inform the teachers of the varying requirements of inspectors in different areas?

The total estimated cost of the Elementary School Inspectorate (England and Wales) during the current financial year is:

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a letter, dated 28th October, 1920, from Mr. H. W. Brake, of Lynchford House, Farnborough, Hants, complaining that he has not received certificates in regard to houses he has built from six district councils; and whether instructions have been issued by the Ministry of Health to these councils to the effect that Mr. Brake is entitled to the certificates?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health whether the department of Building Materials Supply is providing less than one-third of the quantity of cement and bricks required to meet the normal annual demand for houses in Scotland; and what hope he can hold out of an improvement in the position?

The supply of building materials for Scotland is at present under discussion between my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland and myself, both as regards present demand and supply, and as regards the possibility of increased supplies for the future.

asked the Minister of Health whether he still insists that four new cottages are to be built in the district of Kington, Herefordshire; whether such expenditure of public money is condemned by everybody in the locality in view of the accommodation which now exists there; whether in the actual village in which the new cottages are to be erected there are no less than 11 houses uninhabited; and whether, in view of these facts, he will reconsider his decision?

I am aware that there are some unoccupied houses in the district, but at least a considerable proportion of them are unfit for habitation, and, further, some of the houses at present occupied are likewise unfit. It is the duty of the housing authority to put forward a scheme to provide both for actual overcrowding and unfit property, and I think that the scheme which I have required is a very moderate instalment to meet the immediate needs.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that district and rural councils have not the power to compel a builder who intends to erect a domestic building to provide two separate entrances and for such entrances to allow of admission to every room in the building; and whether he will introduce legislation to meet this difficulty?

I am aware that local authorities have not this power, and I am afraid I cannot introduce legislation for the purpose of giving them this power at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what type of cottage is being built by the Ministry at Sutton Bridge; what is the cost per cottage; and whether this information has been passed on to the Ministry of Health?

The cottages which are being erected at Sutton Bridge Farm Settlement are constructed of 11-inch hollow brick walls, or of 12-inch hollow concrete walls, with tiled roofs. The accommodation includes three bed- rooms, living room, parlour and scullery, with bath and the usual offices. The prime cost (labour and materials) of the first completed pair of cottages, which were occupied by tenants on 1st November, is £1,550, or £775 each, inclusive of decoration. This figure excludes overhead charges, which cannot yet be definitely allocated between completed and uncompleted buildings, but which are expected to be within 15 per cent, of the prime cost, making a total of about £890 per cottage, inclusive of water supply. At the neighbouring Holbeach Settlement, cottages with the same number of rooms, but of a slightly smaller cubic content, are being built at an inclusive cost of rather less than £750 each. This information will be passed on to the Ministry of Health as soon as the final figures have been ascertained.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the present serious position of the Ceylon tea-producing industries; and whether, in view of the fact that the present heavy loss on cost of production has already led to the abandonment of certain tea estates and must in the immediate future cause the abandonment of many more, and of the fact that this abandonment of a part of the industry will lead to heavy loss of revenue in Ceylon and Great Britain, to the disbandment of large native labour forces, and the ultimate, increased price of tea to the consumer through shortage of supply, he is prepared to give such instructions as may appear advisable and feasible in order to enable the industry to tide over the present crisis?

The attention of the Secretary of State has been drawn to the matter, and he has asked the Governor of Ceylon for a report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate wheat supplies now available for export from the principal wheat exporting countries, and the approximate requirements of the wheat importing countries?

I have been asked to reply. It is impossible to form at the present stage any accurate estimate of the wheat supply and demand during the present cereal year. The exportable surpluses from Canada and the, United States are approximately 23,500,000 quarters and 25,000,000 quarters respectively. But it is still very uncertain how much wheat will be licensed for export by the Indian Government, and the crops of Australia and South America are not yet harvested. There is still uncertainty as to the Balkan export and likewise as to the importation requirements of Central Europe which, to some extent, must be governed by the financial situation. I have no official information as to the import requirements of France, Italy, and other European countries which will require overseas supplies. But I have little hesitation in saying that actual and prospective supplies are adequate to meet all demands that can be foreseen at present.

asked the Minister of Food if his Department is satisfied with the quality of the wheat from China; whether there is in it anything detrimental for human consumption; and what are his intentions in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, to the second in the negative, and to the third that the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies is prepared to make further purchases if necessary.

asked the Minister of Food whether country grocers, in order to prepare against the threatened railway strike, laid in and still hold unusually large stocks of sugar, on the average of a month's supply; and whether, in fixing the time for the anticipated reduction in the controlled price of sugar, he will so arrange matters as to allow these tradesmen a reasonable time to clear their stocks?

I am aware that the steps taken in connection with the recent emergency led to retail traders holding larger stocks of sugar than they otherwise would have held. The matter has been carefully considered, and retailers have been allowed an extra fortnight during which they may sell sugar at the higher price, in order to reduce their surplus stocks. It could not be expected that a retailer should be afforded an opportunity of obtaining the higher price on all the stock he had on hand on 1st November. In the ordinary way of trade a retailer always holds a margin of stock, and as he had the opportunity of securing additional profits on stock so held on the various occasions when the price of sugar was advanced, it is only reasonable that he should accept the risk of loss, on the occasion of a fall of prices, in respect of such stock as he would have held in normal circumstances.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has received representations from the Frome Co-operative and Industrial Society, Limited, and other similar bodies as to the serious loss entailed upon them by the reduction in the controlled price of sugar by 2d. per Ib. on 15th November; and whether he will allow a rebate on retailers' stock purchased at a higher figure?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject already given to the hon. and learned Member for East Grinstead (Mr. Cautley).

asked the Parliamentary to the Ministry of Agriculture how much money was given by the Government in 1919 and the first six months of 1920 towards veterinary research; and how much was paid during the same period as compensation for animals compulsorily destroyed?

I can only give figures in respect of the moneys administerd by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. In the period from the beginning of the financial year 1919–20, to 30th September, 1920, this Department made grants for Veterinary Research in England and Wales to the amount of £6,509. The expenditure on compensation for animals compulsorily slaughtered in the same period in Great Britain under the Diseases of Animals Acts was £178,077. As a set-off against this expenditure £43,356 was received from the sale of carcases of animals slaughtered. The following is a detailed statement of the above expenditure:—

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the action of the London County Council in dispossessing the allotment-holders at Marble Hill, Twickenham, where there is an enormous acreage of ground for recreation purposes, or of the necessity of disturbing the allotment-holders; and whether he can, as a matter of public policy in the interest of food production, take any steps to prevent this retrograde movement?

The question of the continued use of land comprising part of the parks and open spaces of the London County Council for the provision of allotments was fully discussed in this House on the 18th December last, when I explained the attitude of the Ministry towards the decisions which had been come to by the Council. I have nothing to add to the statement I made on that occasion (a copy of which I will send to the hon. Member), except to say that the acreage of ground for recreation purposes at Twickenham to which my hon. Friend refers is not available to the general public.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (1) if the new Fisheries Bill has yet been finally drafted; if so, will he introduce it in the House to allow the industry to examine it in detail;(2) whether, in the event of the Fisheries Bill not being taken during this Session, he will introduce a short Bill raising the statutory limits of all licences, thus enabling boards of conservators to pay their bailiffs a living wage?

The Fisheries Bill is not yet finally drafted, but I hope to introduce it for the purpose mentioned during the present Session. As regards the second question, I regret that I am unable to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether a recent investigation by Dr. Rennie, of Aberdeen University, into the cause of the Isle of Wight disease in bees has been concluded; and, if so, the result of the investigation?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The recent investigation by Dr. Rennie and his colleagues at Aberdeen University into the cause of the Isle of Wight disease of bees has now been concluded. It seems probable that the true cause of the disease has now been ascertained. I understand that further investigation will be directed towards preventive and remedial measures.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what number of railway wagons similar to the 1,405 now under the control of his Department were owned or controlled by his Department on 1st August, 1914?

On 1st August, 1914, there were 50 wagons actually owned by my Department, but a further 300 were in constant use in our service for coal traffic, and we were only awaiting a favourable opportunity to purchase them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of ex-soldiers who periodically since the War desire to attend re-unions of ex-service men, he will make inquiry with a view to the practicability of reduced fares for such men; and if satisfied, after consultation with the Secretary of State for War, as to the desirability of extending such favour to ex-service men whether he will take means as from the beginning of the New Year to arrange for such special rates?

In view of the financial position of the railways any concession that might be made in the direction indicated would fall upon the taxpayer. I am afraid I can hold out no hope of reduced fares being granted exceptionally in favour of men travelling to such meet- ings. The number of such claims is very great. They all appeal to our sympathies, but I must ask the hon. Member to realise that with increased costs of everything up over 200 per cent, it is not possible to give low fares in special cases without facing either increased subsidies or increased charges to other users. The present increases in rail charges being far less than the increases in cost of all the ingredients of transportation, namely, materials and wages.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed by the Ministry or by the railway companies to increase the superannuation allowances of railway employés pensioned before the War; if so, in what proportion; the total number and total annual value of War bonuses paid to railway officials earning £1,500 a year and upwards; in how many cases the bonuses have been made permanent by addition to salary; and in how many cases applications to make the War bonus permanent are now under consideration?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 1st November in reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore) and to other replies, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies. As regards the latter part of the question, I am not in possession of the information desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Midland Railway (Northern Counties Committee) have abolished as from 1st November all reduced-fare concessions to teachers under the Technical Education Department; whether the announcement of this decision was made only 10 days before it was to come into force and after the technical schools affected had started their winter's work; and whether, in view of the grave injury to technical education in county Antrim which will be caused by this action on the part of the railway company, he will at any rate arrange that the alteration n fares shall be postponed until after the winter term's work?

The withdrawal of reduced-fare concessions granted by the Irish railway companies to teachers under the Technical Education Department, and of other cheap tickets, was rendered necessary on account of the financial position of the Irish railways, and I am afraid I can hold out no hope of their reinstatement at present. I am communicating with the railway company as to the period of notice given and will write to the hon. Member later.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the question of cancelling the Order making it compulsory for cyclists to display a red rear lamp from half an hour after sunset, seeing that this Order is somewhat vexatious and serves no useful purpose, in view of the fact that the light thrown on the road by the front lamp of a cycle is sufficient to indicate its position; that it is the duty of the driver of any vehicle approaching from the rear to have sufficiently strong head lights to see what is in front of him in time to pull up; and that if a cycle is run into from the rear the rear red light would be the first to break and that it might be stated that it was not lit?

The Departmental Committee on Lights on Road Vehicles heard evidence on the question and considered fully the arguments set out in my hon. and gallant Friend's question, and in their Interim Reports (Command Paper 659) recommended that the requirements of the Order should be made permanent. This recommendation I propose to adopt. I may add that the London County Council have recently passed a resolution in favour of the continuance of this requirement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the increased charges which the Midland Railway Company are now authorised to make are sufficient to cover their working expenses; whether working expenses should properly include the provision of adequate facilities for the travelling public; and, if so, will he request the Midland Railway Company to reopen the closed exit from their Nottingham station opposite Trent Street?

I explained the position fully in reply to a question and supplementary questions put by the hon. Member on 2nd August. There are no new relevant facts, and I do not propose to take any further action.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that Haines Ball, of 26, Hutton Street, Nottingham, who worked for the Great Northern Railway Company for 45 years, has been discharged from their service on attaining the age of 65 years and is now unemployed and devoid of income or pension or allowance; that he is still capable of rendering efficient service; and that there is appropriate work which the railway company could offer; and whether he will take steps which will ensure to life-long servants more humane treatment before the Government control of the railway companies comes to an end?

I understand that this man has been in the employ of the Great Northern Railway since 1877, and reached the age of 65 on 18th December, 1919, and in April of this year the work on which he was employed ceased. The railway company were able to employ him temporarily on other work until the 2nd October, but they have now no suitable work to offer to him, which he could perform efficiently. He was not in any pension fund, but received a gratuity of three months' pay. I do not know how the hon. Member proposes that effect should be given to the suggestion at the end of his question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the £36,000,000 in the hands of the railway companies as a reserve against arrears of maintenance can be used to pay any maintenance being undertaken today; and, if not, if he will explain how the railway companies propose to spend it, and when?

Arrears of maintenance which could not be undertaken owing to shortage of men, materials, etc., during the War have to be made good by the Government at the cost when the work is done. The sum of £36,000,000 reserved is now nearly £40,000,000, and represents the residue of expenditure at 115 per cent, of the 1913 prices under the heading of maintenance. The reserve in question is drawn on as arrears are overtaken, and the State has to make good the difference between 115 per cent, of 1913 prices and today's actual. What exactly current and arrear maintenance may be is a matter in dispute, as also the extent to which the fund in question should be drawn upon. The matter is one under investigation by Lord Colwyn's Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of arterial roads that have been approved in England and Wales by the Departments concerned; in what counties they are situated; what is the probable contribution by the State in each case; whether local bodies in the counties and boroughs concerned have undertaken to make any contributions; and, if so, to what extent in each instance?

The number of arterial road schemes provisionally approved, and on which it is hoped that work will be commenced in the near future, is 24. Additional schemes are under examination. The schemes approved up to the present are in the Counties of London, Sussex, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Devonshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Edinburgh. Grants up to 50 per cent. of the cost of construction are being made on approved schemes commenced in pursuance of the present policy laid down by the Cabinet. The local authorities concerned will be responsible for the remainder, though in many cases the money will be advanced to them for the present by way of loan.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the railway companies have stipulated that all claims for loss of goods must be lodged within 14 days of the despatch of the goods; and, if so, whether he is aware that this stipulation is impossible of fulfilment in the case of goods sent from Ireland to inland destinations in Great Britain?

The railway companies for some years before the War stipulated as one of the conditions of carriage that any claim for non-delivery of goods must be made within 14 days of the date of despatch. This condition, along with others, is under consideration by the Rates Advisory Committee, evidence having been heard in regard thereto from the railway companies and the traders.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the railways are being conducted extravagantly; if so, is no effort being made to lower fares and rates; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I think the present organisation of the railway companies is necessarily more costly than it need be, and that very material economies can be secured by the proposals which the Government have made for the future, and which are now being worked out, both in regard to the grouping of the railways, and in regard to standardisation. These economies should undoubtedly be reflected in the level of rates and fares, and account must be taken of them in any further revision which may take place. Every effort is being made to check operating efficiency through the medium of statistics and cost figures, but I fear that unless and until the Government's proposals are sanctioned in principle by Parliament, little immediate progress is likely to be made under the individual management of the companies, and that consequently no immediate reduction of rates from this cause will be practicable. High cost of living, reflected in the increase in sliding scale payments, the state of affairs in Ireland, and the recent strike are all adverse factors in the situation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will recommend to the Committee on Railway Agreements now sitting under the chairmanship of Lord Colwyn that their meetings should in future be held in public, and that as a result the Press would be able to inform the public day by day as to the evidence placed before that Committee, particularly in view of the fact that, owing to this present high fares and rates, the general public have a definite interest in the matter?

The matter is entirely one for the Committee itself to decide, and I do not think it is desirable that I should make any recommendation on the subject. The Committee have a great public duty to perform, and a detailed consideration of the problems would not necessarily be facilitated by a day-to-day discussion in public. I have already stated that from a personal and departmental point of view I would welcome the fullest publicity consistent with the public interest.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the agreements with the railway companies as to the adjustment of stores is to the effect that the Government should replace the railway stores at their 1913 level in 1921, without any additional cost to the railway companies due to rise in prices; and, if so, why the railway companies should be so specially favoured?

Substantially, the effect of the agreement is as the hon. Member suggests. Its terms are set out on page 23 of Command Paper 654. This arrangement is one of the questions which is engaging the attention of Lord, Colwyn's Committee, and in the circumstances the hon. Member will no doubt not expect me to express any opinion upon it until the Committee has reported.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the recent increase in railway rates on timber from the North of Scotland is seriously hampering the trade in that district; and whether he will recommend a reduction on the rates now ruling, especially as many of the timber merchants who hold the timber, were urged to purchase it during the War by the Government, and are now faced with loss owing to the increased cost of marketing?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, owing to the large increase of railway rates seriously affecting the long - distance haulage of home timber in Scotland, the trade in home timber is threatened with extinction; and that the present high railway rates will unduly affect the scheme of afforestation and will tend to restrict its development; and whether any modification can be given on the rates for long-distance timber traffic?

The recent increases which have been made in the railway rates for the conveyance of timber are in accordance with the advice of the Rates Advisory Committee. The views of various associations connected with the timber trade were placed before, and very carefully considered, by the Committee and, in the circumstances, I regret that I cannot see my way to make any exception from the general increases. As the hon. Members are probably aware, the Committee are now engaged on an inquiry as to the future basis of railway rates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the very many complaints from agriculturalists and others as to the number of serious accidents to farm-stock and to horses due to the slippery surface of tar-sprayed roads, his Department is itself making experiments with a view to the provision of a surface affording a firmer foothold or is instigating local authorities to experiment in that direction?

As a result of the recommendations of an expert Committee, appointed at my request by the County Surveyors' Society to consider the question of slippery roads, experiments with three different classes of road surfaces are to be carried out in the areas of the counties of Worcestershire, Southampton and the North Riding of Yorkshire. Half the cost of these experiments is to be borne by the Road Fund. Experiments are also being carried out in various counties with special devises in the shoeing of horses. The Farmers' Union and the Worshipful Company of Farriers, as well as the Road Fund, are contributing towards the cost, of these shoeing experiments.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to a published statement to the effect that some 3,000 employés of one railway company alone are engaged in collecting statistics for his Department; and will he make a statement upon the subject?

I have observed a statement to this effect in a letter published in the Press. It is obvious that the figure is a gross exaggeration if it is put forward as the number of persons employed for any appreciable portion of their time on the compilation of statistics required by the Ministry. If every railway employe who furnishes figures relating to his work which are subsequently included in some statistical return were counted, it might be said—quite apart from any requirements of the Ministry— that a large section of the staff of every railway company is partly engaged in collecting statistics of one sort or another. The real test of the amount of work involved in the preparation of statistics is not the number of engine drivers, for example, who fill up tickets at the end of their shift in accordance with long-established practice. The statistics are less voluminous than those kept in most great countries—they are comparable with those kept by every great country in the world, are the only index of comparable operating efficiency available—have the support of the largest trading interests in the country. They are, in fact, the costing figures in the manufacture of transportation and are essential to any survey of the efficiency of our railway working.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the shortage of coal wagons in the various coalfields; if he is aware that miners returning to work at their pits will be unable to perform their duties owing to this cause; if he is aware that some thousands of empty coal wagons are on sidings from Bristol and Gloucester as far as Slough; why these were not moved to their respective coalfields during last week; and whether he is taking steps to move these wagons with all despatch so that not only miners but dockworkers and others may find employment?>

My attention has not been called to any shortage of wagons in the coalfields, but if the hon. Member will give specific instances I shall be glad to look into them. It is not a practical proposition to work into the coalfields the whole of the abnormally large number of empty wagons which are on hand after a strike, because this would cause congestion, from which loss of output would result. The railway companies regulate the movement of empty wagons according to the ability of collieries in their areas to deal with them, and this course is being followed upon the resumption of work in the mines.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to make any announcement as to whether it is his intention to carry out any of the recommendations of the Select Committee on London Traffic?

I am not yet in a position to say more than that a Bill to establish a London traffic authority is at present being drafted by Parliamentary Counsel, and will be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as it is ready.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the actual loss in coal output through the coal strike, the loss in wages to the miners, the amount of unemployment caused by the strike, and the estimated loss in wages to all classes of workers through the action of the miners/

The loss in coal output through the coal strike is estimated at from 13,000,000 to 14,000,000 tons, and the loss in wages to the miners at £14,000,000 to £15,000,000. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that statistics are not available to show the total amount of unemployment or the total loss in wages caused by the coal strike; but among workpeople insured against unemployment under the Unemployment Insurance Act, or the Out-of-Work Donation Scheme for ex-service men, the total number of unemployed rose by approximately 270,000 between the 8th October and the 4th November, and it would appear probable, therefore, that the total increase in the number of unemployed (apart from those employed at the coal mines) cannot have been much less than 350,000, and may have been greater. In addition, a large number of workpeople are reported to have been on short time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an Order has been issued in certain industrial centres that in works where power is consumed the working hours must be reduced by 50 per cent, with the object of reducing the consumption of coal; that this Order is being applied to works that have a reserve supply of coal and that, as a result, complaints are being received from employés who suffer as a consequence; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The Order to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was issued with a view to conserving fuel and to continuing employment as long as possible during the recent strike. The Order gave the local authority power to allow exceptions where required by the public interest. The Order, with the other Emergency Orders, was cancelled on 4th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amount of money it has cost the State to carry out the publicity campaign in advertisements, leaflets, and posters used against the miners during the recent strike?

The expenditure incurred by the Government on publicity in connection with, the coal strike is approximately £11,750.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the French Government have officially published their intention to place a heavy export tax on French fir timber, which timber South Wales collieries largely depend upon for timbering the mines; and whether, in view of the fact that such extra cost will fall upon the colliery proprietors, and will inevitably increase the cost of production and entail a rise in the price of domestic coal, he will cause representations to be made to the French Government with a view to the abrogation of this tax, particularly having regard to the favoured treatment this country has meted out to France in the matter of coal supplies?

My attention has been called to this impost, and the matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the miners hav- ing decided to recommence work, he can state if the present stocks of coal at home are adequate for inland consumption for some weeks to come; whether steps will be taken immediately to allow the greatest possible proportion of output to be exported without delay so as to ensure immediate employment for the thousands of coal trimmers, tippers, and dock workers in South Wales ports who have experienced a most trying period in the recent dispute to which they were not parties; and will he give instructions that releases of coal for export will be granted immediately, thereby reducing unemployment and distress?

Export will be resumed immediately upon the resumption of work in the mines, and will be permitted as freely as possible, consistently with the due supply of inland requirements; but it will be realised that in many cases stocks are in urgent need of replenishment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue in a White Paper the proposals for the socialisation of the German mining industry which are now before the German National Assembly?

I do not think the circumstances are such as would justify the expenditure involved in the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total imports and exports from all sources, giving tonnage and value per ton, of iron castings, steel castings, and pipes and fittings cast, respectively, for the years 1913 and 1919, and the seven months ended 31st July, 1920?

The desired particulars are given in the following table:—

asked the President of the Board of Trade if goods are coming into this country without any mark of origin upon them in spite of the Merchadise Marks Act?

The Merchandise Marks Acts do not require that all imported goods should be marked with an indication of origin. As I have already stated it is intended to introduce legislation to amend the existing Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what imports, and the quantities, are now arriving from Germany and Austria; and what steps are being taken to protect British industries from unfair competition due to the exchanges or otherwise?

So far as relates to imports from Germany, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar inquiry by the hon. Member for Harborough (Sir K. Fraser) on 1st November and to pages 547 and 548 of the Board of Trade Journal for 4th November, copies of which I am sending to him. Particulars of imports from Austria as defined in the Treaty of Peace are, I regret to say, not at present available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, prior to the introduction of legislation dealing with trusts and combines, he will have a statement prepared and laid upon the Table of the House showing the methods adopted for dealing with the problem in other countries, together with the results wherever possible?

I will consider whether effect can be given to the suggestion made by the right hon. Gentleman, but I am bound to point out that the preparation of a report of the kind which he has in mind would involve very considerable labour and time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to resolutions of municipal councils expressing the utmost concern at the steadily rising price of motor fuel, and urgently representing to His Majesty's Government the danger to the community arising therefrom, and requesting that immediate steps may be taken to secure the production and distribution of power alcohol within the Empire under the immediate supervision and control of the Government, and to ensure that the coal consumed in this country shall be so treated before use as to extract all the possible available motor spirit; and whether he can indicate the Government's intentions respecting the same?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave today to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thome), a copy of which, and of the Memorandum referred to, I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a Report of a Committee set up under the Profiteering Acts to deal with the question of uniform clothing; if so, when such Report was presented; and when the Report is to be published?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for East Newcastle (Major H. Barnes) on the 1st November. I regret that I am unable to make any further statement at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will direct the Central Committee on Trusts to undertake an investigation into the effects of trade associations in the printing and paper trades?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me any information he may have relative to trade associations in the printing and paper trades, I will forward it to the Central Committee for their consideration. The Standing Committee on Prices of the Central Committee established under the Profiteering Acts have already under consideration the question of instituting an inquiry into prices, costs and profits in connection with printing paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the numbers of employés in the glass trade on 1st July, 1914, on 1st July, 1919, and on 1st July, 1920?

I have been asked to reply. The number of persons in the glass trade, estimated on the basis of the Z return, was 40,000 in July, 1914, 39,100 in July, 1919, and 45,400 at 31st July, 1920.

asked the Home Secretary when a catering trade board or boards for this trade will be set up to deal with the low wages prevailing in certain branches of the catering trade, and which, in certain instances, are responsible for grave evils?

I have been asked to reply. I need hardly say that I fully share my hon. and gallant Friend's desire for the speedy establishment of trade boards for the catering trades under which are included light refreshment establishments, boarding houses, hotels and restaurants, public-houses and similar establishments. Inquiries and negotiations have been actively proceeding in these trades for some considerable time with a view to the establishment of trade boards. Owing to the complexity of the interests involved it has not yet been possible to overcome the difficulties of demarcation which the investigations have brought to light. In this connection I would ask my hon. Friend to bear in mind that it is the policy of the Ministry of Labour to secure the agreement of those concerned, as the responsible work of trade boards is then likely to be carried out with greater satisfaction. I have been able to secure general agreement to the application of the Acts to the catering trades in England and Wales, but there is at present considerable opposition to such action among employers in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Labour for what reason an employer is liable to pay his share of the contributions under the Unemployment Insurance Act in the case of persons in receipt of a pension or income of the annual value of at least £26, although such persons will not be entitled to receive unemployment benefit and are not themselves required to make any contribution?

The provision in the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, requiring the employer's share of the ordinary contribution to be paid in respect of an exempt person follows the precedent established by the National Health Insurance Acts. The State also pays a contribution. Exempt persons are not entitled to unemployment benefit so long as they remain exempt. If, however, in any particular case the exemption lapses and the person concerned becomes entitled to benefit in the ordinary way, the contributions paid in respect of him as an exempt person becomes available for increasing the amount of benefit to which he would otherwise have been entitled.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the decision that persons to be insured under the new Employment Act will not be entitled to benefit until they have been in employment for four weeks will affect many people who are at present out of employment, including ex-service men; and whether he will consider the advisability of entitling a person to benefit provided his card is stamped for the required number of weeks?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Middlesbro' West (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 27th October, a copy of which I am sending him. With reference to the case of ex-service men, I would add that it has since been announced that ex-service men and women and merchant seamen will be entitled to Out-of-Work Donation under a further extension which will operate to 31st March next.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Italian steamer "Ancona" was recently seized in the Black Sea by British ships; and if so, for what reason?

The Italian steamer "Ancona" has not been interfered with in any way by His Majesty's ships. The Italian authorities have no knowledge of this alleged incident and state that the "Ancona" stopped off Batoum to await orders from the agents respecting the discharge of her cargo and anchored there on receipt of these orders.

asked the Postmaster-General when it is expected that the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, will be applied to the pensions of retired Post Office officials; and when it is likely that the arrears due from 1st April, 1920, will be paid to them?

I hope that the adjustment of these pensions, with the payment of arrears, will be completed by the end of this month. There may, of course, be a few cases, presenting special features, which will take a little longer to settle.