asked the Prime Minister when the iron gates will be erected in place of the present barricades at the end of Downing Street; what is the estimated cost; and whether a Supplementary Estimate will be presented?

It is estimated that the cost of these gates, including fixing, will be approximately £1,900, which sum will be included in the Estimates for 1921-22 (Class I, Vote 10). The gates will be erected as early as possible in the next financial year.

asked the Prime Minister whether the chief British delegate at the League of Nations Assembly has voted against any definite decision to limit the military budgets of the members of the League; and whether he took this action on instructions from the Government?

I hardly think the hon. Member can have read a full account of what took place on the occasion to which he- refers. There was only one division taken. It cannot properly be described in the language used by the hon. Member. The British delegate voted for it, and it was carried by a very large majority, only Brazil, Chile, France, Greece, Poland, Roumania, and Uruguay voting against it.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the letter of the Chairman of the Poplar Board of Guardians, along with the returns prepared by the general purposes committee of the Board, dealing with the serious financial position the Board finds itself in relation to unemployment locally; and whether it is the intention of the Government to deal with the suggestions therein referred to re the equalisation of the whole of the Poor Law charges in London?

I have been asked to reply. I have seen a copy of the letter referred to, and it is receiving consideration. But I cannot give any undertaking to introduce legislation to equalise the whole of the Poor Law charges in London.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the necessity for economy, one of the patronage secretaries to the Treasury can now be dispensed with?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister which Minister of State is responsible to Parliament for the acts of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), or whether no Minister is responsible?

Under existing law, no Minister is responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the importance of obtaining the lead of trained men in the Territorial Force to encourage younger men, it is intended to give a fresh extension of time beyond the end of the year for the £5 bounty given to ex-soldiers who enter the Territorial Force for one year; and, in view of the strong appeal made by him at the Mansion House for an increased effort in recruiting, he can see his way to give this assistance to committees which from pressure of work are only now beginning to work with full efficiency in country districts?

Any man who now enlists into the Territorial Force will be eligible for the full bounties issuable in respect of the training year which commenced on 1st November last and terminates on 31st October, 1921, provided that he fulfils the conditions laid down. The period during which an ex-soldier must enlist into the Territorial Force, in order to be regarded as a trained man, has now been extended to 31st July, 1921.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office if labourers employed at Gibraltar and Malta are being paid wages of 27s. 6d. and 27s. respectively, inclusive of war advances; why the Department refuse the repeated application for an advance of 20s. per week; and whether the Department will agree to immediate arbitration?

I am unable to identify the wage rates quoted in the first part of the question as those at present in force for War Department labourers at the stations named, but if the hon. Member can furnish me with the particulars on which his information is based, I will have further enquiries made. As regards the second part, no application for an advance of 20s. a week appears to have reached the War Office, and the third part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

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

During the War there was paid back to the troops from Expeditionary Force Canteen profits, in the shape of rebates, nearly £7,000,000. In addition, £591,000 has also been paid by order of the Army Council from these profits to various institutions, etc., for the benefit of the troops, as already notified in a series of Army Council Instructions. Owing to inevitable prospective losses on realising surplus stocks, it is not possible to estimate reliably what profits in excess of the above figures may result. Out of the assets so far realised the United Services Fund have received over £3,000,000. From the total sum ultimately available claims from India, the Dominions and the Colonies have to be deducted. Under the scheme for the establishment of the United Services Fund, as sanctioned by the Government last year, working capital for the future conduct of the institutes of the Navy, the Army and the Air Force is to be provided from the funds accumulated during the War. A balance-sheet for the Expeditionary Force Canteen up to 31st December, 1917, was published in Army Council Instruction 487 of 1919. A further report and statement of accounts has been received from the Expeditionary Force Canteen authorities, but as they contain no provision for losses anticipated on the realisation of unsold stock, no good pur- pose would be served by their publication. When the liquidation now in progress has been completed, a final balance-sheet will be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War the cost of the bungalows now in course of erection by direct civilian labour for the police and personnel of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps at Hilsea, Portsmouth; has his attention been called to a statement in a local newspaper that 300 men, in addition to staff, are employed on these houses, which are being built at the rate of only two per week; and whether he will consider the desirability of building the remainder of the bungalows under contract?

The cost of these bungalows is £943 per block of two quarters. This sum includes the value of old materials from dismantled hutting, etc., which, in the interest of economy, are being used as far as possible in the work. The actual cash expenditure on each block is £743. At no time have more than 90 men been employed on the erection of these quarters, and at present the number employed is 89. There are fifteen blocks containing two quarters each; three blocks have been completed, two blocks are nearing completion, and ten blocks are in various stages of construction. It is not possible to change the method of executing the work from direct labour to contract, owing to the necessity to re-use old materials.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the decision that disallows officers and other ranks being granted the usual Christmas leave and furlough; and whether troops proceeding for duty in Ireland, who have already had specially trying duty at Home, are entitled to some leave?

No decision has been given disallowing Christmas leave for officers and other ranks; in a few cases, however, the situation necessitated the recall from leave of certain officers and men for duty with their units. Endeavours are invariably made, as far as circumstances permit, to ensure that all ranks are granted some leave before proceeding on duty to Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the drill hall, Aberbargoed, is used for the purpose of recruiting Territorials and soldiers for the Regular Army, and that a wet canteen is provided at the hall, which is used by civilians as well as recruits and members of His Majesty's forces; if complaints have been received as to abuse of the facilities thus given for the sale of intoxicating drinks; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, steps will be taken either to abolish the canteen entirely or strictly to limit its use to members of His Majesty's forces?

I have no knowledge of this matter, but enquiries are being made, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will issue a list of contractors to the War Office who have been blacklisted since the list was issued last year?

The list referred to by the hon. and gallant Member was in respect of offences committed in time of war, but it is considered that in peace time the sentence of the Court, and the publication of the proceedings in the Press, should suffice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the clerks employed by the Medical Research Council are paid sums varying from 15s. to £1 a week below the rates paid under agreement A83 to headquarters staff on identical work; whether he is aware that the immediate superiors of the staff state that they cannot get War Office sanction to pay A71 plus A83 rates; and whether he will take steps to see that his Department no longer stands in the way of a living wage to these women?

I am making enquiries, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been finally decided that officers who were on the Reserve of Officers in 1914 and who, having settled in the Dominions, joined up with Dominion units, fought with them in various theatres of war, and being invalided home for one cause or another, subsequently received orders to join a British unit, are not entitled to count the combined service with Dominion and British units in calculating pension claims, but are restricted to count their service in either the one or the other; and whether he is prepared to consider the position of these officers in view of the disadvantageous circumstances that now affect them through no cause over which they had control?

Mobilised service of an officer of the Reserve of Officers does not count as service towards retired pay. If any of these officers were already in receipt of retired pay, the fact that they re-joined a British unit would qualify them for a re-assessment of such retired pay, under Army Order 324 of 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers, who having left the Regular Army with not less than five years' service, joined the Special Reserve, and on the outbreak of the War were called up and served continuously throughout the War, and who are still serving in the Special Reserve, are able to reckon the combined period of Regular and War service, together with half the period of Special Reserve service towards pension; whether officers who now retire from the Regular Army, having joined prior to August, 1914, can receive commissions in the Special Reserve, or are they only able to continue to serve in the Army as officers of the Reserve of Officers; and, if so, what obligations fall on them since such service does not qualify towards pension even to 50 per cent. of the period served?

An ex Regular officer who had resigned his Regular commission, and who subsequently received a commission in the Special Reserve of Officers and was mobilised during the War, does not reckon any part of his service as an officer of the Special Reserve for the purposes of service pension under the Royal Warrant.

Officers at present holding permanent Regular Army commissions who now retire from the Army, having joined prior to August, 1914, cannot receive commissions on the Special Reserve, since appointments to commissions on the Special Reserve are not at present being made pending re-organisation.

Officers retiring or resigning from the Regular Army become members of the General Reserve of Officers, as laid down in Article 682 Royal Warrant as amended by Army Order 304 of 1920.

The obligations imposed on officers of the General Reserve of Officers are laid down in Article 518 Royal Warrant. Officers with retired pay who rendered satisfactory service during the Great War are eligible for the re-assessment of their retired pay, as laid down in paragraph 5 of Table XVI. Army Order 324 of 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for War—it being considered that constant co-operation between photographic and spotting aeroplanes with the Artillery is necessary for efficiency— whether, in the opinion of the Army Council, it is advisable that such machines, together with kite balloons, should form part of the Army establishment; and whether, since the duties of these machines is not to fight but, with protection, to work solely with the Army, it is better to treat them and their personnel as a branch of the Army, leaving the protection duties to aircraft designed to fight and whose personnel are not trained with any other object?

The question forms part of the larger question of principle regarding the status of that part of the Royal Air Force working with the Army and its functions in relation to the Army. This question, together with others of a similar nature, is engaging the attention of the Army Council in connection with their consideration of the future organisation of the land forces.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there are Navy and Army Canteen Disposal or Dispersal Boards other than, or con- nected with, the Navy and Army Canteen Boards; whether there are, or are not, any boards supplying tobacco on behalf of the Government to troops, or selling tobacco on the Government account by auction, by private treaty, by departmental arrangement, or otherwise, which hold large and, if so, approximately how large, stocks of tobacco; and, if so, how it is proposed to dispose of such stocks?

As I have explained in previous answers, the Navy and Army Canteen Board have sole control of the disposal of their surplus stocks. The War Office hold stocks of tobacco and cigarettes for issue to the troops in certain countries overseas,- and regarding these I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on 20th December. Any surplus Government stocks are disposed of by the Disposal Board, and I have no knowledge of any other Board such as referred to in the second part of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is still intended to deny the re-assessment of those officers' retired rates of pay who, though liable to recall upon mobilisation in August, 1914, were held to serve elsewhere than in the Army during the War since the following words formed part of the Gracious Speech from the Throne, in August, 1914: And for making such special arrangements as may be proper with regard to units and individuals whose services may be required in other than a military capacity; and whether such words contained in the warning of the intention to issue a proclamation calling out the Army Reserve entitles these officers to the same consideration as given to others more fortunate in the nature of their service?

The conditions attaching to the re-assessment of retired pay were adopted after full consideration, and I regret that these cannot be modified in the direction suggested.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the ex-service men's carnival and exhibition which is to be held at the White City from 18th December to 15th January, 1921; and, if so, what part the Ministry of Labour proposes to take to encourage that exhibition?

Yes, Sir. The Training Department of the Ministry of Labour has arranged for working exhibits which will demonstrate to the public the training which disabled ex-service men receive in order to equip them for places in civil life. A small Employment Exchange has also been established at the exhibition, so that employers of labour may have every opportunity of availing themselves of the services of ex-service men, and of qualifying for a place on the King's National Roll. An opportunity is also being taken to bring to the attention of employers the new Business Training Scheme of the Appointments Department of the Ministry, by means of which it is hoped to absorb numbers of ex-officers and men of similar educational qualifications in the business and commercial concerns of the country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, under the regulation relating to the industrial training of fit men joining the forces at a comparatively early age, i.e., under 19, it is necessary for the applicant to prove that, in the event of his not having joined the forces, he would have become an indentured apprentice to a skilled trade; whether any applicants under this regulation desiring training in the furniture, leather, boot and shoe, building, vehicle building, and tailoring trades have been refused on general grounds other than the un-suitability of the individual applicant; and, if so, what are the grounds, and by whom was the refusal made

Fit demobilised men, to be eligible for training, must, as the Regulations now stand, be able to show that, through joining His Majesty's Forces at a comparatively early age, or for some other satisfactory reason of a like character, they failed to enter upon an apprenticeship or some recognised period of learning for a skilled trade. I cannot hold out any prospect that fit men eligible under this arrangement can be trained in the trades mentioned by my hon. Friend. There is an agreement with the trade organisa tions concerned as to the training of ex-service men, provided they have been prevented by disablement from pursuing their pre-War occupation. Disabled men must have priority, and the present state of employment does not warrant the admission of additional fit men to some of these trades. My hon. Friend will be aware of the negotiations which are in progress with the unions concerned respecting the admission of considerable numbers of ex-service men to the building trades, to which trades my comment immediately preceding does not apply.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the concession given to ex-service men to make application to the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department after the normal period of 12 months have expired will be extended after the 31st December next, in view of the fact that even now a large number of ex-service men still remain in ignorance of the benefits which they may derive from this scheme?

This matter is under consideration at the present time, and I hope to be in a position to make a definite announcement in the course of a few days.

asked the Prime Minister whether there are any Government contractors who are not yet on the King'3 Roll; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of fixing a definite date after which no contracts will be given to any firm that is not upon the Roll?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As my Noble Friend is aware, preference has been given for some time past to firms on the King's National Roll. The Government is now considering the advisability of fixing a date after which Government contracts will be definitely confined to firms on the Roll.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of instituting a second King's Roll scheme, under which all employers will be called upon to employ a certain proportion of ex-service men who have not been disabled, in addition to 5 per cent. of disabled men, so that the evils of unemployment shall not fall upon ex-service men?

I have been asked to reply. I am obliged to my Noble Friend for the suggestion, but I doubt very much its expediency.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the discharge certificate of S. M. Arrowsmith, D.C.M., No. 104,662, Royal Air Force, does not show any of the details of his promotions, trade classification, special qualifications, or of the casualties, wounds, campaigns, medals, clasps, decorations, mentions, etc., gained by this soldier; whether Mr. Arrowsmith has repeatedly applied to the officer in charge of records for a discharge certificate giving these particulars, and that his request has been unheeded; and whether, in view of the fact that being possessed only of an incomplete discharge certificate prejudices his chances of getting civilian employment, he will cause the matter to Be inquired into immediately?

Sergeant-Major Arrowsmith was discharged from the Royal Air Force on medical grounds on 11th June, 1920. His Certificate of Service was despatched to him by the Officer in Charge, Royal Air Force Records, on 21st June, 1920, and its receipt was acknowledged on 29th June, 1920. The document, if correctly made out, contains all the information referred to in the question. If the certificate was not correctly made out and my Noble Friend will send it to me, I will have further enquiries made.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the wife of No. 345,054, King's Royal Rifles Corps, who was so seriously wounded that he was detained in hospital 2½ years and not discharged therefrom until 4th October, 1920, was deprived of supple- mentary allowances granted to her under Part II. Regulations, Special Grants Committee, as from 30th June, 1920; on what grounds the family of a man who is suffering so severely from war service is deprived of assistance which has since been re-issued to the families of men in hospital; and whether he is aware that assistance had to be given from private sources?

The stoppage of supplementary allowances to the wives and families of men in service as from the date referred to, was, in accordance with the decision of the Government, of general application. A concession of the grant of supplementary assistance in the case of a few men detained in hospital owing to the nature of their disabilities was, however, subsequently made to date from the 15th October last, but it is not found practicable to ante-date these supplementary grants in other cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is a fact that widows of officers who were on retired pension before the War have had no alteration made in their scale of pension; and whether, seeing that a pension of some £50 per annum for the widow of a quartermaster having 35 years' service to his credit before retiring and whose death was hastened by the unpaid recruiting work he undertook in 1914 is inadequate under the present conditions of high cost, and whether any other pensioner is expected to live on about 8s. a week, he can take steps to alter this state of things?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Apart from the special increases given to widows who were pensioned before the War, there has not been any alteration in the scale of ordinary pensions for officers' widows. I should like to add that these pensions are compassionate grants and are only given when the widow's income is below a certain limit.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps have been taken to carry out the recommenda- tions of the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, that, as a general principle, all important Native states in India should be placed in direct political relations with the Government of India?

The matter is under active consideration; but the complete proposals of the Government of India have not reached me.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to pages 863 and 870 of the "Calcutta Gazette" for 3rd November, 1920, Part IV, A, in which it is stated that a circular had been issued prohibiting Government servants from contributing to the Dyer Fund, but that no orders had been issued prohibiting Government servants from subscribing to the Jalianwalla Bagh Memorial Fund started under the auspices of the Indian National Congress; and for what reason this distinction was drawn between the two funds?

The report to which the hon. and gallant Member refers relates to the action of the Government of Bengal only. I had not seen it until I received notice of this question. I do not know why that Government found it necessary to remind officers of the Standing Orders in the one case and not in the other.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many officers of the Indian Army have failed on application to obtain home leave during the last four years and what improved facilities have been arranged since the Armistice; whether, in order to assist in the granting of home leave, a number of officers were sent out to India for one year, and how many of such officers were afterwards ordered to serve in Mesopotamia; and whether additional relief officers in substitution of those now in Mesopotamia will be sent out?

Apart from 166 officers recruited specifically for expeditionary forces, 615 temporary officers have been recruited for India in the last thirteen months. The Government of India stated in June last that further recruitment was unnecessary, and there is no reason for thinking that leave from India has been refused owing to a shortage of officers. The other details asked for by the hon. Member are not available in this country, but if he wishes I will make inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the latest information on the acute nature of the trade crisis in India; and whether, before the House rises, he can make any statement on Government intentions with regard to the stabilisation of the rupee at 2s.?

The condition of the Indian exchange is of course a subject for constant watchfulness by the authorities concerned. This is true not only of Indian exchange, but of exchanges throughout the world. I regret that I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 15th December.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any inquest or inquiry has been held, either by the military or the police, on the bodies of the two men killed at Ballymacelligott on 12th November; and, if so, what were the findings?

No court of inquiry in lieu of inquest has yet been held in these cases. I am inquiring as to the reason for this, and have asked the military authorities to arrange for a court to be held as soon as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that on 4th December, shortly before midnight, the premises of the Tralee Co-operative Society were broken into by a party of the military; that the caretaker, who sleeps in a room over the premises, volunteered to facilitate the party in every way in their search, and his offer was refused; that the front door was smashed in and left open to the general public until 7 a.m. with nobody in charge; why, on 7th December, four Black-and-Tans demanded that the name over the shop that was in Irish should be removed within two hours, and unless such was done the manager was threatened with death, and as the name has always been both in English and Irish why was such demand made, seeing that both are legal; whether any steps have been taken to bring to justice those responsible; and whether protection will be given to both property and life concerned?

The Tralee Co-operative Stores were searched on the date mentioned by a party of Auxiliary Police, but the door was not broken open, and no unnecessary damage was committed. In regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question I am informed that no intimidation was employed by them to induce the manager to remove the Irish name from the premises.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Transport Labour Hall at Limerick was entered on Friday, the 17th December and the members, comprising stonecutters, printers and labourers, were forced to march at the point of rifle through the principal streets to the police barracks and docks and compelled to load and bag three lorries of coal; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case?

I only received notice of this question on Tuesday last and have not had time to obtain a written report on the matter, but according to a telegraphic report which I have received there is no truth in the statement that the men were compelled at the point of the rifle to march through the streets, or to load the coal.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the official list of casualties to the military and police in Ireland issued by the Irish Office for 1st January, 1920, to 20th November, 1920, record all casualties among the forces, inclusive of casualties due to accident, or whether they are compiled on the same basis as the Command White Papers 709, 859 and 1025, which purport only to give deaths and wounds arising from attacks under the general heading of serious outrages; the names of the 34 civilians recorded as having been killed between 1st January, 1920, and 20th November, 1920, in the return of casual- ties issued by the Irish Office for that period; under what circumstances they were killed; if this is the total number of civilians killed in Ireland during the period named; and, if not, why the 34 recorded have been selected?

The figures of police and military casualties to which the hon. and gallant Member refers relate only to casualties due to Sinn Fein outrages and do not include cases of ordinary accident. The figures of civilian casualties are compiled on the same basis. I do not think it desirable to involve the friends and relatives of the deceased in invidious publicity by furnishing the fuller information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member in regard to the latter casualties.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) whether he is aware that on Friday last, 10th December, the entire savings of over £200 were taken from the house of Mrs. James Coakley, a widow, of Donoughmore, county Cork, by uniformed men; if he will have strict inquiries made into this outrage with a view to the return of the money to Mrs. Coakley; is he aware that Mrs. Coakley can identify the persons who took his money;

(2) whether he is aware that raids were made by men in uniform on several houses in Donoughmore, county Cork, on Friday, 10th December, and various sums of money taken from the houses of Miss O'Regan, Mr. J. Sexton, Mrs. J. Murphy, and Mrs. Healy, all of that town; and if he will cause enquiries to be made regarding these outrages with a view to having the moneys and articles taken returned to their owners?

My attention had already been drawn to these very serious allegations before I received notice of the question, and directions have been given for a full and careful inquiry to be made. This inquiry is still proceeding.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what charge Mr. Louis J. Walsh, solicitor, now in Londonderry prison, has been arrested; when he will be brought to trial; whether Mr. Walsh has ever been known to urge a policy of violence either by speech or writing; and if his deten- tion in prison is in conformity with the declared policy of the Prime Minister not to punish anyone in Ireland for merely holding republican opinions.

The case is under consideration, and I regret that I am not able to give the hon. and gallant Member and further information regarding it at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by representatives of the 18 churches in the Tunstall Wesleyan circuit expressing their unanimous opinion that there is no solution of the Irish question in the present methods adopted, and urging the Government to use all possible means to arrange a Truce of God, and that negotiations for peace should begin immediately; and whether he will indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I cannot add anything to what has already been said on this subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that on account of his refusal to be photographed by an officer of the 2nd King's Shropshire Light Infantry, Michael Gray, a prisoner in the guard-room of this regiment at Beresford bar-racks, Curragh Camp, was struck in the face, subjected to other indignities, and threatened with further violence, in front of four civilian prisoners, on the morning of 6th December; and if he will take steps to prevent a similar occurrence and protect Michael Gray from a further assault?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that while Michael Gray was detained in military custody an officer was detailed to photograph him under Section 55, Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations. He actively resisted the attempt, and persistently made use of insulting gestures and grimaces so that he had to be forcibly controlled to enable a photograph to be taken. No more force was used than necessary. He insisted on posing for his photograph with his eyes shut and his tongue sticking out. At that time Michael Gray himself was awaiting trial charged with a brutal assault on a one-armed ex-soldier by tarring and feathering him.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will grant to the store warders of the Scottish prison service equality with the English prison service as regards general conditions of service, such as hours of duty, rent allowance, the option of wearing of uniform with an allowance in lieu, and the same number of days for annual leave?

According to my information there is at present no corresponding class in the English prisons service between which and the store warders in Scottish prisons comparison can be made as regards conditions of service. Any representations which the store warders may make for the improvement of their conditions of service will receive due consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will supply to an independent organisation information as to the names and addresses of the cases of small-pox classified by Dr. Chalmers, medical officer of health for Glasgow, as unvaccinated during the recent outbreak, so that inquiries may be made as to whether such cases were really unvaccinated, seeing that, in a former outbreak at Glasgow, Dr. Chalmers' own inquiries elicited the fact that many of the cases which he had classified as unvaccinated had been vaccinated in infancy?

I am not in possession of information which would enable me to supply the particulars desired by my hon. Friend. I have communicated with the public health authority for Glasgow, and I understand that they do not consider it desirable to give information as to the names and addresses of small-pox patients without the consent of such patients. This is a matter within the discretion of the local authority. As regards the statement in the last part of the question, I gather that the point at issue is the distinction between certification of vaccination and evidence that the vaccinatioin has been successful.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will request the Glasgow City Council to follow the procedure incumbent on English sanitary authorities under the Vaccination Act, 1898, and supply to an independent organisation such as the Glasgow Trades and Labour Council information as to the names and addresses of the cases of smallpox classified as unvaccinated during the recent outbreak, so that inquiries may be made as to whether such cases were really unvaccinated, seeing that in a former outbreak at Glasgow Dr. Chalmers' own inquiries elicited the fact that many of the cases which he had classified as unvaccinated had been vaccinated in infancy?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have given to-day to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Newton Division (Mr. R. Young), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, about the middle of October, Miss Mary Inglis left Gourdon, Kincardineshire, to take up a situation with Mrs. M'Bain, Kinchoil, Helensburgh; that, after having been only a few days in her situation, she suddenly disappeared, leaving no trace of her whereabouts; and whether every effort has been made by the police to discover her?

I regret to have to state that the dead body of Miss Mary Inglis was found on the 19th instant at a lonely part of Auchendennan Moor, Dumbartonshire. The police authorities concerned appear to have pursued their inquiries with all possible diligence.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the fact that a plebiscite was taken and that 90 per cent. of the Penarth electors voted, namely, a total of 5,284, and that 5,152 electors voted against Penarth being in- eluded within the proposed extension of the city of Cardiff boundaries, the great expense that would be involved in opposing the Cardiff proposal, and that this is the third attempt to bring Penarth within the city of Cardiff boundaries, he can take any steps in the direction of saving the ratepayers of Penarth from this expense?

I have already issued a circular letter to local authorities pointing out that they could save a large amount of unnecessary expenditure by dispensing with counsel and expert witnesses at inquiries as to borough extensions, and I am glad to say that the Town Clerk of Cardiff has raised this question with the other authorities concerned. The corporation are holding a conference this week with the opponents of their scheme, and I hope that some general agreement may be arrived at by all the authorities to avoid all unnecessary expense.

asked the Minister of Health whether there is any greater necessity to invite a claimant under Section 1 of the Blind Persons Act to attend a meeting of an old age pensions committee who is certified by a registered medical practitioner to be totally blind and is reported by the pension officer to be, apart from the question of eyesight, as to which he reports adversely without giving any reason for rejecting the medical certificate or other favourable evidence, entitled to the full 10s. a week pension, than there is to invite a claimant in whose case the pension officer has submitted to the committee an entirely favourable report by reason of his having received a certificate from an approved agency for the blind that the claimant is known to them as a blind person?

It is entirely optional on the part of a claimant to attend the meeting of the committee at which his claim is to be heard and, in view of his right of appeal, his attendance or non-attendance will not in fact ultimately prejudice his claim to a pension. But in conjunction with the other Departments concerned, I am considering whether it would be possible to permit of favourable reports being made by the pension officers where they are personally satisfied that the claimant is totally blind.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in order to enable old-age pensions committees, in cases in which they are not unanimously of opinion that a claimant under Section 1 of the Blind Persons Act satisfies the statutory condition of blindness properly to adjudicate upon the claim, he will, subject to successful consultation with the Treasury in order to obtain the necessary funds, make such arrangements as may be necessary to enable the committees to requisition medical assistance free of cost to the committee concerned or their clerks having regard to the facts that the committees have no funds whatsoever, and that the remuneration of the clerk of the committee concerned is limited by a Treasury regulation made in August, 1908, under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, to 2s. 6d., in very rare instances 5s., a case, which is insufficient to pay the cost of a medical certificate?

It is not considered desirable to act on the suggestion contained in the question. Arrangements have been made at the Ministry itself for assessing any medical evidence produced before Committees and for securing special investigation where such medical evidence is absent or unsatisfactory.

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to have Section 79 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, posted up in the waiting-rooms of pauper asylums, since this step has been now for some time under the consideration of the Lunacy Board; and, if so, when will this commence?

I am advised that this proposal is by no means free from difficulties and that there is much difference of opinion among experts as to its advisability. But the Board of Control have now completed their inquiries and I hope to receive their considered recommendation early in January.

asked the Minister of Health what becomes of the original reception order and accompanying medical certificates of inmates who are dead or who have been discharged from asylums, licensed houses, and registered hospitals, and also in the case where a licence is extinguished; do they remain permanently in the keeping of the medical superintendent or licensee; and, in view of the possibility of subsequent legal action taken by a sometime inmate, where the issue may turn upon the integrity and security of these original documents, will he take steps by regulation or otherwise to secure that these originals remain henceforth in the custody of the Lunacy Board and are safe from any interference with their contents?

The original admission papers relating to dead or discharged patients are retained by the authorities of institutions for as long as, in their discretion, they think it necessary. In the case of licensed houses, there is no general rule with regard, to the custody of documents when the licence is extinguished. But in view of the fact that copies of all these documents are in the possession of the Board of Control, I see no necessity for any regulations of the kind suggested, nor have I any reason to believe that the discretion left to the authorities is not properly exercised.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make inquiries into the case of William Augur a carpenter, at present an inmate of Napsbury asylum, who has been confined for eight years as insane for refusing to pay insurance and stating that he hoped to stand as a parliamentary candidate against the Prime Minister; secondly, into the case of an ex-service man on crutches who was arrested and brought up at Bow Street police court on 2nd October, 1920, in consequence of having tried to obtain access to the Premier at 10, Downing Street, to bring before him the starving condition of numbers of ex-service men; and, lastly, into the case of a woman, Ethel Crozier. confined as of unsound mind; on what grounds the two latter have been certified; where they are at present; and whether there is any sufficient reason for keeping the carpenter, who is now over insurance age, under detention?

William Augur was admitted as a patient in 1912 on a certificate clearly indicating unsoundness of mind, and subsequent reports have not shown any material alteration in his mental condition. I have, however, called for a further report as to his present state. The Board of Control have been unable to trace the second case to which the hon. Member refers, but if he will be good enough to furnish me with the man's name, I will have further inquiry made. As regards the third case, Miss Crozier has again been certified and admitted into the City of London Asylum. The copy of her admission papers is not at present available, as it had to be returned for the correction of certain errors. In any case, however, the public statement of the causes which have led to the certification of lunatics is to be deprecated as likely to cause unnecessary pain to relatives and friends.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a communication, dated 6th December, 1920, bringing to his notice the case of a married lady, a nurse by profession, who was sent, on 17th April, 1920, to St. John's infirmary, Islington, in a state of delirium, with a note from her own doctor, who diagnosed it as due to influenza and who referred also to the presence of an abdominal growth; is he aware that the Hindu doctor of the infirmary certified her as insane and committed her to Brook House private asylum, Clapton, where Dr. Johnston refused to examine as to the existence of the tumour reported to him; that her husband and relations were forbidden to visit her except for one brief interview, when they found her in a state of anxiety and distress; that at the end of four months they were suddenly summoned to the asylum where, after waiting in suspense for hours, they were informed that a surgeon had been called in who had decided that her condition was so perilous as to necessitate a major operation immediately; that a cyst of some years' growth, which had been the cause of the trouble, was removed; and that her mind on recovery from the anæsthetic was so absolutely calm and normal that she was discharged three weeks after the operation; and, in view of the stigma involved in this form of treatment and the expenses at the asylum, which have swallowed up her own and her husband's savings, will he take steps to have a searching inquiry made into the case on account of the neglect of elementary physical examination in asylums as well as the unjustifiable practice of certifying for symptoms due to delirium?

I have received a letter dated the 6th December from the lady to whose case the hon. Member refers, and I am having an enquiry made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Allott, of Hoyland Common, near Barnsley, have been informed by the Wakefield national health insurance committee that they were supplying or prescribing a quality of medicine to panel patients which was too expensive; that Dr. Allott has been surcharged a sum of £15 for this alleged offence; that, in consequence of the restrictions imposed, the doctors have notified those members on their panel that in future they will be unable to supply or prescribe the quality of medicine which in their opinion is necessary in many cases under their care; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that medical men are able to properly discharge their duties to their panel patients by being permitted to prescribe and supply that which is essential to a speedy recovery, irrespective of what is the cost of the drugs used?

My attention has not been previously drawn to this case and I am causing inquiry to be made. I may, however, inform the hon. Member that medical benefit under the Insurance Acts includes the provision of "proper and sufficient medicines," and no doctor can be surcharged in respect of prescribing unless the character or quantity of the drugs is "in excess of what may reasonably be necessary for the adequate treatment of his insured patients," and then only on the report of the Panel Committee, consisting of doctors elected by the insurance practitioners for the area. Any local decision to surcharge a doctor is subject to appeal to my Department.

asked the Minister of Health the salaries to be paid to the four divisional medical officers and the 33 whole-time outdoor medical officers recently appointed by him and what he estimates will be their travelling expenses; what expenditure will be incurred for the clerical and nursing staffs for these officers; what payment has been sanctioned for rent and care of regional offices throughout the country; is he aware that the appointment of these officers to supervise and direct panel doctors throughout the country is strongly resented by the medical profession; and, in view of the large expense involved and having regard to the heavy financial obligations already existing, can the matter be reconsidered?

The salary to be paid to the four divisional medical officers is at the rate of £1,600 a year, and for the 33 whole-time medical officers the salaries range from £1,000 to £1,400 a year, in all cases inclusive and providing that no additional payment is made in the shape of war bonus. The total travelling expenses of this staff for a full year is estimated at £8,000. In addition, a clerk has been assigned in certain areas, and the cost of clerical assistance under this head is estimated at £2,700 a year. Where necessary nurses are employed to assist the medical officers at a fee of half a guinea a session Where it has been necessary to rent premises for this work, the arrangements have been made by the Office of Works, but I shall be glad to obtain particulars of cost and furnish them to my hon. and gallant Friend. In answer to the last two questions, I am certainly not aware that the policy adopted is strongly resented by the medical profession. This policy, which was approved by Parliament in 1914, had been continuously supported by medical men and by the approved societies; it is sound in itself, and will produce results abundantly justifying the expenditure, in a saving of health and of the amounts paid in sickness benefit.

asked the Minister of Health why he has refused to allow a building guild to be formed in the County of Nottinghamshire?

As building guilds are still in an experimental stage I have thought it prudent to restrict the approval of contracts between local authorities and those organisations to a limited number of cases until further experience of their working is available.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether he will instruct the Board of Health in Scotland to consider proposals for the conversion of housing schemes consisting of brick-built houses in areas where stone is available to stone-built houses; whether, in areas where stone is plentiful, and where employment can be given to men out of work in quarrying stone, there is a distinct benefit in using stone, since it will enable the limited supply of bricks to be used to greater advantage in areas where stone is not available, and also, since lime would be employed, effect considerable saving in other respects;

(2) whether he will receive favourably representations from local authorities of areas where stone-built houses have in the past been the rule and not the exception, and where under the present schemes approved by the Board of Health only brick-built houses may be constructed under the Housing Act, in order to arrive at some definite arrangement in regard to subsidy and design, in order that the schemes may, where possible, be completed by the building of stone houses, which will permit many schemes being finished in far shorter time than can be expected under present circumstances?

The Scottish Board of Health are always willing to consider proposals by local authorities to build in stone instead of brick. Though the first instalment of a scheme may be proceeding in brick construction, subsequent instalments will be approved, if so desired, in stone, provided that the extra cost is not excessive. No question of subsidy or design appears to be involved. The Board recognise the advantages that stone construction may confer in certain areas in conserving materials and labour.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can lay upon the Table, or make public in some other form, a copy of the contract in operation between the Ministry and the building guilds in regard to erecting houses at Walthamstow; and what are the variations as compared with contracts entered into with building firms or companies?

"The contract between the Walthamstow Urban District Council and the Guild of Builders (London), Ltd., is for the erection of 400 houses. The Guild are paid the actual cost of labour and materials (in which is included wages equal to the standard rat© only for the district), together with a sum equal to 6 per cent. of the cost of the work, being the estimated amount of other out-of-pocket expenses. Out of the 6 per cent. the Guild make provision for the carriage, erection, use and waste of plant, tools and temporary buildings, head office charges, salaries of buyers and other staff not exclusively employed on the works, and the premium in respect of a bond taken out by the Guild to guarantee the proper performance of the contract, and it is provided that if the actual cost exceeds the estimated net prime cost (mentioned below) adjusted for fluctuations in rates of wages and prices of materials after the date of tender, the 6 per cent. is not paid on such excess, nor is the 6 per cent. in any case payable on increases in the price of materials. Beyond the actual cost the Guild is paid a sum of £40 a house and the Guild have pledged themselves to make payments to cover enforced absence of operatives due to wet time and sickness, and also a fortnight's holiday during the year from this sum.

The estimated net prime cost of each of the four types of houses to be erected at Walthamstow is £870 7s. 0d., £932 11s, 10d., £904 10s. l½d., and £838 1s. 2d.

The Guild have given the Local Authority security for the due performance of the contract by a bond equal to 20 per cent. of the estimated total contract sum. A break clause entitles the local authority to terminate the contract by giving 14 days' notice, if for any reason it appears expedient to them to do so, without assigning any reason for their action, subject to the consent of the Minister of Health. The Co-operative Wholesale Society are also parties to the contract, undertaking to supply materials, provided they can do so at or below the lowest current market prices.

The form of contract referred to above is experimental and will apply to a limited number of cases only. It is part of the arrangement between the Ministry and the Guild that the surplus, if any, shall be devoted to improving the service of the Guild and not be distributed to members. If the sums paid under the earlier contracts are found to be more than are necessary to meet the charges, the amounts will be reduced in future contracts.

The usual form of contract entered into by local authorities and contractors is for the erection of a specified number of houses for a lump sum. The prices are usually obtained by competitive tender. Provision is made for the contractor being refunded increases since the date of his tender in respect of rates of wages and cost of materials and the actual out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.

A form of cost contract comparable with the Guild contract is also in use for large schemes: under this the contractor is paid the actual ascertained cost of the work, together with a lump sum payment (usually £40 per house). This remuneration may, however, be increased or diminished in the following manner. If the actual cost of the houses proves to be less than the estimated basic price, after adjustment for fluctuations in rates of wages and prices of materials, the contractor receives by way of bonus a share of the saving thus shown— this is usually 50 per cent., but is sometimes less. If the cost of the work exceeds the basic price, adjusted as described above, by more than a margin of 2½ per cent. the contractor's £40 per house profit is diminished by an amount equal to 20 per cent. of the excess, but not so as to deprive him of the whole of his profit, a minimum of £20 per house usually being secured to him.

No sum comparable with the 6 per cent. for establishment charges, etc., in the Guild contract is allowed, but a fixed sum (usually £7 per house) is allowed for use and waste of ordinary light builder's plant, and a sum in respect of use and depreciation of heavy plant equal to 24 per cent. per annum of the value thereof for the first 18 months and 12 per cent. per annum on the value thereof thereafter. The erection and maintenance of the plant is not covered by the above percentage and is charged to the cost of the work. All overhead charges incurred on the site, including any manager, buyer, or accountant wholly employed on the works and the contractor's own travelling expenses are also regarded as part of the cost of the work, but no part of any head office expenses which the contractor may incur in addition to his office on the site.

The contractor is required to pay neither more nor less than the standard rate of wages. Security for the due performance of the contract is effected by means of a retention fund, varying according to the size of the contract, but not exceeding 5 per cent.; interest on this retention fund is paid to the contractor. A break clause is included similar to that in the Guild contract."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many huts are lying vacant at St. Budeaux; and if, pending the decision as to their future, the Admiralty will authorise their being let at a nominal rent for a period of six months to the Comrades of the Great War or similar society willing to take them and use them for housing ex-soldiers and their families who cannot obtain suitable accommodation?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It has not been possible to ascertain in the short time available the exact number of huts for disposal at St. Budeaux. The buildings, however, include 12 mess rooms, officers' quarters, canteen, store rooms, etc. Negotiations were opened with the Plymouth Corporation with a view to selling the buildings for housing purposes, but such negotiations have not matured. They have since been widely advertised for sale, and it is hoped to dispose of them shortly. With regard to the last part of the question, any offer from the Comrades of the Great War, or similar society, to buy the buildings would be sympathetically considered, but it would be contrary to the policy of the Disposal Board to let them for any period.

asked the Minister of Food (1) the total charges for rent of premises used as flour stores up to 30th November, 1920; what loss has been incurred up to this date in consequence of the deterioration of the flour by damp, vermin, or other causes; the cost of re-transporting back to the mills the flour stored in unsuitable buildings so that it may be reconditioned; what steps will he take to cease this wasteful policy;

(2) in how many places flour was stored during last spring under the direction of the Landed Grain Commission; the total quantity of flour so stored; what portion of it was specially milled for this; the amount of extra cost thus incurred; and what was the gross value of the flour at the time, including transport?

I presume that the hon. and gallant Member refers, not to the regular stocks of flour held by the Ministry, which are stored in trade warehouses and continuously passing into consumption, and with regard to which I have received no complaints, but to the special stocks which were placed at numerous points throughout the country to be held as a reserve against any dislocation of transport threatening the bread supplies of the people. With regard to the total quantity and the location of such stocks, I would refer to the reply given on the 13th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Eastbourne. In certain cases it was necessary to utilise buildings not entirely suitable for the purpose, but the flour has been regularly examined by expert inspectors, and over the total stock the losses for deterioration and reconditioning have been negligible. . With regard to the other details asked for by the hon. and gallant Member, I have made inquiries and I find that the preparation of the information would require the prosecution of hundreds of inquiries in different parts of the country, involving considerable labour and expense, which I am not, at the moment, in a position to undertake. The question of the extent to which these emergency stocks may now be safely dispersed is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the confusion caused both to consumers and traders by the rapid fluctuations in prices brought about by the sudden announcements of price reductions without adequate notice; and if he will undertake that such notice shall in future be given to the public and the traders?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Burslem (Mr. Finney) on the 20th instant.

asked the Minister of Food what were the quantities of barley, rye, oats, maize, flaked rice, and other cereals, sugar, molasses, and glucose used in brewing and distilling in the United Kingdom during the brewing and distilling years ending 30th September, 1919 and 1920, respectively?

The form in which the records are kept does not allow of the data being given exactly under the headings indicated in the question, but the following tables give substantially

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the cause of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Martlesham, East Suffolk, has ever been discovered or has any conjecture been formed by his Department as to its origin?

Our inquiries exclude the possibility of infection being introduced on Howe's Farm, Martlesham, by persons, foodstuffs, packing material, straw or other materials of foreign origin, which would appear to have been either air-borne or brought by migratory birds. The evidence points to the latter as the probable carriers of disease from the Continent, as the farm is situated on the bank of a tidal river which attracts and is frequented by large numbers of wild birds, and the owner noted the arrival of large flocks of starlings and jackdaws from across the North Sea just prior to the outbreak.

the information asked for by the hon. Member:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the crab-pot fishermen of the Start Bay, Devon, have recently been suffering severely from the illegal raids of trawlers in forbidden waters; that during the three weeks ending 21st November crab-pots to the number of between 150 and 200 were lost by the 15 boats fishing from Beesands; and whether he can take any action to put an end to such depredations, which threaten to deprive these Start Bay men entirely of their means of living?

I am aware that serious complaints have recently been made by the crab-pot fishermen of damage caused by illegal trawling in Start Bay. The question of taking steps to punish the offending trawlers is being considered by the Ministry with the Devon Sea Fisheries Committee, who alone have the power of enforcing the bye-law under which trawling in Start Bay is illegal. In addition, the officer in command of His Majesty's ships detailed for fishery protection has been asked to send a vessel to Start Bay, and it is hoped that her presence will have the effect of preventing further offences.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that in some rural parishes a rate of over 1s. 6d. in the pound is required from all ratepayers to meet the deficit caused by the Ecclesiastical Tithe (Rates) Act, 1920, for instance, in the parish of Pebmarsh the amount is 1s. 8d. in the pound, Toppesfield 1s. 8d., Tilbury 2s. 0¾d., Stambourne 2s. 1d., and Great Yeldham 2s. 5d.; and whether, in view of the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture on behalf of the Government that the total amount of the increased rate will be quite insignificant, averaging well under some small fraction of a penny, the Government propose to take any action in the matter?

As regards the first part of the question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that he has no information on the matter. The answer to the last part of the question 1s in the negative.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when the Admiralty Accountant-General's office in Newgate Street and Warwick Square will be given up by the Government?

Arrangements are being made whereby it is hoped the premises will be vacated not later than the end of February next.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of retired Civil servants who are in receipt of a pension at present employed in the various Departments of the Ministry of Labour?

The number is seven. One of these officers is leaving the Department early in January.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether it is proposed, in the re-organisation of the Finance Department, Kew, to relegate to the ledger section and certain purely routine sections all permanent women civil servants employed there, while the more responsible sections are to be staffed entirely by men?

I have been asked to reply to this question, which presumably relates to the finance branch of the Ministry of Labour at Kew. The answer to the question is in the negative. Permanent women civil servants are eligible on merit for the higher posts in the branch, and some are already filling such posts. The women civil servants are not restricted to purely routine sections.

asked the Minister of Health what salary is assigned to the new Registrar-General; whether that salary is in excess of that paid to the late Registrar-General; and by what authority any increase has been granted, in view of Section 4 of 21 and 22 Vic, c. 25, which limits the salary to £1,200?

The arrangements now under consideration contemplate that no salary would be assigned to the new Registrar-General as such. The Registrar-General's office has been placed under the immediate direction of the Minister of Health acting as agent for the Treasury. The duties of Registrar-General will be discharged by one of the Principal Assistant Secretaries of the Ministry, who will be on the scale of £1,200 to £1,500 assigned to the grade. The officer proposed to the appointment commences at £1,200.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a petition from the Dumfries Town Council regarding the unemployed; and, if so, whether he is aware that no reply has been received?

I have not received a copy of the petition referred to.

asked the Prime Minister whether, despite the Recess and the departmental holidays, he will arrange with the various Ministries interested in the relief of unemployment to expedite as much as possible all inquiries and applications addressed to them by public authorities so that there may be no delay in giving effect to schemes and measures of effective assistance?

I can assure my hon. Friend that all Departments concerned fully recognise the necessity of taking all possible steps, without delay, to give effect to any approved measure or scheme in regard to employment.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications have been received to date for unemployment contribution books and the number of insurances effected, respectively, through the agency of trade unions, benefit societies, Government Departments, or agency direct or otherwise?

On 8th December 7,064,000 unemployment books had been issued in Great Britain under the Unemployment Insurance Act, and arrangements had been made for the issue of 454,000 further books; the total of 7,518,000 represents about 95 per cent. of the total number of books which it is estimated will be issued under the Act.

In Ireland up to 17th November 233,000 books had been issued, and arrangements had been made for the issue of 75,000 further books. The total of 308,000 represents about 67 per cent. of the total estimated issue.

Insurances under the Act are all effected in the same way, namely, by obtaining an unemployment book and affixing stamps thereto as required by the Act. Advantage was taken as far as practicable of the assistance of employers, trade unions, and approved societies in the issue of the books, but there is no distinguishing mark on the book to show through what agency it is issued, and it is not possible to say what numbers were issued through the different agencies. Arrangements made with associations under Section 17 of the Act for the administration of State Unemployment Benefit cover a membership of approximately 3,785,000, of whom approximately 15,000 are members of provident or friendly societies, the remainder being members of trade unions. Applications from associations representing another 1,087,000 members are at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether refusal to take unemployment benefit through a trade union invalidates that person's membership of the trade union to which he belongs;

(2) whether trade unions can compel their members to contribute to a fund for unemployment when the State already has a scheme which is compulsory;

(3) what redress a person has who refuses to take unemployment benefit through his union, and is expelled from membership for such refusal?

It is not compulsory under the Unemployment Insurance Act for any person to contribute to any association for unemployment benefit, nor is it compulsory for him to take the unemployment benefit due under the Act from an association to which he has so contributed. The action which an association may lawfully take with regard to a member who refuses to contribute to its unemployment fund, or who refuses to take the unemployment benefit due under the Act through the associatioin, depends on the rules of the association and on legal questions, with regard to which I can express no authoritative opinion.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain employés of the Lloyds British Testing Company, Tipton, Netherton, and Cradley Heath made contributions in error under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1911, from 7th September, 1916, to October, 1919; whether the necessary forms were filled in by each man concerned making application for a refund; and, if so, whether he will expedite a settlement of the claims?

The checking of the claims referred to by my hon. Friend has proved to be unusually difficult. It is hoped that the sums due to all the employés of the company whose claims have been allowed will be paid not later than Wednesday next.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the Supplementary Estimate of £500,010 approved on Monday last in connection with transportation schemes and to relieve unemployment, any provision has been made for the reconstruction of the Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway, for which work a large amount of skilled and unemployed labour is now available at Basingstoke?

The Supplementary Estimate to which the hon. and gallant Member refers provides only for expenditure on roads, and is not available for transportation schemes such as that which he suggests.

asked the Home Secretary the total number of aliens who have been naturalised in the United Kingdom since the Armistice; whether naturalisation certificates are being or have recently been granted at the rate of nearly 200 a month; and whether, in view of the prevalence of unemployment and the shortage of house accommodation for our own people, he will explain the reason for adding such large numbers of naturalised aliens so rapidly to the population?

The total number of certificates of naturalisation granted during 1919 and 1920 (up to 30th November) was 3,588, and the average monthly number of certificates granted during the twelve months ended 30th November, 1920, was 196. Of the 3,588 certificates mentioned, 2,713 were granted to aliens who had served with good conduct in His Majesty's forces, and 496 to British-born women who had been married to aliens. Certificates of naturalisation are granted only to persons already resident here for a number of years, and have therefore no effect in adding to the population.

asked the Home Secretary the number of men of all grades in the Metropolitan Police Force on the 1st August, 1914, and on the 30th November, 1920?

The total strength of the Metropolitan police on 1st August, 1914, was 20,899, and on 30th November, 1920, 20,968.

asked the Home Secretary if he will withdraw the Order allowing omnibuses and tramcars to carry over the licensed number of passengers that the vehicle is licensed to carry and thereby prevent men being discharged?

The carrying of excess passengers was permitted by the Commissioner of Police solely in the interests of the public, and as soon as the requirements of the public can be met without this concession it will be withdrawn. I have no information that any discharges are taking place, as suggested in the last words of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that there are no first-class carriages on the tube railways; that a good deal of the congestion on the District Railway is caused by having first-class carriages on the trains; that at night time and early morning crowds of people part to the right and left as the train comes in to avoid the first-class carriages; and that when the third-class carriages are full the people crowd into the first-class compartments, but dare not sit down because they would have to pay excess fare; and if he will recommend the abolition of the first-class carriage?

I am aware that there are no first-class carriages on the tube railways. The question of abolishing first-class carriages on the local railways has been frequently considered by the companies concerned. There is, however, a considerable public demand for such accommodation, and, as at present advised, I am not prepared to recommend their abolition.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, following the fatal accident on the District Railway at Wimbledon several months ago, a recommendation was made that the existing buffer-stops should be replaced by something more effective; that the damage to the roof of the station was repaired several weeks ago, but that no more effective buffer-stops have yet been fixed; and whether, in view of the fact that the recent accident was the second of the kind at this station, he will take steps to arrange for the recommendation referred to being carried out without delay?

The coroner's jury at the inquiry into this accident, which was held on the 18th October, made the recommendation to which the hon. Member refers, and an Inspecting Officer of the Ministry of Transport dealt with the subject in his Report on the Accident, which was issued on the 20th instant. He recommends certain alterations to the stop blocks at this station, and the London and South Western Railway Company, to whom it belongs, have been asked for their observations on his recommendations.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken by any of the railway companies to carry out the proposals embodied in his scheme of zone group railways?

As the hon. Member is aware, Parliamentary authority will be required to carry out the proposals outlined in Command Paper 787, and I propose to introduce a Bill on the subject next Session.

asked the Minister of Transport what powers he has to ensure that railway companies do not take advantage of the Government guarantee of net income to increase the capital value of their properties by charging to current what should be charged to capital expenditure?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Command Paper 654 for a statement of the extent and nature of my supervision over the railways, and also to the reply given to him by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 21st December, and to certain previous replies of which I am sending him copies. The allocation of expenditure between capital and revenue is a point which is specially watched by the Ministry. Lord Colwyn's Committee has been made aware of its importance.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the appointment of the new general manager of the London and North Western Railway; is his salary payable by the Government; was the appointment sanctioned by the Government; and what the total salary and allowances will amount to?

The appointment and dismissal of officers generally is a matter within the discretion of the individual companies. I am aware of the appointment of the general manager of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to the post of general manager of the London and North Western Railway, and understand that he will continue his present duties in addition. Salaries are part of the working expenses of railways, and I am not aware of the amount at which the salary has been fixed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any decision has been arrived at concerning the liability for the payment of £50,000 voted by the North Eastern Railway Company to their ex-deputy general manager?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can expedite the settlement of the financial dispute between the railway companies and the Government, so that if there is to be any money paid over to the former the claims of the superannuated railway staff to increased pensions may be met as soon as possible?

The settlement of the liabilities of the Government which arise under the Railway Agreements can only be completed after the termination of the period of the present control.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether persons whose earned incomes range from £400 to £2,000 per annum are paying Income Tax at a higher rate this year than last year, whereas persons whose earned incomes range from £2,250 to £6,000 are paying at a lower rate, including Super-tax, this year than last year; and does he propose to rectify this anomaly next year?

My hon. Friend's question does not correctly reflect the results of the new system of graduation of the Income Tax. He will find the effects fully explained on reference to H.C. 718 which was laid before this House at the time of my last Budget statement. I may add that the system of graduation accepted last summer by this House is that which was recommended by the Royal Commission on the Income Tax after a most exhaustive investigation designed to discover the fairest possible distribution of the burden of taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Greek troops at Smyrna are being subsidised by the British Government at the rate of about £1,000,000 per month; and if so, whether he will put a stop to this expenditure of taxpayers' money?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative and the second part consequently does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, before the House rises, he can, to restore commercial confidence, make any announcement with respect to his Budget intentions on the subject of the Excess Profits Duty?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon Member for Islington, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the urban district of Weston-super-Mare is still without secondary schools, and that out of 254 free places awarded in Somerset in 1920 only two were gained by Weston-super-Mare children, he will bring pressure to bear upon the local education authorities to ensure that children from the urban district of Weston-super-Mare may be able to enter on a competitive basis for any of the free places offered in the administrative county of Somerset under Article 20 of the Board's regulations for secondary schools?

I am communicating with the Somerset local education authority on the matter. As regards competition for free places, I may refer the hon Member to the provisions of paragraphs 6 ( e ) and 7 of the Appendix to the Regulations for Secondary Schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education if, for the guidance of educational authorities in the country, he will define the position of his Department towards the recommendations of the Burnham Committee on salaries in elementary and secondary schools?

The Report is receiving my careful consideration. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Erith Education Committee has given notice of dismissal to a teacher named Davies on the ground that he objects to becoming a member of a trade union; whether the committee is within its rights in dismissing a teacher on such grounds; and whether he will give instructions that no money provided by the taxpayers be paid to any education authority that imposes on its teachers or other employés an illegal condition of employment?

I have seen a statement to this effect in the Press The question whether a condition of employment is illegal is a matter for a Court of Law, and is not one on which I should like to offer an opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether service in a school conducted for private profit is recognisable for the purposes of the Teachers' Superannuation Act, and who determines a school is or has been so conducted or not?

Service in schools which are conducted for private profit cannot be treated as "recognised" service for the purposes of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918. It may, however, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, be treated as "qualifying" service. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to Section 6 of the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether half-time employment in the cotton and other industries will be illegal as from 1st January, 1921, and, if so, what is the position of local education authorities which have hitherto provided educational facilities on the basis of the half-time system?

Under the provisions of the Women, Young Persons, and Children Act, 1920, relating to the employment of children which will come into operation on the 1st January, 1921, it will, after that date, be illegal to employ half-time in the cotton industry or any other industrial undertaking, a child who was not already employed on that date. Since the Act does not interfere with the employment of children half-time who were already employed on that date, it will be necessary to continue for some time the educational facilities at present provided on the basis of the half-time system.

asked the Prime Minister whether the day continuation schools provisions of the Education Act of 1918 are to come into force on 10th January?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to a question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Aston (Mr. Evelyn Cecil).

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total amount estimated to be raised by local rates in Ireland for education during the financial year ending 31st March, 1921?

The information is not available, and could only be obtained by circulating local authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities and value of enamel wrought hollow-ware and galvanised wrought hollow-ware imported into this country from Germany and Austria for the year 1913 and for the first six months of 1914?

The imports of enamelled wrought hollow-ware were as follow:—

Consigned from Germany:

During the year 1913, 11,256 tons, valued at £443,049.

During first six months, 1914, 5,929 tons, valued at £241,987.

Consigned from Austria-Hungary:

During the year 1913, 2 tons, valued at £116.

During first six months, 1914, 30 tons, valued at £757.

Galvanised wrought hollow-ware was not separately distinguished prior to 1920.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether manufactured articles can be imported into this country from Germany and sold at about half the price at which they can be produced in English factories; whether this is largely due to the adverse exchange; whether, considering the detrimental effect which this is having upon the English manufac turer, he will state what steps, if any, the Government have taken to rectify the exchange, or, if nothing has been done up to the present, will he indicate when the Government intend to move in the matter; and, if possible, can he say what is the course that is likely to be adopted?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that, owing to the state of the German exchange, goods can be and are being imported from that country at abnormally low prices. I am not aware of any steps which could be taken by the Government to rectify the exchange, but as regards the action contemplated by the Government to meet the situation, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 20th December to the hon. Member for Bournemouth (Lieut.-Colonel Croft), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any proposals are now under consideration in the West Indies for increases on the preference in favour of British goods in the tariffs of those islands?

Very substantial increases in the preference to be accorded by the British West Indian Colonies to goods of Canadian origin were recommended by the recent conference at Ottawa. In considering the adoption of the recommendations made by the conference the colonial Governments have at the same time had under their consideration the extension of these preferences to British goods.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can suggest to the Government of the West Indies means for the improvement of official commercial representation in the islands and in Canada for the furtherance of British Empire trade?

My hon. Friend is, of course, aware that the Department of Overseas Trade has a representative in the West Indies who is charged with the representation of the commercial interests of the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State has already drawn the attention of the Governments of the West Indian Colonies and Bermuda to the question of improving the representation of their commercial interests in Canada.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the workers in the glove industry are only employed half-time, while English shops are stocked with foreign gloves that bear no identification mark; that gloves are imported to this country in an unfinished state and that English manufacturers' buttons are put on them, and that the gloves are then sold as English goods; and whether he can give any estimate of the quantity of gloves imported this year, and also the imports of the last pre-War year, and from which countries?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information as to the statement contained in the second part of the question, and I should be glad if my hon. Friend would supply me with any information he may have on the subject. I will have statements printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT, showing the quantities of gloves imported from various countries in 1913, and the first 11 months of the present year.

The following are the statements promised: