asked the Prime Minister, in view of the proposed early abolition of the Ministry of Munitions, to what Department is it proposed to refer the settlement of outstanding claims between the Ministry and contractors who held contracts for the supply of munitions of war; and what proportion of the present staff of the Ministry will be required for carrying out this work?

With regard to the first part of the question, the matter is still under consideration. With regard to the last part, I am informed that a headquarter staff of approximately 50 persons will be able to deal with this work.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the evidence in the Report of the Committee presided over by Lord Emmott (Cmd. 1041) as to the horrible cruelties inflicted on British subjects confined in Russian prisons, he adheres to his conditional undertaking to reopen negotiations for the resumption of trade with Soviet Russia?

There will be a full opportunity for discussing all the aspects of this subject on the statement by the President of the Board of Trade to-morrow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Report of the inquiry into the riots at Jerusalem last spring has been received; if so, when it was available; and when it will be published?

The Report in question was received just after the new Administration under Sir H. Samuel had been set up. It was felt by him, and concurred in by the Departments concerned, that no useful purpose would be served by its publication, but that, on the contrary, feelings might be revived which had happily settled down. I think that this was a sound view.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that no promotions have been made to rank of warrant writer since 12th December, 1919, although an examination for that rank, both professional and educational, has been instituted, and in view of the fact that chief writers have to serve a much longer period than other ratings before they can reasonably expect to be promoted under present conditions, there is any probability of promotion in this branch being accelerated, especially as several chief writers who, although they have under great difficulties studied for and qualified in the various examinations, will shortly complete time for pension without having received an opportunity of reaching warrant rank?

The question of the acceleration or otherwise of promotions in the Accountant Branch is dependent on the decision arrived at in regard to the establishment of that branch generally, and this matter is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in one section of the Devonport dockyard last week, where 500 men are employed, 130 of these men or thereabouts were working piece-work; whether this piece-work system has been in force for some months past; whether it is a fact that many men have resigned their membership of one trade union to join another simply to be allowed to work piece-work, with a gain to the men so employed of from 30 per cent. to 50 per cent. in wages; whether, if these facts are substantiated, a much larger number of men could be retained in employment and dismissals prevented if the piece-work system could be abolished; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure by this method the distribution of necessary dockyard work among the larger number of men?

The exact section at Devonport where 500 men are employed, with 130 of them on piece-work, cannot be identified, but some modification of these numbers would be applicable to riveters. These men have been employed on piece-work for some months, but this system is not new to the Royal Dockyards, as it was in force for many years before the War. The Admiralty have no information as to whether men have resigned their membership of any trade union to join another so as to be able to work piece-work. No men are now being, or have been, discharged on account of piece-work. A larger number of men would, therefore, not be retained if piecework were abolished. To increase output and to ensure that work is economically performed, it is the desire of the Admiralty to employ men on piece-work or job price work where this is practicable, but no men are so employed without their concurrence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office if it is the case that under Army Order A.O. 379, 1920, paragraphs 8 and 14, a soldier not living in Government quarters is called on to pay Is. a day for rent while he only receives a lodging allowance of l0d. a day; and how, under the circumstances, such a charge is justified?

When a soldier is living with his family in Government quarters, a deduction of 1s. a day is made from the marriage allowance. This deduction covers fuel and light in addition to accommodation. If a soldier is on the Lodging List he draws allowances for lodging and fuel and light and also marriage allowance, less the deduction of 1s. a day. The rates of the allowances for lodging and fuel and light are at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has decided upon the future of Chilwell factory after the material stored therein has been sold?

It is intended to retain permanently the factory at Chilwell for use as an Ordnance Depot.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the insufficiency of the outfit allowance of £30 for officers in the Territorial Army is preventing many suitable young men from applying for commissions; and whether, in view of the large saving effected on the Territorial Army Vote, he will favourably consider an increase in this allowance?

I regret that the suggestion contained in the hon. and gallant Member's question cannot be entertained. I would point out that Territorial Force officers are not at present required to provide themselves with full-dress or mess-dress, and only service dress is needed.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the War Office contemplate giving up Runnymede Range: and, if so, what provision he intends making for the musketry practice of the Territorial Force and other units who had previously been able to perform their musketry practice at Runnymede?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 8th July last to the hon. and gallant Member for Willesden, West (Lieut-Colonel Pinkham). It is understood that the company to whom the range belongs propose to put it up for sale. As regards the second part, under present conditions there are ample targets in the neighbourhood of London, without Runnymede, and arrangements are being made to reallot ranges to units of the Regular, Territorial, and other forces, and to provide extra accommodation, should this become necessary owing to further expansion.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost per annum of the official Army List; how many copies are distributed gratis; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will consider the advisability of issuing this list at less frequent intervals than once per month?

The whole question of reducing the expense of this publication is at present receiving careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to further encourage recruiting for the Territorial Army, he will consider the expediency of granting an extension of the time wherein trained ex-service men may be recruited, with the special inducements as regards bounty and period for which they enlist which at present apply to them?

The suggestion contained in the hon. and gallant Member's question is already under consideration, and it is hoped to make an announcement on the subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the patented unpullable screw peg, patent document No. 28,789, was used extensively during the War in connection with the rapid barbed-wire entanglement system; whether this patented screw peg was offered to the War Office prior to the outbreak of War, but declined; whether, in the circumstances, the inventors of the peg are due some emolument; and, if so, what steps should they take to obtain such?

Screw posts were used for erecting wire entanglements during the recent War, but the design was not due in any way to the patent mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member. Screw posts for the purpose of erecting fences were well known for a considerable time prior to the idea being suggested for tent pegs. The idea of using them as tent pegs, etc., is also very old, and devices constructed on this principle were submitted to the War Office as long ago as 1903, and many such have been submitted since. The subject of patent No. 28,789 was not used, and it is not considered that the circumstances justify the payment of any emolument to the inventors. The question of an award has already been investigated and, if the inventors are not satisfied with the decision reached, they can appeal to the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the design for the medal as well as the ribbon for the Territorial Medal to be awarded to those territorial officers and men who were members of the Territorial Force and who volunteered for foreign service during the first six weeks of the War has been approved; and, if so, when issues of the ribbon and the medal or either will be commenced?

The ribbon for this medal has been approved and issues will be commenced shortly. The design of the medal has not yet been approved as precedence is being given to the preparation and issue of the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a, daily allowance of 4d. per soldier living but is still paid as fuel and light allowance; whether this is precisely the same amount as was paid before the War; and whether it is the case that coal at 3s. 2d. per cwt. and oil at 2s. 1d. per gallon render such an allowance at present prices quite inadequate for the purpose for which the allowance was originally made?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The rates for fuel and light allowance are now being revised on current prices, and new rates will be published at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the total cost of the 14,800 aero engines on order at the date of the Armistice; how they have been disposed of; as to how many of these construction had not actually started on the date of the Armistice; and why he did not cancel those not begun, paying the resultant damages, if any?

This question should have been addressed to the Secretary of State for Air. The approximate total cost of the engines taken delivery of since the Armistice is £15,000,000. Engines of certain types have been retained for the use of the Service, others have been disposed of to Dominion Governments or handed over to the Disposal Board of the Ministry of Munitions. The figure 14,800 is not that of the number of engines on order at the time of the Armistice, which was much greater—it is the number which the contractors were allowed to complete under their contracts. It is impossible to say how many of these engines had not been commenced at date of Armistice, but in every case the Liquidation Committee of the Ministry of Munitions settled on the best terms available, the number of engines to be completed, and the compensation to be paid for cancellations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the area which it is proposed to supply with electricity obtained from the Alder-shot Command electricity generating station is within the area in which the Aldershot Gas, Water, and District Lighting Company has the statutory right to supply gas; whether the Aldershot Urban District Council will be competing with the Aldershot Gas, Water, and District Lighting Company for the supply of light, heat, and power for this area; whether it is his policy to engage in commercial and competitive enterprise in opposition to statutory undertakings; and, if not, will he take steps to prohibit the Aldershot Command electricity generating station from supplying electricity in bulk to the Aldershot Urban District Council?

I am advised that the Aldershot Urban District Council have the statutory right to supply electricity within the area for which the Aldershot Gas, Water, and District Lighting Company have the right to supply gas and water. The District Council are free to obtain bulk supply of electricity from any source and do compete with the Aldershot Gas, Water, and District Lighting Company as suppliers of electricity against gas. It is not the policy of the War Department to engage in commercial and competitive enterprise with statutory undertakings, and any competition in this case will not be on the part of the Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the training grants scheme administered by the Appointments Department embraces the training of law students; and, if so, whether the result as shown by the recent examinations has been satisfactory?

The training of law students is included in the Scheme referred to and the result of the recent examination has been highly satisfactory. In fact, of 183 candidates successful in the final examination of the Law Society held in October last, no less than 76 were selected and trained under the Training Grants Scheme of the Appointments Department. Among the number, one trainee was placed in the First Class with Honorary Distinction, the only candidate so placed in the final examination, and was awarded three of the Law Society's prizes, a very unusual thing. Another secured the Travers-Smith Law Scholarship. These results reflect the greatest credit on the selected trainees and on the voluntary committees who have carried out the important work of selection, recommendation, and award of grants.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men who applied for pensions in the last three months of 1919 and in each of the first three periods of three months in 1920; and whether he can suggest any means of avoiding the delay in dealing with these somewhat belated applications due to the absence of immediately available documentary evidence?

The approximate number of ex-service men who applied for pensions in each of the periods mentioned is 55,000, 54,000, 45,000 and 40,000 respectively. Claims of this nature, preferred some considerable time after the applicant has left the service, present serious difficulties in arriving at an early decision which shall be just both to the man and the State. I am, however, glad to inform my hon. Friend that the machinery for dealing with this class of claim forms one of the subjects of inquiry by the Departmental Committee, and I confidently anticipate that their Report will enable me to eliminate all avoidable delay.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that the Departmental Committee of inquiry into pensions administration is functioning through sub-committees, and that the one woman serving on the main Committee is only able to act on one of these sub-committees, he will consider co-opting other women to serve on the sub-committees which deal with regional and central administration, having in mind the fact that the late Minister gave a pledge that at least one woman should serve on all Departmental Committees or sub-committees?

I can find no trace that any such pledge as that referred to by my hon. Friend was ever given, and my right hon. Friend the late Minister of Pensions confirms this. I see no sufficient reason for altering my decision on this matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his Department makes any payments in connection with ex-service men who are in any asylums whatever in the country for the treatment of mental disease; why, if this be the case, both his Department and the Ministry of Health abstain from giving figures; whether the number of such men has been stated officially to be inconsiderable; and whether it is possible, in view of the payments made by his Department, to give the public reliable information on the matter?

I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the replies given to the hon. Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd) on the 28th June and to the hon. and gallant Member for Gateshead (Brigadier-General Surtees) on the 30th July last. From these it will be seen that ex-service men confined in asylums and suffering from certifiable insanity due to War service are by special arrangements treated as service patients with all the privileges of private patients. Their number on the 9th December was, I regret to say, 5,634. The entire cost of their maintenance and treatment is borne by my Department and, in addition, treatment allowances are made on substantially the same basis as in other cases of inpatient treatment.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of pensions cases brought under review in each completed month of this year, and the respective numbers of such cases in which pensions have been reduced?

I regret that I am not in a position to give detailed figures regarding reassessments for the first five months of the year, but the number of cases in which the assessment was reduced was approximately 48 per cent. of the total cases reviewed. For the last six months the percentage of cases in which the assessment was reduced was:

The reduction in the average degree of disablement resulting from these alterations was about 6.5 per cent. The percentages quoted include those cases in which the pension has ceased.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether claims for widows' alternative pensions must be made within 12 months of the date of the 1919 royal warrant, i.e., before 6th December, 1920, or within 12 months of the date of notification to the widow of the award of pension under article 11; whether a widow may receive an alternative pension when, owing to the cessation or reduction of children's allowances, it becomes more to her advantage than the flat-rate pension and allowances; whether this will result in claims to alternative pensions maturing years hence; whether this advantage is practically unknown among widows; and whether he will extend the period whereby applications may be made for alternative pensions and acquaint those affected of the facts?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. The terms of this provision of the Warrant have been very widely advertised. A notice has been sent to each pensioned widow, large numbers of leaflets have been distributed among local committees and the ex-service organisations, and announcements on the subject have been published in the Press from time to time. The number of widows, nearly 70,000, who have taken advantage of the scheme show that it is widely known, and in these circumstances I am not prepared to recommend any extension of the time limit.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the secretary of the Dundee Association of Dependants of Deceased and Serving Sailors and Soldiers was in- formed by the widows' branch of the Ministry of Pensions in August last that steps were being taken to increase the pensions of parents who were incapable of self-support and in pecuniary need beyond the maximum of 15s, plus 20 per cent. War bonus weekly; whether these increases* were to be made retrospective to 1st April last; whether many applications have been made by this association on behalf of its members who are eligible for this increase but in no instance has the same been granted; and whether steps will be taken to issue this increase, with arrears, to all sailors' and soldiers' parents where the increase in pension is admissible?

Owing to unforseen difficulties which arose, the review of these pensions had to be postponed, but the work is now in progress and will be completed as rapidly as possible. In all cases in which the pensioner's circumstances are found to justify an increase from the 1st April, 1920, arrears will be granted from that date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has now been decided that paid acting rank held during the War may count towards retired pay in a similar manner to temporary rank; and whether, in view of the importance of this decision, steps will be taken to give it as much publicity as possible and provide army agents with the necessary information and instructions so that they may conveniently and rapidly readjust the claims of officers affected?

It has been decided that paid acting rank of officers shall count for retired pay equally with temporary rank, and an Army Order on the subject is about to be issued.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether evidence will be taken before the Committee which will consider the Burma Bill; and whether the Burma deputation should remain or is free to return to Burma?

My hon. Friend will remember that in speaking of the Committee on Monday week I said that I do not propose that any Member of the Government shall serve on it. It will be for Parliament to decide whether the Committee should be appointed and the Burma Bill referred to it, and for the Committee, if appointed, to decide whether to take evidence and, if so, from what persons or bodies. I am afraid, therefore, that I cannot undertake the responsibility of advising on the last part of the question, so far as the Committee is concerned. If the Burma Deputation should consider it advisable to prepare and place in my hands a written statement of their case, I will take an opportunity, if one presents itself, of communicating it to the Committee when appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is any fresh evidence with regard to the operations undertaken by Brigadier-General A. E. Aitken in East Africa during the War; whether such evidence has altered the views of the India Office concerning this officer; and, if so, whether his seniority in 1915 will be taken into consideration and the fact that this officer has suffered a very considerable loss of pay?

The War Office, who removed Colonel Aitken from his command in 1914, have informed me that on further investigation with the information now available, they are of opinion that Colonel Aitken was not guilty of culpable negligence in the conduct of the operations which terminated with the reverse at Tanga, and that he should not be held responsible for the failure of those operations. I am now considering the question of compensating him.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the total expenditure on Indian Armies operating outside of India since the Armistice; whether the whole of this sum is to be borne by the British Exchequer; how much has already been paid; and what is the estimated balance?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The cost of Indian troops employed on Imperial service outside India since the Armistice falls on the British Exchequer. The accounts rendered to the War Office by India do not distinguish the cost of Indian troops from other expenditure incurred by the Government of India on behalf of the War Office, and I am therefore not in a position to give the figures asked for.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any provision is being made for the wives and children of the men who are being interned in Ireland without trial on suspicion of being members of illegal organisations, or whether they will be left to starve?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the auxiliary forces of the Crown in Cork city; whether looting of shops and robbery is being carried on openly and all day by uniformed men; whether these men, acting singly or in couples, hold up people in the streets nominally to search for arms or documents, but in reality to take whatever valuables they can find; whether several shopkeepers and business men have lost considerable sums of money in this way; whether the military police, when approached, say that they have no control over these auxiliaries; and what action he proposes to take to put an end to this condition of things and to safeguard innocent citizens from highway robbery by these auxiliary forces of the Crown?

The Auxiliary Division, Royal Irish Constabulary, have carried out frequent personal searches in Cork City in the course of which arms and ammunition, seditious documents, stolen official correspondence, and Sinn Fein emblems have been seized. They work under the immediate control of their own officers, and in conjunction with the regular Royal Irish Constabulary. Both these forces are now under the General Officer Commanding the Munster Division. They have frequently been fired at while carrying out their duties.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on Tuesday, 7th December, at 2 o'clock p.m., three motorcar loads of Black-and-Tans, military, and plain-clothes men, accompanied by an ordinary motor car, visited Ballintogher, where they broke into the creamery store and carried away stores to the value of £150; whether this transaction took place in the presence of the residents of the village, who recognised one of the policemen as a Constable Murtagh from Collooney; and what explanation he has to make on the matter?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to reply to this question, except to state that I have directed that these allegations shall be carefully investigated.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is in a position to give any further instances of crimes committed by rebels clad in British uniforms?

It is not possible to give an exhaustive list of cases in which police and military uniforms have been worn as a disguise by persons committing outrages in Ireland, but the following are typical instances:

(1) On the 25th July, three constables belonging to the police garrison at Streamstown Barrack, County Westmeath, were held up and stripped of their uniforms by masked and armed men, who shortly afterwards, wearing the stolen uniforms, attempted to gain admittance to the barrack. The trick was unsuccessful, and a determined attack on the barrack made later on the same day by a party of about 100 men was beaten off.

(2) On the 5th September, Belleek Barrack, County Fermanagh, was captured by a party of raiders dressed in military uniform.

(3) On the 4th November, a police and military patrol was ambushed at Ballina-lee, County Longford, by a party of men, some of whom wore police and military uniforms.

(4) On the 20th November, two men were kidnapped in Kilfinane, County Limerick, by a band of men, whose leader was dressed as a military officer.

(5) The ambush at Macroom on the 28th November in which 16 Auxiliary Cadets were brutally murdered and their dead bodies mutilated with axes, was carried out by a gang of assassins estimated at about 100, clad in military uniform and steel helmets. There have, no doubt, been many other instances, but as these attacks are usually conducted at night, it is not always possible to distinguish the disguises worn by the raiders.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the reason why the application of the Irish Co-operative Agency of Limerick for the renewal of permits for their motors was refused; and whether he will have the matter reconsidered, in view of the importance of the society's trade for the food supply of the people, both of Great Britain and Ireland, for which motor facilities are vitally necessary?

The Competent petent Military Authority in the exercise of his discretion refused to renew these permits on the ground that he was not satisfied that the vehicles would not be used for improper purposes. I am not prepared to intervene in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the present whereabouts of John Keely, Horseleap, Frank Egan, Moate, Arthur and Theophile Costello, Moate, and Mr. Duffy, Bally-keeran, Athlone, all of whom were arrested recently and taken to an unknown destination; what charge, if any, has been preferred against these men; and whether early steps will be taken to release them or to bring them to trial?

Orders have been made against the persons mentioned under Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations 14B interning them in Bally-kinlar Camp on the ground that they are persons suspected of acting, having acted, and being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the maintenance and restoration of order in Ireland. It is not proposed to release them.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Councillor Thomas Atkins was arrested by military at his home, 10, Spencer Street, Dublin, on the 2nd December; whether he was confined in Portobello Barracks until the 6th instant, after which date he was taken to some unknown destination and his relatives are anxious as to his present whereabouts; where Councillor Atkins is at present detained and what charge has been preferred against him; and whether steps will be taken to have him released or brought to an early trial?

Councillor Atkins is interned in Ballykinlar Camp in accordance with the provisions of an Order under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations, No. 14B, which has been served upon him. It is not proposed to release him.

asked the Prime Minister whether all hotels commandeered by the Government have now been surrendered; if not, will he give the names of those that are still retained; whether all claims for compensation have been disposed of; and, if not, what claims are still outstanding?

All commandeered hotels have now been surrendered with the exception of Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh; Crown Hotel, Newcastle-on-Tyne; Hotel de Ville, Leeds; Angel Hotel, Cardiff; Imperial Hotel, Wrexham; Clifton Downs Hotel, Bristol; Miller's Hotel, Portsmouth; Vastern Hotel, Reading; and a part of St. Ermin's Hotel, Westminster, which has been purchased by Messrs. Vickers for use as offices. All claims received for compensation in respect of actual occupation have been disposed of with the exception of that for the Vastern Hotel, Reading. Several claims in respect of the cost of reinstatement and loss of goodwill which cannot yet be formulated are still outstanding, but substantial advances have been made wherever possible.

asked the Minister of Food what has been the total expense to the country of the Consumers' Council for salaries, allowances, or expenses, since the date of the Armistice; and when is it proposed to disband this body?

The total expenses of and incidental to the Consumers' Council from 11th November, 1918, to 30th November, 1920, amounted to £4,980 17s. 5d. I have conveyed to the Council the decision of the Government to advance the date of the termination of the Ministry of Food to the 31st March, 1921, and I understand that the final meeting of the Council will be held on 4th January next. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the valuable service rendered by the Consumers' Council during the three years of its existence in promoting a spirit of co-operation in food matters between the Government and the workers throughout the country.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the cost of running the employment exchanges and the approximate cost per person placed in employment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Report of the Committee of Inquiry on Employment Exchanges, recently published as Command Paper 1054, and particularly paragraphs 28 to 31 and Appendix VII. It is there pointed out that the difficulty of allocating the various elements in the total cost of the Employment Department renders any exact figure of cost per placing unreliable. I should add that, although the Exchanges are even now finding employment for over 2,000 persons each day, the volume of work in connection with payment of out-of-work donation and unemployment benefit accounts for by far the greatest part of the cost.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed by the Cabinet to issue an intimation to all officials attached to the staffs of Government industrial establishments of the rank of principal foremen and above, and including the superintendents of yards and establishments, that their salaries will be reduced in the same proportion as the reduction entailed upon that of the workmen by working short time; and, if this policy be given effect to, can he state the approximate amount which will be saved to the Exchequer?

The details of the system of partial employment, of which the introduction is contemplated in certain Government industrial establishments as an alternative to further discharges, are still under consideration, and I am unable at the present stage to state in what manner it will affect superintending officers and office staffs.

asked the Minister for Mines if he is aware that a considerable number of coal hewers have been given notice to terminate their contracts in the Ocean Collieries, Rhondda, and that the employers state that this is forced upon them in consequence of the policy carried on by the Ministry of Mines re export coal; and, as the unemployment of these men may lead to the stoppage of all the collieries in the Rhondda, will he take immediate steps to secure the reinstatement of the said coal hewers?

I have no information on this subject other than that which has appeared in the Press, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour the present percentage of unemployed members of trade unions and the respective percentages in the corresponding month of each of the last five years before the War?

The percentage of unemployment amongst the members of certain trade unions (mainly skilled workpeople), making returns to the Ministry, was 3·7 at the end of November. For the same date in the five years preceding the War the percentages were:

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in a case where a local authority desires to undertake works in its area with a view to relief of unemployment, provided that special State relief works are not already in operation in such an area, the local authority can get financial assistance from the State; if so, to what extent; and, if not, will the Government favourably consider such a suggestion?

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware of the arrangements whereby local authorities can obtain financial assistance through the Ministry of Transport in connection with work on arterial roads in areas where unemployment is most serious. Suggestions that direct Government grants should be made available in respect of other forms of relief work undertaken by the local authorities have been made from time to time and have received careful consideration. My right hon. Friend the Minister hopes to make, during the forthcoming Debate, a statement with regard to the extent to which the Government have decided that they can assist such undertakings.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that as far back as March last the Bermondsey Borough Council, in order to relieve unemployment, framed a scheme of road repair at a cost of £40,000; that a deputation interviewed Sir Henry Maybury to ask for a contribution towards the cost; that while he expressed the sympathy of the Ministry he said no funds were available; that he however held out hopes of assistance towards a sewer scheme; and that the Borough Council prepared such a scheme at a cost of £44,850, but that the Ministry now inform them that no funds are available for this scheme either; whether £70,000 has been contributed by the Ministry to the Borough Council of Camberwell towards road repairs, and £12,000 only promised to Bermondsey; whether he is aware that the main road through Bermondsey and Rotherhithe, though strictly not an arterial road, is the only route carrying the enormous traffic from the Surrey Commercial Docks and from wharves on a five-mile river frontage to London, and that such wharves are immediately served only by a narrow badly-paved street close to the river and urgently in need of widening or improvement; whether he will cause a further considerable contribution to be made to the Bermondsey Borough Council; and, if not, what steps does he propose to take to assist in the relief of employment in the district?

As regards the first portion of my hon. Friend's question, I would refer him to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Bermondsey (Mr. Glanville) on 16th December. As regards the second portion, I am aware of the importance of the principal roads through Bermondsey and Rotherithe, and it was in consideration of the heavy dock traffic which they carry that the grant of £12,000 was promised to the Bermondsey Council. Without questioning the desirability of widening and improving the narrow street adjoining the river, I regret that no funds are at present at the disposal of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, from which assistance could be given towards work of this character. Financial limitations also render it unlikely that any further considerable contributions can be made to the Bermondsey Council from funds controlled by this Ministry.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reconsider the question of restoration of pre-War facilities for the collection and delivery of goods from the Great Northern Railway station at Bawtry, Yorkshire; is he aware of the fact that the railway company have received a fair offer from a local contractor and have even then refused to re-establish the service, neither will they state what they are prepared to pay for the same; that this refusal entails very grave hardship upon the inhabitants of the township, which will become all the more acute as a large colliery is being sunk near the town?

As explained in my letter of the 17th November to the hon. Member, the Great Northern Railway Company have been endeavouring for some time to arrange with a local contractor for the collection and delivery of goods at Bawtry, but the company regard the terms asked as prohibitive, and the cost would be a direct charge on the community and not on the shareholder.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the annual expenditure incurred on the upkeep of the Railway and Canal Commission; if the cost of the Commission has been reduced by the setting up of the Ministry of Transport; and if the Government has considered the possibility of abolishing the Commission in view of the wide and over-riding powers conferred on the new Ministry?

I have been asked to answer this question. As the hon. and gallant Member is doubtless aware, under Proviso 3, Sub-section 1 of Section 2 of the Ministry of Transport Act the appointment and procedure of the Railway and Canal Commission is specially excepted from powers which may be transferred to the Ministry of Transport, and under Section 3, Sub-section 1 ( f ), the rights of traders to complain to the Railway and Canal Commission in respect of certain important matters is specially reserved. The establishment of the Ministry of Transport has, therefore, not affected the expenses of the Railway and Canal Commission. The future of that body will be a matter for consideration by this House in connection with the Bill on the future of railways to be presented next Session. It is, however, the Court of Arbitration appointed under the railway agreements to which matters of dispute between the railways and the State must be referred, and everything points to its duties under this head being both arduous and of great importance in the immediate future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken by his Department or the various British manufacturers' and producers' organisations, or both, to find markets for British goods, the increased production of which is constantly being demanded; whether any steps are being taken, and, if so, what, to find new markets amongst the 400,000,000 people within the British Empire to replace the trade lost between this country and the 150,000,000 people of Russia and the Middle East; if he is aware that the need for these new markets for the absorption of the goods now filling the warehouses and factories of this country is causing serious doubts in the minds of thousands of people as to the wisdom or advantage of the present demand for increased production; and what advantage the present demand for trade with Russia and other countries that have nothing to give in exchange for British goods has over the development of markets amongst the citizens of the British Empire who can supply us with all the food we require and all the raw materials for, our industries in return for the manufactured goods which we could supply to them?

Every possible step is being taken and will continue to be taken to encourage the extension of Imperial trade, and any openings for such an extension which are reported by the Trade Commissioner Service or from other sources are immediately brought by the Department of Overseas Trade to the attention of British firms interested. I have also every reason to believe that the leading trade associations in this country are energetically pursuing the same object, whilst an energetic development of trade within the Empire is of paramount importance, it must also be borne in mind that important markets outside the British Empire are still incapable of returning to their pre-War consumption of goods, and that the restoration of healthy trading conditions throughout the world would be greatly expedited if something approaching to normal trade relations could be re-established with those markets.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great depression in the fabric glove manufacturing industry and of the fact that many employés will shortly be thrown out of work owing to the unrestricted importation of German gloves at very low rates; and will he take such steps as are necessary to give British manufacturers relief of some kind?

The facts with regard to the position in the glove fabric industry were placed before me by a deputation of the trade which I received on the 16th December. As I informed the deputation, it is the intention of the Government to include in a Bill, to be introduced at the beginning of next Session, provisions to meet the situation created by the importation of goods at abnormally low prices owing to the state of certain of the exchanges.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the sale by auction of stocks of imported upper-leather entirely without reserve; and if, in the anti-dumping legislation which he has promised to introduce as the first measure of next Session, he will provide safeguards rendering this form of underselling home manufactures impossible?

My attention has been drawn to a statement in the public Press to the effect that some imported upper-leather was recently sold by public auction without reserve. As regards the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I am afraid I cannot state in advance what will be the provisions of the proposed Anti-Dumping measure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of policies issued in both branches of the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, under the various so-called War stock and War bond tables since their introduction in 1916–17; what is the maturity value of the whole of the policies issued; and what is the total amount of British Government securities held by that company?

I have received a report from the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, that the number of War stock and War bond policies issued in both branches of the Company, excluding those not taken up in the Industrial Branch is 1,269,003. The maturity Value of these policies, taking bonds and stock at the nominal value, is £53,856,573. I am further informed that the total number of policies in force is 1,080,216, the maturity value of which is £48,408,918. The total amount of British Government securities held by that company exceeds £55,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the War bond policies issued in the Industrial Branch of the Prudential Assurance Company £2,500,000 per annum is being collected with considerably less than the usual insurance risks being taken by the company; that all the persons insured have been induced to take out these policies on the understanding that they were War bond policies, whereas Mr. Burn, the Company's Actuary, in his evidence before the recent inquiry, stated that such policies were not War bond policies; and whether, in view of the loss sustained by persons taking out these policies, the Government will appoint a committee to inquire into the matter?

I am informed that on the War Bond policies issued in the Industrial Branch of the Prudential Assurance Company, Ltd., the annual premium income which is being collected is £3,140,613. The policies provide for payment on death or at maturity in cash or in War stock, at the option of the policy holder, the amount payable depending on the period for which the policy has been in force. I cannot find that Mr. Burn stated in his evidence that these policies are not War Bond policies. The recommendations of the Committee with regard to these policies is receiving the consideration of the Treasury in connection with the legislation which is to be introduced.

asked the Minister of Food whether the stock of flour warehoused at Porthcawl, Glamorganshire, has considerably deteriorated owing to the inroads of rats and mice; and, if so, whether he will take steps either adequately to protect it or to dispose of it?

The flour referred to formed part of the stock held by the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies as a reserve in case of transport disorganisation. An adverse report having been received thereon, instructions were given for its reconditioning and disposal.

asked the Minister of Food what is the total weight of bacon and hams destroyed or sold for purposes other than food during the period these articles have been under Government control; what was the cost of the same in pounds sterling; what amount did they realise; and when is it proposed to release hams and bacon from all control, so that the British public may get better bacon and exporters be enabled to try and regain the large export trade there used to be in England of hams and bacon, and so provide more employment for their workers?

With regard to the first three parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne) and the hon. Member for the Wirral Division (Mr. Stewart) on 22nd March and 23rd March, respectively. In reply to the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for the Ardwick Division (Mr. Hailwood) on the 14th instant.

asked the Minister of Food whether the controlled price of Danish bacon is 230s. per cwt.; whether Irish and English bacon when decontrolled rose to 315s. per cwt. and now varies from 290s. to 295s. per cwt.; whether in pre-War days there was never more than 1s. to 2s. per cwt. difference between Danish and Irish bacon; whether any British bacon firms have also bacon factories in Denmark; and what steps the Government propose to take to prevent imported Danish bacon being increased to the price of the Irish and English bacon?

The controlled price of Danish bacon is 230s. per cwt. Irish and English bacon when decontrolled did rise to 315s. per cwt., and now ranges from 256s. to 290s. per cwt. Before the War, Irish and Danish bacon realised, approximately, the same prices as stated by the hon. Member. It is a fact that certain British bacon firms are the owners of bacon factories in Denmark. The maintenance of the present artificial margin between the prices of Irish and Danish bacon is rendered possible only by restriction of imports, and it may be assumed that with the reversion to normal trading the former economic ratio will be restored.

asked the Minister of Food whether the following commodities have increased in price since the Armistice: Bacon, bread, butter, eggs, and dried fruits; whether the prices at the Armistice, under control, were, bacon 2s. 6d. per lb., bread 9d., butter 2s. 6d., per lb., new eggs 5½d. each, and dried fruits 1s. 2d. per lb.; whether the prices to-day are, home bacon 4s. 6d. per lb., foreign bacon 2s. 8d. per lb., bread 1s. 4d., foreign butter 3s. 4d. per lb., home butter 4s. per lb., eggs 6d., and dried fruits 1s. 4d. to 1s. 6d. per lb.; if this increase is due to the removal of control; and whether, in the interests of the consumer and in view of the great distress prevailing in the country, he is prepared to reimpose control on those prime necessaries?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The success of control in stabilising prices during the War rested upon three conditions—restriction of imports, coupled with Government purchase, and in some cases inter-Allied purchase, thus eliminating competition of buyers in supply markets, the control of tonnage and freights, and the stabilisation of the exchanges. None of these conditions has it proved possible, for various reasons, to retain intact. In these circumstances I cannot accept the suggestion that the reimposition of control would meet with the same success as it did during the War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what was the number of aged and decrepit horses exported from Great Britain for slaughtering purposes in 1913, and what is the number for 1920; and why cannot these animals be saved the miseries of their loading, sea passage, and unloading, by being slaughtered on this side?

64,539 horses were shipped to the Continent during 1913, with a veterinary certificate of fitness to travel. The majority of these horses were probably shipped with a view to being slaughtered, but the Ministry has no precise information as to the exact proportion destined for the slaughter-house. The number of horses shipped during the current year up to the week ending 4th December was 54,160. In respect of the shipment of these animals, the Exportation of Horses Act, 1914, the operation of which was suspended during the War, came into effect. In accordance with the provisions of that Act, these animals were all certified by a veterinary inspector of the Ministry immediately before shipment, to be not only fit to travel, but also fit to work, and that Act, which is rigidly enforced, has entirely altered the character of the traffic in horses to the Continent. It is no longer possible to ship horses which are fit only to be slaughtered, and the last part of my hon. Friend's question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has completed his. inquiries with regard to the aerodrome buildings at Coal Aston, near Sheffield; and whether it will be possible to use them for housing purposes?

I am informed that these buildings are still held by the Air Ministry. I have, however, asked the Housing Commissioner to report on their suitability for housing purposes when, they become available for disposal.

asked the Minister of Health if landlords of property let at weekly rents are now informing their tenants that necessary repairs can only be carried out if tenants are prepared to pay the whole or part of the expenses incurred; and what steps he proposes to take to protect tenants' interests in this matter?

I have no information as to the first part of the question. As to the second part of the question, the Rent Restriction Act protects the tenants of houses to which the Act applies against any increase of rent beyond those-specified in the Statute.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the Sutton Water Company is under statutory obligations to provide water at a specified degree of softness, he will take steps forthwith to secure an analysis of the water supplied to the Purley district with the view of ascertaining whether such obligations are at the present time being observed?

The statutory obligations referred to are contained in Section 7 of the Sutton District Waterworks Act, 1903. The Act does not give me any jurisdiction in the matter, but provides that if the company fails to comply with the requirements of the Section, the High Court may, on application of a local authority, enforce the same.

asked the Minister of Health if it is the intention of the Government to give effect to the promises made to the

The figures in column 2 relate to the years ended the 30th September; those for the years 1914–15, 1915–16, 1916–17 are not available. The figures in columns 3 and 4 relate in each case to the year ended the 31st March.

asked the Minister of Health how the carcases of the calves used for the production of vaccine lymph at the Government lymph establishment are disposed of after the lymph has been taken from them and the animals have been slaughtered?

The calves used for the production of lymph at the Govern- Local Government Officers' Association that a Superannuation Bill for local government officers would be introduced at an early date; and, if so, will such a Bill be introduced early next Session?

The question of introducing a Bill on this subject will require further consideration in view of the charges which it would involve on the rates.

asked the Minister of Health if he will furnish a statement showing the number of public vaccinations carried out in England and Wales in each year during the past 10 years, and the expenditure incurred in respect of the same out of national and local funds, respectively?

The information asked for by my hon. Friend is as follows:— ment lymph establishment are hired, and after slaughter the carcases are examined by the veterinary surgeon of the establishment. The carcases sold for food are subject to further examination by officers of the local sanitary authorities. I am advised that there is no evidence whatever that the carcases of vaccinated calves are unfit for food.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the serious position which has arisen in the township of Mexborough, Yorkshire, in consequence of the continuous shortage of water and the total inadequacy of the existing water supply to meet the requirements of the town; is he aware of the fact that a fire which recently broke out and caused damage to the extent of £15,000 might have been kept within the limits of a few hundreds had a proper supply of water been available; that this continuous shortage is a serious menace to the health of the township; and will he, in view of the serious nature of the existing position, cause an immediate inquiry to be made into all the circumstances, with a view to the amalgamation or co-ordination of such essential services which are necessary to the welfare of the district?

I was not aware of the facts as to the outbreak of fire, but the District Council have informed me that the question of water supply in Mex-borough is urgent and have applied for sanction to further borrowing. I have given instructions that an inspector should visit the locality at an early date and inquire fully into the circumstances of the shortage of water.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of contemplated legislation to provide for one register of electors a year instead of two, steps can be taken to postpone the preparation of the first register for 1921?

I have no power to relieve registration officers of the statutory duties directly imposed upon them by the existing law, and it is not possible for me to anticipate the form of any amending legislation which may be enacted. In any event much of the work of preparation of the spring register is already done.

asked the Postmaster-General whether every sub-postmaster is called upon to sign a contract in which he guarantees to pay fair wages to his employés; whether the Post Office authorities regard the wages paid by good employers in the same area as being fair; whether the minimum rate for employés of the Bristol Co-operative Society at 21 years of age is 46s., with increases according to merit above that point; whether branch managers employed by the co-operative society receive 70s. when the takings amount to £75 per week; whether sub-office assistants in Bristol, with varying periods of service ranging from five to ten years, are in receipt of from £1 to £l 15s. per week, with a greater monetary liability and cash turnover than any branch of the co-operative society; whether a direct employé of the Post Office in Bristol would receive as much as £4 14s. for the same work; whether, although the sub-postmasters state that the remuneration paid to them by the Post Office does not permit them to pay fair wages, his officials have made no efforts since 1914 to secure that proper wages are paid to the assistants Because it would mean the closing down of the sub-offices; and whether, having regard to the state of affairs in the Bristol sub-offices, he will cause a searching inquiry to be made into the whole of the circumstances?

Scale Payment sub-postmasters are not called upon to sign any contract of the nature stated, but they are expected to pay fair wages to their assistants, and the wages paid by good employers in the same district are taken as a criterion. I am informed that the minimum rate of wages for employés of the Bristol Co-operative Society at 21 years of age is as stated, but that the wages paid by other good employers in Bristol are considerably lower. The sum of £4 14s. would not be received by a female sorting clerk and telegraphist unless employed at the Bristol head office or a branch office, and qualified to perform the highest duties of her class. The Postmaster-Surveyor of Bristol has throughout given attention to this matter, and in a number of cases the wages paid have been improved as a result of his action.

asked the Postmaster-General the axact significance of his new circular enjoining the avoidance, so far as possible, of the use of the night mails; whether this indicates any modification, actual or contemplated, of the facilities which the public now enjoy; and whether he is aware that the public desire greater facilities, not fewer, for the heavy rates charged them by the Post Office?

What the circular is intended to enjoin is not as the hon. Member suggests, the avoidance of night mails, but the extended use of day mails as well. I hope, especially if my appeal is successful, to avoid the necessity of fixing earlier times of posting. But the practice of posting large quantities of correspondence at the latest possible hour causes considerable additional expenditure, which, with the co-operation of the public, might be saved.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Cabinet instruction to the spending Departments that no extra commitments involving the ratepayers' and taxpayers' money shall be entered into without reference to the Cabinet Committee on Public Expenditure applies to the Board of Education; and, if so, will he ascertain if the Board are complying with the instruction?

The Cabinet instructions are of general application to all spending Departments. The Board of Education has already issued a circular to local authorities in conformity with them. The detailed application of the instructions in particular cases is the subject of consideration by my right hon. Friend and myself.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amounts of paper money have been issued during the last 12 months by the various European countries, including ourselves?

I would refer my hon. Friend to 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 there is any evidence that the profits of brewery companies have been reduced in consequence of the increase in the tax on beer made during the current year, or whether the whole of the additional tax imposed has been borne by the consumer?

I cannot state what is the exact proportion in which the additional duty has been divided between the different sections of the trade on the one hand and the consumer on the other.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of pre-War State pensioners have not yet received the increases due to them under the Pre-War Pensioners Act; and whether, in view of the continued increase in the cost of living, he will take steps to expedite these payments?

In the great majority of cases the increases for which pensioners are eligible under the Pensions (Increase) Act are already in course of payment. The outstanding cases are being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the amount of extra work thrown on the attendants and officials of the House owing to the prolonged Session, it is proposed to grant them any extra remuneration?

The Commissioners for regulating the offices of the House of Commons have received no application to the effect suggested. The length of the present Session is not unprecedented.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a decision has been arrived at with regard to the treatment of certain ex-officers of the prison service who retired on a smaller pension in consequence of having been promoted to a higher rank; whether, as the question has been under consideration a long time, he will expedite a settlement; and what steps are being taken?

The difficulty, which arises from the provisions of Section 12 of the Superannuation Act of 1834, is a general one and is not confined to the prison service. I hope that a settlement will be reached shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that 13 police officers were on duty in a small area affected by a labour dispute in the borough of West Bromwich; that the ordinary police duties could not in consequence be properly fulfilled: and whether he proposes to take any steps to see that the police are properly utilised in necessary work?

I do not know to what dispute the hon. Member refers, but I am assured by the Chief Constable that the police have not at any time been diverted from or failed to fulfil their proper duties. There appears to be no ground for any intervention on my part.

asked the Home Secretary if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Metalliferous Mines Bill next Session?

A Bill is under preparation, but I am afraid that it is not likely that it will be possible to introduce it next Session.

asked the Secretary of Mines the amount of weekly output of coal that has been realised since the settlement of the coal strike and how such figures compare with pre-War figures; whether this permits of an increase of wages under the scale then arranged; if so, to what extent; whether that output is sufficient to justify him holding out any hope of any reduction in the price of coal to the general consumers in this country in the near future, and, if so, to what extent?

The amount of coal raised during the week ended 20th November, the first full week since the settlement of the recent coal strike, was 5,210,700 tons. In the three following weeks the amounts were 5,176,500 tons, 5,176,200 tons and 5,205,400 tons respectively. I regret that weekly figures of output for a corresponding period before the War are not available. This output points to an advance in wages from the 3rd January under the recent agreement. But the figure for the last week of the test period is still to come, and I would prefer not to commit myself to a definite statement until the complete results have been ascertained. I am afraid that the present position of the industry does not warrant any expectation of a reduction in the price of home coal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping if the power house at Beachley, Chepstow, has been sold to the West of England Joint Electrical Authority for £163,200?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he can give an assurance that No. 39cc of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, as amended to 30th September, 1919, will be rescinded at the earliest possible date?

The answer is in the affirmative. The necessary steps are being taken to have the Regulation rescinded at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any Regulations in the Colony of Hong Kong controlling the amount of work which a child may be called upon to do or any limit of hours for which a child may be called upon to work; and if there is any legislation in the Colony to prevent these children from being employed at work obviously injurious to health?

There appear to be no such provisions, but, as I informed the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Cape) yesterday, the Governor is being asked for a Report on the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what was the method adopted by the Board of Agriculture, under the Act, for the election of the Advisory Committee from the Scottish Council of Agriculture; how many members of the Scottish Council of Agriculture were present at the meeting in Edinburgh for the election of the Committee; and how many votes were recorded for each of the members of the Committee elected?

A list of the names of seventy persons nominated by the Members of the Scottish Council of Agriculture for election to the Advisory Committee was handed to each member present at the meeting of the Council on the 3rd August. The members were asked to place a cross against the names of the nine nominees for whom they desired to vote. The voting lists were then collected and one of the members of Council was appointed by the meeting to act with officers of the Board in counting the votes. The nine nominees who secured the highest number of votes were declared elected. As regards the second and third parts of the question, 78 members of the Council were present at the meeting, and the votes recorded for each of the mem- bers elected to the Committee were as follow:—

^* Mr. Dudgeon withdrew in favour of Mr. Elliot.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether royalties are being paid in respect of oil now being raised in this country; and whether he will explain the present position of this question?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, a Bill dealing with petroleum rights in this country has been drafted and is now under consideration. Pending a settlement of the whole question, the proceeds; of the sale of the oil obtained from the Hardstoft well are being placed on deposit.