asked the Minister of Pensions whether disabled men may be informed as to the artificial limbs that have been ordered for them, in order that they may have the opportunity to state whether such artificial limbs are likely to be useful in their own case or not?

Pensioners are allowed to choose any limb in the Ministry's Approved List which is suitable from a surgical point of view.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a disabled man may be allowed to go for examination to an independent court?

The final decision on the question of entitlement rests with an independent statutory Appeal Tribunal.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the necessity for capital ships as stated in Command Paper 619, pages 4 and 5, paragraphs 9, 10, 11, and 12, still holds good?

Nothing has occurred, since Command Paper 619 was issued, to change or modify the opinion of the Board of Admiralty as expressed in the paragraphs referred to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether a definite proposal was submitted to the Government on the 8th ultimo for enabling the Minesweepers' Co-operative Trawling Society to commence fishing operations at an early date, pressing for an immediate decision by the Government; what is the reason for the delay; and when will the Government decision be announced?

A certain proposal was received by the Admiralty, and given careful consideration. It is hoped shortly to make an announcement regarding the whole matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the delay in arriving at a decision regarding the placing of officers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps on similar conditions as regards half-pay as those existing in other arms of the service; and whether he will give immediate consideration to the question and give a decision, seeing that the matter was under consideration on 13th May, 1920.

I hope that a decision may be reached shortly, but in view of the increased cost involved the matter requires very careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the house, No. 2, North View, Wimbledon Common, was requisitioned in January, 1917, for the purposes of a hospital and was so used until 3rd July, 1919; whether the house is still in the possession of the military authorities, and, if so, for what purpose it is used and under what statutory authority; and whether it is proposed to immediately vacate the premises and restore them to the owner?

This house was requisitioned in January, 1917, under the powers contained in the Defence of the Realm Acts. It was used as a Detention Hospital until 3rd July, 1919, and is at present used as quarters for the quartermaster of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. With regard to the last part of the question, I am afraid the house will be required by the military authorities as long as the Scots Guards remain at Wimbledon.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps the Government have taken with the new contractors for the transfer of the large staff employed by Messrs. Sells on the directories to the new firm; and whether he is aware that the male portion are ex-service men?

It is clearly impracticable to stipulate for transfers of staff between firms successful and unsuccessful in obtaining Government contracts in the ordinary course of open competition. I may, however, add that in the present instance the successful firm, who are on the King's Roll of Honour, employ 10 per cent, of disabled ex-service men, which is well above the average of firms on the roll, and 40 per cent, of ex-service men in all.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what amount of money has been granted for the settlement of discharged soldiers on the land; how many discharged soldiers have already been settled; how many men remain to be dealt with; and how many cases have been approved of by the Ministry of Agriculture?

A total sum of £20,000,000 has been provided for the purposes of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act in England and Wales. The total number of men already settled under the Act is 10,703, of whom 9,408 are ex-service men. In addition, 774 men, including 637 ex-service men, have been settled on the Ministry's Farm Settlements. 8,504 ex-service applicants are awaiting interview, while 15,647 have been approved but not yet settled. I may, however, explain that the land already acquired, but not yet let owing to houses and buildings not having yet been provided, or vacant possession of the land obtained, will, it is estimated, provide holdings for 7,500 men approved but not yet settled.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Midland Railway hotels employ almost entirely foreign waiters; that other railway hotels employ exclusively ex-service men; and whether, under these circumstances, he will bring pressure to bear on this railway company on the propriety of the employment of ex-soldiers?

The engagement of waiters at railway companies' hotels is not a matter over which I have any arbitrary authority, or which comes before me ordinarily. I have, therefore, no knowledge of the facts of the case to which the hon Gentleman refers, but I am making inquiries, and will let him know the result.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Budget estimate of the probable yield of the new duty upon sparkling wines is being realised; and, if not, will he consider the propriety of abolishing the ad valorem duty upon such wines?

I should expect the altered conditions of trade and industry to affect adversely the receipts from this and other taxes, but it is too early to say what the outcome of this year will be.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Committee, including Members of this House, of the Save the Children Fund, formed for the relief of starving children in Central Europe and elsewhere, are soliciting subscriptions by stating that for every pound subscribed the British Government will contribute a similar amount; whether such statement is correct; and, if so, out of what fund and by what authority such contribution is made?

As regards the first part of the question, I can find no such statement in the public advertisements recently issued by the Fund. The Save the Children Fund was a collecting body which contributed to the funds of various societies which received a pound for pound grant. Money so collected thus earned a grant in the hands of the societies into which it came, but no grant was made to the Save the Children Fund. The sum of £750,000 which was granted for contributions to relief societies in connection with the pound for pound scheme was exhausted last July, and no further grants are now being made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the employment chart published in the recent issue of the "Labour Gazette," which shows that about the 19th April, 1920, when he made his Budget speech, there was less than 1 per cent. unemployed in this country, being less than at any period during the last 10 years (with the exception of two War years), but that since April last unemployment is shown by the Board of Trade chart to have steadily increased, being now over four times greater than it was on the date the Budget was introduced; and whether he will take the important matter of unemployment into consideration when preparing his next Budget statement?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present total amount of the floating debt; how much of it is represented by Treasury bills; and how much by Ways and Means advances?

The hon. and gallant Member will find these particulars in the weekly Exchequer returns. On the 27th November the Treasury Bills outstanding amounted to £1,096,594,000 and Ways and Means Advances to £231,114,000, of which £34,000,000 were by the Bank of England, making together a total of £1,327,708,000 Floating Debt.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of Excess Profits Duty in assessment, but not yet collected, on the latest available date?

The amount of Excess Profits Duty (including munitions levy) in assessment, less sums shown due to be remitted at the 30th November, 1920, was £280,000,000. Except in so far as the Duty is being collected by instalments, or is not yet due, payment of a considerable portion of this amount is in suspense, pending the settlement of appeals and other questions, which cannot yet be determined, and it must be anticipated that upon the final adjustment of liabilities the total figure in assessment will be very substantially reduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that one-eighth per cent, per annum of Five per Cent. War Loan is being redeemed and cancelled whenever the market price is below issue price, he can state the amount thus expended, with dates, and the nominal amount of stock thus cancelled to the present time?

The sums that have been applied from the Depreciation Fund to the purchase and cancellation of Five per Cent. War Loan, 1929–1947, and the nominal amounts of such stocks that have thereby been cancelled are respectively as under:— — Sums applied. 5 per cent. War Loan cancelled. £ s. d. £ Year ending 31st March, 1918. 32,089,780 14 0 33,955,000 Year ending 31st March, 1919. 21,914,498 8 9 23,250,000 Year ending 31st March, 1920. 28,336,718 15 0 30,801,000 Period 1st April to 30th November, 1920. 19,161,165 12 6 22,570,000 101,502,163 10 3 110,576,000

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether there are any charges consequential or incidental to the military operations in Ireland which fall on Civil Votes; if so, what are these charges; and what is the estimated expenditure involved for the current year?

I am not aware of any charges directly arising out of military operations in Ireland which fall on Civil Votes.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether there are any charges consequential or incidental to the military operations in Mesopotamia which fall on Civil Votes if so, what are these charges; what is the estimated expenditure involved for the current year;

(2) whether there are any charges consequential or incidental to the garrisoning of Egypt by British forces which fall on Civil Votes; if so, what are these charges; and what is the estimated expenditure for the current year?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether there are any charges consequential or incidental to the presence of British troops in Constantinople which fall on Civil Votes; if so, what are these charges; and what is the estimated expenditure involved for the current year;

(2) whether there are any charges, consequential or incidental, to the presence of British troops in Palestine which fall on Civil Votes; if so, what are these charges; and what is the estimated expenditure involved for the current year?

I am not aware of any charges arising from military operations in these regions which fall on Civil Votes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty the amount of expenditure in the present Naval Estimates to be incurred for winding up the War?

As explained in the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty which accompanied the Navy Estimates for 1920–21, a total sum of £19,077,000 was included in the Estimates for non-recurrent war liabilities or terminal charges. It is expected that this amount will be exceeded during the course of the year, and provision for the additional amount required will be included in a Supplementary Estimate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the provisions of Section 3 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, which provides that imported motor cars which are proved to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Customs and Excise to be constructed and adapted for use and intended to be used solely as motor omnibuses or motor ambulances, or in connection with the conveyance of goods or burden in the course of trade or husbandry, are exempted from duty under the Act, and also to the fact that the same scale of fees, for the purpose of licence fees and duties and rebate on petrol, is applied to motor omnibuses and taxicabs as vehicles plying for hire, on what ground and authority is import duty charged by the Customs authorities on chassis imported into this country and adapted and intended for use as taxi-cabs; and as the imposition of this import duty is an unfair burden upon taxi-cab owners, the majority of whom are owner drivers, persons of small means, many being discharged sailors and soldiers, will instructions be given to cease its collection?

Motor omnibuses and motor ambulances are specifically exempted on importation from duty by Section 13 (4) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, but the provisions of this Sub-section do not exempt imported taxicabs from the duty. I have therefore no power to give the instructions desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the present position of the oil borings in Derbyshire; whether oil has flowed naturally and regularly at Hardstoft for many months; whether the oil obtained has been stored; whether any thing has been arranged for the refining of this oil and for using it for commercial purposes; why no effort has been made to increase the supply by pumping; whether the Government have decided to nationalise the oil industry or whether they propose to lease the rights; if the latter, what terms are proposed; and with whom are the Government negotiating?

Of the seven Derbyshire wells one has been completed, two have been temporarily shut down to await the results obtained from others now drilling, and four are still in operation; the latter have all reached a depth of over 3,000 feet. The well at Hardstoft still continues to produce steadily at 50 (fifty) barrels per week, the total production to 27th November being 4,318 barrels or 557 tons. 500 tons of the crude oil at present in storage have recently been sold by public tender and realised £22 10s. per ton; this oil is now in course of removal for refining. It has been decided to let the well flow naturally pending a decision on future policy. A pumping test will, however, shortly be made. The points raised in the 6th and 7th parts of the ques- tion are now under consideration. No negotiations for leases are in progress. The Ministry of Munitions will cease to have responsibility for the operation at the end of the financial year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the photograph paper industry is to be treated as a key industry?

I do not think it is practicable to discuss the details of the Bill dealing with key industries before its introduction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the De Beers Consolidated Mines Company made a profit during this last completed year of £4,500,000; whether the dividend proposed is 120 per cent, free of tax, equal to over 170 per cent, less tax, on the deferred shares; and whether the Government will consider taking over this profitable business?

The facts appear to be as stated. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health what the profits of the United Dairies Company have been for the past year; and what is the policy of the Government in regard to such profit?

I have been asked to reply. I have seen a report in the Press stating that the net profit of United Dairies, Limited, for the year ending 30th June, 1920, was £279,668. The question of trusts, combines, agreements, and other conditions affecting prices in connection with the milk trade has been investigated by a sub-committee of the Committee on Trusts of the Central Committee established under the Profiteering Acts, and careful consideration of their report will be necessary before it is possible to make any statement with regard to the latter part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the reason of the continued delay in giving effect to his pledge in the House of Commons promising legislation on the lines of the recommendation of the Merchandise Marks Committee; and whether he is now in a position to say when the Bill in question will be introduced?

I have nothing to add to the answer which the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade gave to a question by the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Hood) on the 24th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what have been the imports of sports goods, toys and games, reading lamps, and tinware during the months of August, September, and October last, and what have been their respective values and countries of origin; how it is that the published Board of Trade Returns for those months show no record of any importations of either toys or games, and that the columns of such Returns under the headings Sports Goods, Toys and Games, the spaces are blank for the months named; and if he will call for an explanation, so that business and commercial circles may not have reason to question the accuracy of these official Returns?

The following tables show the values, and in certain cases the quantities, of the imports into the United Kingdom of sports goods, toys and games, lamps, and hollow-ware of tinned plate, registered in the months of August, September, and October, 1920. The countries from which the goods were consigned are shown in the tables, the countries of origin not being required to be stated by importers. "Reading lamps" and "tin ware" are not separately distinguished in the returns, and accordingly it is only possible to give figures for the classes "lamps and lanterns" and "hollow-ware of tinned plate," respectively.

As regards the second and third parts of the question, my hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension.

The published trade and navigation accounts for August, September, and October of the current year show, on page 121, the values of sports goods and of toys and games (not of rubber or leather, not electrical) registered as imported during the month. Rubber balls and leather sports goods are included under the headings "Rubber and Leather Manufactures."

IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM or THE UNDER-MENTIONED ARTICLES, CONSIGNED FROM THE COUNTRIES NAMED, IN AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, 1920. (a) Sports Goods, and Toys and Games. (By value.) — Sports Goods. Toys and Games. August,1920. September,1920 October,1920. August,1920. September,1920. October,1920. £ £ £ £ £ £ Sweden … … — — — 201 145 160 Norway … … — 3 1,527 11 471 11 Denmark … … 30 66 62 — 31 4 Germany … … 271 195 1,333 72,575 106,977 159,475 Netherlands … … 7 — 86 5,752 7,571 4,348 Belgium … … 543 3,601 56 1,385 2,552 1,981 France … … 1,348 4,270 718 44,822 35,232 37,329 Switzerland … … 65 — 6 910 350 740 Spain … … 175 25 191 — — 67 Italy … … 138 200 101 438 145 85 Austria-Hungary … … — — — 1,662 2,354 4,436 China … … — — — — 111 — Japan … … 1,175 926 4,273 38,607 55,852 62,848 United States of America … 2,476 7,633 9,390 8,328 9,874 24,511 British India … … 552 — 539 — — 27 Hong Kong … … — — — — — 8 New South Wales … … 144 — — — — — Canada … … 934 655 892 180 926 181 Newfoundland … … 7 — — — 26 — Total … … 7,865 17,574 19,174 174,871 222,617 296,211

(b) Lamps and Lanterns (except electric); by quantity and value. Countries whence consigned. August, 1920. September, 1920. October, 1920. Quantity Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. No. £ No. £ No. £ Sweden … — — — — 10 6 Norway … 60 144 470 350 184 821 Germany … 17,159 2,496 3,129 1,200 16,005 3,838 Netherlands … 201 54 1,536 52 9,089 843 Belgium … 114 227 169 179 150 110 France … 49 94 1,303 264 2,584 462 Switzerland … 1,341 302 72 337 — — Italy … — — 6 12 — — Austria-Hungary … 1,640 384 800 261 — — Japan … — — — — 590 150 United States of America … 1,966 563 28,897 13,036 1,038 801 Hong-Kong … — — 14 10 — — Canada … 6,696 1,447 144 40 — — Total … 29,226 5,711 36,540 15,741 29,650 7,031

Articles under these various headings are not entered in the Official Statistics by quantities, as there are no common units of quantity which could properly be applied to the different articles grouped under each heading.

(c) Iron and Steel and Manufactures thereof — Hollow-ware (household, kitchen, &c. utensils) — Of tinned plate; by quantity (in certain cases) and value. Countries where consigned. August, 1920. September, 1920. October, 1920. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Tons. £ Tons. £ Tons. £ Sweden … — — — — 1 121 Norway … — — 11 700 — — Denmark … — — — — — 50 Germany … 4 660 1 190 2 767 Netherlands … — — — — — 75 Belgium … 1 54 5 373 1 114 France … — 31 — 140 1 310 United States of America … 327 48,056 60 6,249 4 644 Victoria … — — — — 10 1,170 Total … 332 48,801 77 7,652 19 3,251

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that employers in the glove fabric trade, who spent considerable sums of money on machinery, extension of premises, and other improvements during the War, now have their machines standing idle and are obliged to dismiss their workers, and that business in this trade is at an absolute standstill owing to German competition, which operates unfairly as a result of the low rate of exchange; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?

My attention has been drawn to the position in the trade mentioned by my Noble Friend, but I cannot add anything to the answer on a similar matter which I gave him on the 17th November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what amount of credit has been applied for under the provisions of the Overseas Trade (Credits and Insurance) Act; how much has been granted, and for what countries; whether any more countries have been added to the Schedule of the Act, and whether any have been deleted, and which are they: and what are the reasons for the additions and deletions?

The amount of credit applied for under the Overseas Trade (Credit Insurance) Act is £2,140,675. Of this amount £666,230 has been approved for exports to the following countries: the Baltic States, Czecho-Slovakia, Jugo Slavia, Finland, Roumania and Bulgaria. The amount of advances actually paid is £121,165. Since the Act was passed, Bulgaria has been included in the scheme, as applications received in the Department indicated that its inclusion would be of value to British trade. No country has been deleted from the Schedule.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of all firms manufacturing dyestuffs in this country and all associations of users of dyestuffs.

I am causing a list of companies and firms manufacturing dyestuffs to be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The users of dyestuffs are spread over a great variety of trades and are associated with a large number of trade associations of various kinds. But the great majority of the dye users are included in the Colour Users' Association.

The following is the list promised: —

List of the principal firms engaged on the manufacture of dyestuffs in the United Kingdom:

Alliance Colour and Chemical Company, Limited, Radnor Street Works, Stre-ford, Manchester.

The British Alizarine Company, Limited, Silvertown, Victoria Docks, E.16.

British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, 70, Spring Gardens, Manchester.

Brotherton and Company, Limited, City Chambers, Leeds.

National Dyes, Limited, 70, Lombard Street, E.C.

Brassard and Crawford, Chald Lane Colour Works, Wakefield.

The Bow Bridge Dyes and Chemical Works, Marshgate Lane, Stratford, E.15.

The Cutler Hill Colour and Chemical Company, Failsworth, Manchester.

R. Cheetham and Company, 25–54, George Street, Manchester.

The Colne Vale Dye and Chemical Company, Limited, Miln Bridge, Huddersfield.

L. B. Holliday and Company, Huddersfield.

The London Dye Manufacturing Company, Limited, City Mills, Stratford, E.15.

H. N. Morris and Company, Limited, Palatine Bank Buildings, 10, Norfolk Street, Manchester.

The North British Chemical Company, Limited, Fairsfield Road Works, Droysdon, Manchester.

J. C. Oxley's Dyes and Chemicals, Limited, Lighthouse Chemical Works, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury.

Prescott and Company, Rutland Mills, 1, Oswald Street, Hulme, Manchester.

James Robinson and Company, Limited, Millhouse Road, Huddersfield.

H. F. Robinson and Company, Culcheth Chemical Works, Newton Heath, Manchester.

The Scottish Dyes Company, Murrell Hill Works, Carlisle.

W. S. Simpson and Company, Old South-gate, N.14.

J. B. and W. R Sharp, Limited, Lumb Works, Edenfield, Lancashire.

Shand Brothers, Limited, Renfrew Chambers, 20, Renfrew Street, Glasgow.

Williams Brothers and Company, Hounslow, Middlesex.

The Yorkshire Dyeware and Chemical Company, Limited: (1) Wood and Bedford Branch, Kirkstall Road, Leeds; (2) Clemons, Marshall and Carbett Branch, Hounslet Road, Leeds; (3) Pickles, Smithson and Pickles Branch, Tanhouse Chemical Works, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury; (4) M. Bedforth and Sons Branch, Apsley Dyeware Mills, Huddersfield.

Clayton Aniline Company, Limited, Clayton, Manchester.

United Indigo and Chemical Company, Limited, Danlee Buildings, Spring Gardens, Manchester.

Major and Company, Limited, Air Street Works, Hull.

Hickson and Partners, Limited, 38, Well Street, Bradford.

South Metropolitan Gas Company, Chemical Department, 709, Old Kent Road, S.E.15.

Southdown Chemical Company, Limited, Birkenhead.

J. W. Leitch and Company, Limited, Huddersfield.

Gas Light and Coke Company, Limited, Beckton, E.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the terms of the Dystuffs (Import Regulations) Bill have been submitted to a conference between the Board of Trade and the makers and users of dyestuffs in this country; if so, what was the date of the conference; what firms of dyestuff makers were present; and what associations of dyestuff users were represented?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether before the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Bill was drafted an agreement was reached between the Government, the dyestuff makers, and the users of dyestuffs; and, if so, which firms manufacturing dyestuffs and which association of dyestuff users were parties to this agreement?

The terms of the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Bill are based on the conclusions reached after conferences with representatives of the Colour Users' Association, which includes the great majority of the dye users in this country, the British Dye- stuffs Corporation, Limited, and the Association of British Chemical Manufacturers, which includes the other dye-makers as well as manufacturers engaged in the production of intermediates. Representatives of these bodies reported their agreement on the lines proposed in the Bill on the 26th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government directors of the British Dyestuffs Corporation receive payment; if so, what is the payment in question; and under what Vote was the money granted?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government directors of the British Dyestuffs Corporation are civil servants or persons holding offices of profit under the Crown; and what is their constitutional position?

The Government directors of the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, receive the same remuneration as the ordinary directors, such remuneration being paid by the company. They are not civil servants, and no payment is made to them from Government funds.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has been furnished with the profit and loss accounts of any firms engaged in the manufacture of dye-stuffs; and, if so, of what firms and for what period?

The only profit and loss accounts which have come directly under the notice of the Board of Trade are of companies or firms which have made application for financial assistance, and in such cases they are for the years since 1914 or from the formation of the applicant company if of later date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what firms of dyestuff makers have received grants or loans from the Government, the amount of the grants and loans, and the terms on which they were made?

The following grants and loans have been made. To Scottish Dyes, Limited, a grant-in- aid of £75,000 for general purposes and £4,000 in aid of research, with a further research grant up to £1,000 per annum for three years. To Messrs. J. B. and W. R. Sharp, Limited, a grant-in-aid of £10,000 and a loan of £17,000. To the British Alizarine Company, Limited, a grant-in-aid of £107,000. These have all been in accordance with the terms set out in the White Paper Cd. 9194 of November, 1918. In addition, a grant of £100,000 for research has been made to the British Dyestuffs Corporation in pursuance of an undertaking given to British Dyes, Limited, at the time of its formation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the military in Dublin are demanding further curfew restrictions; if so, whether it is intended to comply with such a request; and to what extent?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. This is a matter for the military authorities in Ireland, and I do not think it advisable to make any announcement on the subject.

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 170 killed and 232 wounded, and the total military casualties 51 killed and 104 wounded.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the estimated damage to property in Cork by incendiary fires for which the forces of the Crown are responsible; and what is the amount of the damage for which persons unknown are responsible?

There is no evidence to connect members of the forces of the Crown with any of the incendiary fires which have recently occurred in Cork. Pending the decision of the claims for compensations under the Criminal Injuries Acts, it is impossible to furnish an estimate of the damage caused by these fires.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether members of the Royal Irish Constabulary or Auxiliary Forces are allowed to carry arms when on leave or on duty in London?

It would for obvious reasons be undesirable to give the information for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the house of Mrs. J. E. Green, in Dublin, was raided by the armed forces of the Crown on Monday, 29th November, at 9 p.m.; that Mrs. Green was guarded in one room and her secretary and maids in another while the house was ransacked: that the raiders smashed a panel in her study wall, ripping it open in their search for papers; that they finally went off with practically every paper she possessed, including all her historical papers, the collection and work of a life time; that Mrs. Green is at present engaged on a work bearing on the early history of Ireland; and that she has applied to Dublin Castle for the return of her historical papers, but does not in the least know whether she will ever see them again; whether he is aware that Mrs. Green is nearly 75 years of age and in bad health; and that the Crown Forces came in two armed lorries and had sacks into which all her papers were thrown; and what explanation he has to make on the matter?

I am informed that Mrs. Green's house was searched on the 28th ultimo and some of her papers were removed for examination. No avoidable damage or inconvenience was caused during the search, and the papers with the exception of a number of documents of a definitely seditious character have since been returned.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the two sons of Mrs. Loughnane were arrested at their mother's house at Shanaglish, Tubber, county Galway, by Crown Forces on Friday, 26th November; whether he is aware that since then nothing has been heard of these young men; and whether he can make any statement as to whether they are still alive, where they are detained, and what charge has been preferred against them?

I am informed that these two men who were arrested on the 26th ultimo, escaped from custody, and have not since been heard of.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to submit the incidents at Croke Park to an impartial inquiry?

This has already been done. A military court of inquiry is being held, and I hope to receive its report in the course of a few days.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can state the approximate annual amount of the rates and taxes payable in addition to the rent of £600 per annum in respect of 30, Belgrave Square, acquired by his Department for the accommodation of the Forestry Commission and the staff of the Divisional Director of Industrial Training and of the local finance officer of the Ministry of Labour; how long he anticipates the premises will be required by the Forestry Commission; and whether, in view of the total rent, rates and taxes, he is still of opinion that no cheaper alternative accommodation is obtainable?

The rates and taxes on number 30, Belgrave Square for the year ending 31st March last amounted to £416 13s. 4d. As regards the second part of the question, the premises, or alternative accommodation, will be required by the Forestry Commission for several years. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the cost of the barricading of Downing Street, and whether the cost will be charged to the Irish Vote?

The estimated cost is £100. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether tenders have been issued for the erection of more permanent barricades in Downing Street; and, if so, what material has been selected?

At the moment I can add nothing to the reply given by the Secretary of State for the Home Depart-men on the 1st inst. to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Acton, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is correct to assume, from the wording of the paragraph on rents in the first Annual Report of the Ministry of Health, 1919–20 (Part II, Housing and Town Planning), that, if it is found that a house costing £1,000 to erect in 1920 cannot be erected at a smaller cost in 1927, the rental of such house after 31st March, 1927, must be based on an economic return on the outlay, and that the nominal rent charged prior to that date will then cease; and what would be the position of a local authority with regard to the loss if the economic rent could not be secured?

Under the Regulation an economic rent is to be charged in 1927 on the cost of building at that date, if that course is reasonably possible. If it is not, the rent is to be the best rent that can reasonably be obtained from the classes of tenant in the district for whom the houses were provided, regard being had to any superiority of such houses in accommodation, construction, or amenities as compared with houses previously built in the district.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will issue a Return showing the estimated cost and the actual cost of building operations carried out by the Office of Works in connection with the housing schemes of local authorities under the provisions of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919?

When the building schemes now in hand are completed I shall, should the House so desire, be quite prepared to issue a Return on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health if his sanction has been asked to the proposal of the Mayor of Stepney that all male officers employed by the Mile End Board of Guardians shall receive a minimum wage of £4 a week; and, if so, before giving his approval, will he at least stipulate that this minimum be for a full week's work and not only for three days a week, as assented to by the proposer of the scheme?

I have no knowledge of such a proposal.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will bear in mind that, in view of his intention to introduce a Bill containing proposals for the reorganisation of the Poor Law, sufficient time should be given between the First and Second Reading to admit of very full consideration of the proposals by local governing bodies and others throughout the country?

I will bear in mind the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Food whether, as the price for crystallised refined sugar to be paid by manufacturers was fixed monthly in advance at what was regarded as the world's price, although at the same period the same sugar was being distributed to the public for some time at 48s. per cwt. less cost, consideration will be given to recompense such manufacturers on the sugar contained in their manufactured stocks of seasonable goods and on their stocks of sugar held by them at the dates of the official reductions in price, or is the loss to be borne by those manufacturers who were compelled to use the only sugar they could obtain in the seasonable production, the retail price of which cannot possibly be reduced without severe loss and which the public will not purchase because of the announcement of reduced retail prices for sugar to 10d. per lb. from 1s. 2d. per lb.; whether very little sugar at the reduced price is being bought by manufacturers owing to their inability to sell their stocks produced at much higher prices with the only sugar available, whilst foreign manufacturers can compete with goods produced with free sugar at much lower prices; and whether, seeing that this competition is responsible for reduced production in Great Britain and unemployment during the winter months, consideration will be given for the immediate removal of all restrictions on manufacturers to buy and import whatever sugar they need in their industries, irrespective of any continued control of prices for retail distribution and consumption?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would point out that manufacturers were allowed to retain profits accruing through the long-continued rise in sugar values, and I cannot therefore admit the validity of a claim to compensation on account of the fall. As regards the second part, manufacturers' purchases are at present small; but I have no information as to the relative book values of stocks held by home and foreign manufacturers, respectively. I cannot add anything to replies already given regarding the third part of the question.

asked the Minister of Food if he has received a request from the Canadian Government asking that the control of Canadian bacon be removed; and is he in a position to accede to this request?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As a result of further negotiations, however, arrangements have been made for the purchase of the exportable surplus of Canadian bacon to the end of the present year, and the Canadian Government have expressed their satisfaction with these arrangements.

asked the Minister of Food when it is proposed to remove the control on re-exportation of American tinned fruits and American or Canadian red salmon?

The re-exportation of American tinned fruits is at present allowed under licence within a maximum quantity per month, which for some time has not been reached. This restriction will be removed altogether at an early date. With regard to American and Canadian red salmon, an arrangement has been made with representatives of the importers under which facilities are provided for the re-export of red salmon purchased for that purpose, and this arrangement is working satisfactorily.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Poultry Advisory Committee appointed by him, with a view to producing at home poultry and eggs and avoiding reliance on imports from abroad of these commodities, does not comprise any person fully conversant with the commercial side of the poultry and egg market; whether he has received a communication from the National Poultry Association on this subject; and whether he will favourably consider the addition to the Committee of some person practically acquainted with the poultry trade?

The Poultry Advisory Committee was appointed in order to advise the Ministry on questions affecting the production of poultry and eggs. The members who were in the main nominated by the National Poultry Council are regarded by the Ministry as fully competent to advise on all such questions. The Ministry has received a request from the National Organisation of Fish, Poultry, Game and Rabbit Traders' Association for representation on this Committee, but in view of the desirability of keeping the numbers of the Committee small and the practical knowledge of the industry possessed by the existing members the Ministry does not propose to add to their number.

asked the Ministry of Food the estimated present cattle and sheep population of the Empire as against the rest of the world?

In many countries statistics of livestock are not collected annually, and in others such figures as are available are not at all recent, while for many countries there are no data at all. But, adding together the totals, at the latest available date for each country, where any figure can be given, it would seem that there are some 130 million cattle in the British Empire and 240 million in the rest of the civilized world; and some 190 million sheep in the British Empire and 280 million in the rest of the world.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he is aware that a number of men working under his Department at Grimsby are only receiving 39s. 6d. per week after paying State insurance and unemployment contributions; if he is aware that it is almost impossible for a man to maintain a wife and family on such small wage in consequence of the high cost of living which is now 191 per cent, over pre-War rates; and if he will take action in the matter?

From the information which I have been able to obtain about this matter the statement in the question is not correct. I am, however, having further enquiry made, if my hon. Friend cares to place before me any specific case I will give it full consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has read the "Hygiene of Food and Drink," which is a syllabus of lessons for use in schools and notes for the assistance of teachers, recently issued by the Board of Education; whether he took steps to obtain impartial advice; whether some of the advice given in the syllabus is in direct opposition to some of the best medical opinions in the Doctors' Manifesto, published in the "Lancet," under date 17th March, 1907; and whether he will cause the syllabus to be withdrawn or, alternatively, give an assurance that such syllabus, which at present takes a side on a highly controversial question, shall be revised?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The advice given in the syllabus, which is directed against excess in food and drink, is in strict accord with the best medical opinion of the present time, and the Board had the advantage of the assistance of representative medical authorities in compiling the syllabus. I do not propose to withdraw the syllabus, but, as I have already said in this House, any specific criticisms or suggestions will be carefully considered by the Board with a view to the improvement of future issues.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the public dissatisfaction arising from the action of his department in issuing a syllabus called "The Hygiene of Food and Drink," which is compounded of controversial and disputable propositions put forward on behalf of teetotal or prohibitionist propaganda; and whether, in justice to the general tax and ratepayer who is committed to neither extreme, such syllabus will now be withdrawn?

I am not aware that there is any marked public dissatisfaction with regard to this syllabus, and I would refer the hon. Baronet to the answer which I gave him on 3rd November and the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Sir A. Holbrook) on 29th November.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the proposal of the Dumbartonshire Education Authority to erect Army huts in the playground of Dalmuir School to be used as class-rooms; that this proposal has roused great indignation amongst the parents of the children attending the school because of injury to the health of the scholars by taking away their playground and the necessary air space, and that they will be forced to play in the crowded street instead of the playground originally provided for them; and, in the interest of the health of the children, will he take the necessary steps to prevent the educational authority erecting the huts?

I am aware of the proposal referred to, which is now under the consideration of the Scottish Education Department. No objection to the proposal has been received by the Department. I understand that the proposed erection of Army huts is intended as a temporary measure to relieve internal congestion of the school, which would be more detrimental to the health of the children than a curtailment of the playground; but their erection in the playground will not be approved by the Department without full inquiry as to the possibility of finding a convenient alternative site.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the financial position of the supervisors of the workshop section of railways is gravely affected by the non-application of the conciliation section scheme relating to war bonus, night duty, hours of duty, annual holiday, etc., and by the inadequate application of the commuted overtime allowance and the non-payment of a fair rate of outdoor expenses, and that great dissatisfaction exists owing to there being no prescribed method of appeal for revisions of classifications, etc.; and whether he will take speedy steps to effect a satisfactory settlement, seeing that this matter has been in abeyance for months in spite of repeated requests for its settlement?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a somewhat similar question which he asked on 1st December.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated profit on the railways for the month of November?

I am unable at this stage to estimate accurately the result of working the railways for the month of November. As the hon. Member is aware, the deficit on the railways during October, due to the coal strike, was over £4,000,000. The dislocation and loss of traffic due to the coal strike extended into the month of November. As soon as the monthly returns are received from the railways I will forward a copy of the usual summary to the hon. Member. Altogether I estimate that the coal strike cost the country about £8,000,000 on the railways alone.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is intended in the proposed Bill for the grouping of railways to make provision for the creation of channels whereby railway employés may present matters affecting their conditions of service?

I have been asked to reply to this question. In the published proposals of the Government, Command Paper 787, it is suggested that the Bill dealing with the future of the railways should provide general machinery to deal with questions of wages and working conditions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is a fact that the contract for advertising in the Post Office official telephone directories, previously controlled by an old firm of advertising agents for some 25 years since its inception, has now been handed to a new contractor; whether the new contractors are Messrs. Weiner, Limited, a firm of foreign origin; and is the governing director a naturalised Austrian?

This contract was awarded, after competition among approved firms on the Stationery Office list, to the lowest tendering firm, at a figure substantially below that tendered by the late contractor. The firm in question has been on the approved list for many years, and was confirmed thereon during the War after investigation into the question of their origin and management, which showed that no foreign capital was invested therein, and that all the employés, with the exception of one American and one Spaniard, were British-born. Mr. Weiner was born in Vienna, but left Austria finally at the age of sixteen. He came to London, after four years in Paris, in 1887, being naturalised in 1906.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will grant a concession for small areas from the general rate of increase in telephone charges: whether he is aware that in such small areas, where subscribers to the telephone are few in number, the burden imposed upon the subscribers is excessive and out of all proportion to the gain derived; and whether, in view of this, any increase of telephone charges will be imposed upon a scale varying in accordance with the number of subscribers in each area?

The general question of telephone charges is now under the consideration of a Select Committee of this House, and I am not, therefore, in a position to make any statement on the points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General when he anticipates being able to pay the extra remuneration agreed to be paid for duty performed by night telephonists in excess of forty-five hours per week and call office attendants in excess of forty-eight hours per week, dating back from the 1st of January last, having regard to the fact that this money has been accumulating for nearly a year; and whether he can, under the circumstances, see his way to paying out these arrears before the Christmas holidays?

I find that the payments have been deferred pending adjustments in the wages of the men concerned, which it has not yet been possible to complete. It will be arranged, however, for payments on account to be made before the Christmas Holidays.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that banks guarantee permanent employment to their employés regardless of trade depression or otherwise; and whether, in these circumstances, steps can be taken to exclude these employés from the necessity of making contributions under the Unemployment Insurance Act, from which they can receive no benefit?

I have no power to exclude bank employés from the Unemployment Insurance Act unless they are entitled to rights in a superannuation fund established by or in pursuance of an Act of Parliament, and unless, in addition, the employed person is not subject to dismissal except for misconduct, neglect or unfitness, and generally if conditions of employment make it unnecessary that he should be insured. In any case bank clerks earning over £250 a year do not come within the Act.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount of wages paid to workmen employed in the mining industry during the quarters ending 31st March, 30th June, and 30th September, 1920; and what proportion of such total is due to the War wage and the Sankey wage respectively?

The total amount of wages (exclusive of wages chargeable to capital account) paid to workmen employed in the mining industry during the quarter ended 31st March was £63,220,756, and during the quarter ended 30th June, £66,570,490. The proportions of these totals due to war wage and Sankey wage were 19.3 per cent. and 17.6, respectively; and to Sankey wage were 13 per cent. and 11.8 respectively. I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend the corresponding figures for the September quarter as soon as they are available.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal sold for foreign bunkers and exports, respectively, and the average pit-head price received for the same during each of the quarters ending 31st March, 30th June, and 30th September, 1920; and what is the

— Quarter ended 31st March, 1920. 30th June, 1920. 30th September, 1920. Quantity. Average declared value per ton (f.o.b.). Quantity. Average declared value per ton (f.o.b.). Quantity. Average declared value per ton (f.o.b.) Tons. s. d. Tons. s. d. Tons. s. d. Coal sold for Export. 8,305,769 72 11 6,065,764 80 6 5,420,022 87 1 Coal sold for Foreign Bunkers. 3,345,393 Not known 3,366,824 Not known 4,017,443 Not known

The average pit-head prices of coal sold for foreign bunkers and for export respectively were not separately recorded during the first two quarters of the year, but the average figure for foreign bunkers and exports taken together was 70s. 11d. per ton in the March quarter and 71s. per ton in the June quarter. The figures for the September quarter have been recorded separately and will be available shortly. I shall be glad to send them to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a case that was tried in the Hull police court, on 20th November, 1920, in which Alice Pearson and Annie Ward were convicted for the theft of a watch, and that Annie Ward, who is 17 years of age, was sentenced to a month's imprisonment without the option of a fine; and whether, having regard to the age of Annie Ward, steps will be taken to review the verdict so that Annie Ward may be given the benefit of the First Offenders' Act and placed on probation?

I have no power to review the sentence of a court of summary jurisdiction by substituting proba-

difference between pit-head and f.o.b. prices?

According to the Monthly Trade and Navigation Accounts, the quantities of coal sold for foreign bunkers and export respectively and the average f.o.b. price of the latter are as follows. The average f.o.b. price of the former is not recorded:—

tion for imprisonment. I could only advise entire remission of the sentence; and, after inquiring into the facts of this case, I regret that I do not feel able to take this course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the appointment of Mr. Alwin Robinson Dickinson as Commissioner of Nauru Island has been submitted to and approved by the League of Nations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the identical question on Wednesday last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, representing the land values branch for the Inland Revenue Department, the reasons why the Department refuses to give to any county borough the capital value of land in any county borough area; and if he will take action in the matter?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to requests made to the Board of Inland Revenue to supply county boroughs with the totals of the valuations of land in their areas made under the provisions of Part I of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. For the reasons given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his reply to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Raffan) on the 10th August, I cannot undertake to furnish the information asked for. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of that reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the pencentage of wool-combing machinery running full time or half time and less; and whether there is concerted action between the Imperial Government and the Australian wool growers to keep up wool prices by fixing the reserve prices on an agreed basis so that they are higher in Britain than in Australia c.i.f.?

I am aware that a considerable amount of wool-combing machinery is not working full time, but I do not know the percentage. The answer to the second part of this question is in the negative, but, as I stated in answer to a question on Thursday last, it is not our policy to undersell the Dominion growers. In fixing the reserve prices at the auction sales, the Ministry does not merely consider recent selling prices in the Dominions and the cost of transport, but also allows for warehousing and handling charges incidental to the sale of wool in the consuming markets.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether British firms could have used Government-owned New Zealand greasy cross-bred wool instead of crossbred wool imported from South America had the Government been willing to sell its New Zealand wool at market prices

In view of the fact that considerable quantities of South American wool have always been imported into this country and that the imports during the first ten months of 1913 were 50 per cent, greater than in the corresponding months of 1920, there would appear to be no reason for supposing that South American wools are displacing New Zealand wools to any material extent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether South American cross-bred wool has been obtainable during the last six months cheaper, c.i.f., than the reserve prices at which the Government has withdrawn its New Zealand cross-bred wool?

The prices of New Zealand and South American cross-bred wools are not strictly comparable, because of the different characteristics of the two classes of wool. From information obtained from trade sources it would appear that in some cases South American wool has been sold at lower prices than somewhat similar grades of New Zealand wool.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the policy of the Disposals Board in regard to split bulk is objected to by wholesale drapers; whether, in consequence of this policy, thousands of pairs of worsted half-hose have been in the hands of the Board for upwards of two years; and whether, in consequence, any change in that policy is premeditated?

I am not aware of the objections mentioned in the first part of my hon. Freind's question. The policy of the Disposal Board is not to engage in retail sales, and no alteration is being made in that policy. In the case of socks a bale of 300 is the lowest quantity sold. Over half a million pairs have been disposed of, and ho socks have been in the hands of the Disposal Board for so long a period as two years.