asked the Prime Minister whether, to meet the needs and convenience of the people, especially in view of Christmastide and to enable less than a whole bottle of brandy to be bought for consumption in their homes, he will at once instruct the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to relax the War-time restriction which is still in force and which compels the purchase of a quart bottle of spirits or nothing?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. The subject of this question was covered by the answer given last Wednesday to sundry questions asking for detailed alterations in the existing restrictions on the sale of liquor, and I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided to continue the existence of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) pending the introduction of a comprehensive Licensing Bill; and whether, in view of the wide interest taken in licensing matters and the large amount of revenue derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages and the unsatisfactory application of the old licensing laws to modern requirements and public opinion, he will favourably consider the desirability of immediately appointing a thoroughly representative Royal Commission to advise the Government as to the general conditions under which the sale and supply of alcoholic beverages and refreshments in licensed houses may be best carried on, bearing in mind the change in the habits and customs of the people of this country brought about by the alteration in methods of locomotion, hours of work, recreation, etc.?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answers which have been, given recently to numerous questions on this subject. I can only add that the appointment of a Royal Commission does, not appear to offer a suitable method of dealing with the matter at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the increasing volume of unemployment and, in particular, the recent heavy discharges of workmen at Crayford, attributed to the delay in opening up trade relations with Russia; and whether, having regard to its importance, he can state what progress has been made with the negotiations?

I would refer the hon. Member to a reply which I am giving to-day to a similar question by my Noble Friend the Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck).

asked whether any joint stock bank or financial institutions have been officially ordered or advised to refuse payments out of funds standing to the credit of the account of Russian subjects or Russian companies; if so, was the notification of a general character or directed to specific cases; whether any such orders or advice have now been withdrawn; and, if not, with what object are they maintained?

" 41DD.—(1) Any person engaged in banking, bill discounting, or any transaction in foreign moneys or exchange, or any business of a similar nature, shall not, without permission in writing from the Treasury, do, or allow to be done through him, or through any account kept by him, directly or indirectly, any transaction on behalf of a Russian subject, or a person for the time being in Russia, involving the sending of money, credit, or securities out ' of the United Kingdom.

"(2) Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Regulation shall be guilty of a summary offence against these Regulations.

" (3) The Treasury, or any person authorised by them in that behalf, may make such orders as to them or him may seem reasonable for the further or better carrying into effect of this Regulation."

This Regulation (which, as will be seen. was of a general character) was withdrawn on 18th August, 1919.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his promise that the conditions of appointment and service for women in the Civil Service shall be controlled by Parliament, he will say when he proposes to give an opportunity for a discussion of this matter?

I hope that the conditions of service will be laid shortly. I suggest that as soon as they are presented a question should be addressed to the Leader of the House as to the opportunity that can be afforded for their discussion.

asked the Prime Minister what reply has been sent by the British Government to the note from the Government of the United States on the question of the mandates for Mesopotamia and the allocation of the oil supplies?

The reply to the note is under consideration, and Papers on the subject will be submitted to the House in due course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any British representative, military or political, is now in Armenian territory; and whether he is in consultation with the new Government of Armenia?

I believe that the British officer who was recently in Erivan has proceeded on leave. The answer to the second question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an agreement has yet been reached between France and Great Britain as to the boundaries of Palestine?

It is hoped that an agreement will be concluded at a very early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether the wives of officers, men, and Civil Servants are receiving facilities to join their husbands in Egypt and Palestine?

As far as Egypt is concerned the answer is that the Egyptian Government made special arrangements with the P. & O. Company to facilitate the return of Civil Servants, their wives and families. As regards Palestine, the Civil Administration of Palestine being of comparatively recent formation, officials proceeding to take up appointments in that country have been accompanied, when they so desired, by their wives and families, arrangements for their passage having been made by the Crown Agents for the Colonies. The governing factor is, however, the difficulty of finding suitable accommodation in Palestine, quite as much as the difficulty in obtaining passages to that country

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of discharged ex-service men now in the lunatic asylums of the country, and the number in Poor Law institutions suffering from temporary loss of memory?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to the hon. Member for East Islington (Mr. Raper) on the 1st December.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the general feeling in Wales is that all discharged soldiers and sailors suffering from temporary loss of memory attributable to the recent War should be removed from all lunatic asylums and not detained therein or in Poor Law institutions, but that they should be placed in suitable homes as heroes of their country's service, and that most boards of guardians in Wales have passed such resolutions; and will he give the matter consideration?

I have been asked to answer this question, and I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Swan) on the 15th November, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware that a number of workmen are being -discharged from the supplies division of his Department many of whom are ex-service men, whilst at the same time a large amount of the work usually done by these men is being given to outside, contractors; and whether he will give instructions that this work shall be done by the men directly employed by his Department?

I am aware that such discharges have taken place owing to a temporary shortage of work, but a majority of those discharged have since been re-employed. It is often necessary to employ contractors on removal work, as it would not be economical for my Department to retain permanently a staff sufficiently large to cope with the more extensive removals which occasionally have to be carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the sum of £80,000 or any similar amount has been set aside for propaganda in connection with the Territorial Army for the year 1921-22?

I cannot yet say whether any sum will be allocated for this purpose in next year's Estimates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether it is proposed to demand from Germany any and, if so, how many steam trawlers by way of reparation for fishing vessels sunk by enemy action; and whether, in view of the fact that in many ports there is not sufficient accommodation or personnel for the vessels already in commission, he will consult with the trawling associations in each port before formulating any such demand?

I am informed that the German Government have already delivered to the Reparation Commission 40 steam trawlers, of which 24 have been allotted to Great Britain for final ownership. An arrangement has been reached between the Reparation Commission and the German Government under which the balance of the tonnage still to be delivered may be taken either in the form of steam trawler tonnage or in the form its equivalent value in drifters, motor boats, engines, motors, net-making machinery or other material appliances useful for or in connection with the fishing industry. As to the balance still to be delivered to Great Britain, I understand the matter is under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who has, I understand, made arrangements to discuss this question with representatives of the British Trawlers' Federation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he had received communications from the Federation of British Industries before and during the Peace Conference bearing on the subject of the economic conditions of the peace?

Yes, Sir, communications were received from Trade Unions and Employers' Federations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British owners of German Government securities, in respect of which claims were lodged in regular form with the British Clearnig House nearly a year ago, have not even yet received payment, whether he can now explain the cause of the continued delay, having regard to the fact that the German authorities can, by means of the identification numbers of the securities in question, confirm without difficulty statements as to domicile, ownership, and nationality; and whether he has requested the British Ambassador to protest against the delays on the part of the German authorities?

There has undoubtedly been delay in the administration connected with this matter on the part of the German Clearing Office. The present position is that a number of the claims are still unadmitted, as documents of title duly despatched by courier from this country have apparently not yet been attached to the claims to which they relate Continuous pressure has been put on the German Clearing Office to expedite-matters.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Patrick Meehan, ex-constable of the Royal Irish Constabulary, was forcibly removed from his home in Trim, in the presence of his wife, on the 21st November, about 11.45 p.m., by armed men, who had arrived at the police barracks in the town in a Crossley motor car; whether these men took Meehan about a mile outside the town, brought him into a field where he was. closely questioned, bullied, and put on his knees, and threatened to be shot, whether shots were fired over him and he was then let free and ordered to leave the town in 12 hours and the country within a month; who were the parties implicated in this affair, and where they came from; and what steps he will take to prevent a repetition of this conduct by the armed forces of the Crown?

I am informed that this ex-constable has left the district of Trim in consequence of being intimidated in the manner described, but the police have been unable to ascertain by whom these acts and threats of violence were committed.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the recent arrests and attempted arrests by forces of the Crown of local Nationalists in the County of Meath; whether a grazier named James Harlin, of Assye, Kilcarn, was raided on the 4th December by the military and police, who took from him ammunition consisting of one ounce of gunpowder and one and a-half ounces of shot, for which he had a permit; whether Mr. Harlin was then arrested by the military and is now interned at Collinstown detention camp, no charge being preferred against him; the nature of the charge against this man; whether he will be brought to speedy trial; and whether he will take steps to put an end to the provocative action of the Crown forces in raiding and arresting innocent people in the districts where there have been no disturbances?

I will have special inquiry made into the case mentioned by the hon. Member, but I must repudiate the allegation in the last part of his question that the action of the Government is provocative.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether a dance which was being held in St. Johnston, county Donegal, on the 23rd ultimo was broken up by Mr. Samuel Graham, who entered the building armed with a revolver, assaulted the musicians, and threatened several of those present; whether these facts were reported to the police; and, if so, are any proceedings pending to protect the people of St. Johnston against rowdyism of this description?

As I understand that a prosecution is pending in this case, I think it is undesirable that I should make any statement as to the facts.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a married sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary who had been messing with his family at lodgings, and is transferred to another station where he cannot get lodgings for his family and is compelled to mess in barracks, is in those circumstances entitled to separation allowance on the same terms as a married sergeant who is ordered to send his family out of barracks?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Mr. Bowen-Colthurst who was responsible for the murder of Mr. Sheehy Skeffington is employed by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, in what capacity and where?

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

asked the Secretary of State for India when he proposes to make an announcement as to increases of pensions for Anglo-Indian pre-War pensioners; and whether he is aware of the large number of retired Anglo-Indians who are existing in England on miserably inadequate pensions who ask for the same increases as have been given to pre-War pensioners, military or civil, who served under the British Government?

I have decided in consultation with the Government of India to grant relief on the lines, generally speaking, of the British Pensions (Increase) Act to retired officers of the Government of India residing in this country who are in receipt of small pensions. The officers concerned are being informed accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for India what decision has been arrived at regarding the increase of pensions from the various Indian family pension funds, civil and military, for distressed widows, orphans, and dependants of officers of the Indian army and other services in India?

I have not found it practicable to sanction any general increase in the pensions from the various old civil and military funds of the Indian Services, but in order to assist pensioners from those funds whose means are restricted I have sanctioned an addition of 25 per cent. up to a maximum limit of £150 a year total income from all sources, including the increase, subject to revision at any time with reference to price conditions. The increase will take effect from the 1st April, 1920.

asked the Secretary of State for India what provision has been made for increasing the retired pay and pensions of departmental and warrant officers of Indian Army departments under £200 per year, if married, as sanctioned by British Army Order with effect from 1st April, 1920?

Sanction has been given to the application to the classes mentioned of the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, with effect from 1st April, 1920.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has taken into consideration proposals for the adoption and enforcement of a levy on all capital with a view to a substantial reduction of the National Debt, and consequently a substantial reduction in the amount required to pay annual interest to holders of National Stock, and consequent reduced demands on the taxpayers of the country; for the abolition of all indirect taxation, with a view to the adoption in its place of the principle and practice of direct taxation on a graduated scale of all individual incomes of over £260 per year; and whether he can indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

For reasons explained in the Debate on the 8th June, the Government decided not to propose a capital levy limited to war-time accretions of wealth. The objections to a levy on all capital are even stronger, and His Majesty's Government will certainly not make any such proposal. Neither are His Majesty's Government prepared to propose the abolition of all indirect taxation nor to confine taxation, including taxation on amusements and alcoholic drink, to individuals whose incomes exceed £260 per annum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the success of the Sales Tax in Canada and France, he will consider a smilar tax here to replace the Excess Profits Duty and Corporations Profit Tax?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on the 7th December to the hon. Member for the Frome Division (Mr Hurd). I will send my hon. Friend a copy. That answer applies, in my opinion, to Canada equally with France.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the sale of the British Government's shares in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company has been under consideration; and with what result?

No, Sir, not so far as I am aware.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total present funded and unfunded debt per capita of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the United States?

The following figures of gross debt per head are taken from the Paper No. IV. presented by the League of Nations to the Financial Conference at Brussels:

United Kingdom, £170.

France, 5,773 francs.

Italy, 2,055 lire.

United States, $236.

The totals are not divided into funded and unfounded debt.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what total amount of duty has actually been paid on imported cigars from 1st May to 30th November, 1920; and what was the amount of similar duty paid for the corresponding period of 1919?

I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Whitechapel (Mr. Kiley) on the 3rd November last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated current percentage on cost of collection of Excess Profits Duty; and what is the estimated current percentage on cost of collection of all Imperial taxation to-day and the comparison of the same with the cost recorded 20 years previously?

The administration of Excess Profits Duty is so inseparably bound up with that of other Inland Revenue duties that it would be impossible to arrive at a separate figure for the cost of its collection. As regards the cost of collection of all Imperial taxation, the following is the comparison with the cost twenty years ago:—

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a considerable economy could be brought about if many of the Command Papers now issued annually could be issued as Stationery Office publications; and whether he could promote a drastic revision of these Command Papers with a view to promoting economy, seeing that, as an example, instances are on record of Command Papers for 1914 are only now being issued?

An economy, as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, is effected by turning Command Papers into Stationery Office publications, and in certain cases this is already being done. It must not be overlooked, however, that the adoption of this proposal on any large scale would debar Members from free access to such Reports in the Vote Office, and Members requiring copies would have to purchase them in the ordinary way through the sales offices of His Majesty's Stationery Office, at the higher figure which would necessarily result from the issue of the Reports as Stationery Office publications. It is a matter, therefore, which requires careful consideration in each individual it arises. In regard to the last part of the question, the publication of several annual Reports was suspended during the War, and the publication of these Reports is not resumed without due regard to economy and reference to the Treasury in each case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what purpose is served by continuing in force the obligations imposed by Section 4 (2) of

the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910, notwithstanding the fact that by the provisions of Section 57 (1) of the Finance Act, 1920, Increment Value Duty is no longer chargeable?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Thornbury (Mr. Rendall) on the 3rd of May last. I am causing a copy of that reply to be sent to him.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated amount of the silver coins of millesimal fineness 925 now in circulation in the United Kingdom; whether any of the silver coins of millesimal fineness 500, as provided by the Coinage Act, 1920, have yet been issued; what amount of the latter will probably be issued during the next two or three months; and whether it is intended, when the issue of them has become considerable, to recall by Proclamation some or all of the earlier silver coins?

The silver circulation of the United Kingdom is estimated at about £60,000,000. Coins of the new fineness to the amount of about £5,000,000 have already been prepared, and an additional £2,000,000 will probably be ready in the next three months. Some coins of the new fineness are already in circulation and issues of the other denominations will be made gradually through the banks, an approximately similar amount of the old coin being drawn in through the banks. In due course the older coinage will be demonetised, but this will not be for some years; to come.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, a widower maintaining an adopted child such as a grandchild and employing a housekeeper is classed as unmarried, and therefore receives no benefit under the Increased Pensions Act if his income exceeds £150 per annum but is under £200 per annum; and, if so, whether he can see his way to modify the Act so that adopted children under the age of 16 can be regarded as dependent children, and thus enable many deserving cases to receive the increased benefit under the Pensions (Increase) Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I can hold out no hope of the introduction of amending legislation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that police pensioners who are eligible for the increase under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, are finding it difficult to live, some having to get charitable assistance; will he expedite payment of the increase due to them under the Act; and can he state how long these pensioners will be before they get it?

The payment of any increase due to police pensioners under the Act is a matter for the police authority concerned. So far as the Metropolitan Police are concerned, 4,600 claims have been received, of which 3,350 have been dealt with, and the increased pensions are being paid to the pensioners who are eligible. The remainder are being examined and dealt with as quickly as possible. The staff is working every day till 10 p.m. I have no detailed information as to the progress that is being made in dealing with applications in the various county and borough forces; but in the case of the Northamptonshire Police I am told that payment of the increased pensions will be made next week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that numbers of disabled ex-service men who have been trained in the manufacture of toys are now being dismissed from their employment owing to the importation of German toys which, owing to the effect of the exchange, can be sold at less than the cost of material alone in this country; whether some of these men have invested their savings and gratuities in such businesses; and whether he proposes to take steps to deal with the situation thus created at an early date?

I regret to say that it is a fact, according to my information, that some ex-service men. trained in the manufacture of toys have been dismissed as a result of the competition of imported toys. I have no information as to the second part of the question. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck) on the 17th November, of which I am sending him a copy. I have also stated that it is intended to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Merchandise Marks Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the importation of foreign-made brushes into this country in each of the last four periods of three months each?

The values of the imports of brooms and brushes into the United Kingdom consigned from all sources, registered during the periods specified, were as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the provisions of the proposed Anti-Dumping Bill will, prior to its introduction, be laid before all associations of users of each of the commodities to be protected?

:.No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether legislation dealing with combines and trusts will be introduced at an early date next Session?

I am not in a position to add anything to my previous answers on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cases of alleged profiteering by wholesalers have been investigated to date by the central committee set up under the Profiteering Acts; in how many cases the charge has been proved; what has been the penalty in each case; and what is the cost involved?

385 cases of alleged profiteering by wholesalers have been investigated by the Complaints Committee of the Central Committee, in 47 of which it was decided that an unreasonable profit had been made or sought. Six prosecutions have up to the present been determined, all of which have been successful, and the following fines imposed, namely, one of £475, three of £25, one of £20, one of £5. I am unable to say what proportion of the total cost of the Central Committee should be allocated to the investigation of these complaints.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the committees or sub-committees inquiring into prices and trusts under the Profiteering Acts have now reported; and what has been the recommendation in each case?

Twenty-eight Reports have been received and presented to Parliament. The various recommendations are summarised at the end of each Report, and I am sending the hon. Member copies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if Messrs. William Bain & Company, Lochrin Iron Works, Coatbridge, are on the list of Government contractors; if so, is he aware that they do not conform to the standard rate of wages of the trade; that they have refused to submit the question of wages paid to a committee of neutral employers and workmen, the usual trade method of settling disputed rates; and, under these circumstances, will he have their name removed from the list of Government contractors?

I have been asked to reply. I have caused some inquiry to be made in this matter, with the result that arrangements have been made for a conference between the firm and the confederation which my right hon. Friend represents, to be held to-morrow at the offices of the Ministry of Labour in Glasgow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of merchant seamen who lost their lives during the War period; whether scrolls and plaques are being issued to the nearest of kin; and, if so, the number that has already been issued?

About 15,000 Merchant Service officers and men and about 1,000 fishermen lost their lives owing to enemy action between 4th August, 1914, and 11th November, 1918, and a memorial plaque and scroll will be issued to the next-of-kin in each case. .This issue has been approved by His Majesty and will commence within the next few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the firm of Montague L. Meyer, when acting as Government buyers and managers of the Imported Timber Disposal Section, were subject to Excess Profits Duty?

I do not know, Sir. The Commissioners of Inland Revenue are precluded by Statute from disclosing information relating to the taxation of particular taxpayers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the sales made by the Imported Timber Disposal Section to the firm of Messrs. Smeaton, Hans-combe, & Company in London and Liverpool of a large quantity of American hardwoods and mahogany is an actual sale to this firm; whether a brokerage of 2½ per cent. was granted as a special concession to them; whether he is aware that the firm of Smeaton, Hanscombe, & Company are merchants, and not brokers; whether he can state why a brokerage was allowed to them which was not allowed to other timber merchants; whether he is aware that brokerages are only paid when the timber broker sells on behalf of his principals to his customer without profit; whether he has satisfied himself that the sales to Messrs. Smeaton, Hanscombe, & Company come under this description; and, if not, whether he will call upon the firm in question to refund the brokerage allowed them in error?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The firm mentioned in the question are merchants, and sales were made to them subject to a discount of 2J per cent. No brokerage was paid to the firm, and therefore no question of obtaining a refund arises. This discount was not a special concession to this firm.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the City of Glasgow will be allowed to import Canadian cattle and kill them at its abattoirs in Merkland Street; and what justification now exists for the continued prohibition to the people of Scotland of the finest supplies of fresh meat?

I have been asked to reply to this question. There is at the present time no obstacle to the landing of Canadian cattle, either at Merklands Wharf, Glasgow, or at any other port where the necessary facilities are available, provided the animals are slaughtered within ten days of landing. The only requirement of the Ministry is that any premises should be put into proper condition, and that the wharf should be formally defined as a foreign animals wharf by an Order of the Ministry. As recently as June last a proposal was made to the Ministry for the landing of fat cattle from the United States at Merklands Wharf for slaughter therein, and the necessary preliminary arrangements were made for the definition of the premises as a foreign animals wharf. The proposal did not, however, materialise.

asked the Minister of Food (1) how many thousand tons of flour are lying in store in Hampshire; what is the quantity, if any, stored at the Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth; whether this flour is rapidly deteriorating;

(2) the quantity of flour lying stored to Government account at Blandford, and what is the reason why bakers in the South-West of England are not permitted to purchase the Government flour in those parts instead of having to pay the cost of freight from London or Bristol;

(3) whether there are thousands of tons of wheat flour lying in store in numerous towns in the country; if so, what is the total quantity of such flour; and whether this flour is seriously deteriorating whilst bakers are unable to obtain sufficient flour?

A considerable quantity of flour has been retained by the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies in various parts of the country as an emergency reserve in order to ensure, so far as possible, that distribution and supply of bread shall not be interrupted by any disorganisation of transport. The stock, which forms no part of stocks held by the Ministry for distribution as part of the current food supplies of the country, has been regularly inspected by expert officers of the Commission, and any case of deterioration dealt with at once. So far as I am aware bakers generally are at present able to obtain ample supplies of flour to meet their requirements. As regards the places specifically mentioned in the questions, the last reports on stocks do not indicate any serious deterioration. I do not think it is in the public interest to give either the total or the location of this emergency reserve of flour.

asked the Minister of Food on or about what date it is proposed to abolish the Sugar Commission and the Wheat Commission?

asked the Minister of Food if, having regard to the recent decline in the world sugar prices and to previous statements made in the House concerning this matter, a definite date can now be given on which the Sugar Commission will cease operations?

The policy of the Government, as has repeatedly been stated, is to bring to an end at the earliest possible date those Government trading activities for the conduct of which the two Royal Commissions were appointed.. Negotiations are now proceeding between the Government and the controlled industries concerned, and until these are concluded it is impossible to add anything to previous replies on this subject.

asked the Minister of Food if he will produce the terms of the guarantee of the subsidy arrangements with the flour millers through the flour mills control committee; and, in view of the flour mills of the country reducing their output and discharging employés and throwing them upon the State unemployment fund, is the guarantee to employers given on output and, if output is reduced, is the guarantee proportionately reduced?

I hardly feel justified, unless the House specially so desires, in incurring the expense of reprinting this agreement as a Parliamentary Paper, but I will have copies placed in the Library for the information of hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Food whether, seeing that by the reduction of the price of flour by 4s. per sack retailers will suffer loss on the stock they hold, and since they were not allowed to make a profit on the advance in September, he will make a refund on the stock now held?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the Hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Cairns) on the 8th inst.

asked the Minister of Food what were the stocks of beef, mutton, bacon, and butter held under Government control in warehouses and other places in the United Kingdom on 4th December; and why it is necessary to maintain such large holdings?

The Ministry of Food for some time has ceased to hold stocks of beef, either in this country or elsewhere. On 4th December the Ministry held in warehouses, on ships, and elsewhere in the United Kingdom 17,000 tons of mutton (or four weeks' supply), and 10,700 tons of butter (or five weeks' supply), of which 4,000 tons were distributed within the next two days. In view of the distant sources of supplies, and the necessity of maintaining uniformity of distribution throughout the winter, these stocks are not unduly large. I have no objection to giving these figures, since the Government are not buyers after the termination of current contracts. As regards bacon, however, I have frequently pointed out that while the Government remains in the market as a buyer it is undesirable to publish figures as to stocks held.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the widespread opinion existing among the general public at the present price of bread being exorbitant and unjustifiable; and whether he proposes to take any action with a view to securing a reduction in the price of bread and flour?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 9th instant to the Noble Lord, the Member for Battersea, South (Viscount Curzon).

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the constant charges of profiteering made against the Ministry of Food, he will inform the House what loss or profit, if any, has resulted in the Ministry's own purchases since the re-imposition of control of American bacon, American hams, and American lard, showing each item separately?

The hon. Member will realise that it is not possible to close and balance accounts at any moment. The figures for which he asks will be available after all the transactions have been completed. The policy of the Ministry has been to average the cost of the Ministry's own purchases made since the re-imposition of control, and to trade so that over the period of control there should be neither profit nor loss. I hope that when the complete figures are available they will prove that this result has-been attained.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the numbers and salaries of officers in each grade in his Department employed in agricultural research?

No officers of the Ministry are employed exclusively in agricultural research, but certain of the veterinary inspectors are engaged from time to time in research into animal diseases at the Ministry's laboratory at Addlestone, where research is conducted as well as the preparation of serums and vaccines, and the diagnosis required for administration. In addition three officers of the Ministry have both administrative and research functions, namely, the chief veterinary officer, whose scale of salary is £l,000 to £1,200 per annum, the Entomologist, £700 to £900, and the Mycologist, £500 to £700. The Ministry has recently approved the following scale of salaries for the staff of research institutes aided by it:—

Grade III, 22, salary £450£510.

" II, 20, £550-£780.

" I, 7, £780-£l,010.

In addition there are five directors who receive personal salaries from £900–£l,500 and ten directors who receive only part of their salaries from the Ministry's funds. These salaries are inclusive of bonus and carry no pension rights.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any railway company has placed an order for wagons at Woolwich; and, if so, what company has done so, what kind of wagons are they, what is the price, when were they ordered, how many have been delivered, and has any extra been asked and granted?

The following orders have been placed at Woolwich:

(1) By the Great Western Railway Company.

500 12-ton open wagons.

The order was placed on the 26th November, 1919, at a price of £297 per wagon. 30 wagons had been delivered by 6th December.

Owing to the increased cost of labour and materials, the question of an increased price for these wagons has been raised, and the matter is now under discussion with the War Office.

(2) By the North Eastern Railway Company.

2,000 12-ton open wagons.

The order was placed on the 1st August, 1919, at a price of £170 per wagon (subject to the rise and fall of the cost of labour and materials), excluding the provision of certain specified parts, namely, wheels, axles, springs, etc., which were to be supplied by the railway companies. 852 wagons had been delivered by 2nd of this month.

asked the Minister of Transport the amount of money placed to the reserve by the Port of London Authority on account of services postponed during the War; and whether he can enumerate the nature of the services so postponed?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the provision made by the Authority "to meet expenditure on maintenance, dredging, etc., postponed in consequence of the War." The unspent balance at this account on 31st March, 1920, was £3,014,616. I am not aware of the precise nature of the work postponed.

asked the Prime Minister what steps in connection with the allocation of public money to road development and improvement to relieve unemployment the Government is taking to ensure that those districts benefit where, despite the existence of unemployment, the local authorities from apathy or other causes abstain from putting forward specific requests for an official contribution?

asked the Minister of Transport if, in order to relieve unemployment, he is calling the attention of local authorities to specific instances where road or bridge repairs are urgently needed; and what steps he is taking if his advice is disregarded?

The staff of the Ministry of Transport are in close touch with the technical officers of highway authorities, and every effort is made to ensure that a proper standard of maintenance for roads and bridges is observed. whether unemployment is prevalent in the district or not. In cases where notification is received from the Minister of Labour that an exceptional degree of unemployment prevails in any area, the Ministry of Transport approaches the local authorities concerned with a view to ascertaining whether any works of road construction and improvement as distinguished from ordinary road maintenance can usefully be put in hand. In every instance the local authorities have been found anxious to co-operate within the limits of their power.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the miners who have to travel to and from their work on the Midland Railway, Notts, have to travel in coaches that are neither heated or lighted; that many of the workmen are on the sick list owing to contracting chills; that some of the workmen have taken out ordinary tickets to travel in ordinary trains but have been prohibited by the officials of the company owing to the dirty condition of their clothes; and that representations have been made to the company asking for the carriages to be heated and lighted; and will he take the necessary steps to see that coaches are provided that are heated and lighted so that the workmen can travel in ordinary comfort?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Gentleman in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make any statement as to the improvements which have already been introduced on the underground railways in London in return for the extra fares which are now being collected from the public; whether he is aware of the public dissatisfaction at the slowness of the introduction of such effective improvements; whether he is in a position to make any definite statement at all with respect to the introduction at an early date of the measure for the establishment of a traffic authority in London; and whether the measure has now been definitely drafted in its final form?

The increased fares on the underground railways in London, which came into operation on the 26th September, were sanctioned mainly to cover the increased cost of operation. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that the underground companies have introduced various improvements in the services and facilities on the district and tube railways. Certain particulars of these I am circulating with the OFFICIAL REPORT. AS regards a Bill to establish a London Traffic Authority, I am unable to add anything to the answer given to the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Gilbert) on the 15th November, a copy of which, as well as other answers therein referred to, I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport the receipts and expenditure on account of steamboats, canals, and other services connected with the railways for each of the seven months ending 31st October, 1920?

While I am unable to give the gross receipts and the expenditure for each month for each class of undertaking mentioned, the published monthly statements show the net receipts, and I am having these figures extracted and sent to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Report of the Rates' Advisory Committee will be laid upon the Table of the House when completed; and when is such likely to be done?

I hope to receive this Report very shortly, and I propose to present it to Parliament.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Rates Advisory' Committee is at present considering, or expects to consider, applications from tramway undertakings for sanction to an increase in fares; if so, whether he is aware that tramway undertakings have refused to refer to arbitration an application of the workmen's organisations for an increase in wages to meet the higher cost of living; whether, before coming to any decision, the Rates Advisory Committee will take into consideration the attitude of the undertakings in this matter; and whether facilities will be afforded the workmen's organisations to appear before the Committee?

The Tramway Charges Advisory Committee set up under the Tramway (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920, have already reported upon a number of applications from tramway undertakings, and have others under consideration. Whether a public hearing is necessary and what witnesses should be heard are matters which are left by the Act to the discretion of the Committee, and I am sending a copy of this question and my reply to their chairman.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the intention of the Government with reference to the Electricity Bill now upon the Order Paper of the House?

When I introduced this Bill in pursuance of the policy of the Government as stated 12 months ago when the House was invited to agree with the Lords Amendments, I had hope that it would not be considered by this House to be of an acutely controversial character. As, however, this hope has not been realised it has not been found possible to give time to its consideration. In the meantime the Electricity Commissioners have been dealing with a mass of preliminary work, and they now advise me that they recognise a general disposition on the part of undertakers and authorities in various parts of the kingdom to co-operate in the promotion of voluntary schemes within the ambit of the Act passed last year. It is not, therefore, immediately necessary to invite Parliament to consider the larger powers which are the subject of the Bill at present upon the Order Paper, though I can give no undertaking that at some future date it may not be so. Under these circumstances I propose to ask the House to allow me to withdraw the Bill and immediately to introduce a smaller measure containing powers which I think will meet with general assent, and which the Electricity Commissioners consider urgently necessary to enable them to proceed with their statutory duties. It is obviously impossible that this Bill should receive Parliamentary assent this year, but the Government will ask the House to give it early consideration in the new Session. In the meantime it will be printed and circulated for public information.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the total sum that the Ministry of Health has approved of the Office of Works spending upon building direct for local authorities; how much is being spent on direct labour and how much is being given out to contract; what is the total number of men employed, and of this number how many are untrained ex-service men who have been allowed to come in by a special ad hoc waiver of the rules generally applied by the trade unions; and whether the estimates of the Office of Works are likely to be nearer the final cost of the building than those of the private trader?

The Ministry of Health has not laid down any sum as a limit to be spent by the Office of Works on housing schemes for local authorities. The estimated cost per house approved by the Ministry of Health varies according to the locality and character of the site, size of house, etc., the average all over being taken at approximately IBl,000. At the present time 10 schemes, involving the construction of 2,116 houses at an estimated cost of £2,000,000, are being executed by direct labour whilst one scheme, covering 120 houses at a cost of approximately £110,000, has been given out to contract. The total number of men at present employed is approximately 2,500; 51 are trainees, the majority being ex-service men. As regards the last part of the question, I can only compare the estimates of my Department for the schemes they are carrying out with the tenders received from contractors for the same schemes, and I have every reason to anticipate that the final cost will be below the figures of such tenders.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many houses have been completed and how many are now in course of construction, respectively, by direct labour by the Office of Works?

28 houses have been completed, and 1916 are under construction by direct labour.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many houses have been completed and how many are now in course of construction, respectively, by contractors under the supervision of the Office of Works?

6 houses have been completed and 120 are in course of construction by contractors under the supervision of my Department.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his Department has entered into an arrangement with the London County Council to undertake building operations on the Castlenau estate, in spite of his statement made on the 1st instant that we would not dream of building for the London County Council?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health whether in a number of instances the panel doctors in London, under the London insurance committee, are in many cases still unpaid for their services to the State; and what steps he proposes immediately to meet these arrears of payment?

The method of calculation of remuneration of insurance practitioners in force for 1920 enables a prompt settlement to be made, quarter by quarter, of the sum agreed to be paid, and I am informed that these payments have been made. There were certain balances outstanding in London for 1919 which, under the old system of calculating remuneration, could not be finally computed until recently, but they were paid last week, except in cases where particulars are still awaited from individual practitioners.

asked the Minister for Mines what is the output of coal for the weeks since work was fully resumed as compared. with similar weeks in 1913 and 1919?

The output of coal for the three weeks since work was fully resumed amounts to 15,563,400 tons. The corresponding figure for the year 1919 was 14,338,800 tons. I regret that weekly figures of output for 1913 are not available.

asked the Secretary for Mines if there is evidence that inland needs no longer suffice to keep the Yorkshire and Midland Collieries in full employment; and that it is necessary that coal be released forthwith from those collieries for export in order to prevent widespread hardship; the quantity of export coal which the country is likely to ship in 1921; what proportion is to be allocated to each area; and whether those proportions will be regulated according to the 1913 percentage for each district?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply given on the 9th December to a question by the hon. Member for Pontefract (Mr. Forrest). I may add that measures have Been taken to release slack coal for export so far as considered necessary by the district committees. As regards the latter part of the question, it is quite impossible at present to estimate the quantity and allocation of export coal for 1921; this depends on factors of output and demand that cannot yet be foreseen. In determining any allocation that may be necessary, regard will be had to the production and home obligations of each district rather than to 1913 percentages.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state definitely when the Humber shall have its due proportion of coal for export, seeing that for a long time the Humber export trade has been idle while exports have been allowed from other districts; is he aware that the Yorkshire and Midland coalfields are now producing at the rate of 75,000,000 tons of coal per annum as against 77,368,000 tons in 1913, in which latter year over 9,000,000 tons of coal were exported from those districts and all bunker requirements adequately met; that Yorkshire collieries are losing time through the inability of the inland trade to absorb their present output and clear wagons, and that this points to the urgent necessity of releasing export coal from the Humber, and unless the export of coal is more encouraged there will be difficulty in substantiating the miners' increased wages?

The remaining restrictions on the export of coal from the Humber will be relaxed as conditions permit, but I cannot undertake to fix a date. No difficulty has arisen so far as I am aware in the working of Yorkshire pits,

asked the Secretary for Mines if all the coal mines of the country have now sufficient labour to ensure, if this be properly used, the maximum output possible; what was the amount of coal consumed in this country during the last four weeks; what was the amount exported; what foreign countries have received this amount, and in what proportion; and what is the average f.o.b. export price in each case?

In the country as a whole there is no real shortage of labour at the coal mines. I understand, however, that at some individual collieries additional labour could be usefully employed if it were available. Housing shortage is often the limiting factor. The amount of coal actually consumed in this country during the last four weeks cannot be stated, but during the month of November, 1920, the quantity available for consumption, when allowance has been made for the quantities exported or shipped as bunkers by vessels engaged in the foreign trade, was approximately 15j million tons. The quantity of coal exported in the same month was 1,360,724 tons. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the foreign countries to which this coal was sent, the quantity sent to each, and the average declared value f.o.b. in each case.

The following is the statement indicated: —

Statement showing the quantity of coal exported during November, 1920, to each foreign country, so far as particulars are recorded in the Monthly Trade and Navigation Accounts, and the average declared value f.o.b. of the coal so exported:

It should foe pointed out that the value of the coal exported varies according to the kind and quality of the fuel and the circumstances under which the sale was effected, e.g., by long term contracts or otherwise, length of haul from pit to ships, etc.

asked the President of the Board of Education the names of the number of distinguished physiologists to whom the syllabus, published by the Board of Education on the hygiene of food and drink, was submitted in draft, and the official position which any of them hold under the Board or other Government Department?

Personally, I should not have the slightest objection to giving the names of the distinguished physiologists who were consulted, but I could not do so without their consent, and I am doubtful whether it is either fair or desirable in the public interest to ask for their consent. It is most desirable that the Board and their officers should be able to obtain independent advice freely from the most eminent authorities on any subject, without exposing them to any risk that by assisting the Board they may be drawn into an uncongenial controversy.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the scheme of amalgamation of the Secretary's office, General Post Office, Edinburgh, with the offices of the surveyors of the eastern and western districts of Scotland has yet been formulated; and whether it provides that the amalgamated office shall form a real headquarters for Scotland, with administrative powers vested in the Secretary to the Post Office in Scotland and for dealing with Post Office affairs in Scotland, or whether it is intended that the amalgamated office shall be virtually similar to an English district surveyor's office?

The scheme is in course of preparation, but has not yet been completed. The Secretary to the Post Office, in Edinburgh will continue to exercise administrative powers substantially greater than those exercised by the Post Office Surveyors.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is now great difficulty in obtaining the correspondence envelopes with embossed twopenny stamps; whether pressure has been brought to bear by the stationery trade to discontinue this issue and so force the public to buy from them at higher prices; whether the envelopes in question are now being sold at a loss to the State; and, if not, whether he will continue the issue, which is greatly appreciated by the public?

As regards the first part of the question, there is at present some difficulty in meeting the demand for stamped envelopes. Steps are being taken to ensure a larger, supply. In the meantime, such supplies as are available are distributed to postmasters in proportion to their requirements. As regards the second part, representations have from time to time been received from the stationery trade. The envelopes are sold at a price estimated to cover the cost of manufacture, storage and distribution, and to afford a reasonable profit; and the representations have been answered to that effect. There is no intention of discontinuing the issue of the envelopes.

asked the Minister of Labour the present position as regards the acquisition of the old Cloth Hall site in Leeds for the purpose of building an Employment Exchange; and whether he has considered the advisability of suspending the arrangements for building as a method of saving money?

In view of the entirely inadequate and unsuitable accommodation provided for the Employment Exchange service in Leeds, provision was made in the Estimates, 1920–21, for the purchase of a site and the erection of a building. The purchase of the old Cloth Hall site has been effected, but the erection of the building has not yet been commenced. My right hon. Friend the Minister is subjecting to close scrutiny all proposals involving expenditure in the provision of new permanent buildings for Employment Exchange purposes. I should add that earlier in the present year the Estimates originally presented to the House were reconsidered by my right hon. Friend with a view to effecting economy, and a revised and reduced Estimate was subsequently presented to the House.

asked the Minister of Labour if he recently issued an order authorising a change in the method of payment in the laundry trade from the weekly system, as established by the Wages Board, to payment by the hour; and, if so, is he aware that this change is against the interests of the workpeople, as it re-establishes the old sweating system which the Wages Board decided to abolish when they agreed to weekly payments?

asked the Minister of Labour if Trade Boards have power to fix weekly minimum time rates and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation whereby such power may be given to them?

The facts are that certain proposals for fixing weekly rates regardless of the length of time that a worker was employed were proposed by the Laundry Trade Board. My right hon. Friend took advice on the question whether these proposals fell within the provisions of the Trade Boards Acts. He was advised that the power conferred by those Acts is for fixing not wages, but rates of wages; that is to say, it can be provided that a worker shall not be paid at less than a given rate for any time during which he is employed, but it is ultra vires to fix minimum earnings which a worker receives irrespective of the number of hours he has been employed during the week or any other period. So far as the question of casual labour is concerned, I should point out that it is competent for a Board to fix one hourly rate for regular whole-time workers, a higher rate for regular part-time workers, and a still higher rate for merely casual workers. In point of fact the Laundry Trade Board have fixed special rates for casual or emergency workers. By this means a Trade Board can undoubtedly discourage the undue use of casual labour while not inflicting onerous or impossible conditions on employers or workers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to appoint two trade boards for the retail drapery and outfitting trades in Scotland, although it is the unanimous request of Scottish employers and employés that only one trade board should be established in Scotland for this purpose; whether this is proposed mainly because of a different attitude on the part of the trade in England; whether, seeing that Scotland has established her right to separate trade boards, he will consider the desirability of corresponding autonomy in the manner in which trades are treated in this matter; and whether, in the interests of efficiency and economy, he will give effect to the unanimous desire of the Scottish retail drapery and outfitting trade, and appoint only one board?

As a result of extensive inquiries which have been made, and after full consultation with all the interests concerned, my right hon. Friend the Minister has come to the conclusion that the drapery and women's and children's outfitting retail distributive trade on the one hand, and the men's and boys' outfitting retail distributive trade on the other hand, though overlapping to some extent, are really distinct trades. In these circumstances he has no option under the provisions of the Trade Boards Acts but to set up separate boards.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Juries Act, 1918, is still in operation and, if so, when it will terminate; whether the Act authorises a coroner to hold inquiry into the cause or causes of death of workmen employed in or about collieries without a jury, and under what circumstances; whether the terms of contract with the national or local authority under which a coroner holds office empower him to conduct cases in court in which questions of workmen's compensation for injuries or prosecution for breach of regulations are involved; whether he is aware that these questions are causing uneasiness in the minds of workmen concerned; and whether he will take the questions into consideration with a view to a satisfactory solution of the same?

The Act in question remains in operation until a period of six months has elapsed after the termination of the War. The circumstances which make it necessary to hold an inquest are set out in Section 3 of the Coroners Act, 1887, and not by any contract which coroners enter into on taking office. The Juries Act, 1918, allows a coroner to hold an inquest without a jury (if, having regard to the circumstances, he thinks proper to do so) in the cases referred to by the hon. Member. The question what (if any) Amendments of the law as to inquests are desirable are now under consideration and the hon. Member's suggestions will be borne in mind.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Adjournment will be deferred until the Dyestuffs Bill has become law?

Yes, Sir, that is our intention.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the intention to introduce legislation next Session for reforming the House of Lords?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether pledges made by the Government in 1919 will be redeemed next Session before the introduction of any legislation to which they are not publicly pledged; and whether a Minimum Wage Commission Bill, an Hours of Work Bill, and a Bill for the Nationalisation of Mineral Rights, will be introduced at any early date?

I do not wish to mortgage in advance to a greater extent than has been already done the time of next Session, but the Bills mentioned by my right hon. Friend are not being lost sight of by the Government.