asked the Minister of Pensions when the Pensions Issue Office for Scotland is to be set up, and where it is to be situated?

It is proposed to establish the Pensions Issue Office for the Scotland Region in Edinburgh as soon as the requisite accommodation can be obtained. My right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works has the question of securing suitable premises under consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions why a Substitution Committee has been set up in the Issue Office in view of the pledge that the Issue Office work was to be reserved for women in order to absorb some of the trade union women of the awards and other branches who have recently given up their posts to ex-service men, and in view of the fact that half the women employed have dependants to support and the majority of the remainder have lost fathers or brothers in the War?

A Substitution Committee was set up in the Pension Issue Office to consider afresh the question of the continued employment of women in that office in the altered circumstances resulting from the decision of the Government to accept the recommendations contained in the Lytton Report. The Committee were unable to reach any agreement and the matter has been referred to the Lytton Committee. In the meantime, Substitution Committees are investigating the cases of married women and pin money workers, which are affected by the recommendations of the Lytton Committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether R. C. Gardiner, No. 663333, late Labour Corps, Certificate No. S.F.O. 137327, is receiving a pension of 10s. per week; whether that is the amount he has been notified of as being entitled to since he left the Army in March, 1919: what is the amount of arrears due; and when will the amount be paid?

There are no arrears of pensions due to this man. The payments made to him at the rate of 10s. a week included 2s. in respect of arrears; and from the 8th of this month he will receive 8s. a week only, the amount of his own pension. I am sending my hon. Friend further particulars of all the payments made in this case.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the delays experienced in the obtaining of decisions with reference to claims for alternative pensions are constantly met with in all branches of the War Pensions work where reference to regional headquarters is necessary, particularly in the examination and settlement of claims under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant and in medical appeal board cases; whether he can see his way to have a most searching inquiry into the regional administration with a view to the elimination of these constant delays whch are causing such adverse criticism;

(2) whether his attention has been called to the delay that is constantly experienced in obtaining decision of claims for alternative pensions under Articles (3) and (13) of the Royal Warrant, thereby causing a serious grievance among ex-service men and widows; and whether he considers such delay is justifiable?

I will reply to these two questions together. My attention has been drawn to instances of delay in the particular classes of case mentioned, but I do not at all admit that it is of the general nature suggested in the questions. I would, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that I have recently set up a Departmental Committee to inquire into the system and methods of administration of my Department, with special reference to the working of the regional system.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the procedure introduced by Circular 1,019, of the 24th April last, in which it was directed that claims for alternative pension should be dealt with at regional headquarters, is mainly responsible for the delays in question which occur between the time of the forwarding of a claim to the region and the receipt of a decision; and whether the procedure in force before the issue of Circular 1,019, namely, the investigation of claims locally, is considered a more expeditious, sympathetic, and satisfactory method?

Recent reports on the working of the revised instructions for dealing with Alternative Pension claims show that the procedure set out in Circular 1,019 has resulted not in delays, but in materially shortening the period which elapsed under the old procedure before a decision was arrived at. Under the new procedure the region receives the claim immediately it has been made, and by this means the region is able to watch the whole progress of the case and to intervene where the local investigation of the man's pre-War earnings appears to be unduly prolonged.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that his Department has refused a pension to Mrs. E. E. Palmer, of Littleton Panell, Devizes, widow of Private B. R. C. Palmer, No. 603884, Labour Corps, on the ground that her husband was not removed from duty on account of the illness from which he died, and notwithstanding the fact that he originally went out to France classed A 1, and in September, 1917, placed in a very low category at Rouen on account of valvular disease of the heart, and that his discharge papers show this, and his disability is marked aggravated by service; and whether he will have the case reconsidered?

I am glad to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that under a recent Amendment of the Regulations it has now been possible to regard this man's death as connected with service. Steps are therefore being taken to award a pension to the widow under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps are taken in the case of young men who overstated their age when joining up for the War, and who now desire training, to ensure that their correct ages are taken and not the military age; and what steps are taken to bring to the attention of young ex-service men the fact that under such circumstances their correct age will be accepted?

I have been asked to reply. Any young fit demobilised man who overstated his age when joining His Majesty's Forces, but now desires training, has only to produce a copy of his birth certificate in order to have his correct age accepted as evidence of his eligibility. The fact, I should have imagined, is known, because a number have been so trained. But I will prepare a paragraph upon the point and ask the Press if they will be so good as to publish it. I ought to add, however, that in the present state of trade depression the various Local Technical Advisory Committees are less ready than heretofore in agreeing to the admission of even disabled men to training.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why Mrs. Shepherd, 262, Queen's Road, Portsmouth, mother of Private A. L. Warren, No. 7815095, Machine Gun Corps, Ismail, has not received the allotment made to her son on 24th September, 1920; and if he will expedite payment?

Authority to issue an allotment of 1s. 6d. per diem from the 24th September, 1920, was re- ceived, but payment could not be made as Private Warren's account was in debt. As the account is now clear, payment of the allotment has been made with effect from the 16th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the valuable services rendered to the country during the late War by officers of the Volunteers in various county battalions, some steps may be taken further to recognise these services?

Perhaps my hon. Friend is not aware of the recognition which has already been accorded to these officers. When the disbandment of the Volunteer Force was approved generally, His Majesty was graciously pleased to write to Lords Lieutenant, conveying through them his high appreciation of the services rendered by the force. Over forty awards of the Order of the British Empire have been made to officers of the Volunteer Force, and the names of some 200 have been specially brought to notice and these have been mentioned in the Press. Volunteer officers have also been allowed to retain honorary rank and to wear uniform on special occasions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the strength of the British Force at Kazvin; and if he will say whether a safe line of retreat is available for it in case of the advance of a large Bolshevist force from Enzeli or the north-west frontier of Persia?

I have been asked to reply. I regret it is not in the public interest to publish the information asked for in this question. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, General Ironside is in command of the force in North-West Persia, and I hope he will be able to deal with any situation which may arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds Lieutenant C. H. Glendinning, 3rd Royal Irish Rifles, whose treatment whilst stationed at Cawnpore in March, 1917, has received such wide publicity in the British and Indian Press, was relieved from duty on his return to that station from Ranikhet in command of troops on 30th August, 1917, and placed under restraint as a mental case, although he had spent five months on duty at Ranikhet, where he was passed fit for active service by two medical officers and placed in command of a detachment?

Owing to a recurrence of fixed delusions that persons were conspiring against him, Lieutenant Glen-dinning was admitted to hospital for further observation on 30th August, 1917. He was finally brought before a Medical Board on 20th October, diagnosed as suffering from "neurasthenia" and invalided to England on 4th November.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether under the new Regulations for the promotion from flying officer to flight-lieutenant a man, aged 22, with five years' service, mostly at the Front, is to wait another two years for his promotion, while a man of three years' service, of which only one year would be at the Front, can be and is promoted flight-lieutenant merely because he is 25; and whether he is aware that this rule is creating serious discontent amongst the younger and most gallant members of the Force?

It was found esential, for the sake of uniformity of practice in the Air Force, to give Air Officers Commanding some guidance in making periodical recommendations for promotion. This was done by means of personal letters to those officers, of which my hon. Friend appears to have heard. He has, however, misconstrued the particular direction to which he refers. I should deprecate detailed discussion of the matter, but I might explain that no one will be promoted to flight-lieutenant merely because he is 25 years of age. That age was given as a normal minimum for promotion to the rank, but permission was also given to recommend younger officers whose exceptional service warrants this course. All promotion is by selection, and war-service records are fully considered. There is, therefore, no occasion to fear the anomalies which my hon. Friend imagines.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether men who enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service in October, 1916, under the Regulations then in force for a period of 12 years' service are held to this 12 years' engagement when transferred to the Royal Air Force, or whether their service under the Air Force Constitution Act is limited to four years; and, if so, whether their four years' service is counted from the date of their joining the Royal Naval Air Service or from the date of their transfer to the Royal Air Force?

Men who enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service for a period of 12 years' service, and who were subsequently transferred to the Royal Air Force, are held to their 12 years' engagement under Section 3 (1) of the Air Force Constitution Act, 1917. The limitation of service to the period of War or to a period not exceeding 4 years applies only to personnel attached to the Air Force, and not to personnel transferred.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the men serving under Admiralty agreement at His Majesty's naval yard, Simon's Town; whether he is aware that under a pre-War agreement men were in receipt of approximately 25 per cent, above that of the locally hired men; that under the recent award of the Wages Assessment Board locally hired employés are now receiving considerably more than the men sent from Home under agreement; that no local Whitley council or arbitration board exists at this dockyard to whom these men can appeal; and whether, in view of the fact that these Home-men are specially selected, highly trained, and in a majority of cases sent out as specialists in their respective branches, he will favourably consider their position for a readjustment of wages?

I am fully aware of the facts of the case. The claims of the employés in question have been brought to notice in the form of a petition which was forwarded by the Captain in charge and received at the Admiralty on 17th November, and they are receiving careful attention in the light of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the remarks of the Attorney-General in the paravane case before the Royal Commission on Claims in regard to the sum paid to Commodore Burney; and whether he will make a full statement as to the work done by that gentleman and the negotiations with Messrs. Vickers and the sum paid to him?

Yes, Sir. The Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors in their recommendation attributed the main credit for the invention and development of the paravane to Lieutenant-Commander Burney and outlined the work that had been done by this officer. No money has been or will be paid to Lieutenant-Commander Burney out of Naval Funds in respect of the use of the invention in His Majesty's Navy. In accordance with the practice adopted in many other cases he was allowed to exploit some of the rights, other than in this respect. When such permission was given he was free to make his own arrangements with Messrs. Vickers as regards any apparatus supplied to merchant ships.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total number of casualties suffered by the military and police forces in Ireland from December, 1918, to date?

The total police casualties during this period are 168 killed and 231 wounded, and the total military casualties 51 killed and 104 wounded.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many members of the British military force in Ireland have died from December, 1918, to date as the result of the state of war which exists in that country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary in answer to a question put by the hon. Member for Bermondsey, West (Mr. Glanville).

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can now give the results of his inquiry into the attacks on co-operative property in Ballintrillick, Ballymote, Nenagh, and Littleton?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a somewhat similar question to-day asked by the hon. Member for the Consett Division of Durham (Mr. A. Williams).

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in spite of the disastrous effect of former interferences with the building trade as regards buildings of all classes, his intervention is being sought to restrain, prevent, limit, or discourage the erection of buildings of one particular class; and whether he will take the opportunity to indicate clearly, for the information of Glasgow and Scotland, that the lesson of the past has been learnt and that no interference will be tolerated either in respect of cottages, castles, cinemas, or buildings of any description?

I cannot accept the implication contained in the first part of the hon. Baronet's question, and the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Dr. Sudhindra Bose, M.A., Ph.D., who made application for a passport to proceed to India for the purpose of seeing his mother, who is very ill and not expected to recover, which was refused; whether he is aware that Dr. Sudhindra Bose is not a member of any political organisation and has offered to give an undertaking not to take part in politics; and whether, in view of these facts, he will have inquiries made into the case and grant the necessary facilities to enable Dr. Bose to proceed to India?

Yes, Sir. I have had thorough inquiry made into this case. This Indian gentleman is now a citizen of the United States, having applied to renounce his British-Indian nationality a few weeks after the outbreak of war. Doctor Bose's original application for a visa to travel made no mention of his mother's health, and I am not prepared to facilitate his return to India.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a claim from the Russo-Asiatic Company, Limited, an English company with many thousands of shareholders, in reference to the theft of a large amount of gold by the Soviet Government of Russia; and whether, before concluding any trade treaty with such Government, he intends to take any steps in regard to the enormous losses of British commercial companies carrying on business in Russia?

Claims in regard to gold confiscated by the Soviet Government have been received from this corporation. The existence of claims of this character is not being overlooked in connection with the negotiations now in progress with the representatives in this country of that Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether large subscriptions are obtained in America from trade unions towards the support of voluntary hospitals; and whether he will inquire into the system obtaining in the United States in this behalf?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have no information on the point raised by the hon. Member, but I will have inquiry made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if it is contemplated to extend the exports credits scheme to Empire-produced raw materials?

I will again consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but I should explain that such an extension would require legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Overseas Department of the Board of Trade withdrew from their sample collection of foreign-made imported brushes which have been on show in their offices in Old Bailey a certain number of these brushes and placed them on exhibition at the White City in connection with the National Advertising Exhibition; and if he is aware that this action of the Overseas Department is calculated to prejudice the sale of British-made goods, and is strongly resented by the various brush companies of Great Britain?

The exhibition of samples of foreign-made goods which compete with British products in overseas markets has proved of great value to British manufacturers and has frequently enabled them to secure trade formerly in the hands of their foreign competitive?. But the Department's collection of such samples was not intended for general public exhibition and as soon as my attention was drawn to my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I gave instruction for the withdrawal of the exhibit from the White City.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any Report from our trade commissioners in Canada as to openings for British trade, enterprise, or labour in connection with oil discoveries north of Edmonton: if so, can he make a statement thereon: and, if not, will he obtain Reports of developments and possibilities in connection with the Canadian oilfields generally?

Full reports of the recent discoveries of oil at Fort Norman, north of Edmonton, have been received from His Majesty's Trade Commissioner at Winnipeg, who is watching developments closely in the interests of British trade. The Trade Commissioner has been instructed to report all fresh developments without delay. It is important to remember that oil has not been so far discovered in large commercial quantities except at Fort Norman on the Mackenzie river, 1,600 miles north of Edmonton, where climatic and other conditions tend to restrict immediate development.

asked the Prime Minister whether the terms of the Mandates under the League of Nations will be submitted to the British Parliament before or after their adoption by the League of Nations?

When the Mandates have, in accordance with the Covenant, been approved by the League of Nations, they will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Prime Minister whether the right hon. Member for Hitchin (Lord R. Cecil) and the President of the Beard of Education voted on the Commission of the League of Nations in favour of conditions for new members which would exclude from the League both Germany and Russia; whether their votes were cast on instructions from the British Government; and whether the British Government will consider the desirability of including Germany and Russia in the League with a view to increasing its efficiency?

I have no information as to the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to a reply given to a similar question yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.

The answer to the third part of the question is, of course, that His Majesty's Government fully recognise the desirability of encouraging by every means in its power the efficiency of the League.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Reports of the Proceedings of the Assembly of the League of Nations will be laid upon the Table of this House?

Reports of the Proceedings of the Assembly will be placed in the library of the House as soon as they are received from the Secretary-General of the League.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the expected spread of unemployment this winter, he will consider the advisability of taking up the Prevention of Unemployment Bill, introduced early in the Session?

I have been asked to reply. I would draw the attention of my hon. Friend to the announcement made on the 19th October by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in regard to the measures contemplated by the Government for the relief of unemployment. The schemes outlined in my right hon. Friend's statement are being developed as rapidly as possible; and, in addition, the Cabinet Committee on Unemployment is continuing its examination of further practicable remedies. Account must also be taken of the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act which came into force on the 8th November. From next week onwards benefit under the Act will become payable in a very large number of cases. In these circumstances the Government cannot undertake to introduce legislation on the lines of the Prevention of Unemployment Bill.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the prospective increase in unemployment, any of the schemes for the construction of arterial roads have already been begun; and will he give particulars of the places and the number of men employed already under such schemes?

Work has been started on arterial roads in 16 provincial and 1 London district. This work is additional to some 40 schemes, which either have been or are being negotiated between the Ministry of Transport and the local authorities, for the repair and reconditioning of about 70 main roads in London and the Provinces. I have not been able in the time at my disposal to get the total number of men so employed. It is additional, also, to other work which I understand certain local authorities have, apart from these schemes, initiated to meet the unemployment in their areas. Furthermore, measures have been taken by the Ministry of Health with a view to securing that road and sewer work in connection with Housing schemes and various other pub lie works shall be expedited. And the number of men so employed is increasing.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered Form Z 8 issued by his Department; whether his Department can cite one instance where these forms have been of any use in finding work for unemployed people or for plant that is standing idle; whether such forms merely finds work for officials; and whether, alternatively, he will state of what practical value Form Z 8 is and what percentage of employers applied to for returns fill them up?

I have carefully considered the question of issuing Form Z 8, which has recently been transferred from the Board of Trade to my Department, and have come to the conclusion that, while it is highly desirable that the information derived from this enquiry should be at the disposal of the Government and of the Members of this House, it is no longer necessary to issue the form at such frequent intervals as heretofore. The enquiry will, therefore, in ordinary circumstances not be issued more frequently than twice a year. Meanwhile, I am examining the form closely to see whether it can be simplified and curtailed. Obviously, the issue of the return does not find work for the unemployed, but in dealing with questions of Unemployment, we must have the fullest information. The percentage of employers who fill up these returns varies in the different industries, the highest percentage in the April, 1920, Return being 89 per cent., while the lowest was 61 per cent. Taking all trades together, the percentage was 73 per cent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the crews of the French steamers "Crimée" and "Jérusalem" have refused to allow these ships to be loaded with munitions for Asia Minor; whether they state that their action is due to a decision of the Seamen's International to refuse to handle munitions; whether similar incidents have occurred in any other countries; and whether any British crews have refused to handle munitions for Mesopotamia or elsewhere?

I understand that the crews of the two vessels went on strike, using as a pretext a desire to prevent the despatch of munitions to Syria, and that their action was taken on the initiative of the Seamen's International. The crew of the "Crimée" subsequently changed their attitude, and sailed with the ship for Beyrout on the 20th of November. The crew of the "Jérusalem" which consists of Russians, Chinese, Roumanians and Turks, is expected to follow the example of their French comrades of the "Crimée." I have no information with regard to the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the Report of the standing joint committee of representatives of local education authorities and the National Union of Teachers recommending the adoption of standard scales of salary for teachers in public elementary schools; and whether he can indicate the attitude of the Board towards their recommendations?

The Report contemplates the adoption of standard scales as from the 1st April next, in the result of provisional local agreements and review of them by the Committee who intend to prepare a comprehensive schedule showing the scale which in their opinion is appropriate to each area. A considerable interval must then elapse before the process is completed, and it is only after its completion that it will be possible to form even an approximate estimate of the financial effect of the proposals. The matter is receiving my very close attention, and pending such further definition of the Board's attitude, after consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as it may be incumbent on me to give, I think it desirable to say, in order to prevent misunderstanding and future embarrassment, that where since the issue of the Report improved or standard scales have been adopted locally to take effect before their confirmation by the Committee, I cannot, at all events until they have been considered as components of the comprehensive schedule which is contemplated, commit the Board to pay grant in respect of any additional expenditure incurred; and moreover that I cannot in any case, and whatever the date at which an improved scale was adopted, commit the Board to the payment of grant on the basis of higher expenditure in any area than that involved by the adoption of Scale IV.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the large number of children leaving school at the end of the Christmas term will further accentuate the present unemployment problem and that the juvenile employment exchanges are being instructed to give these children the last consideration in filling vacancies, it is proposed to take any steps to encourage these children to remain at school?

I have no doubt that the local education authorities will encourage these children to continue in attendance at school, but the success of their endeavours must depend largely on the co-operation of the parents.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many efficient single women dependent on their earnings who are sitting for the forthcoming examination for establishment as writing assistants have been given notice of dismissal; and how many of the men introduced into the Board under the Lytton Report have had the previous clerical or professional experience necessary for Board of Education work?

Five single temporary women clerks who are sitting for the forthcoming examination for establishment as writing assistants have received notice of discharge. As regards the second part of the question, the ex-service men introduced into the Department under the Lytton Report have not been long enough in the Board's service to enable the Board to form a definite opinion as to their suitability for the Board's work. I understand, however, that no man is appointed except on the recommendation of the Joint Substitution Board, which body, I am informed, satisfies itself in all cases that the individuals submitted are qualified to perform the clerical duties required of them.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether all the war huts in St. James's Park are fully occupied?

These buildings are fully occupied with the exception of an area of 30,000 feet out of a total of 214,000 feet which is vacant at the present moment but will be occupied during the next few weeks by War Staffs whose removal will enable my Department to surrender requisitioned business premises in Newgate Street.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the date upon which the reorganisation of the non-professional staffs of the Legal Departments of the Crown will be completed?

The question of the reorganisation of the non-professional staffs referred to is under consideration at the present time in connection with the recommendations in the Report of the Joint Committee on the Organisation, etc., of the Civil Service. I regret, how- ever, that I am not in a position to name a date by which the reorganisation will be completed.

asked the Minister of Food the amount of butter in store belonging to traders in various districts throughout the country; and whether he will consider the possibility of securing these stocks for the public at a price not greater than the present supply of Government butter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies on this subject given yesterday to the hon. Members for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. R. Richardson) and Rother Valley (Mr. Grundy) respectively.

asked the Minister of Food from what office, divisional or district, did he obtain the information upon which he based his statement as to stocks of flour stored at the Old Assembly Hall, Ferndale; if he can give the name of the food officer who inspected the flour; did he in his Report order the immediate removal or distribution of this stock; and, if so, on what grounds did he base his decision?

asked the Minister of Food whether, notwithstanding his statement to the contrary, the stocks of flour were still stored at the Assembly Hall, Ferndale, and that no steps had been taken up to 29th November, 1920, to carry out the instruction of the inspecting officer for its immediate removal; is he now aware of the high feeling of the inhabitants who see day after day this enormous waste of valuable food created by the action of rats and maggots; and will he take steps to stop this scandal as soon as possible?

I will answer these two questions together. As stated in my reply to the questions put by the hon. and gallant Member on the 25th November, the information on which I based my statement was contained in a Report forwarded, not by a local food officer, but by an expert inspector attached to the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies. The instructions to remove the flour were issued by the Wheat Commission on 11th November, as stated in my previous answer. I regret that I was misinformed as to the actual date of removal; the delay has been due to the difficulty in accepting delivery of the flour on the part of the miller who was instructed to deal with it. The instructions that this flour should be dealt with forthwith have now been repeated by telegram.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the Minister of Agriculture has seen a memorandum prepared by 27 associations interested in the fisheries in January, 1920, and is aware of the general desire of the fishing industry that the fisheries division should be placed in charge of a permanent Secretary for Fisheries with the right of direct access to the Minister and to the Treasury; whether he proposes to accede to that wish; if not, why not; whether he is aware that the industry is anxious to guard against any interference by agricultural officers in the finance and administration of fisheries, and desires especially to see the handling of the Fisheries Estimates entrusted to officers who are in direct touch with fishery problems; whether this result could forthwith be attained by administrative order without increasing the Estimates; whether he is aware that the industry in the memorandum referred to urged that the remuneration of research workers should approximate to that of the executive branch; whether he will state the number of scientific officers which it is proposed to entertain in the fisheries division, and the rates of remuneration to be offered in the various grades; whether he is aware of the urgent necessity of attracting men of first-class calibre to marine research, and that such men are unlikely to be attracted to the public service by prospects which compare unfavourably with those held out by other branches of the Civil Service, or in the universities, or in independent scientific institutions; how the remuneration fixed for the scientific staff of the fisheries division does in fact compare with that of research workers in agriculture and with Civil Service rates, how many appointments are vacant, and how many appli- cants have been attracted by the remuneration offered; whether it is desirable and necessary to pay scientific workers the same rates as prevail in the Civil Service; and whether, if need be, this result could be attained by reducing the number of appointments and increasing the salaries?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With reference to the second, third, fourth and fifth parts of the question, the recent re-organisation of the Fisheries Department, of which my hon. Friend is aware, was intended to give effect to the wishes of the various branches of the industry (with the general aims of which the Minister is in sympathy), so far as is compatible with the system of financial control demanded by the Treasury in the public interest and with the broad requirements of economical administration. With reference to the sixth, seventh and eighth parts of the question, the Treasury have recently sanctioned the following scientific staff for the Fisheries Department: Salary (exclusive of war bonus). 1 Director £1,000 2 Principal Naturalists £650–25–750 (1 rising to £800.) 5 Naturalists £450–20–600 13 Assistant Naturalists (4 temporary.) £200–15–400

New entrants to the grade of assistant naturalist will pass through a maximum period of two years' probation, during which their salary will be £300, inclusive of war bonus. The Minister is most anxious to attract first-class men to the scientific staff of the Fisheries Division, and hopes that the salaries mentioned above will achieve the desired result. A comparison of the salaries with those offered in other Government Departments, in universities and independent scientific institutions, is rendered difficult by the variations of grades, responsibilities, and conditions of work. The number of scientific officers, permanent and temporary, now employed in the Fisheries Department is 16, five of whom are probationers with salaries of £300 a year, inclusive of War bonus. Further vacancies will shortly be advertised.

The tenth and eleventh parts of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the wages and conditions of service of shop assistants vary from trade to trade; whether he is prepared to adopt a standard rate for persons employed as sub-office assistants; and whether he will call upon the postmaster of Aberdeen to ascertain the wages which are being paid to sub-office assistants in his area in order that there may be no uncertainty as to the standard which is being applied?

There are no doubt variations as between trade and trade, but there are also variations between district and district which render it undesirable for the Post Office to fix a standard rate, especially as sub-office assistants are often employed part of their time in the Sub-Postmaster's private business. As indicated in the reply to the hon. Member's question on the 25th ultimo, Postmasters are already in possession of particulars of the rates paid in their districts.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, when Miss Morgan as dismissed by the Postmaster of the Tylerstown sub-office there was no complaint with regard to her efficiency, but that the sub-postmaster said she must leave at the end of the month as he wanted no underhanded business done, this statement presumably referring to the action of her mother in writing to the Postmaster-General; whether Miss Morgan is at pre sent employed as a counter clerk in a neighbouring post office where she is giving every satisfaction; whether the new assistant who commenced her employment at Tylerstown in November, 1919, three months prior to the discharge of Miss Morgan, was in receipt of £l per month in July of this year; whether another assistant with years of experience is paid at the rate of £2 8s. per month in addition to board and lodging; whether drapers are almost alone in the practice of calling for a two-year period of unpaid apprenticeship; and whether, in these circumstances, he will have a special investigation into the conditions under which sub-office assistants have been employed at the Tylerstown office in addition to making a careful review of the whole standard of remuneration applicable to this class of labour?

I am having further inquiry made on the subject, and will communicate the result to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Postmaster-General when the extension of the telephone system between Larne and Cushendall, in County Antrim, will be completed; and whether a telephone will be established at Camlough?

Call offices can be provided at Glenarn, Garranpoint, Carnlough and Cushendall, on condition that the local authorities or residents interested will furnish a guarantee of £70 a year for seven years. The final decision of the prospective guarantors has not yet been received.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the present contract with Messrs. MacBrayne for carrying mails on the West Coast of Scotland comes to an end; and whether the Treasury will agree to a separate contract for the service between Stornoway and the mainland being thrown open to competition?

I have been asked to answer this question. The contract for the conveyance of mails to Stornoway is part of a group of contracts which have been kept in being by an agreement under which, in consideration of help extended to them, the MacBrayne Company assume certain obligations ( inter alia conveyance to Stornoway) for five years from the 31st of January next succeeding the termination of the War. The company would no doubt gladly accept release from this obligation, but it would not be expedient to release them. It has never been found possible to secure competition for a contract for the conveyance of mails to Stornoway. I have no reason to suppose the case is different now. But if the hon. Member has any information to the contrary I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the effect of the application of the Civil Service scales of bonuses to the higher salaried officials of quasi-public authorities, some of whom are dependent upon a rate to make up a deficiency of income, has been to add to a salary of £1,000 the sum of £648 19s. 2d., to a salary of £1,100 a bonus of £702 2s. 6d., and to a salary of £1,200 the sum of £750; and whether he will take into consideration the additional burdens which are imposed on the public by the addition of a pro rata bonus to these larger salaries before adopting any further scale which may be issued?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My hon. and learned Friend's suggestion shall be considered in the event of proposals being made for further action of the kind mentioned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will amend Section 105 (1) ( b ) of the Income Tax Act, 1918, in such a way as to provide that employers shall not be required to make a return of the earnings of their employés who are married and whose earnings are less than £62 10s. per quarter?

As at present advised I am not in a position to propose a further amendment of Section 105 (1) ( b ) of the Income Tax Act, 1918, but I may inform the hon. Member that the possibility of administrative arrangements in the direction which he desires is being carefully explored.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether old age pensioners who through sickness enter a union hospital have their pensions cancelled; whether the pensions are not received on their discharge from hospital until they have applied to the local com mittee, which may not meet for some time; whether when the pensions are received they are paid from the date of discharge from hospital; whether this treatment of unfortunate old age pensioners entails considerable hardship and throws them on the charity of friends; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such old age pensioners will in future automatically receive their pensions and thus prevent them becoming paupers owing to circumstances over which they have no control?

Under the existing law, old age pensioners who through sickness enter a union hospital do not have their pensions cancelled unless they remain in the hospital for more than three months, or unless they remain after ceasing to require medical or surgical treatment. Where a pension is cancelled, the Old Age Pensions Acts do not permit of pension money being paid until a fresh claim has been allowed by the local pensions committee; but when a fresh claim has been allowed, the pension is payable from the receipt of the claim by the pension officer, provided that the claimant was then eligible. In these circumstances, I am not prepared to agree that considerable hardship is caused or to promote legislation in the sense suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it has been found necessary to establish a Department, with a chief at £1,500 a year, to deal with matters relating to the ad valorem duty on champagne; whether he is aware that, as a consequence, leading champagne houses are not now selling to British importers, but are instead shipping to London to their agents at a lower rate than the old shipping prices; whether these agents clear from bond and sell to the trade at a duty-paid price; and whether a better revenue could be obtained by abolishing this Department and instead putting on a flat rate of duty?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. It has not been necessary to set up any special Department, or branch of a Department, to deal with the ad valorem duty on champagne. I am informed that the practice referred to in the second part of the question existed long before the duty was imposed, and, so far as shippers have reduced their prices, it confirms the opinion which I expressed during the passage of the Finance Bill in regard to their profits. As regards the third part of the question, no doubt some importers are selling duty paid, but I see no objection to this course. I can add nothing to what I said in the course of the Debates on the Finance Bill as to the comparative merits of an ad valorem duty or specific duty on sparkling wines.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total reduction in currency notes from 1st October to 27th November, inclusive; what special measures, if any, have been taken for a deflation in currency during that period; what are the main causes of that construction; and whether he ascribes the drop in prices of clothing and other necessaries to those causes?

The reduction of currency notes in the period from 6th October to 24th November has been £6,500,000. No special measures have been taken for a deflation of the currency during that period. As to the main causes of the contraction, while I am not prepared to dogmatise, I attach importance to the money market pressure against inflated credits and to the action of the Government early in the year in balancing Budget expenditure from Budget revenue. The period specified by my hon. Friend also included the coal strike. I should be inclined to agree in the suggestion in the last part of the question, that both the fall of prices and the contraction of the currency are parallel consequences of a common cause.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount paid to the United States Government in interest during the current financial year on the debt owing to them by this country; and what is it expected will be paid by the close of the present financial year or, if it be funded, what net increase of indebtedness that year will be represented by this process?

A sum of $16,000,000, with interest thereon, has been repaid to the United States Government in respect of certain special transactions. With this exception no payment of interest or principal has been made in the current year to the United States Government. The interest postponed since May, 1919, pending discussion with the United States Government, is now approximately $314,500,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate national expenditure per day?

The average daily expenditure on the basis of Exchequer Issues, from 1st April, 1920, to 27th November, was £2,896,203, as compared with an original Budget Estimate at the rate of £3,244,000 a day. But expenditure does not in fact go out at an equal rate throughout the year, and is usually heavier in the second half year.

asked the Chancellor if the Exchequer whether the British share of the Anglo-French loan from the United States has yet been repaid; and, if so, what effect this operation has had upon the total of our internal debt?

The Anglo French loan was repaid on the due date, at a cost to the Exchequer for the British share of £59,229,000. This repayment will form part of the debt repaid out of the Budget Estimate of £234,000,000 for debt redemption.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of revenue received up to date in respect of the current financial year; how much of it represents special miscellaneous receipts; and, in respect of both ordinary and special receipts, to what extent he anticipates that his Budget Estimates will be realised?

The amount of Revenue received up to the 27th November inclusive, as shown in the weekly return of Exchequer Issues and Receipts, was £799,271,680, of which £188,866,092 represented special Miscellaneous Receipts. I anticipate considerable variations from the Budget Estimates under particular heads, but as far as I can at present see, the final outcome of the year will not be materially affected.

asked the Home Secretary whether an application was received for letters of naturalisation from I. C. Reynders on the 14th June, 1919; whether Mr. Reynders states in his application that he is a Dutch subject and has been resident in this country for 31 years; and if he will state when it is proposed to take Mr. Reynders' application into consideration?

The answers to the first two paragraphs of the question are in the affirmative. The case will be taken in its proper turn and without avoidable delay.

asked the Home Secretary the number of aliens resident in this country whose names are entered at the Home Office in respect of applications for letters of naturalisation; how many of these respectively represent persons belonging to countries who were friendly to us in the late War and enemies; and whether it is the practice of the Home Office to deal with the cases of friendly aliens first?

The number of outstanding applications for certificates of naturalisation is approximtely 13,000. Of these, 7,500 are from friendly aliens resident in this country, and the remaining 5,500 are from former enemy aliens, of whom a considerable number have no doubt left the United Kingdom. The applications from friendly aliens are being dealt with so far as possible in turn, while in regard to former enemy aliens the hon. Member is no doubt aware that they are inelligible for naturalisation until ten years after the termination of the War, with the very limited exceptions provided for in Section 3 (2) of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1918.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that to qualify for membership of the Society of Authors and Composers, the Institute of Chemistry, and other learned bodies, it is requisite that the applicant should be of British nationality; and whether he will direct that memorials to the Home Office from friendly aliens who may seek to join such societies should be considered and determined within a reasonable period necessary to vouch the applicant's antecedents?

I have no knowledge of the rules governing the admission of members of learned societies. But even if the allegation in the question is correct, that fact is not a sufficient reason for giving one set of applications priority, over other applications which are equally pressing and deserving.

asked the Home Secretary the number of motor licences issued for motor vehicles in the years 1910 and 1919; and if he can state the number of motor accidents, fatal and nonfatal, in the years 1910 and 1919, respectively?

In the Reports of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise it is stated that the number of licences for motor cars and motor cycles isued in the years ended 31st March, 1911 and 1919, were 156,373 and 279,621 respectively, but I understand the two sets of figures are not exactly comparable owing to changes in the law in 1910. The figures for accidents from mechanically-propelled vehicles (including tramcars) for the calendar years 1910 and 1919 are respectively 672 fatal, 16,128 non-fatal, and 2,010 fatal and 12,998 non-fatal.

asked the Home Secretary when he will introduce a Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee appointed to inquire into the question of compensation to injured workmen?

Mr. SHORTT: I regret I can add nothing to the replies given to a number of recent questions on this subject. The Government are anxious to legislate a3 soon as practicable, but the state of business will not allow of their doing so this Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any restrictions at present on Sunday building; whether he is aware that great inconvenience is caused in the neighbourhood of Selfridge's new building by such work being proceeded with during Sunday: whether it is the intention of the Home Office to allow the streets in the neighbourhood of this building to be congested by vans delivering and taking away goods: and whether, in the new building scheme, a yard has been allowed for to avoid the present congestion?

I do not know of any statutory enactment on the subject of Sunday building other than the general provisions of the Lord's Day Observance Act, 1677. A certain amount of obstruction is inevitable when large building operations are in progress, but the police find that it is generally less on Sundays than on week-days. I have no information that any special inconvenience is caused by the work mentioned in the question. There is no power to prohibit the legitimate use of vans, though the police can deal with unnecessary obstruction. Plans of new buildings are not submitted to me or to the police, and I am therefore not in a position to answer the last paragraph of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether full accounts have been received of the expenditure of all moneys granted for military purposes in the East African theatre of war, including the amount advanced to the King's African Rifles; and have the moneys in respect of the sale of military stock out there by the Salvage Commissioner been received, with all accounts relating thereto?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY: The answer is in the negative. The rendering of the accounts of military expenditure and sal- vage in connection with the East African campaign is being expedited, but is not yet complete.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to appoint a special commissioner to advise as to the policy of improved railway communication in the areas of East Africa under British rule or mandate; and, if so, whether the name of this official can be announced to the House together with information as to the scope of his duties?

Lieut.-Colonel (late Brigadier-General) F. D. Hammond, C.B.E., D.S.O., R.E., has been released from his duties with the Inter-Allied Railway Commission in Silesia to proceed to East Africa as Special Railway Commissioner, and is now on his way out. The appointment of a permanent Railway Commissioner will be considered at the conclusion of Colonel Hammond's mission. His duties will be to inquire into and report on all matters connected with the administration and working of the Uganda railway system, including the connected marine services and the terminal facilities, the rates to be charged, and the formation of an Inter-Colonial Council, representing the Governments of Kenya and Uganda, which will control railway policy in accordance with the principle that the system should be used for development purposes, and should not be called upon to show larger profits than those which are required for its maintenance and extension. Colonel Hammond will also report on the railway position in the Tanganyika territory.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a serious deficit exists in the budget of the current year of Kenya Colony; and, if so, what financial steps are contemplated to meet the deficit?

The Kenya Estimates of revenue and expenditure for the current year balanced at £3,192,327 which, after allowing for the change in local currency, represents an increase of about 50 per cent, over the figures for the previous year. There is reason to believe that the estimated railway revenue cannot be realised without an increase of rates of which in the interests of the development of the colony and Uganda the Secretary of State has felt unable to approve. On the other hand, it is expected that there will be savings in expenditure, and until detailed revised Estimates are received it is not possible to say what deficit, if any, there will be.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether events have justified the policy of refusing, during the past summer, to sell Government-owned wool at the prices then obtainable, seeing that the result is that the Government is now holding that wool unsold in face of the accumulations of unsold old wool of non-Governmental ownership and of the three new clips coming into the market: whether the high reserves were fixed by the Wool Controller in the expectation of obtaining prices higher than the market was offering at the time; and, if that was not the object of the reserve, will he say what the Wool Controller was and is aiming at and how he proposes to attain his aim?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the wool market has fallen very heavily since May last, and (assuming that the Government could have reduced prices without being immediately followed by all other competitive sellers) it is probable that a certain limited quantity of wool might have been sold to better advantage if the prices obtainable in the summer months had been more freely accepted. The highest estimate that can be placed on the business thus lost is 100,000 bales, against a stock in June last of 2,900,000 bales. The bids actually made and refused covered a quantity of less than £25,000 bales. The objects which the Department has had in view in gradually reducing its reserve prices instead of sharply reducing them or abolishing them altogether are as follow:

(1) To prevent a sudden and disastrous fall which might have had very serious and far-reaching effects on home trade.

(2) To allow the wool market to find its new level in the Australian and New Zealand auctions, and not to force it down by action in this country which might have been thought by the Dominions to be precipitate and inimical to their interests. It must be remembered that the sheep-growing industry is vital to Australia and New Zealand, that prices for their wool were kept artificially low from 1916 up to 31st March, 1919, by Government action, and that wool prices have now fallen to a level which, estimated in gold currency, is, on the average, at least 10 per cent, below pre-war prices, while almost all other agricultural produce is 50 per cent, to 100 per cent, above pre-War levels. My hon. Friend will see, therefore, that the course of wool prices has necessarily been bitterly disappointing to Australian and New Zealand wool growers, and the Department feel that they have been fully justified in avoiding any suspicion of having aggravated the difficulties under which the wool growers are now labouring. British traders and manufacturers have not been placed at a disadvantage with any of their competitors, it having been open to them at all times to obtain their raw material from the cheapest source of supply.