asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to the political situation in Eastern Siberia and the Maritime Province; what territory is in occupation by Japanese troops; whether fighting is going on between the Japanese and Russian armies; whether His Majesty is represented in these regions; if so, where, and by whom; and whether the Imperial Japanese Government has advised His Majesty's Government of their policy in these regions?

Negotiations are proceeding at Chita between the Government of the Far Eastern Republic and the Local Government at Vladivostok for the amalgamation of these two bodies. Japanese troops have been withdrawn to Vladivostok and the surrounding country. They hold the railway as far north as Nikolsk, and occupy the northern half of the island of Saghalien. I have no information of hostilities between Japanese and Russian troops. A British Consul is stationed at Vladivostok. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 16th August last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether peace has been concluded between Russia and Finland; whether the terms of the Treaty as published in the Press are correct; whether His Majesty's Government considers the terms of this Treaty fair and reasonable; and whether any Powers are now at war with Soviet Russia?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative; as regards the third part, it is not for His Majesty's Government to express an opinion; and as regards the last part, a state of war still exists technically between Soviet Russia and Poland until the ratification of the final Peace Treaty.

Is this the only country between which and Soviet Russia there is technically a state of war?

Well, I think that may be said; of course, my hon. and gallant Friend is aware of the curious situation in the Middle East, which might somewhat qualify the answer I have given.

Is there a technical state of war or peace between the Royal Rumanian Government and Soviet Russia?

I have no reason to doubt that a state of peace exists between these two countries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the minorities in Czechoslovakia are suffering intolerable hardships; and what is being done by the Allied Powers to protect those minorities?

I cannot admit the implication made in the first part of the question. The rights of minorities in Czecho-Slovakia are fully safeguarded by the Treaty signed at St. Germain on 10th September, 1919, between the Allied and Associated Powers on the one hand, and Czecho-Slovakia on the other. The Council of the League has recently, by a Resolution, formally assumed its obligations under Article 14 of the Treaty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Egyptian Government is diminishing to a considerable extent the acreage of cotton crops; if so, whether this action is attributable to Egyptian Nationalist propaganda; and whether this danger will be borne in mind in framing a new constitution for Egypt?

A measure to limit next year's cotton crop to one-third of the area of each estate has been drafted. This is in no way connected with the political situation, but is intended to relieve the financial difficulties arising out of the fall in the price of cotton.

In this policy have Lancashire's interests been kept in view?

I have no doubt His Highness the Sultan and Lord Allenby very carefully considered that question.

Were the representatives of local Egyptian opinion consulted in this matter, or was it entirely done by the British Resident?

Oh, no! The Egyptian Government was taken into full consultation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he can say when the appoint ments of British Ambassador to Brazil and British Minister to Poland will be announced?

The announcement of an appointment to Rio will be made in the course of the next few days. The same will, I hope, be the case in respect of Warsaw.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the examination and classification of the war material at Chilwell is now complete; whether much of this material now stored in the open is suffering rapid deterioration; and whether, under these circumstances, he deems it advisable to declare surplus all material which cannot be adequately protected from the weather?

In the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 6th July last, I explained that it is impossible to accommodate everything in the existing sheds at Chilwell, and to build new ones for a temporary need would involve greater expense than any loss likely to be sustained by the articles which are for the time being uncovered. It is not proposed to declare surplus all the material stored in the open, which consists mainly of vehicles. Considerable progress has been made with the work of classification, but, as explained in the answer already referred to, it will still necessarily take a long time to complete.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Bessoneau tent can be erected by a squad in a few hours; that there are hundreds of them in this country; and has he taken any steps whatsoever to so erect these tents, which have extraordinary storage capacity?

The point was considered, and it was decided not to adopt it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Army schoolmasters already in the service are, under the changes recently introduced, all ranked as certificated teachers, while among Army schoolmistresses similarly situated only those in Class 1 are so ranked, those in Class 2 and Class 3 being graded as uncertificated, however long their service, unless they pass the Board of Education examination for teachers; and, if so, whether he will explain the apparent differentiation in this matter between men and women?

As was explained in answer to the Noble Lord the Member for Aldershot on 4th August last, the conditions of service, pay, and pension of Army schoolmistresses have been varied and much improved, and in return they are called upon to obtain the Board of Education certificate. Long notice was given of the new condition, although the financial advantages came into force from 1st April last. Those who were serving as first class Army schoolmistresses are not required to pass any new examination, and it is under consideration whether those who have served as Class 2 and Class 3 Army schoolmistresses for a certain number of years should be treated in the same way. It is not considered that Army schoolmasters receive preferential treatment. They are necessarily treated differently, as they are enlisted soldiers. They must possess qualifications of a high standard before they can be granted commissioned rank. I would add that the training of the Army school masters prior to appointment has been subject to inspection by the Board of Education, while that of the Army school mistresses has not. It should be under stood that recognition as certificated or uncertificated teachers only arises after leaving the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Army known as the East Persian Force advanced from Beluchistan into Persia; when it was withdrawn from Persia; what was the object of the expedition and of its continuation after the armistice with Turkey; whether a military road was built from Duzdap to Meshed; whether semi-permanent and permanent rest-houses, barracks, bath houses, and other buildings were constructed; what was the approximate total cost of the expedition, including engineer- ing works, road-making, and building; and whether any useful purpose was served by this expenditure?

Towards the end of 1917 it became evident that the Russians in Persia were an ebbing force, and would probably disappear from the country. To take their place, troops were sent from Baluchistan, and from February, 1918, the Force was known as " The Eastern Persian Cordon Field Force." The Force was administered by the Government of India. The primary object of the expedition was to prevent the infiltration of enemy agents and anti-Entente propaganda into Afghanistan and India. This object was achieved, as can be seen from the fact that Afghanistan remained neutral throughout the period of the War. Subsequent to November, 1918, the Bolshevik threat to Khorassan and the Afghan War delayed the with drawal of the Force Further delay occurred owing to climatic conditions and the scarcity of water on the lines of communication, necessitating the withdrawal being carried out by small échelons. The Force was withdrawn from Persia during the autumn of this year. The road from Duzdap to Meshed was improved so as to maintain the Force which was at Meshed. In a country of climatic extremes, such as North-east Persia and Sistan, the construction of shelters and washing places for the troops was, I understand, considered essential, but I am not in a position to furnish details, as the Force was administered and con trolled by the Government of India. For the same reason I am unable to state this total cost of the operations, but I am endeavouring to obtain this information from India.

. Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give approximate accounts of the total operations when he makes his statement to-morrow?

Will this cost be borne by the Indian Government or by the British Government?

The whole cost will be borne by the British Government.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will be possible to state the approximate total cost to-morrow?

I doubt if it is possible to state the total cost. To go right back into the War period makes it very difficult. I should have to disentangle sums disbursed by the Indian Government on account of the Meshed force and the sums disbursed by India on account of the different forces maintained in the different theatres. I doubt very much whether that could be done very easily.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that it has been stated in the Press that the amount is over £100,000,000: can he assure us that most of the sums have already been settled, and that we shall not be faced with a large Supplementary Estimate which may ultimately run to millions?

Of course, the figure of hundreds of millions is an absolutely absurd figure. It may be that what is meant is 100,000,000 rupees. But the actual cost I put at £2,060,000 for this South Persian force, and it may reach £3,000,000 more, according to the bills that reach me from the Government of India.

Is it not possible to give approximately what the total sum is The question of policy may arise on the discussion on the Consolidated Fund Bill?

Yes, I have given it at £2,000,000, and I am asking for approximately £3,000,000 more.

I mean the total?

That is for this year.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of troops employed at the present time in Persia; how long they are likely to be required; and what has been the cost of the Persian expedition?

I regret it is not in the public interest to publish the in formation asked for in the first part of the hon. Member's question. As regards the retention of the force in Persia, I would refer the hen. Member to the answer which was given on the 7th instant to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle, to which I have nothing to add. As regards the last part of the question, the accounts furnished to the War Office by the Government of India do not enable me to state separately what has been the cost of the several forces in Persia from the beginning down to the present date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now considered the suggestion that the Report and recommendations of the controller and deputy-controller of the Expeditionary Force canteens, together with the balance sheet presented in October, 1920, should be published; and whether he is now prepared to assent to the publication of these documents in view of the fact that it is alleged that a credit balance of over £7,000,000 is still avail able for disposal by the authorities for the benefit of the services?

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the profits of the Expeditionary Force canteens; whether a balance sheet and Report have been received by the War Office; and when it is intended that this Report and balance sheet should be published?

I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this subject when the pressure of work in connection with the Army Supplementary Estimates is over. I will, therefore, ask the hon. and gallant Members to repeat their questions next week.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether certain ex-enemy territories have now been in the hands of Great Britain for two years without mandates for the same being settled in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles; whether any drafts of such mandates have been submitted to the Assembly of the League of Nations now sitting; and, if not, why not, seeing that the duty of defining the degree of authority, control, or adminis- tration to be exercised by the mandatory falls in the first place upon the members of the League?

As the answer to this question is long, I will, with the permission of the House, have it printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to :

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government are in no way responsible for the delays that have occurred in agreeing upon the terms of the mandates, these delays being solely due to the difficulties raised by other Powers.

As regards the last two parts of the question, the Council of the League of Nations decided on 5th August, 1920, that the duty of defining the degree of authority, control, or administration to be exercised by the mandatory does not under the Covenant in the first place fall upon the Assembly of the League of Nations. According to Clause 8 of Article 22 of the Covenant, the degree of authority, control, or administration is to be explicitly defined in each case by the Council " if not previously agreed upon by the members of the League." The Council considered that the words " members of the League " in this context were intended by the framers of the Covenant to designate the members of the League concerned, i.e., the great Powers assembled at the Peace Conference among whom the mandates were to be distributed. The text of the Covenant is thus held to provide for the intervention of the League of Nations, as regards the settling of the terms of the mandates, only through the organ of the Council of the League, and that only in case of disagreement among the Powers concerned. The Powers have, however, decided to give to the words of the Covenant a wider interpretation and to take them as implying that the Council shall act not merely in case of disagreement, but in all cases as a confirming authority. Negotiations for overcoming certain outstanding difficulties are in progress and if agreement can be reached it is hoped that the approval of the League will be given to the draft mandates before the close of the present session at Geneva.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been established beyond doubt that the German dyestuffs industry was the basis of the whole German chemical warfare campaign; whether it was that industry which enabled the Germans to manufacture and utilise many varieties of complex organic substances during the War; whether the Allies suffered by not having immediately available their own fully developed dye-making industries; and whether, in view of the public interest in these questions, he is yet in a position to publish the introduction to the Report of Brigadier-General Hartley's Commission?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given in this House to similar questions on 7th December. Mention was then made of the great assistance rendered by the German dye industry in the production of the complex organic compounds required for their chemical warfare campaign. The difficulties and delays which were encountered by the Allies when attempting to prepare these compounds owing to the lack of fully developed dye-making industries have also been referred to during the recent discussions on this subject. The question of the publication of the introduction to the report of Brigadier-General Hartley's mission is still under consideration.

Is it not a fact that the use of gases in a few years' time in war will be obsolete?

The hon. Member cannot now raise that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increase in the importation of foreign toys; that the tools required for making toys cost a considerable sum of money and that manufacturers are not prepared to risk such expenditure whilst the policy of the Government remains uncertain; and whether he will therefore give definite information as to whether the toy industry is to be safeguarded against foreign competition, with which, owing to the rates of exchange, it is now impossible to compete?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday by the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Tonbridge, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that mills in the woollen and worsted trades in Yorkshire are all working short time with the exception of two, which are engaged on prospective orders for Russia; and whether, in view of the fact that the opening of trade relations with Russia would result in further orders being secured and providing employment in this industry, he will take whatever steps he can to secure a resumption of trade relations with that country?

I am aware that a great many mills in Yorkshire are unfortunately working short time, and I have also heard it stated that certain mills are working on prospective orders for the Russian market. With regard to the latter part of the question, I cannot add anything to the replies given yesterday by the Prime Minister.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities and value of enamel wrought hollow ware and galvanised wrought hollow ware imported into this country from Germany and Austria since 1st January, 1920?

The imports from Germany registered during the period 1st January to 30th November, 1920, were as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he would consider the employment of ex-service men in Ireland on fatigue duties in barracks in order to release soldiers for their pressing military duties?

This matter is now under discussion with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Irish Command, with a view to the adoption of some such system of employment as that proposed by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the ex-service men who went out to Kenya Colony to settle were in any way assisted with their passages and outfits; what average rate per acre they were called on to pay for their holdings; whether any had previous experience in tropical planting; whether anybody on the spot advised them on the selection of their holdings or in respect of the unsuitability of crops for cultivation; and whether any special arrangement was made to help them in the marketing of their produce?

The answer to this question is a long one, and with my hon. Friend's permission I will have it printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer :

The ex-service men and women who were alloted farms under the East Africa Land Settlement Scheme, and who had served with the Imperial Forces in the War, were eligible for free passages for themselves and their dependants under the scheme administered by the Oversea Settlement Committee. Special arrangements were made to secure accommodation for those who were ready to sail by the end of 1919, and these were thus enabled to reach East Africa much earlier than would otherwise have been possible, owing to the difficulty of obtaining passages at that time. No assistance was given towards the purchase of outfit.

It is difficult to give an average of the rates per acre charged for the farms, as these varied within wide limits according to the nature and situation of the land. A large number of the farms were priced at between 5 and 10 rupees per acre. As I informed my hon. Friend on the 18th of November, these prices have now been reduced by one-third, and individual farms are being revalued. I might mention that no purchase price is payable for the first two years after allotment, and that payments thereafter may be spread over a period not exceeding 30 years. Many of the applicants who received farms had previous experience of tropical farming in East Africa and elsewhere; but the possession of such experience was not a necessary condition of admission to the scheme, though it was considered desirable in the case of applicants for the smaller farms on which no purchase price was charged.

Applicants in this country made their selection before going to East Africa (subject to the possibility of exchange) and the gentleman with experience of conditions in Kenya who composed the London Selection Board gave applicants general information regarding the country, and, as far as possible, regarding the suitability of different districts for different kinds of farming; but they were necessarily unable to undertake the responsibility of giving advice in the selection of farms of which, in almost every case, they had no personal knowledge. While all available information was placed at the disposal of applicants, it was necessary for them to rely, in selecting their farms, upon the particulars given in the official catalogue prepared by the Land Office in Kenya, together with any reports furnished by the representatives of local firms whom many applicants employed to assist them. The catalogue generally contained an indication of the class of farming for which each farm was believed to be suitable.

I have no information to show how far the local agricultural department were able to assist the ex-service settlers with advice as to their operations or selection of crops, but naturally that would be a part of their duties. I am not aware that any arrangements, apart from what may have been done by the settlers themselves acting in co-operation, have been made for assisting the settlers in the marketing of their produce.

asked the Secretary of State for War why an officer of the Special Reserve who has been employed in a civil capacity during the War in Mesopotamia is ineligible for a war gratuity, seeing that officers of the Indian Army Reserve serving in a similar capacity have been granted that gratuity, considering that no less than 29 officers employed in the civil administration of Mesopotamia have lost their time while so employed; and for what reason has a differentiation been made between officers of the Indian Army Reserve, the Indian Army, and the British service?

British service officers who serve in a civil capacity are not eligible for an Army gratuity in respect of such service.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether only one woman is included in the Departmental Committee of Inquiry into pensions administration which has recently been appointed; and whether, in view of the fact that a very large proportion of the recipients of pensions, whether as widows or as the wives and mothers of disabled men, are women, and as, moreover, a large proportion of those who have been engaged in administrative work in connection with pensions have been women, he can see his way to increasing the representation of women on the Committee in question?

of PENSIONS (Mr. Macpherson): The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As indicated in the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Fylde (Colonel Ashley) on the 9th December, I am not prepared to add any further Members to the Committee.

As this is a very important question as affecting women, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will really consider the question of giving them an equal chance on this important Committee, which deals so largely with women and children, and will not wait until the eve of an election to put women in their right place?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask if he does not think that women already have much more than their share in the Department of the Ministry of Pensions?

I can only refer the hon. Members to the answer which I gave on the 9th December. The Committee is already very large, and it has a most efficient woman member at the present time, while women are indirectly represented by the representative of the Association of War Pensions Committees.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that one direct woman representative is sufficient?

In this case there is no woman in England who knows more about it.

Suppose she is not there?

She is always there.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is the intention to transfer the medical boards from the Grand Central Hotel, Belfast, to the new premises purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works, which is in the centre of the city; and, if not, whether it is the intention to procure other premises suitable in the centre of the city seeing that suitable premises are available?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the premises in Amelia Street, which have been purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works to house the Ulster Regional Headquarters of the Ministry of Pensions. Those premises are not sufficiently large to accommodate also the Ulster Medical Area Boards, and the Commissioners of Public Works are endeavouring to procure fresh accommodation for them. As indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member for the Falls Division of Belfast on the 23rd November, the Commissioners do not propose to purchase a building for this purpose in view of the heavy expenditure which would be involved and the decrease in the work of medical boards which may be expected in the future. If no suitable existing premises can be secured on short lease, it may be preferable, in the interests of economy, to erect temporary hutting.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is still the practice of his Department to compel nerve- strained uncertifiable ex-service men to enter as in-patients institutions for border-line mental cases under threat of the loss, in some cases, of half their allowance should they refuse?

Article 4 of the Royal Warrant provides that half the pension and allowances awarded to any disabled man shall be subject to his acceptance of such treatment as may be found necessary in his interests. This power is rarely put into operation, and never until the man has been given an opportunity of stating his objections and these have been fully considered. I am satisfied that this power is necessary, and that, in practice, it is exercised with great discretion and solely for the good of the pensioner.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of the late Pte. Roger Stobbart, No. 57873, West Yorkshire Regiment, about which the hon. Member for Consett wrote to him on the 18th October and again on the 3rd December; whether he can say what is the cause of the long delay in dealing with this case; whether the question of an immediate increase of pension to the aunt of this soldier, who brought him up, has been decided; and, if so, with what result?

As soon as my hon. Friend wrote to me I instituted local inquiries to ascertain whether it was possible to increase the pension granted to Mrs. Stobbart. This investigation took some time, and I regret to find that no higher award can be made. It has, how ever, been arranged that pension shall issue at once, subject to a small deduction to effect recovery of the gratuity previously granted, and now superseded by the award of pension.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a Limousine Vauxhall car, No. LP. 5069, driven by an Army corporal in uniform, was being employed by a lady and a gentleman for the purpose of visiting a toy shop in Regent Street on Saturday, 4th December; whether this car is the property of the Government; if so, what are the regulations concerning the use of Government cars; and, if not, why the car in question was being driven by a corporal?

Yes, Sir. This Government car was conveying an officer and his private secretary from an out lying branch of the War Office to attend an official conference in the main building in Whitehall. The normal route of the car was by way of Regent Street, where the officer stopped at a shop for a few minutes to pick up a parcel. The regulations prescribe that Government cars shall only be available for services of an urgent and important character, and shall only be supplied on receipt of a requisition signed by a senior officer.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this officer was in uniform or not, and where he was travel ling from?

I could not possibly say, without notice, whether a particular officer on a particular occasion was in uniform or not. I have already stated where he was from.

May I ask whether the practice which some time ago obtained in regard to the use of motor cars for officials" at the War Office has now been discontinued? Are they only used on special occasions, and I presume that this is one of those occasions?

That is the case. A very strict rule is now in force, and if any infractions of the rule take place the instances are brought to the notice of the persons concerned and they are surcharged for the use of the vehicle on any occasion which is not covered by the Regulation.

What is the junior rank in the service which has authority to requisition a car?

I do not like to answer that question without notice. It is only in cases of special importance that officers have the authority to do it.

What is the horse power of the cars used?

The great bulk of these cars are quite small. There are altogether 11 Rolls-Royce cars. Four of them are in Ireland and three are in other Commands. Two are in reserve. All of them have been most strictly and care fully watched, and it is only because these cars are far more reliable for cases of emergency and long-distance journeys that they are retained.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many new aero engines of each different type have been destroyed since the Armistice and at what prices the same have been and are being offered for sale?

The answer to the first part of the question is, that no new British or Allied machines have been intentionally destroyed under orders from the Air Ministry. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply refer to all aero engines after the removal of their component parts?

On what information does he base that calculation? Is he not aware that hundreds of new machines have been taken out of the various aerodromes, the engines removed, and the machines burned since the Armistice? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to obtain more accurate information?

I have every reason to believe that my answer referring to engines is correct. I am informed that no new British or Allied engines have been destroyed under the orders of the Air Ministry. It is quite true that a number of aeroplanes accumulated during the latter part of the War have been reduced to their component parts, and I expect that we should have been very much complained of if great expense had been incurred on a large staff in keeping these machines in order.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that the Government have only recently accepted the delivery of machines identical to those which have been destroyed?

Yes. That is all part of the general settlement of contracts arrived at when the War came to a close. A settlement had to be made at that time, including the dispersal of those artificially brought into the aeroplane industry.

Are we to understand that the Government policy is to accept delivery of materials and then burn them in order to keep men employed

That would be about as extravagant a policy as the ingenuity of any hon. Member could suggest.

Does the right hon. Gentleman refer to engines or the auxiliary parts of engines?

As far as I know that is so, but if my hon. Friend has something in his mind which is not covered by my original answer and he will let me know what it is I will enquire.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many aero engines of each different type the Government have taken delivery of since the Armistice and what prices have been paid for the same?

A large number of aero engines were, of course, on order at the date of the Armistice. It was necessary to take delivery of 14,800 of these as the contracts could not be broken. These engines were of 28 different types and varied greatly in price. My hon. Friend will find that I shall refer to the finance of this matter when dealing with the Supplementary Air Estimate this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the drafting of the new measure for the protection of insurance policyholders, he is in consultation with some witnesses who gave evidence of the present system at the recent inquiry; and whether, in this connection, he will consult Mr. Mashford?

In view of the full Report by Lord Parmoor's Committee, I doubt whether it is necessary to consult again witnesses who gave evidence before them, but the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion will be borne in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that fresh facts have recently arisen with regard to these insurance companies, and that Mr. Mashford is an expert on these questions, who has volunteered to give further evidence?

That will be borne in mind.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state what has been the average monthly number of certificates of naturalisation granted or refused to friendly aliens and former enemy aliens respectively, during the past 12 months; whether, in view of the 13,000 outstanding applications for certificates now awaiting his attention, he proposes to take any, and what steps to deal with applications as and when received with reasonable expedition; and whether he will be prepared to consider cases of delay entailing exceptional hardship on their merits, imposing, if need be, an additional fee corresponding to the expedition employed?

The average monthly numbers of certificates of naturalisation granted to friendly aliens and former enemy aliens during the twelve months ending the 30th November, 1920, were 175 and 21 respectively. Out standing applications are being dealt with as rapidly as is possible with the staff available. I am and shall be pre pared to consider the claims of any applicant for early attention on merits, but it would obviously be unfair to single out particular cases for exceptional treatment unless they present some special feature of importance, and I cannot accept the hon. Member's suggestion at the end of this question.

Is any distinction made between applications from former enemies and those that come, for instance, from Jugo-Slavs and Czecho-Slovaks?

Very few former enemy aliens are available for naturalisation at all; if they are available, then cases are dealt with in their turn.

But is there any differentiation between the two classes?

No, Sir.

Is preference given to friendly aliens over former enemies?

We are considering the question of re-arranging the system, in order to give preference to certain classes. The whole trouble arises from the short ness of staff.

Will the right hon. Gentle man consider refusing all such applications from former enemy aliens?

I will consider any suggestion.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the case of former enemy aliens on their merits?

Former enemy aliens who are available for naturalisation are a very small class, and their applications are treated like any other.

How many of the 13,000 aliens are now resident in this country?

I cannot say how many, but at least 4,000 cannot be, as they were sent away.

asked the Home Secretary how many-controls in the Metropolitan Police area were instituted for the detection of infringement of the speed limit between a.m. on the 11th December and p.m. on the 13th December, 1920; how many police officers were employed and with what success; how many controls were instituted for the detection of dangerous driving, how many officers were employed, and with what results during the same period; and how many cases of dangerous driving were reported by the police on ordinary or point duty during the same period?

No controls were operated during the period a.m. 11th December to p.m. 13th December to detect infringements of the speed limit in the Metropolitan Police district. Two controls were operated to detect cases of infringement of the Motor Car Act, etc., five officers being employed, but no cases of dangerous driving were among those reported for prosecution. One case of dangerous driving was reported by police on ordinary duties.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can indicate what are the serious objections to motor-cycle sidecar taxicabs for use in London; to what Committee questions relating to them have been referred; and when he expects to get the Report of the Committee?

While this question is under the consideration of the Committee I do not think it is desirable for me to enter into a discussion of its merits. The Committee is that on the taxation and regulation of road vehicles; it is appointed by the Minister of Transport, and the concluding part of the question should be addressed to him.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of Russians who have entered this country since 1st January last and the number who have left the country during the same period?

During the period from the 1st January to the 30th December, 1920, 10,318 Russians entered and 10,862 left the United Kingdom.

asked the Home Secretary whether, when considering applications for the holding of public meetings in Trafalgar Square, he will obtain an undertaking in writing from the organisers or promoters that no speeches of a seditious or revolutionary character will be delivered from the plinth of the monument erected by the nation as a memorial to Nelson?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to him on the 30th November. There is no power under the Regulations to require any such undertaking. If the conditions prescribed in the Regulations are fulfilled, the meeting must be allowed to be held.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Trafalgar Square was laid out at the public expense as a national memorial enclosure; is he also aware that by the Trafalgar Square Act, 1844, it is provided that the care, control, management, and regulation of the Square, and the ornamental and other works therein—[HON. MEMBERS; " Speech."] No, it is not a speech, it is a quotation.

The hon. Member should give notice of that.

On a point of Order. I have given the Home Secretary frequent notice on this point. He tells me he has no power. I am quoting to him, and asking him if he is aware of a Statute under which, I think, he has power. It is a matter of very great importance.

The more important it is, the more necessary is it to give notice. If the hon. Member will embody in his question a reference to the Statute he will call the attention of the Home Secretary to it. The right hon. Gentle man cannot, as I have said before, be expected to carry in his head the terms of all the Statutes affecting his Department.

I bow to your ruling, but I will venture to ask another question. Does the right hon. Gentle man know that under the Regulations which he has referred to, written notice has to be given of any meeting specifying its object, and that, further, under that Regulation, a copy of which I hold in my hand, it is provided that no speeches shall be delivered except from a place authorised by the Commissioner of Works? Will he see that Nelson's Column, a national memorial to Nelson, is not used as a place within the meaning of this section for the delivery of seditious and revolutionary speeches?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the speeches made will not hurt Nelson at all?

Will the right hon. Gentleman apply the rule referred to by the hon. Gentleman to speeches by Kensington-cum-Orange appeals to rebellion against the decrees of this House?

I am aware of the Regulation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman exercise the power he has under the Regulation?

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether if such an undertaking be asked for it would extend to the prohibition of provocative Coalition speeches as well?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a recent meeting the red flag was hoisted on the plinth, and is that not a direct incitement to trouble; is it not an insult to everybody who honours Nelson's memory?

Will a man wearing a red waistcoat be prohibited from speaking at these meetings?

asked the Prime Minister whether immediate steps will be taken to express to the Government of the United States the regret of His Majesty's Government that valuable stores belonging to subjects of the United States have been destroyed at Liverpool by the Irish murder gangs; and whether he will give an undertaking that every possible effort will be made to protect the property of American citizens in this country from further outrages?

I hardly think it necessary to give any formal assurances such as are suggested in the question. Every possible effort is being made to protect property, whether British or foreign, from further attacks.

Was any American property destroyed in Cork last Saturday and Sunday?

I really do not know.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Scottish railway companies have issued Income Tax forms to the salaried members of their staffs, with a request that they be filled up and returned to them to enable them to assess the amount of tax due, and stating that the tax must be paid at a certain date, notwithstanding that forms have already been filled up and sent to Income Tax offices; and if he will say whether these railway companies are acting on instructions from his Department in issuing the forms?

I understand that, with a view to minimising the inconvenience to which their salaried officials might be subjected if called upon to pay their Income Tax in one sum, certain railway companies are prepared to arrange that a proportion of the tax due shall be deducted from each fortnightly payment of salary, and in order to give effect to this arrangement they have invited their employés to furnish such information as will ensure, as far as possible, that the amount so deducted shall not be in excess of the taxpayer's liability. This purely domestic arrangement—to which the Inland Revenue Department is not a party—in no way affects the right of a taxpayer to have his liability dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Acts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a widower who is entitled to relief from Income Tax under Section 18 of the Finance Act, 1920, is allowed a deduction of £90 in the cases where he proves it is necessary to employ a housekeeper to take charge of his children?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions of Section 19 of the Finance Act, 1920, from which he will see that the deduction from assessable income allowed to a widower in respect of a housekeeper to take charge of his children is £45. Section 18, to which my hon. Friend refers, deals with the personal allowance to the married couple or to the individual, and has no relevance in the present connection.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if that allowance applies to a daughter who is kept at home to look after her younger brothers and sisters?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary when a complete set of the Orders made by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) will be placed in the Library and the Vote Office for the information of Members?

Following the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. R. Richardson) on the 25th November, the preparation of specimen sets of the Orders of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), as promised, was put in hand, and they will be placed in the Library without delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he promised on the 22nd of last month that copies of the material Orders and Regulations should be placed in the Library on the following day, namely, the 23rd November; and will he inquire what is the cause of the delay?

I have inquired as to the cause of the delay. It was unavoidable, and we are doing our best.

Shall we have these Orders so that we may be able to read them before we adjourn at Christmas, it being now three weeks since the promise was made?

I hope they will be issued in a day or two.

May I ask the Leader of the House if he is aware that the Prime Minister said that he would welcome an opportunity of debating the whole question of liquor control, and of stating the Government's case, and whether he can give us such an opportunity before we adjourn?

I think we have plenty to do to which we are absolutely committed, but there is nothing to prevent any hon. Member from raising the question on the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill.

Will the Prime Minister or the Leader of the House take an opportunity, on the Appropriation Bill, of making a statement of the policy of the Government in connection with liquor control?

We have stated quite clearly more than once what our present position with regard to it is.

Will the Home Secretary say whether the documents placed in the Vote Office will be all the existing Rules, Orders and Regulations of the Liquor Control Board?

That would mean a great expense in printing. They will be placed in the Library.

If we want to buy them, and take them away with us for reference, should they not be placed in the Vote Office?

That would be a great expense, and it would not be worth it.

asked the Home Secretary if a Departmental or other Committee is going to inquire into the question of street trading; and, if so, if evidence will, if submitted, be received from those directly interested in street trading?

I have the question of the appointment of Such a Committee under consideration. If it is appointed, it would take evidence from those interested in street trading.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will consider the advisability of using material other than bricks to build houses in remote parts of Scotland where few, if any, bricks are manufactured, and where building stone abounds, which will have the effect of opening up many quarries, and thus give employment to a large number of persons; and whether a saving would be effected by so doing, in view of the fact that the recent increase in railway charges has increased the price of bricks considerably?

The Scottish Board of Health are prepared to consider favourably any proposals submitted to them by local authorities for the construction of houses in material other than brick, provided that the cost would not be unduly increased. So far as the Board's experience goes, a saving would rarely be effected by building in stone except in the Northern Counties. In these counties 75 per cent, of the houses for which tenders have been approved are being built in stone and 9 per cent, in concrete.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has obtained the returns from local authorities in terms of Section 23 of the Housing and Town Planning (Scotland) Act, 1919, relating to houses completed up to 30th September; and, if so, when will the summary be published?

The returns referred to have been received by the Scottish Board of Health. They are now being tabulated, and the Board hope to issue a summary of them at an early date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of electors entitled to vote in the districts in which polls were held under the Scottish Temperance Act of 1913, the Return to show the number who voted for no change, limitation, and no licence, and the cost of the elections to the public?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 7th instant to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Montrose Burghs (Mr. Sturrock). I shall consider the desirability of including in the proposed Return the number of the electorate in each area.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Committee appointed to consider the question of land settlement has reported to the Cabinet; whether the Government propose to modify their original policy as a result of that Report; and whether the instructions to Small Holding Commissioners suspending the prosecution, without special permission, of land settlement schemes in Scotland will now be withdrawn?

The Committee has now reported. Until the Report has been considered by the Cabinet, I am not in a position to make any statement as to future policy, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the urgency of the matter is fully recognised.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the extreme unrest which prevails in Scotland as the result of the delay and holding up of this land policy?

I am well aware of it, and it is because I am aware of it that I have said that the urgency of the matter is fully recognised.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any farm or farms in North Uist have been recently raided by ex-service men and others; whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction exists in North and South Uist owing to the slow progress made in settling applicants upon the land; that this delay has given rise to the belief in the Highlands and Islands that no progress is made until the law is broken; and whether he will take steps to speed up land settlement in these parts so that an otherwise law-abiding people may not be tempted to take the law into their own hands?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am aware that in North and South Uist, as in other places, there is a clamant demand for settlement upon the land, but I cannot too strongly deprecate the unlawful action taken by these men. It must seriously prejudice negotiations which had already been authorised for the development of schemes of land settlement in Uist.

May I ask if it is not a fact that practically speaking it is only where possession is thus taken of the land that the Board of Agriculture take action in the island?

That is a gross misrepresentation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving the Board of Agriculture a free hand in the matter of these schemes?

Certainly.

May I ask, further, whether it is not a fact that the land owner in this particular case is prepared to sell, and that the men who have applied for the land, and have, unfortunately, now raided it—as to which I hold the same opinion as the right hon. Gentleman—have equipment and stock, and do not need training, and are, therefore, ready to go on the land?

I am afraid I cannot fully answer that question without notice, but, speaking from recollection, my recollection is that the proprietor of this land is not willing to sell. If my hon. Friend will put down a question on the point I will answer it.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the steamer service to Harris and other portions of the Outer Hebrides has been completely disorganised during the past four weeks owing to the unsuitability of the boat recently placed upon the route; whether the boat now employed is a river tug which can only accommodate 12 deck passengers and cannot carry cargo or livestock; and what steps he proposes to take in order to obviate the inconvenience and hardships arising from the glaring defects of this service, and so ensure reasonable facilities for transport of the necessaries of life to these islands during the winter and for carrying on legitimate trade?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The steamer to Harris was transferred on the 12th November from the Outer Islands route to the Stornoway route in order to replace a larger boat, which had been damaged in a collision with Kyle Pier in rough weather. A smaller vessel, which was sent from Glasgow to replace her, was delayed by stormy weather, and two trips to Harris had to be cancelled. I much regret the inconvenience, but it seems to have been due to abnormal weather conditions, and I have no reason to suppose that the contractors for the service have failed to do their best in the circumstances.

May I ask whether these conditions, which the right hon. Gentleman describes as abnormal, are not really the normal conditions of winter in these parts, and whether he does not think that this boat is absolutely unfit for such a stormy passage during winter, seeing that so many passengers and livestock have to be carried?

I hope that the inconvenience is only temporary, and will be put an end to before very long.

asked the Postmaster- General whether men other than ex- service men are being employed as temporary postmen in Belfast for the Christmas holidays; and whether steps will be taken to see that preference be given to ex-service men?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will confine the additions to his staff for the Christmas traffic to ex-service men?

The recruitment of temporary staff to meet Christmas pressure in the Post Office is made through the Employment Exchanges, who have instructions to give preference to ex-service men. I understand that these instructions are being fully carried out at Belfast.

As this is a most important question, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has made specific inquiries, and whether, as a matter of fact, no men are being taken on except ex-service men?

I was given to understand so this morning, but I will inquire further and make quite sure.

asked the Postmaster- General whether, in replacing any temporary workers by ex-service men, he will consider the claims for special consideration of those temporary employés who offered themselves for military service but who were rejected on medical grounds, and will accordingly rank them for equal treatment with those whose cases he may consider with a view to substitution?

I regret that 1 am unable to give special consideration, in replacing temporary workers, to men other than those who actually served with the Forces.

asked the Post master-General if he is aware that auxiliary postmen and part-time postmen must have some other employment, other wise they are dismissed from the service; and if he will take action in the matter?

Men employed on part-time postmen's duties are expected to have outside employment or some other means of livelihood, as, for example, a pension. It is not, however, the practice to dismiss a man who loses his outside employment.

asked the Minister of Food whether Nos. 92, 94, 96, 98, and 100, Cromwell Road have recently been taken over by the Ministry of Food; whether these houses are being refurnished; what is the purpose of their occupation; what is their rental value; and at what date will they be vacated by the Ministry?

The premises in question have been occupied by Ministry of Food staffs for over two years, and a concentration has recently taken place with a view to the release of requisitioned business premises in the Haymarket. The only refurnishing has been such as is incidental to the removal. The total compensation payable in respect of Nos. 94-100, Cromwell Road is £808 per annum, but no claim has been received in respect of No. 92. The premises are required in connection with the liquidation of the Ministry of Food and the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, and I and unable to state when they will be vacated.

What purpose will these premises be used for when the Ministry of Food is at an end?

Are we to understand that now a new body of Civil Servants is to be created and put in these premises in order to produce the liquidation of the old Ministry?

Not at all. In view of the reduction of the staff, I have been able to effect an economy by taking part of the staff from very expensive premises in the Haymarket to much less expensive premises in Cromwell Road. When they have finished there they will be absolutely vacated.

Are we to understand the Ministry of Food is to be reduced to such an extent that its officials will only occupy five houses in the Cromwell Road now?

No; this is only part of the Ministry of Food.

asked the Minister of Food whether millers who have purchased wheat of fair milling quality at a price less than that which they were instructed to pay by him, namely, 95s. per quarter of 504 lbs., will be called upon to make the price paid up to that figure?

As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member on Thursday last, millers are not instructed, but are authorised, to pay for home-grown wheat purchased on rail at producer's station an average price not exceeding 95s. per 504 lbs. f.o.r. and an average of 96s. per 504 lbs. in respect of wheat delivered by road into the mill. Every inducement is offered to millers to use the largest possible proportion of home-grown wheat in their grist. It should, however, be remembered that the miller is under no obligation to purchase grain which he does not require for his immediate needs. I understand that much of the home-grown wheat which has been offered for sale by farmers recently has either been of inferior quality or in doubtful condition, with the result that the full price payable for sound milling wheat has not been realised.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has not answered the question, but has merely repeated an answer given before, and will he discontinue the dumping, or sale below cost of delivery, of foreign wheat in this country to the detriment of the home producer?

If the hon. Member attaches any importance to the somewhat surprising allegation contained in that Supplementary, I shall be glad if he will give notice.