asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any steps have been taken to deal promptly with claims for compensation for destruction of property in Ireland; and whether such compensation will include payment to workers who have been thrown out of employment?

In regard to the matter of compensation for malicious destruction of property I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question on this subject put to me by the hon. and gallant Member for East Newcastle (Major Barnes) on the 25th October. The reply to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the hours of opening and closing of licensed houses in Belfast; and if he can give a return showing the number of persons convicted of drunkenness in Belfast during the first nine months of this year, and the proportion to population of Belfast of such convicted persons?

The hour of opening the public-houses in Belfast is 10 a.m., and the hour of closing 9.30 p.m. The number of persons convicted of drunkenness during the first nine months of the year 1920 was 1,234. Taking the population as 384,000, as shown by the Belfast Street Directory, 1920, the persons so convicted represent 3'2 per 1,000 of the population.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many private houses have been raided by the police or military in Ireland during the present year?

It has been necessary for the Forces of the Crown to make many searches of private houses in certain districts, but to get out a return showing the total number of such searches throughout the whole of Ireland would, I am informed, involve a considerable amount of additional work upon police and military officers which could not be undertaken at the present time without much inconvenience.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many persons have been detained and subsequently released without charge made in Ireland during the present year?

I am unable to furnish the hon. and gallant Member with this information. Owing to the difficulties in regard to obtaining evidence which exists in many parts of Ireland, it has been necessary to make numerous arrests on suspicion, and many so arrested have been detained for a short time for -examination or pending further inquiry and then released.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether under the Irish Land Purchase Bill account will be taken of arrears of rent that are due on various estates; and, if so, in what form?

If the hon. Member will look at Sub-section (2) of Clause 10 of the Irish Land Bill he will find that it provides that where any tenanted land vests in the Land Commission or Congested Districts Board under Part II of the Bill, any arrears of rent which accrued due after the appointed day may be recovered by the landlord. This provision is based on a recommendation of the Irish Convention as to the manner in which arrears of rent should be dealt with.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the convict prison service is to be abolished in Ireland; if so, where are the convicts to be imprisoned in the future; whether it is the intention of the Government to open some of the Irish prisons now closed or further close others; and, if so, what prisons are to be open or closed?

In view of the special circumstances now existing in Ireland, it has been decided, with the concurrence of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, to transfer to an English convict prison the convicts now confined in Maryborough Convict Prison in Ireland, and to send to England to serve their sentences any person who during the continuance of this temporary arrangement may be sentenced to penal servitude in Ireland. Maryborough Prison will be used as an ordinary local prison. It is not proposed either to close any existing prison or to open a new one.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if open Crossley tender cars, which afford no protection, are now being used for patrol purposes by members of the auxiliary division of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and if there is now any reason why light armoured, cars should not be supplied to all these gallant men who are now maintaining His Majesty's Government in Ireland?

I can assure my hon. Friend that all possible steps are being taken to increase the protection afforded to these gallant men in the discharge of their dangerous duties.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the history and geography primers in use in the elementary schools in Ireland; whether he is aware that these books, though issued presumably with the consent and approval of the Education Department, represent an extremely one-sided view; and whether, if he has not seen the works in question, he will recognise the vital importance of ensuring that such manuals are not of an ex parte character and call for a Report with a view to the withdrawal of propagandist school literature?

My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that in 1916 the Commissioners of National Education scrutinised the works then in use in National schools, and withdrew their sanction for such works as were of an objectionable character.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the result of his consideration of the English circular regarding English prison warders on temporary duty away from their own prison, or who are enabled to find lodgings for their families at the prisons to which they are permanently transferred, who receive, in accordance with a circular of the English Prison Commissioners, dated 8th September, 1920, a separation allowance of 35s. per week, minus 1s. per night when provided with a bed in the prison; that prior to the 1st October, 1920, such officers received 6s. per day, minus 1s. per day; and whether, in view of the fact that the general principles of assimilation have now been sanctioned for Irish warders, he will take steps to have the same allowances applied to officers in similar conditions in the Irish prisons service?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a Committee has been appointed to inquire into the methods of administration of regional and local committees' system of working; the number of officials directly or indirectly connected with the Ministry who are on the Committee, and what is their proportion to the total membership of the Committee; whether any representative has been appointed from the Scottish Local War Pensions Association or any of the larger burghs in Scotland or England; and whether he is prepared, in the interests of a full and comprehensive inquiry into methods of administration, to reconstitute the Committee of inquiry without having on it any person directly interested in the carrying out of the administrative functions to be inquired into?

I think that, on reflection, the hon. Member will admit that the claims of Scotland to representation have not been overlooked, when I remind him that the Committee includes the chairman of the Perth county local war pensions committee, and the hon. and gallant Member for Tradeston (Major Henderson). In addition to my hon. and gallant Friend the Chairman, the Committee comprises 16 members, of whom only four are connected with the administration of my Department. I am fully satisfied that the inclusion of these officers, which is in accordance with the usual practice, will prove to be in the best interests, both of the Department and its beneficiaries.

asked the Minister of Pensions why, on the recently appointed committee to inquire into the methods of administration of regional and local committees' systems of working, no representative has been appointed from the Scottish Local War pensions Committees' Association or any of the larger burghs in England or Scotland: will he say how many officials directly or indirectly connected with the Ministry are on the committee; and, seeing that it is not in the interests of a full and comprehensive inquiry into methods of administration to have on the committee a large number of persons directly interested in the carrying out of the administrative functions to be inquired into, will he reconsider its composition?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to-day to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether Private Keith Spiers, No. 10936, 1st Highland Light Infantry, was examined by a medical board on 1st May, 1920, and that no decision has been sent to Spiers, and no reply made to his letters asking to be acquainted with the result of the examination; if any decision was made; and, if so, will he forward the information?

I much regret the delay which has occurred in this case. Steps have now been taken to have the matter settled at an early date.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Richardson, mother of the late Sergeant George Richardson, No. 200151, l/5th Bedfordshire Regiment, who was killed in the War; whether he is aware that Mrs. Richardson, who is a widow 64 years of age, is in receipt of only 4s. a week pension in respect of this son; and whether he will take steps to have this pension increased?

The pension which Mrs. Richardson is now receiving represents the extent of her pre-war dependence on her late son. I am informed that no application for an increase has been received in my Department, but I am having enquiries made with a view to ascertaining whether a higher award can be made on the ground of pecuniary need.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what are the latest details of unemployment of ex-service fishermen in each port; whether steps have been taken to arrange for the employment of men thus unemployed by transferring them to ports in which the demand for labour exceeds the supply; if not, whether such steps will be taken in the future; and whether out-of-work donation is payable to an ex-service fisherman who refuses to work in any port where work is available?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As stated in the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Buckingham (Captain Bowyer) on the 25th October, the only available statistics of unemployment among ex-service fishermen relate to the numbers in receipt of out-of-work donation. The latest figure available is that for 26th November; on this date 191 ex-service fishermen were in receipt of out-of-work donation. Of these 90 were distributed among the following large ports:

The remaining 101 were registered at 30 other ports in the United Kingdom. The records of the Employment Exchanges do not indicate that there are any fishing ports in which the demand for labour at present exceeds the supply, and I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries that the information in his possession confirms that of the Employment Exchanges. The question, therefore, of transferring unemployed ex-service fishermen from their home ports does not arise at present, but if vacancies for fishermen which cannot be filled locally are notified to the Employment Exchanges, arrangements will be made for the circulation of the vacancies throughout the country, and the men unemployed in one port will thus be given the opportunity of applying for employment in other ports. The question whether the payment of out-of-work donation could be stopped in the case of a man who refused an offer of apparently suitable employment is one for determination by the Court of Referees, who would o have regard to the circumstances of each individual case.

asked the Secretary of State for War what use, if any, is being made of His Majesty's factory, Queens-ferry; what is the number of the staff employed, the nature of the duties they perform, and the sum of money paid by way of salary or other expenses for the period 1st January to 30th November, 1920; whether the premises are guarded by police; and, if so, how many are employed and at what cost per month?

His Majesty's factory at Queensferry is used at present for

Repair of wagons.

Storage of materials.

Disposal of surplus materials.

Stacking of slates.

Supply of light to Mancot Village.

The total number of employés on 1st December last was 302.

The duties performed by the staff are as stated above in addition to the maintenance of plant.

The amount paid in salaries and wages is as follows:

The total expenditure for the above period was £91,752.

Since the War Office assumed responsibility for the factory on 1st June the expenses have been reduced from an average of £9,040 per month for the first five months to £7,750 per month for the last six months, and the numbers employed have been reduced from 425 on 1st January to 302 on 1st December. The factory is guarded by a police force consisting of 1 chief officer and 23 other ranks, the monthly cost being £459, which figure covers quarters, allowances and clothing.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what system and what order of units the distribution of war medals is proceeding; what approximate percentage of these medals has now been distributed; and when it is estimated that the distribution will be completed?

The distribution of British War and Victory Medals to personnel of British Corps is divided into two categories—

Medals for rank and file which are issued through Record Offices.

Medals which are issued direct from the War Office to those who held commissioned rank.

With regard to the rank and file, the medals are issued at short intervals to officers in charge of records in rotation, having regard to the number of nominal rolls submitted by them and with a view to supplying every Record Office with a certain number of medals to give employment to the staffs engaged on this work. It is not practicable to issue these medals by order of units, e.g., battalions, as the names are submitted on rolls of regiments with which the men last served, although they may have qualified for the award by service with other regiments, the names of the latter being inscribed on the medals. In the cases of those who held commissioned rank, where addresses and full particulars of service are known, issue is made in the order of qualification, i.e., firstly to those who qualified by service in 1914, then in 1915, then in 1916, etc. Priority issues are, however, made in certain cases, e.g., when individuals are proceeding, abroad and have no permanent address at home; in the case of re-enlisted members, of the Territorial Force, etc. I regret it is not possible, without obtaining returns from every Record Office, to say what percentage of medals has been distributed. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 16th November last to the hon. and gallant Member for North Tottenham (Major Prescott).

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of British troops now forming the British Army of Occupation in Germany, as well as the latest reports on their health and general well-being?

The strength of the British Army of Occupation in Germany is approximately 13,100 all ranks. The latest reports regarding the health of the troops are for the month of November, and show that the health of the troops has been satisfactory, and that there has been no undue prevalence of disease. There has been a slight increase over October in the number of admissions to hospital, largely due to tonsillitis, infection of the fauces and larynx, diseases which are always more prevalent at this time of the year. The strength of the Royal Air Force is 181 all ranks. The latest report from the medical authorities shows the health to be satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the balance-sheet of the Expeditionary Force canteens will be made public; whether all the money is to be handed over to the United Services fund; whether any of the money has been invested; and, if so, on whose authority and for what account?

As I stated in an oral answer to-day, 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 Estimate is over.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether parts of Mesopotamia where armed opposition to our administration still exists, giving the estimated number of tribesmen in the field and the reasons for their continuance of hostility?

The only part of Mesopotamia where armed opposition still exists is the area of the Middle Euphrates ( i.e., certain localities between Hillah and Samawa). It is incorrect to consider that any tribes are now "in the field" as regularly formed bodies. Certain isolated parties of tribesmen still make occasional attacks, by long range sniping, on blockhouses and posts, but they scatter and disappear on the approach of troops. It is. impossible to estimate the numbers of tribesmen who are thus still recalcitrant. Their continued disaffection is probably due to the dissatisfaction with the general results of the rising, coupled with dislike of the fines which are now being imposed on the tribes who took part in it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the military authority at Aldershot is now negotiating to supply electricity in bulk through the Aldershot Command electricity generating station to the Aldershot Urban District Council within the statutory gas area of the Aldershot Gas, Water, and District Lighting Company; whether the Order under which the Aldershot Urban District Council now supplies electricity does not contain any Clause authorising the purchase of electricity in bulk; whether he has considered the legality of the proposal; whether the electricity generating station in question is intended to serve military purposes only; whether, if effect be given to the proposal, a non-trading Government Department, through its electricity generating station, which is not liable to pay local rates, would be seriously and unfairly competing with the statutory gas undertaking, which holds contracts for the supply of gas and. water to the War Department; and what steps he will take to remedy this matter?

Negotiations are in progress as regards this matter on the representation of the Ministry of Transport and the Aldershot Urban District Council. I am advised that although the Order which applies to the Aldershot Urban District Council may not contain a Clause specifically authorising the purchase of electricity in bulk, the Order is subject to the Provisions of the Electric Lighting Act, 1882, under Section 11 of which the District Council have full powers to contract for bulk supply. The Command generating station has hitherto been used to serve Government purposes only, but owing to a recent reduction of the Government demand it has been suggested that in the interests of economy use might be made of the surplus capacity of the station in this way, instead of extending the plant at the District Council's generating station, which is undesirable. I understand that the area which it is proposed to supply is outside the area within which the Aldershot Gas, Water and District Lighting Company have the right to supply, and that the District Council is the only body authorised to supply electricity in the area in question. I would point out that Government property pays the equivalent of local rates although not legally liable to do so, and the latter part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British delegates have been appointed to the International Rhine Navigation Commission; and, if so, whether they have yet furnished any Reports or recommended any policy to be pursued by His Majesty's Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I returned to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Gilbert) on 9th December. The Minutes of the meetings of the Central Commission of the Rhine are communicated to His Majesty's Government from time to time. The policy of His Majesty's Government is that the stipulations of the Treaties are to be upheld, and that the vessels of all nations should be free to navigate the Rhine.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state the approximate date of the Supreme Council of the Allies at Geneva; whether any interim conferences of Allied financial experts will be held; and whether the Reparations Commission has arrived at any figures and mode of procedure regarding the German debt to the Allies under the Versailles Treaty?

The Conference of Allied Ministers at Geneva in connection with reparation is to be held, at the latest, in the first fortnight of February. The preliminary meeting of experts in Brussels will begin on the 16th of this month. The Reparation Commission has not yet announced any decision as to the total amount due from Germany, or the method and time of payment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, as stated by the German Government, the estimates recently put forward by the French and Belgian Governments as to the cows commandeered by Germany during the War bear no relation to the facts; whether the total number of cattle existing in the territories occupied by Germany was 823,133 head, and that only a small fraction' of these were commandeered in place of the 720,000 claimed by France and Belgium; whether the cattle commandeered by Germany was paid for at the time; and whether those already taken by the Allies from Germany have been paid for;

(2) whether, in the case of the 130,000 milch cows already taken by the Allies from Germany, a careful examination was made and only the best taken, and that most of Germany's cows are so diseased or emaciated that, if 810,000 are taken by the same method, this might well include all the healthy cows and good milkers left in Germany?

I will take these questions together. In view of the fact that an agreement satisfactory to all parties was reached on the subject, with which these questions deal, between the Reparation Commission and representatives of the German Government on 3rd December. This agreement provides for the delivery to the Allies of

1,740,000 poultry in 3 to 4 years.

35,165 goats in 3 years.

15,250 swine in 1 to 3 years.

The German Government have, in addition, undertaken to deliver to the Allies during the next six months:

30,000 horses.

125,000 sheep.

90,000 cattle. ^*

^* 30,000 being milch cows and heifers in calf.

A decision as to the delivery of horses, sheep and cattle after the expiration of these six months will, it is hoped, be reached shortly. With regard to the specific points raised by the hon. Member for Dartford, I may add that it is not the case that only the best of the German cattle have been taken. The Treaty of Versailles provides that animals to be delivered should be of average health, and such examinations and selections as have taken place have been intended to secure the observance of the terms of the Treaty.

I am advised that no representations of the kind referred to by the hon. Member have been received by the Reparation Commission from the German Government. According to German statistics, the number of cattle in occupied Belgium alone was 1,800,000, whilst the Germans admit having taken 327,000 head of cattle from France and 45,000 from Belgium without payment. The House is no doubt aware that the value of all animals delivered by Germany, except those actually identified as having been removed by Germany from the invaded territories, is credited to Germany in the Reparation Account.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been reported to him in the negotiations between the employers and the workers in Italy on the promised share in control by the workers?

The agreement upon which work was resumed in the Italian factories in September contained no arrangement for the control of the factories by the workers. A Commission was appointed to make proposals upon that question, upon which the Government might draft a Bill. This Commission has failed so far to reach definite conclusions. In the meantime, the Minister of Labour has prepared a Bill to strengthen the powers of the National and Local Labour Councils.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports he has received as to the industrial conditions now prevailing in Spain?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, there has recently been considerable industrial unrest in Spain, but the latest telegraphic reports from His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid show an improvement in the situation, notably at Barcelona and Seville.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the railway strike in Norway and the questions involved in the dispute?

A railway strike in Norway was declared on 1st December owing to the refusal of the railwaymen to accept the recommendations of the Conciliation Committee appointed by the trade unions and the Government, although these recommendations had been adopted by the Storting. The question involved in the dispute is whether the rate of wages paid to the railwaymen falls short of the standard recently fixed for other Government employées, especially those serving in the Post Office. The strike is still proceeding.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether General Sato, of the Japanese War Department, has issued a justification of the burning of mission school buildings in Korea on the ground that the buildings had been used by insurgents and that the missionaries are responsible for the inhumanities carried out by the Japanese troops on the insurgents, which he does not deny; whether we have any British representative in Korea; whether any report has been received from him on the subject of the suppression of the recent insurrection; and, if not, whether he will call for such a report?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the district of Chientao lies in the extreme north-east corner of Manchuria, and is thus in Chinese territory. Owing to its inaccessibility, authoritative information is difficult to obtain; but the nature of the reports received by His Majesty's Government from a variety of sources has led them to invite the attention of the Japanese Government to the matter, and to the remarks of Major-General Sato as reported here in the Press.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the alleged crimes committed by Serbian troops in Montenegro; whether his attention has also been drawn to the assassination of Dr. Sekule Drlievitch, a leading Montenegrin jurist; whether the Report of Count de Salis is not being published for the reason that persons who gave evidence might suffer seriously; if so, whether the circumstances in which these witnesses could be persecuted are such as to enable the Montenegrins to vote freely and without fear on questions of self-determination; and whether the Allied Governments are prepared to accede to the demand of the Montenegrin Government that an International Commission should be set up to investigate the crimes committed by the Serbians, and that Serbia and Montenegro should be equally represented on the Commission?

His Majesty's Government have received from the partisans of the ex-King Nicolas repeated reports as to alleged atrocities. On investigation, these allegations have proved to be grossly exaggerated. As regards, in particular, the reported murder of Dr. Drlievitch, I can state that this gentleman is alive and well. It is true that I stated that among the several reasons for our not publishing the de Salis Report was the fear that its publication might act to the detriment of certain persons who gave evidence, but it does not appear that the Montenegrins voted otherwise than freely at the recent elections for the Constituent Assembly. We have received information that before the election all political offenders in Montenegro were amnestied, and that out of an electorate of 37,000 more than 27,000 voted, which tends to show, I think, that intimidation was not exercised on the electors. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, on the recommendations of the Majority Report of the Indian Currency Committee, the Government of India has artificially raised the rate of Indian exchange to 2s. to the rupee and has fixed the legal ratio at that level; what have been the highest and lowest points between which the Indian exchange has fluctuated from the 1st of June to the present day; whether it has been possible to maintain and support the rate of 2s.; what steps he proposes to take to maintain it at this level; and whether he is considering means to stabilise the exchange?

In accordance with the recommendations of the report referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend legislation has been passed in India, under which the sovereign has been made a legal tender at the rate of ten rupees. The quotations asked for in the second part of the question are 2s. l¼d. and 1s. 4¾d. In spite of the sale of sterling drafts, to the extent of approximately £50,000,000 between 1st February and 30th September, it has not been found practi- cable to maintain exchange at 2s. The sale of these drafts has been discontinued in accordance with the announcement issued on 29th September last, and the existing trade position does not suggest that the Government of India could advantageously resume the sales at the present time. But I will gladly ask my advisers to consider any suggestion the hon. Member has to offer.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the raising of the rate of exchange has prejudicially affected the export trade of India; whether it has stimulated imports into India and placed Indian industries at a disadvantage, so that trade is now against India; and whether, in the circumstances, he is prepared to reconsider the recommendations of the Majority Report of the Committee on which the recommendations of the Government of India were based?

The statistics of Indian trade for the first 7 months of the current financial year reveal an adverse balance against India in respect of merchandise and treasure of approximately 36 crores. This is, I believe, mainly due to curtailment of Indian imports during the War years the restriction on the export of food grains owing to shortage in India and the reduction of the buying powers of European countries in consequence of the depreciation of their currencies. I would add that the present policy was adopted after full inquiry less than a year ago, and having regard to the abnormal factors mentioned above. I do not think that further review is now called for.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a temporary clerk employed at a local Labour Exchange was discharged because he contested a seat for the Poole Borough Council at the recent elections; and whether he will have inquiries made into the case?

It is the fact that a clerk who was engaged for purely temporary employment at the Poole Employment Exchange on 21st October, 1920, resigned his appointment four days later on learning that the rules of the Ministry of Labour do not permit a member of the staff to become a candidate for a borough council. This rule has been under consideration on more than one occasion, but in view of the important functions which officials of the Department, such as Conciliation Officers and Managers of Labour Exchanges, have to discharge in cases of industrial difficulty or dispute-functions which demand assurance of absolute impartiality-we believe, on consideration, that the rule is a salutary one.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the divisional and brigade staffs of the Territorial Force are giving the taxpayer an adequate day's work for the salaries now being paid them; whether no economy could be usefully effected in allowances, office expenses, and wages; and whether he intends to overhaul certain War Office Departments, such as Mobilisation and Director of Movements, with a view to their reduction now that the prospect of a war on a large scale seems unlikely?

Yes, Sir; the divisional and brigade staffs of the Territorial Force are fully occupied in the work of reconstructing and training the Force. The divisional commanders, except those of the two London divisions and the Wessex division, are also area commanders. As regards the last part of the question, the staff and organisation of all the Departments of the War Office are being subject to constant review, and special consideration is being given to the matter in connection with the Estimates for next year.

asked the Secretary for Mines if the results of the export trade in coal for November were sufficient to finance the recent agreement, under which the strike was settled, without incurring any additional expenditure to the Exchequer or without increasing the cost of coal to the consumers in this country; and, if this be not so, whether he will state the approximate tonnage and value of export coal necessary to finance the agreement without incurring loss?

November export profits cannot be separately ascertained; even if they could, they would not show the whole of the picture, as a natural result of increased output is a general decrease in the cost per ton of production. The financial results of the quarter ending the 31st December, 1920, will be published in due course, but I may say at once that they cannot possibly be such as to necessitate an increase in the price of home coal or a subsidy from the Exchequer in order to provide the cost of the wages increase-during that period.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any idea of the date, assuming the output of coal remains as at present, when the depletion of stocks will be made sufficiently good to relax the existing restrictions in respect of bunkering and export?

I am afraid it would not be wise to commit myself to a date. The position is being watched carefully, with the help of my trade committees and advisers, and all restrictions will be relaxed as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Food when he intends to decontrol the importation and distribution of hams an d bacon?

I propose to discontinue purchasing imported hams and bacon so soon as satisfactory arrangements have been made to provide for the transition period of liquidation of stocks held by the Ministry, and for importation on private account, under conditions that will safeguard the consumer and the trade. I am engaged in consultation with representatives of the trade, as to the best method by which this policy can be carried out as smoothly and speedily as possible.

asked the Minister of Food (1) when the expert inspector of the Wheat Commission, who went to the Assembly Hall, Ferndale, sent in his report; on what grounds did he condemn the building in which the flour was stored; if the report contained any estimate as to the quantity of flour that was destroyed or unfit for human food;

(2) whether he is aware that on the 23rd November, 1920, in answer to anxious' inquiries made, the local food officer stated in a written reply received at Ferndale on 25th November that no traces of rats or maggots were found amongst the flour, and that he had about that date received instructions to dispose of the flour in store; was this done in order to allay the deep feeling created Toy this wilful waste of the people's food;

(3) the name of the miller who was instructed to deal with the flour stored at Ferndale, and why he was unable to dispose of it; and, as there is no miller or flour mills established within 30 miles of this district, does he now contemplate transporting the flour out of the district or will he distribute it, in accordance with the practice, amongst the retail tradesmen of the district who have made repeated applications for the same?

The report of the inspector who examined the flour was received by the Royal Commission on 25th September. The inspector did not condemn the building in which the flour was stored or report that the flour was unfit for human consumption, but he recommended that it should be taken to the mills for re-conditioning. Owing to the coal strike it was not desirable to remove the flour at that time, but instructions were given to this effect by the Wheat Commission on 11th November, and the flour is now being removed and re-conditioned. This flour forms part of an emergency reserve distributed then in various parts of the country in order to ensure, so far as possible, that distribution and supply of bread should not be interrupted by any disorganisation of transport. It forms no part of the stocks held by the Ministry for distribution as part of the current food supplies of the country, and it is not the practice to distribute such stocks locally, nor am I aware that local tradesmen have made any application, as suggested. The instructions given for the re-conditioning of this flour were the outcome of a report made by the inspector of the Wheat Commission in the ordinary course of his duties. I may add that the building, which is the local assembly hall, is the only place suitable for this purpose in the district, and is perfectly dry and in good condition, except for a portion of the basement. Although there was evidence of the presence of rats, the damage from this cause was found to be negligible. I understand that as soon as the building can be evacuated as a store-house for flour, it is to be used as a clubhouse.

asked the Minister of Food whether an emergency reserve of 187½ tons of flour has been placed in two premises in the borough of Abergavenny since 25th September; and whether he is prepared to dispose of it to local consumers, and thus save deterioration and transport?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth (Lieut.-Colonel Croft).

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the unrest and confusion caused to consumers and traders by the fluctuating prices owing to reductions being made without adequate notice to the public and the trade; is he aware of the serious losses on stocks in the hands of retailers by the announcements made on 27th November of reductions in sugar and flour prices; and can he take steps to ensure to distributors of food better treatment than they have lately received, after four years of unsparing effort to help the Government to supply food to consumers?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply on this subject given on the 8th inst. to the hon. Members for Kettering (Mr. Waterson) and Canterbury (Mr. R. McNeill) respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will give full particulars as to the rates of pay received by the sub-office assistants in the area under the control of the postmaster of Aberdeen, together with the rates paid by the em- ployers in that district who are not sub-postmasters?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Post master-General whether he has recently, or on what date, renewed the contract with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for carrying the mails between Liverpool and the Isle of Man; whether in the existing contract there is any and, if so, what provision, as to the hour at which the boats shall sail; whether he is aware that for years past such boats carrying the mails started from Liverpool at 10.30 a.m., and that the steam packet company have recently given public notice that every alternate Thursday the boat will start at 1 p.m.; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter, having regard to the inconvenience which would result to the Liverpool staff and also to the residents in the Isle of Man as regards the arrival and delivery of their letters?

The contract in question has not expired, and it does not therefore need renewal. But the company have applied for an increase of remuneration. The provision in the contract, which dates from 1883, is for a sailing from Liverpool for Douglas during the summer months at 1 p.m. on weekdays, and during the winter months as soon after the putting of the mails on board as tide and weather permit. But in 1891 the Company undertook, without increase of remuneration, to give a trial to the system of sailing from Liverpool at 11.30 a.m. throughout the year, and that time, or 10.30 a.m., has since been adopted. In October, 1919, the company adopted a sailing from Liverpool at midnight on Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Thursday, and Friday-Saturday. In April, 1920, they resumed sailing at 11.30 a.m. or 10.30 a.m. In November last the company gave notice to the effect stated, but in reply to a remonstrance stated that they would, pending decision upon a claim for increase of remuneration which they had put forward, observe the 10 or 11.30 a.m. sailing. I cannot make any further statement until the claim in question has been decided.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that if payments to the Glasgow Corporation on account of Government Grants-in-Aid are made half-yearly the city ratepayers will still have to pay an annual sum of £7,500 for interest on borrowed money; and if there is any reason why such grants should not be paid quarterly or monthly?

The Corporation of Glasgow have sent me an intimation to the effect stated in the first part of the question, but I am not in a position to verify the result of their calculation. The question of payment of certain grants by instalments was recently considered by the Treasury, whose decision in favour of half-yearly instalments was reached after consideration of representations from the local authorities interested.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will sanction the establishment of the Whitley Council form of representation for the Scottish prison staff, having regard to the fact that the staff expressed their desire by ballot for the Whitley Council system in preference to that of the representative boards in other prison services?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 11th November in reply to a question on the subject by the hon. Member for Smeth-wick (Mr. Davison). I remain of the opinion that a representative board is more suitable than a Whitley Council in the case of a service such as the prisons service, and steps are being taken for the formation of such a board.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Electric Supply Corporation, Limited, is asking, or is about to ask, for an Order varying the prices for electric current in the burgh of St. Andrews under the Act of 1902, to the effect that a fixed sum of 10s. or 15s. per quarter is to be charged, according to season, irrespective of whether current is consumed or not, a proposal which is strongly objected to by shopkeepers and others, and also an increased general charge from 7d. to 1s. per unit, an increase which is also objected to, seeing that the charges of this company have already been increased by 66 per cent. since 1914; and if he will give full consideration of the claims of the consumers in dealing with any claim for increased charges by this company?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has received the application referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, and I can assure him that full consideration will be given to the representations which have been made by the local authorities and a number of consumers with regard to the application. I may also explain that although during the War a fixed minimum charge was normally disallowed in Orders authorising increased maximum prices for electricity, with the view of encouraging the utmost economy in the use of electricity, the Minister has decided that the time has arrived when o such a charge, which is intended to cover standing charges incurred by the undertakers, and which, in his opinion, is fair and reasonable in principle, should be re-allowed. He has been advised that, with a view to obviating as far as possible any hardship on consumers, the minimum charge to be inserted in such Orders in future should be based on a consumption of any amount up to 15 units in each of the two winter quarters, and of any amount up to 10 units in each of the two summer quarters, as compared with a consumption of any amount up to 20 units in each quarter usually prescribed in Electric Lighting Orders hitherto granted.

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?

supplied the following particulars which, in his answer of 13 th December last (col. 70), he promised to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT:-

"In August last, the Ealing-Shepherd's Bush extension line was opened to traffic; early in October the Underground Company introduced various improvements of frequency and accommodation in the services on the District and Tube Railways, and last week a new sub-way was opened at Charing Cross Station.

Increased rolling stock is being brought into service as delivered by the contractors, and the first delivery of improved cars for the tube railways (of which 40 are on order) has recently been made, while the first delivery of the new cars (of which 100 are on order) for the District Railway is expected immediately. Further deliveries are expected at regular intervals in connection with both railways.

As compared with the week ending 17th July. 1920, regarding which figures were furnished on the 26th idem, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Lincoln, 31 additional cars are in daily service on the Central London and District Railways, representing approximately 55,000 additional car miles weekly. At this time last year the companies were frequently working about 40 cars below schedule daily owing to inability to overtake repairs, but the full schedule is now in operation with a corresponding increase of carrying capacity."

asked the Minister of Transport whether the average number of passengers by train, excluding season and traders' ticket holders, has shown any sign of falling off during the months of October and November; whether there is any reason to believe that present passenger fares are tending to reduce the number of passengers by train; how many public road passenger vehicles have been licensed during October and November; and how many applications for licences have been received but not issued?

Complete figures showing the total number of passengers conveyed by rail during the months of October and November are not yet available, but I will supply the same to the hon. Member in due course. I have no figures available which would enable me to answer the latter part of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport at what number of stations in England and Scotland are there, respectively, where not more than one, two, three, or four passenger trains run in and out or up and down daily; and whether at those stations there is sufficient parcels and goods or mineral traffic to provide the adequate funds for the payment of the respective station staffs of all grades in accordance with the law and regulations at present in force?

The information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks is not available, and could only be

IMPORTS of Dyes into the United Kingdom consigned from Germany and Switzerland; and Exports from the United Kingdom to Germany and Switzerland of (1) Coal and (2) Coal Tar and products of Coal Tar distillation, registered during each of the ten months, January to October, 1920.

obtained with considerable clerical labour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the amount of coal exported to Germany and Switzerland, respectively, during each month of this year; and what was the quantity of dyes imported from each country during the same period; (2) what was the quantity of tar and other by-products of coal exported to Germany and Switzerland, respectively, during each month of this year; and what was the quantity of dyes imported from these countries during the same period?

supplied the following statistical tables, for circulation in the OFFICIAL REPORT, in accordance with his answer of 29th November last:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Germans have been allowed to export to this country £45,000 worth of prismatic field glasses in direct opposition to similar goods of home manufacture?

The importations of prismatic field glasses are not separately recorded, but I understand that considerable quantities of German glasses have recently been offered for sale in this country. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that there is at present

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present values of the currencies of the principal countries of the world in percentages as compared to their par values in July, 1914, and also their values a year ago?

My hon. Friend will find some of the particulars desired in the two returns, Command 434 and 734, issued by the Board of Trade on the subject of currency expansion, price movements, and production in certain countries, and in the Monthly Bulletin of Statistics issued by the Supreme Economic Council and published by His Majesty's Stationery Office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the provisions of the Finance Act, 1920, individuals whose earned incomes range from £350 to £2,000 are charged larger amounts in Income Tax than those whose earned incomes range from £2,200 to no power to prevent the importation of these goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the importation of foreign matches for the months of August, September, October, and November, in grosses of standard No. 1 size boxes?

Quantities of matches imported into the United Kingdom, consigned from foreign countries, registered during the months of August, September, October and November, 1920: £6,000 are charged; and does he propose to rectify this anomaly in next year's Finance Bill?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury under what circumstances can a purchaser of National War or Exchequer Bonds who has been compelled to pay according to Stock Exchange rules in addition to the market price of the stock accrued interest to date of purchase in full without deduction therefrom of Income Tax, and who receives his first half-year's interest when due with Income Tax deducted, obtain repayment of tax on that portion of the interest which he has been obliged to pay to the vendor of the bonds in order to prevent the whole deduction of Income Tax falling on the purchaser, and the revenue either receiving double tax or the vendor being relieved altogether from tax on the amount of the accrued interest?

In the case of a sale of National War Bonds or Exchequer Bonds in bearer form, any question of the apportionment of the Income Tax deductible from the next interest payment is a matter for adjustment between the vendor and the purchaser at the time of the sale. The obligation which the rules of the Stock Exchange impose upon the purchaser to pay the accrued interest in full without deduction of Income Tax is one element only in the transaction. This element must be presumed to be taken into account in arriving at the price to be paid for the security, and affords the purchaser no title to any repayment of tax. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the Revenue does not receive double tax in any of these cases.

asked the Chan cellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the desirability of imposing a tax on gold consumed in the arts?

I do not think it desirable to adopt this suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary the names of the Committee appointed by the Imperial Conference to consider the nationality of married women; whether the Committee has met; the question is likely to report?

I think the hon. Member is referring to the special conference to which certain questions of nationality, including that of married women, were referred by the Imperial Conference in the year 1918. The special conference was held on the 31st July in that year, and was attended by representatives of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India, besides representatives of the home Government. Shortly afterwards most of the Overseas representatives went away, and since then various letters and memoranda have passed between the Home Country and the Overseas Dominions on the subjects under consideration. It is not possible at the present moment to say when the conference can re-assemble and come to conclusions on those matters.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give a Return for the United Kingdom showing the number and percentage of population, of persons convicted of drunkenness during the first nine months of this year in those areas where restricted hours have been in operation; and a similar Return for those areas where licensed premises have remained open all day?

To make a special Return of the kind suggested would involve an expenditure of time and money which is not, in my opinion, justified. I must ask the hon. Member to wait till the figures for England and Wales for the whole year are published in ordinary course.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that owing to the present state of the Gaming Law certain so-called bookmakers, many of them aliens or of alien extraction, have found it possible to carry on swindling businesses under different guises; and if he contemplates taking action to prevent great numbers of the public from being victimised by these undesirable persons?

If the hon. Member will send me particulars of the frauds he has in mind, I will see whether any action can be taken with regard to them.

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that whisky and aspirin are in combination unfailing prophylactics for severe colds and influenza, and that suffering and deaths have been and are being caused to those who are unwilling or unable to buy whisky in bulk, but would purchase and use the same medicinally, he will take steps to have the Regulation anent the sale in homoeopathic quantities cassed and annulled?

I am advised that the prophylactic value of whisky, whether in conjunction with aspirin or otherwise, in the treatment of influenza cannot be regarded as sufficiently established to justify the adoption of the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions in view of the deplorable state in which the works of the Ailsa Craig Motor Com- pany were returned to them whether any officials of the Ministry were present to hand over the works to the representatives of the company; and, if not, how these works were handed over to the company and why no representative of the Ministry was present on this occasion?

I can add nothing to the answer given to the hon. Member on the 21st July last.