asked the Secretary of State for India for what reason instructions were issued by the Government of India forbidding civil and military officers and officials in India to subscribe to the Dyer Fund; under what law was this Order issued; and was it issued with his approval?

The Government of India reported to mo in July that they had issued instructions, to the effect stated, under Rule 22 of the Government Servants' Conduct Rules, of which I will publish a copy in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The instructions were not referred to me before issue. Rule No. 3 appears to be also relevant, and I am circulating it with the other.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that officers of the Indian Army who accepted the option given them by the Indian Government of relinquishing their claim to colonel's allowances and in lieu thereof receiving, on completing 38 years' service, a pension of £750 per annum, or £50 per annum more than the full pension given to other Indian Army officers who were not eligible for colonel's allowances, are now being deprived of the option they exercised and are not being paid that extra £50 per annum, he will state, how the Indian Government proposed to recoup these officers for their claim to colonel's allowances which they relinquished?

No expectation was held out to the officers referred to that in any future revision of the pension rates for officers of the Indian Army they would continue to receive £50 a year more than officers of the same length of service who entered the Indian Army after 1st July, 1881. But if any of these officers now drawing pensions at the higher rates wishes to reconsider his decision, and to revert to the position of an unemployed officer on £700 per annum, awaiting his chance of succession to the colonel's allowance I should be prepared to consider such an application, subject to the refund of the difference already drawn between the pension at the higher rate and the unemployed pay of £700 a year

If any officers accept the offer of the India Office, instead of waiting for the chance of succession to a colonel's allowance, is it fair to deprive them of the £50?

I think that everything has been done quite fairly. These questions are considered carefully and I have no reason to think that anything unfair has been done, but I make this offer now for the consideration of these officers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Pir Mahbub Shah was recently convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment in Sind for advocating the expulsion of the British by force; whether the sentence was remitted and whether this was part of a general policy of clemency approved by the Secretary of State; whether Zafar Ali Khan was convicted in the Punjab last month for seditious writing and sentenced to five years transportation; and whether the same clemency will be shown in his case?

Pir Mahbub Shah was convicted and sentenced as stated for sedition, in respect of a violent speech advocating Jehad. His sentence was remitted on his signing a declaration of his repentance with a promise to make no more speeches of the kind and to remain obedient and loyal to the Government. The answer to the third part is, the remission of his sentence was not initiated from here: to the fourth part, yes; to the last part, I have received no intimation that it is intended to release Zafar Ali Khan.

May I ask whether in regard to the release in question, the administration of Sind was not overruled by the Governor of Bombay?

I do not propose to concern myself with these allegations. The responsibility is that of the Governor of Bombay, and I propose to approve and accept responsibility for the action taken by him.

Is it not the case that the Administrator of Sind has since been removed from office?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question. I do not propose to intervene between the Governor of Bombay and his officers.

Is there any guarantee that Pir Mahbub Shah will abide by his promise?

Is it not the fact that the whole of these circumstances were gone into very carefully by Sir George Lloyd, and that as a result of his action there has been no further outbreak of sedition?

I am given to understand that the position in Sind has improved materially. I would ask the House to realise how difficult it is to answer questions of this kind. If I refuse to answer them suspicious-minded people think that the action has been promoted from India. If I answer them there might be an impression that I am throwing over those who acted on their own responsibility. In this case I have answered that the action was not initiated by the India Office, and I accept full responsibility for and if necessary give my approval to the action that has been taken.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the truth of what was said in the "Times" yesterday, that it is to ignorance and fanaticism that the appeals of Gandhi are being made, and how dangerous it is in a country like India to allow those appeals to go unchecked?

I think that ignorance and fanaticism are very dangerous things whether in India or on the benches in this House.

Which benches?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has yet done any thing in accordance with the recommending of the Joint Committee on Indian Reforms to give members of the Indian Civil Service an option of retirement on proportionate pensions; and whether he is aware that there is an increasing number of Civil servants who wish to take advantage of this recommendation?

The Government of India will shortly receive a despatch from me in answer to one in which they forwarded Memorials. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there is grave discontent amongst the senior ranks of the Indian Civil Service in regard to pensions; and whether he will publish the accounts of the pensions fund at the date of its termination?

Memorials on the subject have been addressed to the Government of India, and I expect to receive very shortly their considered views regarding them. As to the latter part of the question, I am not sure if the hon. Member realises that no fund has existed since 1874, when the assets and liabilities of the old Civil Annuity Funds were transferred to the Secretary of State, who undertook that subscribers to those funds should be entitled on retirement to annuities at certain rates subject to certain conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the advisability of issuing the necessary orders to ensure that all members of the Indian Civil Service shall be compelled to take leave home at least once in every six years; whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to how many Indian civil servants continue at duty without having had leave for the last 10 years; and what are the causes of this state of affairs?

I do not think that the issue of any compulsory orders to the effect suggesed would be altogether practicable or likely to commend itself to members of the Indian Civil Service. During the War a number of officers of that and other Civil Services were absent from India on military service and of those who remained many could not be granted leave. It is now being granted more freely, a special concession in respect of privilege leave has been sanctioned in the case of those detained in India during the War, and tin; leave rules in general have recently boon made more liberal and flexible. I would not propose to circularise the several Governments to obtain the information asked for, but will send to the Government of India copy of the question and this reply.

asked the Secretary of State for India if the pay of the chaplains in the Indian Amry is now quite insufficient to enable married chaplains in many parts of India to provide themselves and their families with the common necessaries and comforts of existence in the trying climate which many of them have to endure?

An improved scale of pay for the chaplains on the Indian ecclesiastical establishments was sanctioned by me in September last to take retrospective effect from the 1st December, 1019. The minimum pay is now Rs. 600 a month and the maximum Rs. 1,300 a month, as compared with the previous limits of Rs. 480 and Rs. 1,000 a month, respectively. The Government of India are making the new rates widely known by a public announcement.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Army in India Committee has already caused to be put into operation an immense new scheme without public discussion, without counting the cost, without any reference to Parliament, or even without the publication of the views of the Government of India?

The scheme referred to appears to be that for four commands instead of two in India and for the redistribution of subordinate commands and districts. The facts are that the complete scheme was placed before the Army in India Committee by the Government of India while the Committee was at Delhi, with a request that they would express an opinion upon it. The scheme has since been approved by the Government of India and by myself in Council after consultation with Lord Rawlinson and will shortly come into force. I understand that as a whole it does not involve extra expenditure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is not advisable to put Part 5 of the Committee's Report into operation as soon as possible?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the debatable parts of this Report, other than those already carried out, will not be carried out until the Report has been discussed in this House?

The Report of the Army in India Committee is now under consideration by a committee of the Council of India. After that committee of the Council has concluded such consideration the Report will come before the Cabinet. After that I am sanguine enough to hope that the objects pursued by the Esher Committee, the improvement of the conditions of service in and the organisation of the Indian Army will be no longer debatable.

My right hon. Friend knows what I mean by "debatable." The debatable point I mean is in relation to the General Staff. Will he give an undertaking that that shall not be carried out until it is debated? It is a vital alteration of the relations of the Indian Army.

That question should be addressed to the Leader of the House. I will undertake that the deliberations of His Majesty's Government arising out of these reports will be published before any action is officially taken, and in sufficient time for this House to make an appeal to the Leader of the House for an opportunity to discuss the matter.

Thank you.

Is not Part 5 of this report within the competence of the Government of India? Cannot that be carried out at once without waiting for Parliamentary sanction?

As far as my recollection goes, Part 5 involves considerable expenditure of money and the various projects involved must be considered in the order of their importance as funds are available. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I am determined to carry out as quickly as possible any recommendations that will improve the conditions of service in the Indian Army.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been directed to the statement in the Report of the Army in India Committee to the effect that the centre of gravity of probable military operations has now shifted from the West to the East, and that in future we must contemplate the possibilities of our Armies operating in the Middle East, based partially on India and partially on Home; and whether the Government concur in that opinion?

The statement referred to was not (as has been erroneously stated) the opinion of the Committee, but that of a minority of its members, and it has no direct bearing on the recommendation of the Committee as a whole. The Report is now under consideration by a committee of the Council of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the present serious position of the Indian 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 India and Great Britain, to the disbandment of largo 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 Viceroy is visiting Assam this month, and I will telegraph the substance of my hon. Friend's question to him.

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange that this case of profiteering by capitalists shall come before the newly-fledged Indian Labour party?

My hon. Friend is using wide phrases and inviting me to a pledge which I should hesitate to give.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the tea of these capitalists is being sold in the United Kingdom at something far below the cost of production?

asked the Secretary of State for India under what conditions the Indian military forces of His Majesty are liable to serve outside the territorial limits of India during periods of war and peace, respectively; and whether in either or both cases the sanction of Parliament to such service is necessary?

The Indian Military Forces of His Majesty enlist for general service, and are liable to serve beyond Indian limits during peace or war. The sanction of Parliament is not required for such forces serving outside the territorial limits of India. But, except for preventing or repelling actual invasion of His Majesty's Indian possessions, or under other sudden and urgent necessity, the revenues of India may not, without the consent of both Houses of Parliament, be applied to defraying the expenses of any military operations carried on beyond the external frontiers of those possessions by His Majesty's forces charged upon those revenues.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the local levies of Mesopotamia are recruited from the bedaween or the fellaheen or from what class or classes of the dwellers in Mesopotamia?

The local levies are in most districts recruited from the settled riparian tribes and from townsmen, the majority being tribesmen. The settled tribesmen are cultivators or fellaheen. There are, however, nomadic tribes approximating to the Bedouin type from which levies are recruited in areas where such a type predominates.

Is it not a fact that the riparian tribes form some of the best Arab troops that have served in the Turkish Army for 400 years?

I think that there is a subsequent question by my hon. and gallant Friend (Major Glyn) on which I shall be able to express my appreciation of the levies which have been recruited from the tribes to which the hon. Member refers.

Are any efforts being made to recruit levies from the Chaldeans and Assyrians, who rendered such good service in the recent troubles?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member would give notice, or, if he prefers, I could refer to the documents and let him know.

Thank you.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the present strength of the local Arab levies in Mesopotamia; whether they were used by the Executive during the recent period of insurgence and with what success; whether steps are being taken to increase the size of the force; and what contribution is to be paid from British Army funds in respect of the military duties performed by the levies on behalf of the Army?

As regards the first part of the question I regret that I have no information more recent than that given to my hon. Friend last Wednesday, but if he wishes I will make inquiries. Levies have ben used during the recent rising with varying success. In the defence of Shahroban, 14th to 15th August, levies behaved with great gallantry, and are believed to have suffered over 50 per cent, casualties in the defence of the Levy Barracks. The garrison of 50 levies resisted for four days attacks by tribesmen, whose numbers are stated to have been 5,000. They were overpowered when their ammunition gave out. In September the following report was received from Sir Arnold Wilson:

"I continue to receive most satisfactory reports from Hillah, Nasiriyah, and elsewhere as to behaviour of Arab levies and police wherever they are employed with and under their own British officers whom they know."

As regards future increases to the Force, I have already expressed to the House the hope that the new Administration will take steps to create a Native Army as quickly as possible. A sum of Rs. 18,00,000 had ben asked for in the Civil Budget for 1920–21 as a contribution from Army Funds in respect of quasimilitary duties performed by the levies on behalf of the Army. But the recent disturbances will make a revision of the original estimates necessary.

Would it not be much better rapidly to increase these levies instead of sending out more Rolls-Royce cars to Mesopotamia?

We are anxious to increase the levies, but the policy which is being pursued, as I informed the House last week, is to train those whom we have already got in order to make them efficient units before increasing them further than the opportunities for training occur. The policy which the Government is pursuing is to maintain order by means of these levies.

In view of the fact that many of these levies have rendered good service during the War, and are entitled to recognition for their services, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that, if any of them are killed or disabled, proper reparation will be made to their widows and dependents?

It is very difficult to give a definite pledge in answer to supplementary questions, but I will consider sympathetically the suggestion which the Noble Lord has made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can say if the men in the mercantile marine are entitled to the 1914 and Victory Medal; and, if so, when the distribution will take place?

On a point of Order. I wish to ask your ruling, Mr. Speaker. You will remember that for many years Admiralty questions always came first on the Paper. We have to-day been occupied for a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes dealing with Indian questions. Will you kindly see your way to restore Admiralty questions to their old place on Wednesdays, and, if that is not possible, give Admiralty questions an alternative day for the first place?

The matter does not rest with me. It is a matter of arrangement between the hon. Member and the Patronage Secretary.

Men in the Mercantile Marine are not eligible for the 1914 Star, the award for which is limited to those who belonged to units landed for service in France or Belgium between the 5th August and midnight of the 22nd-23rd November, 1914, but those who served under naval engagements and had the requisite qualifying service are entitled to the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. These decorations are now in course of preparation, but it is not anticipated that they will be ready for issue this year. A public announcement will be made when distribution is begun.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps have now been taken to cheapen the cost of officers' uniforms and what articles can now be purchased by officers from naval stores?

I cannot at present say anything more than that this matter is under consideration. Arrangements are, however, being made to extend the list of articles now stocked for sale to tin Fleet, so as to include articles more particularly suitable for officers, also certain uniform articles for officers, such as blue cloth caps, white caps, waterproof coats, gloves, etc.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a published statement to the effect that there is still in Liverpool a War Vessels Production Department, and also a Department for the purpose of transporting American troops, both still maintaining offices and staffs at considerable expense; and will he make a statement on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the War Vessels Production Department, I beg to refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to the hon Member for Macclesfield on the 21st October. There is no Department at Liverpool established for the purpose of transporting American troops. It is presumed that the published statement referred to the Naval Transport Office at Liverpool, which is located at 30, Canning Place, and which moved from Cunard Buildings on the 31st August, 1920. This office is part of the, pre-War Admiralty establishment which, of course, was greatly expanded during the War. The staff at the Naval Transport Office at present consists of one retired officer, R.N., who acts as principal naval transport officer, one store officer, one transport writer, three civilian writers, two typists, and one orderly. This staff is at present principally employed in dealing with the large amount of transport stores at Liverpool, now being disposed of, also in dealing with outstanding claims referred for investigation. When these duties have been completed the staff can be reduced to its pre-War complement, namely, one naval transport officer and writer-messenger, whose duties in peace time are connected with the oversea conveyance of naval and military personnel.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the separation allowance now paid to seamen of the Royal Navy and to Royal Marines is the same as that paid to the personnel of equivalent ranks of the Army and the Air Force?

Separation allowance has now been replaced by marriage allowance. The rates of marriage allowance are identical for the Navy, including Marines, the Army, and the Air Force, and the Regulations as to payment only differ in so far as the conditions of the three Services render some variation necessary.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether further consideration has been given to the question of making a marriage allowance to married officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines of 30 years of age so as to put them on an equal footing with officers of equivalent rank of the Army and the Air Force?

This is at present under consideration.

In giving consideration to this matter, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that the cost of living has gone up sixty points since the pay of the Navy was last raised?

I think that is quite obvious.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that already there are feelings of dissatisfaction amongst the very loyal men of the Navy owing to the increase in the cost of living, and that the married men are being hard hit?

As my answer indicated the question is under consideration and all those relevant subjects are carefully supervised.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a different rule obtains in Woolwich Arsenal as regards the age of employés under the War Office to that followed in Royal Naval dockyards, namely, at the Arsenal men are retired for age at 65, but in the Royal Naval dockyards men are retired at 60; and if it is desirable that the same age should apply to all Government workshops, &c.?

The same rule obtains at the dockyards as is understood to obtain at Wolwich Arsenal; and I would draw the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary of the War Office on the 26th of last month to he hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills) regarding the practice at Woolwich.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether official reports are to be pub- lished of the British Fleet operations in connection with the raid by a portion of the German Fleet on Scarborough and of the battle-cruiser action of the Dogger Bank; and whether these Reports will include the battle orders issued by the respective senior officers, track charts, and all relevant signals and information?

The reply is in the negative.

Is it not just as important in the public interest that some report of those actions should be published as well as of Jutland, especially of the very important cruiser action off the Dogger Bank?

We must draw the line somewhere. It is asking rather much to have the same trouble and expense in connection with these various actions.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the assurance given by the Prime Minister that no papers to satisfy idle cariosity would be published?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is a Naval Board of Control, or simlar body, at Constantinople to regulate merchant shipping to and from the Black Sea; whether any nations other than the British Empire are represented thereon; if so, which are they, and who are the persons representing the various nations and Governments; whether there is a representative of the Government of General Baron Wrangel; and whether steps are taken to prevent shipping sailing to and from ports under the control of the Russian Soviet Government?

An Inter-Allied Port Control exists, and the principal Allied Powers are represented thereon. They are represented by the Allied Captains of the port acting under the orders of the Allied Admirals. There is no representative of the Government of General Wrangel. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers given on the 3rd instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Seaham.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that according to the Press the American Government refused to take part in this blockade, and will this lead to any reconsideration of policy regarding naval control in the Straits?

I have not seen the Report referred to as having appeared in the Press, but any question as to the policy of the Allies ought to be addressed to the Leader of the House.

asked the Minister of Labour if any agreement has been made with the Officers' Association to prevent overlapping between the Association and the Appointments Department; and whether he will give the terms of such agreement and state when it is to take effect?

Yes, Sir. I will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the arrangements which have been mutually agreed.

asked the Minister of Labour if any schemes in conjunction with local authorities are being started in Scotland to meet the unemployment of ex-service men, such as improvement of roads or construction of new roads, or employment in house-building in connection with the housing schemes; and if any such schemes are in contemplation in the County of Fife?

The Government are pressing forward as rapidly as possible with the schemes announced by the Prime Minister on the 19th October. So far as road schemes are concerned, arrangements have been made between the Ministry of Transport and the Edinburgh and the Dundee town councils for proceeding with arterial road schemes. Work on both these schemes will start very shortly. In addition, there are now under consideration two road schemes for Aberdeen, whilst the position at Glasgow is under review. For improvement of existing roads, I understand that grants of considerable magnitude have been made by the Ministry of Transport since 1st August. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would consult the Ministry of Transport respecting Fife. As regards the employment of ex-service men in connection with housing schemes, I am in communication with the Scottish Board of Health, and will acquaint my hon. and gallant Friend of the position at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to bring the business and commercial training scheme for officers, to which reference has been made in the Press, more directly before the heads of the firms from which he is seeking assistance?

I am much obliged to my Noble Friend for putting this question; and I am no less obliged to the Press for the wide publicity they have already given to this scheme. It is a scheme under which business firms are invited to take ex-officer or man of similar educational qualifications for a period, not exceeding twelve months in order to get the run of the concern—the Government finding maintenance during that period. An honourable undertaking will be asked of the firms to guarantee a salaried post to the officer concerned, if he shapes well, for at least a second twelve months. I am glad to say that I have already received a number of offers from the heads of business firms to adopt this scheme. We propose to canvass the business firms of the country both; personally and by written communication; I take the opportunity to say that anybody interested will be supplied with full details of the scheme on application to the Controller, Appointments Department, St. Ermin's Hotel, Caxton Street, Westminster, S.W., or by making local application for the same to the district, director of the locality.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the widest publicity is given to the results?

Certainly, and I am much obliged to the Noble Lord for helping that publicity by putting the question.

asked the Minister of Labour why Mr. J. Maguire, of Enniskillen, who, at the request of the Ministry of Labour, agreed to train a man as motor-mechanic for 12 months from 22nd October, 1919, for a premium of £25, has not been paid the premium, though he has applied for it several times and the man's time is now up?

I will investigate the case to which my hon. Friend refers and communicate the result to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War if women are still employed in Army canteens; if so, can he state approximately the number of women so employed and the reasons for employing them; and will he consider whether this kind of work can be given to disabled ex-service men?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the latest figures of employés of the Navy and Army Canteen Board are as follows: Women, 2,644; civilian men, 1,4–79; ex-service men, 1,815. The corresponding figures for 1st April were: Women, 3,118; civilian men, 1,978; ex-service men, 1,649. The policy of giving preference to ex-service men is being pursued by the Board, but in certain departments and as waitresses in the coffee bar trade the work is more suitable for women. I would like to add that the service of women in the work has markedly raised the standards of tone and comfort in the canteens.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether there are any ex-service men being trained as elementary school teachers; if so, how many; and whether he anticipates that the response from suitable ex-service men will be so satisfactory as to ensure the efficient staffing of the schools in the future?

Grants under the Government scheme for the higher education of ex-service students have been made to 4,582 ex-officers and men to enable them to take courses of training for the teaching profession. I have every reason to hope that these men will make efficient teachers, but I am, of course, not looking solely to this source of supply to staff the schools.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give publicity to these training colleges, so that others may be attracted to the colleges?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the monthly cost of living statistics is still calculated on the basis of a working-class budget derived from figures supplied by some 2,000 urban working-class families during one week in 1904; and, if so, whether he is satisfied that this basis is an adequate one under present conditions?

The statistics prepared by the Ministry of Labour are designed to show the increase in the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-War standard of living of working-class families, and the changes in the prices of the various items included, as ascertained each month, must be combined in proportions corresponding with the relative importance of those items in pre-War working-class expenditure. For this purpose the application of the family budgets is generally valid, since the changes in the relative expenditure as between one staple article and another between 1904 and 1914 were slight, except as regards the increased consumption of margarine, for which allowance was made.

Is it not the fact that this estimate is based on the consumption of a pound of fresh butter per week and a dozen eggs, and, if that is so, does this really represent the actual consumption at present?

I will send my hon. Friend two copies of the "Labour Gazette" to show how we arrive at this figure and the details which make it up. After he has read those if he cares to put another question I shall be pleased to reply.

Is it not the case that since 1904 there has been no specific inquiry into working-class budgets?

I did not say that.

That is my question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, with the exception of wheat, the price of which has to be maintained at an artificial price for reasons of State, the average price of the commodities of life is now at or below the figure of Armistice Day, 1918; and will wages and salaries that were advanced since that date on a sliding scale be now reduced correspondingly and the public who have brought prices down by a policy of doing without be allowed to benefit?

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

Will the right hon. Gentleman read last week's "Economist"?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Leamington Town Council is not paying the standard rate of wage to a number of navvies employed on its housing scheme; and whether he will suspend the payment of any subsidy to this council until it complies with the provisions of the Fair-Wages Clause?

I understand that these navvies are employed in breaking existing roads to connect with the existing main sewer the drains laid by the contractors for the housing scheme. I am informed that there is no standard rate of wages in the district for such men, but that they are being paid at the rate normally paid by the Council and other employers in the neighbourhood for similar labour.

asked the Minister of Health whether, on the presentation of the Report from the Select Committee at present sitting to consider the question of shops and business premises, it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill dealing with business premises?

My hon. Friend will realise that the Government will not be in a position to make any statement on this matter until the Committee have reported. But, in any event, I should add that, as explained in a reply which I made to a question on 24th June, the position of business premises is not one with which the Ministry of Health deals.

asked the Minister of Health the cost involved in preparing, printing, and issuing to insurance committees the new medical record cards to be kept by insurance practitioners after 1st January, 1921; the estimated expenditure of insurance committees for writing the record cards and supplying the cards to the practitioners; and the estimated annual expenditure of carrying out the proposed procedure in the transmission of record cards in the cases of persons removing from one district to another?

The estimated initial outlay for England and Wales on the new permanent medical records is, under the first part of the question, £38,000, and under the second part, £19,000. With regard to the third part, it is not possible to give a reliable estimate of the yearly cost of transmision of the record cards, but it should fall considerably short of the annual expenditure on the old medical record cards and doctors' register cards, both of which will be replaced by the new permanent medical record card.

asked the Minister of Health whether, before considering the applications of Leeds and Bradford to absorb towns and urban council areas, he will, in view of the great cost involved, withhold his authority for the holding of any inquiry until the promoters of these schemes have satisfied him that they have good grounds for their applications on the lines of the Birkenhead Committee recommendation, namely, that they have taken a plebiscite of the areas to be absorbed and have secured a substantial majority in favour of their proposals, or that they are able to prove to the Ministry that there are good grounds of public policy for the absorption proposed; whether, with the object of avoiding an abortive inquiry, with its very great outlay of money, he will submit the statements made in pursuance of the above by the applicants to the representatives of these areas which it is proposed should be absorbed; and whether he will postpone all inquiries until he has considered both the statements made in support and the replies made in objection?

I have no authority to substitute the procedure suggested in the first part of the question for the procedure prescribed by Section 54 of the Local Government Act, 1888, and I am not aware that the Town Councils of Leeds and Bradford possess powers which would enable them to take a plebiscite in the areas which they seek to acquire. As regards the second and third parts of the question the instructions of the Ministry issued in July last require the promoters to send copies of their Memorial to the several local authorities affected and to inform these authorities that a full statement of any objections they may wish to raise should be sent to the Ministry and to the promoters within six weeks of the receipt of the Memorial. I may add that a conference with the authorities concerned has been fixed for Thursday the 18th instant.

When the right hon. Gentleman meets the deputation will he hear arguments to show that there are special reasons why these inquiries should not take place, as otherwise the result of the deputations may be fruitless for these people who are fighting for their very existence?

I have no doubt when I meet the deputations I shall hear plenty of arguments.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the outstanding debt of the local authorities of England and Wales for the year ending 31st March, 1915, with the total sum paid upon interest charges thereon, with the corresponding figures for the last complete financial year in respect of which the returns are available?

At the end of the financial year 1914–15, the total of the gross outstanding loan debts of the local authorities in England and Wales was £570,770,000. The total amount of interest paid by them during that year in respect of their loan debt was £19,220,000. The corresponding totals for the year 1917–18 were £550,520,000 and £20,100,000.

On a point of Order, Sir, may I not put Question No 43? I have only been called upon twice. I gave notice of a question for the 17th, which appears by mistake on the Paper to-day as No. 16, which you did not call. This, therefore, is only my third question?

It is the fourth standing on the Paper. If I once started making inquiries into the genesis of questions, and their character, history, and so forth, I am afraid I should get into endless inquiries. I must take the settled rule of the number standing on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) never imposed any restrictions upon the sale of intoxicating drink during the entire period of the War in West Suffolk, and that none exist to-day; whether he is aware that restrictions were imposed in the other half of the county, viz., East Suffolk, and that in East Suffolk those restrictions continue; and whether, now that the War has ceased for two years, he will remove this anomaly?

I have been asked to reply to this question. One of the objects of the Bill which the Government hope to introduce immediately is to make it possible to deal with anomalies such as that indicated in the hon. Member's question.

In view of the fact that it is two years since peace broke out, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, pending a settlement of the larger question, he could see his way at once to remove this local anomaly?

The lava has not cooled yet.

I say we hope to remove this anomaly.

Am I to understand we must wait for the Bill before this local matter is dealt with?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which part of the anomaly will be removed, whether the restriction or the other part?

Why is the Government guilty of the impertinence of retaining these restrictions? We tolerated them in War time, but they are quite out of place in Peace time?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the responsible officials in Government Departments work far longer hours than the ordinary clerks, male and female, permanent or temporary; if he will suggest and, if necessary, enforce that for the next year, or even two, the 'hours of work in Government offices should be 54 per week, inclusive of 1½ hours per day for dinner and tea, and that such hours for work and for meals should be rigorously observed; and if he could in this way economise the salaries of many thousands of superfluous clerks, male and female, who are now costing an impoverished country more than they are earning?

I am aware of the strain which falls upon the higher officials, in Government Departments. Every effort is being made to effect as rapidly as possible all feasible reductions in the staffs employed in Government Departments, but I should not regard it as practicable to impose a Regulation of the kind indicated in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to give an assurance to this House that children and girls are not being openly bought and sold in the Colony of Hong Kong?

Yes, Sir. I have described the nature of the actual transactions in the reply given to questions on this subject by the hon. Member for Poplar (South) (Sir A. Yeo) and the hon. Member for Spen Valley (Mr. Myers) on the 4th November.

Is it not a fact that the practice of slavery is increasing under this Government in many parts of the Empire?

No.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether discharges from the Royal Gunpowder' Factory at Waltham Abbey and the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield will be suspended during the existing state of unemployment; and whether similar concessions will be made to the employés at these factories as has been accorded to the employés at Woolwich?

As regards Waltham, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply on Monday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Edmonton (Sir A Warren). No discharges have taken place at Enfield for some months, and none are in immediate contemplation.

asked the Secretary of State- for War if his attention has been drawn to a report that a Renfrew firm are in the course of executing an order for gas shells, the number involved stated to be 3,000,000; and, if so, will he state the destination of the shells referred to?

The War Office has no knowledge of this order.

Would it be possible for orders of this kind to be given and executed without the War Office knowing anything about it?

Not by the War Office. It could not be at all, I understand.

Is there any Department of the Government capable of giving orders of this sort, and no Member of the Government being aware of it?

No, that is not the case. It is a foreign Government's order.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if it is now the practice of the Air Force to train their own men for pilots, mechanics, etc., from youths entering the service; at what age youths are accepted for this training; if any educational or other test is required; for how many years the training lasts; how many training camps exist for this purpose and where they are situated; and what is approximately the number of such men at present under training?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The answers to the remaining parts cannot be conveniently given orally, as they involve replies to over 40 different points. If the hon. Member is interested, he should communicate with the hon. Member for Chatham (Lieut. -Colonel Moore-Brabazon) who will be able to give him all the information he may require.

asked the Prime Minister to what Government Department will be entrusted the setting-up of the pro- posed National Wages Board in the coalmining industry; is it proposed to allow the householder to have any representation on a Board which will determine for him what price he shall pay for his coal; and, if so, will he consult those bodies who can claim to represent the ordinary householder?

I have been asked to reply. The terms of settlement of the miners' strike provided, amongst other things, that the Mining Association and the Miners' Fderation should proceed forthwith to prepare a scheme for submission to the Government at the earliest possible moment and not later than the 31st March for the regulation of wages in the industry. It is obviously impossible for me to anticipate the result of this conference. The adoption of any scheme that may be proposed will be subject to the sanction of the Government, through the Mines Department.

asked the Prime Minister who authorised the publication on Saturday, 6th November, of the full text of the official memorandum giving the result of the conversations between the Milner Mission and the Elgyptian delegation; why this document was not first presented to Parliament as a Parliamentary Paper; whether the proposals contained in it have been considered by the Cabinet; and, if so, whether the proposals have received the unqualified acceptance of the British Government?

The document to which the hon. Member's question refers was published in Egypt some months ago with the consent of the Mission, who are solely responsible for it. It has not been presented to Parliament because it has never been officially communicated by the Mission to His Majesty's Government, though it will, I understand, be included in their forthcoming Report. The proposals contained in it have not yet been fully considered by the Cabinet, and consequently there is at present no question of their acceptance or otherwise by His Majesty's Government.

Is it not a fact that this document was handed on Friday afternoon last by an official of the Foreign Office to the assistant foreign editor of the "Times," and to no other newspaper in this country?

I am not aware of that, but it is not in any sense an official document.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable that a document of this importance, containing what are in effect proposals for a treaty with Egypt, should be published before it has been approved by the Cabinet?

That question does not arise. It happens that Lord Milner, who is Chairman of the Commission, is also a Member of the Cabinet, but, apart from that, this action is precisely the same as would have been taken if he had not been a Member of the Cabinet, and so far the Government have no responsibility at all.

None what ever

None whatever.

May I ask if it is denied that this document was given to a newspaper by an official of the Foreign Office? That is the allegation.

I do not deny or admit it, because I know nothing about it; but I do not see that there would be any harm had that been done.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state what the position of the Sudan will be under the new arrangements with Egypt; whether the Sudan Government will be free from any interference from the Government of Egypt; and what arrangements, if any, have been made for securing to the Sudan a sufficient supply of water from the Nile and its tributaries for the future development of cotton-growing and other industries in the Sudan?

I am not aware that any change is contemplated in the political status of the Sudan, which remains as defined in existing Conventions. The geographical situation of the Sudan provides that country with a sufficient guarantee in respect of water supply, and any arrangements which may be made would be intended to secure the supply of Egypt.

May we take it that the Egyptian Government will not be able to put any impediment in the way of the Sudan in this matter?

It arises from the geography of the country that the Sudan will always be able to look after its own water supply.

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman will issue a report of the railway work and cotton planting which has boon proceeding in the Sudan in respect of loans granted and guaranteed by the Government

That raises another matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all foreign Governments who have hitherto exorcised rights under the Capitulations in Egypt have been consulted with regard to the two alternative drafts contained in the published memorandum of agreement between the Milner Mission and the Egyptian Delegation in Section 4 (v); whether the contemplated transfer of these foreign rights to the British Government was implied or defined in any of the treaties of peace or in the recognition of the British Protectorate; and what steps are the British Government now taking to bring their new proposals regarding the new position of foreigners in Egypt to the attention of foreign Governments?

As regards the first and third parts of the question, negotiations have already been opened with all the Capitulary Powers for the transfer of their rights, under the Capitulations, to Great Britain. As regards the second part of the question, the recognition of the British Protectorate implies the recognition of the special position which Great Britain enjoys in Egypt, and which cannot be fully secured without the transfer to Great Britain of these foreign rights in the manner proposed in the negotiations now in progress.

Do I understand that these negotiations have begun since the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles, and did not begin before it since the recognition of the Protectorate?

I think that is so; but if my hon. Friend requires further assurance, perhaps he will put another question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when the Report stage of the Agriculture Bill will be resumed?

Our present intention is to resume on Monday next.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to bear in mind that the representatives of the Scottish agricultural interests have to travel backwards and forwards for this Bill, and that it is most inconvenient to them only to know at the last moment when it is coming on, as has happened in the past?

They will know now.

Will it be taken day by day, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, until finished?

Our intention is to proceed with it right on till it is finished.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that at the present time there is no hon. Member in the House who can answer questions on behalf of the Charity Commissioners; and will he state to what Minister questions relating to charitable funds should be addressed?

I hope to announce this appointment at an early date.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government will agree to the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the present allowance made to Members of Parliament in relation to the personal and travelling expenses incurred by them in the course of their Parliamentary duties, and to make recommendations thereon?

Yes, Sir. The Government are prepared to appoint a Select Committee to examine into this question.

May I ask whether the setting up of a Committee to consider the increasing of the salaries of Cabinet Ministers, and now the setting up of another Committee to consider the increasing of the salaries of Members of this House, forms part of the policy of economy of the Government?

I think it would be better to consider first what the Committees say. I would like if I may—

The Committee know what they are to say.

Oh, oh!

The leading of the House would be a very simple process if that were true.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the percentage of decline in the acreage of wheat in Scotland and Ireland for 1920 as compared with 1919; and can he give any explanation of the decline?

According to the preliminary statements published by the Departments concerned, the decrease in the wheat acreage in 1920, as compared with 1919, was 31·4 per cent, in Scotland, and 28·7 per cent, in Ireland. In the case of the corresponding decrease (15·5 per cent.) in England and Wales, the growing of crops other than wheat has largely been due to the better price which could be obtained for them in the market. I am not in a position to speak for Scotland or Ireland, and would suggest that my hon. Friend should obtain information from the Scottish and Irish Departments of Agriculture.

Is it not the fact that the decline is on account of restrictions imposed on wheat by the Food Control Office?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend must address that to the Food Ministry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is due in Scotland to the farmers pursuing ordinary economic farming operations?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the question of the permanent delimitation of a frontier between Greece and Albania is now under the consideration of any international authority, and, if so, which; and when a settlement may be expected?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; and the second part does not, therefore, arise. His Majesty's Government do not consider that the delimitation of the frontiers of Albania can usefully be considered internationally until some definite progress has been made in the solution of the general Adriatic question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the repeated assurances given by His Majesty's Government that the Montenegrin people should have an opportunity of freely deciding their own political future, whether he can give any information as to what steps are being taken to afford such an opportunity at an early date; and whether, in view of the fact that Montenegro is still recognised by all the Allied Powers as an independent sovereign state, the method by which the decision of the Montenegrin people is to be ascertained will secure that there shall be no interference, civil or military, by any other state with the free expression of the national desire of Montenegro?

The elections for the Constituent Assembly are to be held in Montenegro during the present month, and His Majesty's Government are taking steps to secure that they are placed in possession of independent and reliable evidence as to the conduct of these elections. The future attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the question will depend upon the result of the elections, and on whether they are satisfied that those results duly represent the wishes of the majority of the Montenegrin people.

In view of the fact that some representatives of the Government in the recent past have been strong partisans of Serbia, will the hon. Gentleman undertake to give this House the information?

I cannot assent to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, but I will endeavour to satisfy him as to the second part.

Had not we better put our own house in order before interfering with Montenegro and Serbia?

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say why His Majesty's Government has refused to appoint a successor to Sir George Grahame as diplomatic representative of Great Britain in relation to Montenegrin affairs; whether this refusal marks any change in the policy of the Government towards Montenegro; whether the King of Montenegro is still recognised as a friendly sovereign and head of an independent State in alliance with Great Britain; and if he will say through what channels, since the departure of Sir George Grahame from Paris, His Majesty's Government conducts its relations with the Government of Montenegro and receives official information regarding affairs in that country?

As regards the first part of the question, Mis Majesty's Government have not felt justified in appointing a diplomatic representative to a Court and Government who are not resident in their country and whose representative character has been called in doubt. The reply to the second part is in the negative. As regards the third part, His Majesty's Government must adopt a non-committal attitude pending the results of the Montenegrin elections. As regards the last part of the question, the Secretary of State is consantly receiving direct communications from the Ministers of King Nicholas, whose information, however, owing to their absence from the country, is necessarily second-hand.

As the hon. Gentleman says that His Majesty's Government cannot have diplomatic relations with a Government in exile, may I ask whether that was not done the whole time that the King and the Government of Belgium were exiled in France; and, under those circumstances, is this not a mere pretext?

I do not think the two cases are in the least analogous.

Was not a man sent, and why were we not informed of the result?

I have explained many times.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the additional bonus in accordance with the sliding scale based on the cost of living awarded to civil servants has been calculated on their net pay after deduction for pension and not on their gross pay, which has been the practice since January, 1918; and if he will state the reason for this change, which apparently effects a small economy by reducing the benefits to those of the lower grades while having no effect on those of the higher grades, who do not have deductions made from their pay on account of their pensions?

The bonus of civil servants is calculated upon their ordinary rate of remuneration, with the exception that in the case of pensionable civil assistants employed in the Ordnance Survey, it has in the past been calculated on the rate of remuneration of unpensionable ranks, which is somewhat higher than that of corresponding pensionable ranks. It has been decided that this practice is not justifiable and that, as from the 1st November, bonus should be calculated, in this as in other cases, on the actual remuneration received.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the result of this decision on the part of the Treasury is to inflict hardship on the lower paid men, who receive less bonus under this increased bonus scheme, while those who are higher salaried men, and who pay nothing towards pension, get full bonus? Is he aware that the result of this decision is to throw the burden entirely on the poorer men?

According to my information, the only result is that these men are put on exactly the same basis as everybody else in the Civil Service, and that, owing to some error when the bonus was first given, they have been obtaining more bonus in proportion than any other branch of the service.

But will the right hon. Gentleman really reconsider this matter, if he takes into view that these men who were given this pay had it fixed once and for all, with a deduction for pension; and is he aware that the result is to alter the decision originally given by the Treasury, and throw an extra burden on the poorer men and not on the better paid men?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to consider the matter in the light of my answer, and afterwards, if he has any cause of complaint, to mention it to me.

May I show the right hon. Gentleman the figures on which I base my argument?

I shall be delighted.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether Lord Haldane, when a Member of His Majesty's Government, or anyone on his behalf, entered into any agreement with the Duke of Bedford in or about the year 1911 or 1912 to purchase any portion of the site at the rear of the British Museum, now offered by the present Government to the University of London; what was the area of the land then proposed to be purchased; and what was the price to be paid for the same?

I do not think it is reasonable that a Minister should be questioned as to the action taken by a Member of a previous Government. So far, however, as I am aware, no such agreement as is suggested was entered into by the Government of which Lord Haldane was then a member, nor by any person acting on behalf of that Government, and I can in any case assure the hon. Member that the action of the present Government was in no way determined by anything which took place in 1911 or 1912.