asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of Cornelius Murphy, of Ballydaly, Rathmore, county Kerry, who was tried at Cork on 17th January by a military court for an offence against martial law, and was charged with being at Ballydaly on 4th January in improper possession of arms and ammunition, namely, a loaded revolver; whether he is aware that the court found him guilty and sentenced him to suffer death by being shot, and that the finding and sentence of the court were duly confirmed by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland, and the sentence was duly carried out on 1st February; and under what Statute or legal authority the military authorities acted in administering capital punishment in this case?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The authority under which the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief and the Military Governor acted was the authority conferred on them by the existence of martial law.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that recently, by order of the military authorities, a general holiday was observed in Killenaule, the schools being closed down and all business houses being obliged to shut; that the holiday was in commemoration of a battle won by a Lincoln regiment in the Sikh wars in 1842; that a sergeant of the Lincoln Regiment made arrangements for holding donkey races; that from the early morning troops were busy bringing in donkeys for the occasion; that the sergeant made a collection among the onlookers; and that an account of the sports was published in the local press at the request of the military authorities; and whether this compulsory suspension of business and education was sanctioned by Dublin Castle?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I have not heard of these donkey races, but I have called for a report

asked the Lord Privy Seal when it is proposed to introduce the Irish Land Purchase Bill?

I regret that I am not in a position to name a definite date.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, on 4th February, a party of Crown forces surrounded a number at Kilbrittain, County Cork, commandeered the residents, and compelled them to destroy the shops owned by Mr. Patrick Crowley, and to level with the ground the ruins of the business premises of Mr. Simon Mac-Carthy which had been burned by constabulary a fortnight previously; whether Mr. Patrick Crowley, junior, who endeavoured to escape from the Crown forces who wished him to assist in the destruction of his father's shop, was shot dead; and whether the Crown forces on this occasion acted with or without the authority of the general officer commanding in the district?

I am informed that in consequence of continued attacks on the constabulary barrack at Kilbrittan no less than three attacks having been made in the month of January, the Military Governor at Cork directed that the shop owned by Patrick Crowley next the barrack, and the public-house of Simon MacCarthy opposite the barrack to be levelled to the ground, and to carry out this operation the help of local labour in the village had to be procured. Mac-Carthy's house had been burned during one of these attacks on the barrack, on which occasion the barrack had been bombed and fired at from it. Patrick Crowley, junior, was not shot while endeavouring to avoid assisting in the destruction of his father's house. He was shot at Maryborough, about three-and-a-half miles from Kilbrittan on the same day in endeavouring to escape arrest and after being called upon several times to halt.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Miss Annie Martin, aged 76, and her sister, Mrs. Devine, aged 73, were arrested by the Crown forces and taken to Longford where they were imprisoned; that they were released, but subsequently re-arrested, and detained in prison, first at Longford, and afterwards at Athlone, and Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, for over a month until released on the 4th February last; whether their house at Ballinalee was burned by the Crown forces; and whether he will state why these aged ladies were detained in custody without any charge being preferred against them?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. On the 7th January last a District Inspector of Police was foully murdered at the house occupied by these two women in circumstances which gave rise to the strongest suspicion that they were privy to the murder and knew who had committed it. Directions were given to proceed against them, but when their age was brought to my notice I decided, in view of this and of the fact that the house had been burned down, not to take further action in the matter, and they were accordingly released.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on 2nd January, 1921, an official communication was issued by garrison headquarters in Ireland stating that as a result of an ambush at Midleton, county Cork, in which one policeman was killed and two afterwards died of wounds, the houses of seven inhabitants living in the vicinity were destroyed on the evening of Saturday, 1st January, by order of the Military Governor, the occupants being given one hour's notice to remove their belongings; and what explanation he has to offer for the new policy of reprisals by order of the Military Governor now being pursued in Ireland?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The measures taken by the Military Governor on this occasion were deemed by him to be necessary as a deterrent, against future ambushes of the Crown forces, and have my full support.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether County Court Judge Fleming, in awarding compensation at the Athlone Quarter Sessions in respect of the burning of the house and furniture of Mr. Hughes, of Coosan, on 7th November, stated that he had no doubt that it was the work of the forces of the Crown; and whether any action has been taken against those responsible for this burning?

I am informed that the County Court Judge did not express himself as free from doubt that the burning in question was committed by the Crown forces, but only stated that the evidence in support of the claim pointed to that conclusion—a very different matter. It has not, in fact, been possible to fix responsibility for this outrage upon any member of the Crown forces, and no member has therefore been made amenable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. Thomas O'Mahony, J.P., chairman of the Fermoy urban council, and Mr. J. J. Broderick, urban district councillor, were both taken to the military barracks, Fermoy, on Sunday morning, 2nd January, 1921, and informed that the town had been fined £100 in connection with the tearing down of proclamations which had been posted during the week at the post office and on certain shop windows; that Mr. O'Mahony was detained in custody until Friday, 6th January, when he was released, the military authorities having levied the fine by confiscating goods from four business establishments in the town; and what explanation he has to make on the matter?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the facts are as stated. The action was within the general powers vested on the Military Governor under martial law.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Bridgetown co-operative creamery was burned on the 20th January, the roof and nearly all woodwork totally destroyed, machinery injured, and some of the utensils, stores, and fixtures entirely consumed; whether this damage was committed by forces of the Crown; and whether he will cause immediate inquiries to be made?

According to a police report which I have received this creamery was destroyed by fire on the date mentioned, and the destruction appears to have been malicious. The police are unable to assign any motive for the outrage, or to obtain any information as to the person by whom it was perpetrated.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received any communication from the United Operative Plumbers and Domestic Engineers Association regarding the case of Mr. E. Dorrins, a member of that association, who was taken from his bed at his own home in Dublin at 12.30 a.m. on the 3rd February by Crown forces, and after ill-treatment by them was conveyed in a motor lorry through the city and was asked by the officer in charge whether he would like to be drowned or shot, and was taken to Capel Street Bridge where three members of the Crown forces flung him into the river; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have directed an inquiry to be made into these allegations, which were only recently brought to my notice by the General Secretary of the United Operative Plumbers and Domestic Engineers Association. If the hon. Member will repeat his question on one day next week, I hope then to be in a position to furnish him with a reply.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) whether he has received the Report of the inquiry he ordered into the robbing of Mrs. James Coakly, a widow, of Donoughmore, County Cork, by uniformed men on Friday, 10th December last; what is the result of the investigations, and whether the sum of £200 which was taken has been returned to Mrs. Coakly;

(2) whether he has received the Report of the inquiry he ordered to be made into the raids by men in uniform on several houses in Donoughmore, County Cork, on Friday, 10th December last, when various sums of money were taken from the houses of Miss O'Regan, Mr. J. Sexton, Mrs. J. Murphy, and Mrs. Healy, all of that town; what was the result of the inquiry; and whether the sums of money have been returned to the owners?

A full and searching inquiry has been made into these allegations which are explicitly denied by the officer in charge of the police party operating in the district on the date mentioned. No evidence has been forthcoming implicating any member of his force.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why it was that although permission had been given by Lieutenant-Commander Little for the next-of-kin of Joseph Tormey and Patrick Sloan, who had been shot by a sentry while interned in Ballykinlar camp, to be represented by counsel at the military inquiry, three telegrams from the prison leader asking Mr. Healy, K.C., to attend were accepted by the chief military censor and afterwards suppressed, and that in consequence the next-of-kin were not represented at the inquiry?

The enquiry was adjourned to enable the next-of-kin to be represented and they were so informed. In the case of one deceased the invitation to attend was declined and in the other the next-of-kin attended the enquiry, but in neither case was any application with reference to legal representation made. The telegram to Mr. Healy was submitted by an internee without communication with "or authority from the next-of-kin."

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether an application, dated 6th January last, and signed by the Prison Officers' Representative Council, dealing with the recently reduced rates of permanent pay, was submitted to the General Prisons' Board by the President of the Representative Council, and that no reply of any kind has been given to that application; and whether he will take early and immediate steps to have the claims embodied in the application sent forward to the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Board, or give permission to the Council to forward those claims to that Board?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a number of principal warders and Class 1 warders employed on clerical duties in offices, stores, and schools in the Irish Prison Service have been degraded to the rank of clerk and schoolmaster under the new scheme of assimilation and have accordingly suffered a great reduction in permanent pay; whether the Assistant Undersecretary promised the Prison Officers' Representative Council on the 17th August last that existing holders of those positions would not be interfered with; and, if so, will he now take steps to see that those existing officers are restored to their former ranks or are permitted to retain the permanent scale of pay common to the principal warder rank?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the dissatisfaction prevailing in the Irish Prison Service consequent on the degrading of a large number of principal warders and the reduction of their permanent pay, and also other irregularities under the assimilation scheme, he will allow the whole question of assimilation to go before the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Board, as requested in the application of the Prison Officers' Representative Council, dated 14th February, 1920?

There are various questions affecting grading and pay in the Irish Prisons Service, to which I am at present giving my personal attention. If necessary, the Prison Officers' Representative Council will be given an opportunity for a conference on the whole matter at an early date. Pending such conference, the question of a reference to the Civil Service Arbitration Board does not arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when General Strickland's Report on the burning of Cork City will be made public?

I have nothing to add to the statements I have already made with regard to this matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the present monthly cost of the Royal Irish Constabulary, the Dublin Metropolitan Police, and the Auxiliary Police Force in Ireland?

The monthly expenditure asked for is as follows:—

	£
Royal Irish Constabulary (Permanent Force)	430,000
Dublin Metropolitan Police (including Dublin Police Courts)	35,600
Auxiliary formations (including Auxiliary Division, Royal Irish Constabulary, Veteran Corps and Special Constabulary)	155,600

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Royal Irish Constabulary Auxiliary Division are under the orders of the officer commanding the troops in areas under martial law; whether Army officers are empowered to give orders to men of the Royal Irish Constabulary or its auxiliary division in cases outside the martial law area when joint military and police operations are in progress; and whether military officers have power to arrest members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the auxiliary division under all circumstances?

In the martial law area all the forces of the Crown, including the police, are under the orders of the Military Governor of the area concerned, but for the purposes of discipline and organisation the police remain under the direct command of their own officers. When police are assisting in military operations, the Senior Military Officer takes command and in such cases orders to the police are issued by him to the Senior Police Officer present. Police are only liable to arrest by military if they are found committing offences which would render civilians liable to arrest by military.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was and is the strength, of the Royal Irish Constabulary post at Mallow; whether an officer was appointed at once to take District Inspector King's place when that officer was wounded; if not, was there any officer, and, if so, of what rank, in charge of the post on the night of the 29th–30th January and for the period when it is stated that the men from the locomotive shed were put under arrest; and by whose orders were those men arrested?

It is obviously undesirable to give particulars of the strength of police posts, especially in an area where a state of rebellion exists. A district inspector was attached to the station in addition to the county inspector.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many arrests were made in Ireland in the years 1918, 1919 and 1920, respectively, and in the month of January, 1921?

The total number of persons arrested in Ireland during the year 1918 was 14,676 and during the year 1919 was 13,130. These figures relate to crimes of every kind and not merely to political offences. The figures for the year 1920 are not yet available as the criminal statistics for that year have not yet been compiled. The figures for the month of January, 1921, are also not yet available.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds were Michael and Patrick Hannigan, of Cloghan, county Donegal, arrested on the 9th instant; whether they are to be tried for any offence, and, if so, for what, when, and how; is he aware that Michael Hannigan had been confined to his bed since December owing to sciatica; what treatment is Michael Hannigan receiving at present; and is he under the care of or has he access to a doctor?

These two men were arrested because they are known to be a captain and a lieutenant respectively in the so-called Irish Republican Army. I am not aware that Michael Hannigan had been confined to his bed since December owing to sciatica. He was examined by a medical officer on the 17th February, and made no complaint of ill-health nor has he since done so. He is taking regular exercise with the other prisoners. He is visited daily by the orderly officer and can obtain medical attendance if he requires it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was the total cost of the Army, Air Force, and Police Forces in Ireland in the years 1917, 1918, 1919, and 1920, respectively?

The following Table shows the total cost of the Police Forces in Ireland in the financial years:

1916–17	…	…	£1,641,765	6	3
1917–18	…	…	£1,804,787	6	10
1918–19	…	…	£2,127,092	10	2
1919–20	…	…	£3,306,117	7	3

The increased cost of the police in the last-named year was almost entirely due to the increase of pay granted to the Force which took effect from 1st April, 1919. As regards the remainder of the question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that the cost of the military forces in Ireland in 1920 was approximately £12,500,000 for an average of 44,500 troops; and in 1919 was approximately £15,000,000 for an average of 56,850 troops. Owing to the variations that have taken place in rates of pay and the prices of commodities it is regretted that similar calculations for the years 1917 and 1918 cannot be given without great labour.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the wife of William George Nash, No. 203673, Rifle Brigade, who enlisted in March, 1916, and was so seriously wounded that he was detained in hospital for more than a year and was not discharged therefore until the 26th September, 1920, was deprived of the special supplementary allowance granted to her under Part 2 of the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee as from the 13th June, 1920; whether he will state on what grounds the family of a man who has suffered so severely from war service was deprived of assistance which has since been re-issued to the families of men still in hospital; whether he is aware that assistance had to be given from private sources; and whether this procedure is in accordance with the nation's pledges given to men on enlistment?

The decision of the Government to stop supplementary allowances to the wives and families of serving soldiers as from the 30th June, 1920, was of general application. Subsequently, however, a concession, with effect from the 15th October last, was made in the case of men still detained in hospital; but it was not found practicable to make this supplementation retrospective. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend of the substantial increases in Army pay and allowances granted since the date of this man's enlistment.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Ministry can see its way to lay down the principle that any man who, entering the Army in sound health, is discharged in impaired health shall have his invalidity automatically attributed to military service?

I am not prepared to accept this suggestion. Each case is considered on its merits in the light of all available evidence; and if a claim to pension is rejected by my Department on the ground that the disability is not due to service, the man has a right of appeal to an independent tribunal.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the present flat rate disability pension of £2 for a disabled man and 26s. 8d. for a War widow was fixed when the cost of the living figure was 115; is he aware of the consequent injustice and hardship which are now prevailing; and will he cause the flat rate to be increased so that it may bear the corresponding relation to the present cost-of-living figure?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Northern Division of Paddington (Mr. Perring) on the 1st November, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether 3rd clerk J. W. Allan, No. 186,578, Royal Air Force, of 5, Hastings Street, Chorlton-on-Med-lock, Manchester, is still awaiting payment of two years' arrears of pension allowance (reference 3/A. F./21, and 2/R. A. F. 4,679), in respect of his wife; and whether he will take action in this case?

I regret to find that there has been some misunderstanding in this case; but a wife's allowance has now been awarded and instructions given for payment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the camp at Westbere, near Sturry, Kent, has never yet been vacated by the military and restored to its owners, although notice has been given by the Disposal Board of the Ministry of Munitions that the buildings thereon, with the exception of the horse lines, are to be sold by auction at short notice; that, notwithstanding statements to the contrary by officials interested in continuing the military occupation of the land, it is known in the locality that no use whatever has been made of the camp for many months, while some six acres of valuable land has been kept out of cultivation until it is too late to use it for agricultural purposes during the coming year; in view of these circumstances and of the fact that rent, rates, and taxes have had to be paid all this time, that the huts on the land have been unrepaired and are rotting, and that civilian officials from London, as well as military officers, have from time to time paid visits to the camp at the Government's expense, whether he realises that Westbere Camp is being widely quoted as an example of Government waste; and whether he can give any information on the subject to justify the conduct of the Government in this matter?

I have been asked to answer this question. The camp was handed over by the War Office to the Ministry on the 31st December last, and arrangements are now being made to hold an auction sale at an early date. I would point out that the land cannot be restored to the owners until this sale has been completed and the land cleared.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government intends to fully adhere to the terms of Army Order, No. 3, of 1921, regarding outfit allowance for officers; whether an officer who joined the Special Reserve during the War, and has now received a commission in the Foot Guards or other unit commanded to purchase full dress, is entitled to whatever balance remains of the grant of £150 after the deduction of the outfit allowance, £50, he received on joining the Special Reserve?

An officer appointed to the Special Reserve during the War and receiving a permanent commission in the Household Troops after 4th August, 1914, will receive the balance of the £150, referred to in the Army Order, less such deductions as under the terms of the Army Order may be applicable. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular case in mind and will let me have full information, I shall be glad to let him know how the Army Order applies to it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office if men were signed on for the Army of Occupation on the understanding that they would receive the present rate of pay for soldiers in addition to a bonus, and their parents would continue to receive the same allowance as they had been receiving during the War; and if these men were informed in September last, after serving in the Army of Occupation and receiving the present rate of pay in addition to the parents' allowance for 12 months, that their parents' allowance could no longer be continued unless the men were willing to accept the old rate of pay for soldiers?

Army of Occupation bonus is not issuable concurrently with the new rates of pay. If the reference is to re-enlisted men, such men were promised the continuance of the rates of pay then in force and the old rates of separation allowance or dependants' allowance. When the rates of pay were subsequently increased it was distinctly stated that the War rates of separation allowance and dependants' allowance (including parents' allowance) would not be continued, in addition to the new rates of pay. These men could secure the continuance of the allowance to their parents by electing to draw the rates of pay authorised when they re-enlisted. In most cases, however, the new rates are more advantageous than the old rates plus parents' allowance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that A. Southwell, C. Thorpe, and T. H. Southwell, Uppingham, ex-service men, applied 10 months ago for small holdings to the Rutland County Council; whether these applications were accepted; whether one of the applicants was informed that possession would take place in October, 1920, and in the other two cases early in 1921; whether the applicants have on a number of occasions written to the Rutland Council but have had no reply; and whether he will state when land will be provided for these ex-service men?

The Ministry is aware that there is an unsatisfied demand on the part of ex-service men for small holdings at Uppingham. The Ministry has already urged the Rutland County Council to acquire land in order to satisfy the demand, if necessary by the exercise of compulsory powers, and the Ministry will arrange for its District Commissioner to take the matter up again with the Council and the result will be communicated to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that T. Billington, 12, Hale Road, Tottenham, an ex-service man with three years and ten months' service, applied to the Middlesex County Council in August, 1920, for a small holding; that this man has had considerable experience of farming and gardening, and has won numerous prizes for exhibits in open competition; that the applicant was approved by the appropriate committee; for what reason this man's name has since been struck off the list; and whether steps will be taken to provide this man with a holding?

The Ministry is informed by the Middlesex County Council that T. Billington was not approved by the appropriate Committee as a suitable applicant for a small holding. The Council state that he was interviewed on 28th January by a Sub-committee and was rejected because he stated he had no capital.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that on 7th July, 1919, application was made by the Furness and Lake District Federation of Allotment Associations to the Lancashire County Council to meet the demand for smallholdings; that, in November, 1919, the land was surveyed by the county land agent and that selected by the applicants considered satisfactory; that, in February, 1920, the county council stated the matter was still being considered; that, in March, a further request from the applicants received a bare acknowledgment; that, in May, a representative of the county council again investigated the matter; that, in July, application forms from the county council were signed by the applicants and returned to the council; that, in August, a further investigation took place and a promise of land made; that, in November, in response to further request by applicants, the county council replied that negotiations were in progress; that, in January, 1921, the same reply was given; when land will actually be provided for these ex-service men; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing new legislation which will enable land to be acquired for small holdings and allotments on easier and speedier procedure?

The Ministry has no information in its possession with regard to the applications for smallholdings referred to, but immediate inquiries will be made by one of the Ministry's Commissioners and the result communicated to the hon. Member. As regards the last part of the question, the Ministry is of opinion that the existing legislation makes adequate provision for the acquisition of land for small holdings and allotments.

asked the Minister of Food when the control of imported butter and cheese will be removed; and what are the Government holdings of these products?

The restrictions on the importation of butter will be removed on 1st April and purchases by the Ministry will cease on or before that date. For reasons already given to the House I do not think that it would be in the public interest to disclose the stock figures at present. As to cheese, all purchases and restrictions on dealings in privately imported cheese have been discontinued for nine months. The balance of Government stocks still in hand amounts to about 5,000 tons, and it is hoped that these will be cleared by 31st March.

asked the Minister of Food whether, as a result of the decontrol of bacon, American bacon is now being purchased wholesale at 115s. per cwt., a drop in price of no less than 84s. 6d. per cwt., or 9d. per lb., with a corresponding drop in prices for Wiltshire and other hams and bacons; and will he see that the consumer who has paid the high prices made necessary by Government control now gets the full benefit of its removal?

I am unable to reconcile the figures given with any known facts. The bulk of the American bacon now being sold by the Ministry reaches the wholesalers at an average net price of approximately 115s. per cwt. I am not aware that forward purchases on the free market are being made at a lower figure than this. Control is being terminated in the belief that the restoration of competing sources of supply will afford sufficient protection to the consumer, who has certainly under Government control paid less on the whole for bacon than would have been the case under a free market.

asked the Minister of Food whether we have very large quantities of bacon in storage in America that was bought nine months ago, has not yet been shipped, and is largely unfit for human consumption?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 17th February to the hon. Member for East Renfrew (Mr. Johnstone).

asked the Minister of Food whether there have been several thousand tons of currants in store at their depot in the great float at Birken-head for a long period; whether, as currants deteriorate by keeping, he can see his way to dispose of them with as little delay as possible; and whether the whole contents of this depot can soon be got rid of and the money credited to the Exchequer?

The Ministry had stocks of currants at Birkenhead to the amount of 4,500 tons. Every possible opportunity has been taken of marketing these, and the stock has now been reduced to 3,000 tons. I can assure my hon. Friend that the balance will be sold as quickly as possible.

asked the Minister of Food whether wheat which arrived from abroad was purchased by the Government at the average price of 117s. per quarter c.i.f.; and why his Department did not buy wheat from the English farmers at the guaranteed price of 95s. per quarter?

The average c.i.f. price of wheat purchased by the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies which arrived from abroad during the period December to February was 115s. 4d. per quarter of 480 lbs. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 17th February to the hon. Member for Tamworth (Mr. Wilson-Fox).

asked the Minister of Food what amount of stock is held by the Wheat Commission; and whether the Commission is still buying?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Faversham (Major Wheler) on the 17th February.

asked the Minister of Food when the further interim Report of the Departmental Committee on the Wholesale Food Markets of London, signed by the committee in October last, will be circulated; and when he anticipates this Committee, which was appointed about 18 months ago, will present its final Report?

The interim Report referred to is now in the press and will be issued in the course of a few days. The final Report of the Committee will, I anticipate, be completed before 31st March.

asked the Minister of Food the reason for continuing the control of imported meat; and whether any definite date has been decided on for the removal of these restrictions?

The control of imported meat is limited to the control of wholesale and retail prices, and has been retained in the interests of the consumer. I am not yet able to state when this control will be removed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the serious damage being done to the naval harbour at Dover owing to the extensive silting; and whether he proposes to take steps to remedy it?

Certain silting has taken place in Admiralty Harbour which can at any time be removed by dredging. Naval interests do not at present require an increase in the existing depths. Consequently no dredging has been carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received the memorials of Indian (Imperial) Police which were addressed to the Viceroy, and prayed for the redress of grievances, particularly in the matter of pay; whether he has also received reports from the local governments thereon, with the recommendations of the Government of India; and when such reports were received and what action has been taken in the matter?

I received on 18th January a set of the memorials to which I understand my hon. Friend to refer, and on 25th January reports from most of the local governments thereon. I have not yet received the recommendations of the Government of India, but they are expected very shortly, and as soon as they reach the India Office will receive my careful consideration in Council.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Non-Brahmin Federation of Madras Presidency passed a resolution last month condemning the non-co-operation scheme of Mr. Gandhi and the Indian National Congress as calculated to subvert all constitutional agitation and to bring the country to chaos and anarchy, and calling on all patriotic Indians to oppose it; and whether six associations, representing the depressed classes in the Bombay presidency, have addressed the hon. Members for Newcastle - under - Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) and Bishop Auckland (Mr. Spoor), travelling in India, urging that non-co-operation aims at the destruction of constituted authority and the withdrawal of British rule, to which the progress of the lower classes is entirely due?

Yes, Sir. I understand that the facts are as stated.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a contract for motor ambulances has been given to an Italian firm by or for a Government Department; what is the number of such motor ambulances; and what were the reasons why this work was given to a foreign firm when so many firms in this country could do the work, and thus employ many workpeople now unemployed?

I am informed by the High Commissioner for India that 115 Fiat chassis for ambulances have been ordered for India. The Government of India required immediate supply. The Fiat chassis were surplus stocks of the Italian Government, and British firms would have required months to deliver. I may add that British firms are now constructing sample vehicles of similar type to the Fiat to be sent to India for trial.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the question of stabilising the price of the rupee, and thus to assure Indian traders as to the need for at once again commencing trade relationships with this country in volumes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Kensington (Lieut.-Colonel Burgoyne) on 13th December. The Indian trade position continues in an abnormal state, and the twelve months ending December last exhibited an adverse balance against India in respect of merchandise and treasure of Rs.43 crores, as compared with the favourable balance of Rs.125 crores in 1919. I need hardly say that this situation is being anxiously watched by the Government; but I do not see at present that it is practicable for me, having regard to the extent of my sterling resources and obligations, to intervene with effect in support of the Indian exchange. While I fully appreciate the drawbacks of the present position, the causes are world wide, and beyond the control of individual Governments, and my hon. Friend is no doubt aware that there is similar instability in the sterling, franc, and other exchanges. It is my hope that traders and bankers will find means to overcome or minimise the present obstacles, which are, of course, part of the legacy of the War.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is proposed to issue any instructions to police authorities in Scotland or to take any other action there in regard to the recommendations of the Committee which recently reported to the Home Secretary with reference to the employment of women on police duties?

I have circulated copies of the Committee's Report among the more important police authorities in Scotland. I am prepared to consider favourably any application for my sanction to the appointment of policewomen.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the Report of the Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee on Trusts that, owing to the fact that the United Kingdom Manufacturers' Association, controlled by Messrs. Lever Brothers, has no effective competitor except the Co-operative Wholesale Society, and that, in consequence, the public has been obliged to pay an excessive price for soap, he will indicate what steps he proposes to prevent the further trustification of industry?

It is hoped if time permits to introduce permanent legislation dealing with the question of trade monopolies, but I regret that at present I am not able to make a definite announcement on this subject. The Profiteering Acts have been applied to soap, and it is open to anyone who considers that he has been charged a price which yields an unreasonable profit to the seller to lodge a complaint with the Central Committee (in respect of a wholesale transaction) or the appropriate local committee (in respect of a retail transaction).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, arising out of Farrow's Bank failure, he would consider legislation that all British firms who use the word "bank" or-act as bankers have special Government selected chartered accountants to audit their books, thus protecting the small investor?

I have been asked to reply. The question of what steps it is practicable to take in order to safeguard the interests of the public is receiving the close attention of the Board of Trade, and the suggestion of my hon. Friend is being considered in that connection.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will undertake to consider the advisability of issuing from his Department to the railway companies of Great Britain and Ireland an order requesting them to observe the utmost possible uniformity in the composition of their passenger trains, so as to reduce the danger of telescoping in train collisions to the lowest possible degree?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The liability to telescoping in collisions between passenger trains has frequently been considered in the past, and will be further considered when the report on the recent regrettable accident on the Cambrian Railway has been received. Till then I cannot anticipate whether any action can usefully be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a large number of debts due from German nationals to British nationals were collected by the Treuhander during the War; and whether, under the Treaty of Peace with Germany, these debts can be claimed under Article 296, or whether the creditor must claim under Clause 297?

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I am advised that debts collected by the Treuhander under German war emergency legislation have thereby lost their character of debts and become proceeds of liquidation, and as such are claimable under Article 297 at pre-War rate of exchange.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects that the sum of £5,000,000 to be paid by Germany on account of reparation, and used as a fund out of which ex-gratia payments can be made to individuals suffering from uninsured aircraft damages, whose claims are proved by a special commission to be appointed to examine them, will be forthcoming; and whether he can hold out any hope that these dilatory methods can be expedited in the interests of the British victims?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to add anything to his statement to this House on 4th May last with reference to the payment of compensation to individual civilians for losses sustained by them in the War; and whether, in the case of merchant seamen and others whose health has been undermined as a result of enemy action and are now in a condition of great need, he will take steps to set aside some fund from which they may be assisted immediately, to be made good out of the first receipts on account of reparation which are allotted to the Exchequer of the United Kingdom?

As I stated on 21st February, in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Rusholme (Captain Thorpe), the date at which payments of the kind in question can begin to be made to individuals depends on the prior receipt from Germany of payments on account of reparation.

asked the Prime Minister if it is intended to re-appoint this Session the Select Committee on National Expenditure?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons have been fined or imprisoned for not paying Income Tax during the year 1920?

A person who neglects or refuses to pay tax charged upon him by virtue of the Income Tax Acts is, when summary proceedings are taken against him for recovery of the tax as a civil debt, liable, like the ratepayer, to be committed to prison, on proof of means and in default of payment, by the local justices. I cannot state the number of taxpayers thus committed to prison by orders of the various bodies of justices throughout the country, but it is relatively very small. There are no fines for non-payment of tax assessed in these cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in relation to proposed changes of the law as to Income Tax, he will consider sympathetically the suggestion that pensions awarded to soldiers' widows should neither be assessable nor taxable when below £200 per annum?

The pensions in question are by law chargeable to Income Tax, but are subject to the allowance in respect of earned income under Section 16 of the Finance Act, 1920, and, of course, equally with other assessable income, to the personal allowance and other Income Tax reliefs. As at present advised, I do not see my way to adopt the suggestion contained in the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the proposed ad valorem duty of 40 per cent. upon the import of British goods into Cuba; whether he has any information as to such duty being in the nature of a reprisal for the 50 per cent. ad valorem duty upon cigars imported into the United Kingdom from Cuba; and whether, having regard to the failure of such ad valorem duty on imported cigars as a revenue producer, he can now see his way to intimate his intentions with regard to that duty in the same way as he has done with regard to Excess Profits Duty?

I have seen reports in regard to the proposed imposition of Customs Duties by Cuba, but I have been unable to obtain any official confirmation of them. As regards the last part of the question, I cannot anticipate the Budget discussions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the main items of expenditure in respect of which his Budget Estimates of 1920 have been exceeded or are certain to be exceeded; and whether he can, in each case, give the approximate amount of excess?

I would refer the hon. Member to the published Supplementary Estimates and to my speech in this House, on the 9th December.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that since 1908 the annual block grant of £40,000 to county and county borough councils to cover the cost of collection of local taxation licences has proved to be utterly inadequate, and that in consequence the local authorities have suffered considerable, loss; and whether he is prepared to remedy this by either materially increasing the grant or by allowing the authorities to deduct the cost of collection by a flat rate on a percentage basis?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, the cost of levying carriage licences (including motor car licences), which was part of the work for which the £40,000 was given, is now being separately dealt with under the Road Acts, 1920. I have given careful consideration to the case of the other licences involved and I propose to ask Parliament to make the grant for levying these licences as from 1st April, 1921, £60,000 per annum. Legislation will, of course, be needed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is still receiving representations arising out of agitation to increase pensions; and what is the present attitude of the Treasury towards the claims of ex-civil servants, ex-railwaymen's and ex-policemen's widows, prior to September, 1918?

So far as ex-civil servants are concerned, I still receive a certain number of letters from isolated pensioners who are not qualified for an increase under the Pensions (Increase) Act, but on the whole it would appear that the Act has satisfactorily carried out the intention of His Majesty's Government in relieving cases of exceptional hardship. I see no prospect of the introduction of legislation for the purpose of increasing the benefits of the Act or of granting benefits to persons such as the widows of ex-policemen, referred to by the hon. Member, who are not at present eligible for them. As regards ex-railwaymen, I would refer the hon. Member to replies to previous questions, including that given on the 1st November last by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport in answer to a question from the hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore).

asked the Postmaster-General how many telegraph messenger-boys are employed at the Western District Post Office, Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square, and what is their aggregate weekly cost; whether so large a number are really required; and whether he will arrange for the delivery of telegrams from this and other London post offices by telephone, so as to reduce still further the number of telegraph messengers?

Sixty boy messengers are employed at the Western District Post Office, and their present aggregate weekly cost is £68 18s. 10d. The force, which includes ten substitutes for boys required to attend day continuation schools, is not in excess of the requirements of the work. Telegrams are already delivered by telephone to subscribers who have agreed to receive them by this means.

asked the Postmaster-General why he concedes to the mercantile community and others the right to transmit their accounts and other business statements, invoices, etc., by ½d. post when in an unsealed envelope, and in like manner permits the same documents to be returned receipted, but should charge letter rate when the account is returned accompanied by a cheque under the same conditions; and, if there is no definite rule on the subject, will he circulate such a direction in order that there may be universality and continuity in the treatment of such letters?

It has long been a definite rule both of the Postal Union and of the British Postal Administration that no article which, like a cheque, is indicative of a monetary value shall be sent in a packet which, like a printed packet, must be left open to inspection in order that it may be possible to discover whether or not the regulations applicable to the reduced rate of postage have been complied with. Any paper money found in a printed packet, therefore, renders the printed packet liable to surcharge as an underpaid letter, and possibly to compulsory registration as well.

asked the Postmaster-General if a subscriber to the telephone is to be forced to continue his contract with the Post Office till the end of the period of his contract at the new and increased rates, or if he can give up the user of the telephone?

Unless specially provided for otherwise, a subscriber whose contract under the old rates is still current cannot be required to pay the new rates until the contract has been determined; and he can then decide whether he will enter into an agreement at the new rates, which—in the case of an existing subscriber—would run from quarter to quarter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that the proposed scheme of increased telephone charges will, if adopted, increase the cost of a telephone call from Larne, county Antrim, to Belfast by 700 per cent.; and will he take this into consideration?

The distance from Larne to Belfast is 18 miles. The new charges will be calculated uniformly on the basis of the radial distance between the places affected, and I regret I cannot make exceptions in particular cases. There is no justification for charging a call between Larne and Belfast a lower fee than a call between any other places a similar distance apart.

asked the Minister of Health if he has in any way reduced the standards required for houses erected under his various housing schemes; and if representations are made to him to this effect will he satisfy himself that his original standards are in excess of the requirements of good health before consenting to reduce them in any way?

The standard required for houses as shown in the Ministry's book of type plans has not been relaxed in any way. Any proposals for modifications from these standards would certainly need to be considered fully from the health point of view.

asked the Minister of Health whether Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Sanderson Furniss, appointed to represent working women on the Labour Advisory Council of the Ministry of Health, have resigned owing to the fact that, in spite of repeated protests, the Council, which was formed in April, 1919, has not met since November, 1919, either to consider the question of housing or even to receive the reports of its own sub-committees?

asked the Minister of Health if two members of the Labour Advisory Council have recently resigned in consequence of the Council's inactivity; and is he prepared to use the Committee according to the terms of its appointment?

I may refer the hon. Members to my reply to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. T. Griffiths), of which I am sending them a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to re-introduce the Ministry of Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill in the form in which it was rejected by the House of Lords last Session; and, if so, when?

I propose to introduce as a separate Bill the Housing portion of the Bill of last Session. I am not at present in a position to state the course that will be taken with regard to the other portions of the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government will introduce legislation at an early date to deal with the housing question, as it is affected by the rejection in the House of Lords of the Ministry of Health's Administrative Provisions Bill; and whether any new contracts have been entered into with building guilds for the erection of houses since the end of last Session?

Yes, Sir: it is my intention to introduce legislation at an early date. Since the 24th December contracts with building guilds have been approved at Salford, Altrincham and Bowden for a total of 250 houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether houses built by the Vulcan Motor Company, Southport, for workpeople, were built to specifications laid down by the Ministry; whether the rent fixed was also determined by the Ministry; whether the majority of these houses are still unlet owing to the rent being in excess of the ability of the workpeople to pay the rent required by his Department; and what steps he proposes to take to secure the tenancy of these houses at rents within the means of those for whom they were erected?

The houses in question have been built with the assistance of the private builders' subsidy provided by Section 1 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, and in accordance with the provisions of that Section the houses are required to comply with the conditions prescribed. The rent of these houses is not determined by the Ministry. The houses remain the property of the builders who are entitled to make their own conditions as to letting or sale.

asked the Minister of Health why the Director of Production recently resigned office; whether expert advice on questions of economy is constantly flouted; to what extent the Ministry is committed to encouraging the guild system scheme; and if he is prepared to institute a searching inquiry into the present house-building muddle which is undermining the basis upon which the building industry of this country has hitherto prospered?

The Director of Production resigned because he disagreed with the Building Guild Contract. Expert advice on questions of economy has always been welcomed and encouraged in every way. On account of the fact that prices were too high under the various forms of contract with private builders in certain places, I agreed as an experiment to the carrying out by building guilds of 20 schemes involving in all about 1 per cent. of the number of approved tenders. This decision was based on expert advice, and I had no alternative except to test the claim put forward that prices would be brought down and output increased by building on a co-operative basis. As regards the last part of the question I am not aware of any foundation for the assertion made and see no present ground for an inquiry other than the inquiry into building costs which I have already set on foot.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Building Guild has completed houses in Manchester at a cost of £740, while a similar type of house being built for the council by contractors cost £1,000; whether this price enables the guild to ensure its members continuous pay during wet weather; whether the guild has any difficulty in securing labour; and whether a saving to the taxpayer of at least £6,675,000 would have been effected if the 13,350 houses already completed under assisted schemes had been built by guild labour?

So far as I am aware, no houses have been completed by the Building Guild in Manchester. The contract for the erection of houses by them for the Manchester Council has only recently commenced, and there is therefore no information available as to final cost. The guild do not appear to be experiencing any difficulty in securing labour at present.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the Registrar-General's recent Report for 1919, which expresses the opinion that a net addition of 140,000 houses for 1911–19 would suffice; the number of subsidised houses for which contracts have been let by local authorities and public utility societies; how many of these are finished and under construction; how many subsidised houses are being erected by the guild system, the Office of Works, the Board of Agriculture, and private builders, and the number for which certificates of habitation have been issued since the new Housing Department of the Ministry was formed?

The Report of the Registrar-General neither states nor suggests that the housing requirements could be satisfied by the erection of 140,000 houses. It states that to provide for the estimated increase of population in the period from 1911 to June, 1919, a net addition of 140,000 houses would be required, at the rate of five persons per house. This was stated to be apart from the replacement of defective houses, and was based upon the 1911 average of numbers of persons per house, which average represented 2,000,000 persons living under over-crowded conditions, whilst there were about 178,876 houses unfit for habitation. Contracts have been let by local authorities and public utility societies for 148,566 houses. Of this number 1,595 will be erected by guilds, 5,531 by the Office of Works, 10,405 by local authorities by direct labour, and 131,035 by builders. The total number of houses completed by local authorities on the 1st February was 17,505, and an additional 60,256 were under construction. In addition, preliminary approval has been given to the erection of 32,075 houses by private builders under the subsidy scheme. Of these 9,673 have been completed, making a total of 27,178 houses completed. I understand that the Ministry of Agriculture have passed plans and tenders for 1,200 houses for erection by county councils under the provisions of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, but I have no information as to the number completed.

asked the Minister of Health the estimated shortage of dwelling-houses within the metropolitan police area; the number of new houses recently completed and occupied within this area; whether he can give any explanation for the slow progress of many of these housing schemes; and what steps are being taken to ensure the more speedy erection of further houses?

In the special circumstances of the metropolitan and surrounding area, it is difficult to form an accurate estimate; according to the Survey, the estimated number of houses required up to the present in the metropolitan police district (apart from houses required to replace slum clearances) was about 70,000, but this is probably an overstatement. Up to the beginning of this month, over 5,000 houses and flats had been provided in the district, including a small number waiting for the final painting, and another 12,000 were under construction; whilst nearly 15,000 further houses are covered by signed contracts, making 32,000 in all of houses; the principal reason why more houses have not been built, is, of course the acute shortage of skilled labour, and endeavours are being made to remove this difficulty.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on one of the building estates of the London County Council a group of 90 tenements is being erected at a sum which involves an annual cost per house of £80 16s. 10d., including the cost of maintenance, management, interest, and sinking fund charges, or at the rate of £1 11s. 1d. per week; that the houses are to be let at a rent of 12s. 3d. per week, leaving a deficiency of £49 4s. 7d. per annum or 18s. 11d. per week to be met out of public funds; that on another estate of the London County Council it is estimated that the total outgoings will amount to £129 8s. 6d. per annum, or £2 9s. 9d. per week, per house; that the rent will amount to £40 5s. 4d. per annum, or 15s. 6d. per week, per house, leaving a balance of £89 3s. 2d. per annum, or £1 14s. 3d. per week, per house to be met out of public funds; whether, on the 14th April, 1919, he estimated the loss per week to the State at 5s. per house built; and whether he still considers that estimate to be accurate?

I have seen the estimates made by the London County Council to which the hon. Member refers, and, although I hope the actual cost, when ascertained, will show some saving on these estimates, I am afraid that the cost of the schemes in question will prove to be very high The scheme to which the second estimate refers, however, is very exceptional, as it possesses expensive features which are not common to other schemes. My estimate of loss per week to the State made in April, 1919, was based on the estimated cost of building at that time. There has not only boon a very large increase in the cost of building since that date, but also a considerable increase in the cost of money.

asked the Minister of Health whether the London County Council has been notified that the development of the major portion of the estate at Beacontree will not rank for grant; and the approximate number of persons to be rehoused under the original five years' scheme of the London County Council as approved by his Department, and the reduction in that number caused by the decision not to proceed with the whole of the Beacontree estate?

No, Sir; what the London County Council have been informed is that, having regard to the slow rate of progress on the Ilford section of the estate, due to the difficulty of obtaining skilled labour, they must concentrate for the present on that part of the estate. I may add that, with the present available labour, it will take many years to complete the houses to be provided even on this section of the estate.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the number of people living in caravans, and without proper sanitary arrangements, in the districts of Moreton and Leasowe, in Wirral; is he aware that the parish council are quite unable to supply suitable sanitary arrangements; whether the caravan settlement is increasing; if so, to what extent during the last three years; whether any limit can be placed on this recrudescence of gipsy life in country districts; and can he do anything to provide the people with suitable habitations?

The general question raised by my hon. Friend is, as he will be aware, a very controversial one, which has been before Parliament on many occasions. As regards the rural district of Wirral, I am at present in communication with the council as to the confirmation of certain byelaws which I hope will bring about an improvement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the long delay in proceeding with the Erith housing scheme; if his Department is in any way opposing the suggestion of direct labour on the job; and, if so, on what grounds?

I am aware of the delay in proceeding with this housing scheme, and I do not think that the Local Authority is free from responsibility for it. The erection of 90 houses by direct labour was approved in August last. Up to the end of last month only 46 houses were in course of erection, and not one had been completed. Obviously, on the information before me, I should not be warranted in agreeing to the erection of any more houses by this Local Authority by direct labour.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the figures of the difference between rents fixed and 6 per cent. on the capital cost of construction of any 50 houses completed under municipal schemes in the following areas: London, any provincial borough, any urban district council, and any rural district council?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to give this information, as I have not yet received from local authorities the necessary final statements of costs of construction.

asked the Minister of Health whether contracts have been placed for houses on a percentage on the cost of erection basis, and what are the names of the contractors concerned and the number of houses each of them has contracted to build?

So far as I am aware no contracts have been let by local authorities on a cost of erection plus percentage basis with one exception which was a special case of 28 houses.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Health Committee of the Bradford Corporation has announced through its chairman its intention to let houses, costing at least £1,000 each, at 10s. per week, inclusive of rates, which are 16s. 10d. in the £, besides water charges; that the interest on each house is not less than £63 a year; that the net rent will not be more than £13 a year, leaving a loss on each house of £50 a year; that contracts have been given out for 1,132 such houses and that the annual loss on these will be not less than £56,600 a year; that a penny rate is estimated to realise £7,000, leaving the taxpayers to find nearly £50,000 a year to subsidise the houses already contracted for, without any provision for a sinking fund for the repayment of the housing bonds when due; and how does he intend to deal with this business?

I am aware of the proposals to which the hon. Member refers. It is of the first importance to all concerned that the best rents reasonably obtainable should be paid for the new houses, and I have informed the Bradford Corporation that I cannot regard the proposed rents as sufficient for the purpose of the Housing Acts and Regulations. Unless I am able to induce the Corporation to agree to a substantial increase in the rents proposed it will be necessary to refer the case to the Arbitration Tribunal set up under the Local Authorities (Assisted Housing Scheme) Regulations, 1919.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that registrars of births and deaths are paid their fees on the basis of an Act of Parliament passed in 1836, and slightly modified in 1874; that they have also to provide office accommodation for the public out of their fees, and to pay the present high prices out of a salary that was thought sufficient in 1874; and if he will introduce a short measure remedying this matter?

I am aware of the position set out in the first two parts of the question, and it has been suggested to boards of guardians that gratuities should be given in cases of hardship. I cannot see my way to introduce legislation on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the practice of the Ministry of Health to abrogate agreements regarding salary arrived at between local councils and their medical advisers and to raise these salaries, without consulting in any way the ratepayers of the district?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health whether, prior to directing medical practitioners under the National Health Insurance Act to place certain confidential entries on medical history cards, he has consulted, or will consult, the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether the practitioners will be guilty of violation of secrecy, and be liable to actions for libel if such entries are entrusted by them to private secretaries, in accordance with their usual practice?

I am advised that in the circumstances mentioned it is in the highest degree unlikely that there would be any cause of action against the doctor, unless he were shown to have been actuated by malice. The general question as to-the position in the law of medical secrecy was submitted by me to the Lord Chancellor in June last year, and the matter, which raises very important issues, is being considered.

asked the Minister of Health if he has obtained or will obtain the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether subpœnas may, be granted compelling the production of medical history cards in legal proceedings; and whether panel practitioners concerned in their preparation may be called upon to support the statements therein made?

I am advised that though a person may be compelled by means of a subpœna duces tecum to bring any document, private or otherwise, to the Court, the document itself does not thereby become admissible in evidence. A record card is, I am advised, not evidence of the facts stated in it, and, if it is desired to prove them, this must be done in the ordinary way, namely, by the oral evidence of the doctor himself.

asked the Minister of Health if, in order to obtain true health statistics of the nation, he purposes ultimately issuing record cards to the whole population, and not, as at present foreshadowed, limiting the issue to insured persons?

I do not think that it is practicable to give effect to the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case at Old Street police court where it was elicited that a panel patient had to pay 2s. 6d. for each visit she made to the doctor because she could not afford to leave her work to attend at the surgery during the hours fixed for panel patients; and what steps he proposes to take in this and similar cases?

My attention has been called to this case which, I learn, is under investigation by the London Insurance Committee. In all cases where complaint is made that a doctor has improperly charged a fee to an insured person the matter is referred for investigation by the Insurance Committee to the appropriate tribunal set up under the Regulations for dealing with complaints with a view to the necessary disciplinary action if the complaint is established.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to give any information regarding the Spahlinger cure for consumption?

I have made full enquiries regarding this supposed remedy for tuberculosis, but it is clear that much further investigation and experience will be necessary before accepting the claims made for it. It appears that as long ago as 1913–14 the serum in question was prepared. It was tried by several hospital physicians, but there is not yet sufficient evidence of its therapeutic value, nor have the trials of it been sufficiently extensive to justify any definite and reliable conclusions. I understand that a report on the method of treatment has been presented to the French Academy of Science, and if and when supplies of the serum become available for investigation in this country I shall be prepared at once to facilitate, and co-operate in, an exhaustive examination of its efficacy, both from laboratory and clinical points of view. I understand that a supply of the serum is not likely to be available for this purpose for some months and that on account of the secrecy maintained as to its constitution and method of preparation, it has hitherto been found impracticable for the recognised research laboratories in this country to investigate its properties and effects.

asked the Minister of Health whether, before the Bill presented this Session by the Metropolitan Water Board is allowed to become law, he will have an inquiry made on behalf of the ratepayers and taxpayers of the Metropolitan district into the present high administrative expenses of the Board and ascertain what economies can be effected?

Perhaps I may refer my hon. Friend to the reply to a similar question in October last, of which I will send him a copy. If he will refer to paragraph 11 of the Report of the Departmental Committee he will see that the Committee dealt with the question of the administration of the Water Board.

asked the Minister of Health whether the medical officer of health for the Bedwellty area reported nine cases of scarlet fever and one case of diphtheria for the week ending 22nd January, 1921; if so, why were these cases not reported in the weekly summary of returns of certain specified infectious diseases; whether he is aware that for two months Bedwellty has been marked nil in the Report, which is not in agreement with the returns sent in by the medical officer of health; and if he will see that more care is taken in the preparation of these Reports?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The cases in question were not included in the Weekly Summary because the returns of these cases were not received from the medical officer of health in time for their inclusion. The district in question was not, however, marked "nil" in the Summaries, but as "Returns not received." The figures thus omitted from the Weekly Summaries were according to practice, included in the Monthly Supplementary Statements for the periods concerned.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that great dissatisfaction exists amongst the panel doctors of the county of London owing to the new Regulations under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1920, and if he will undertake to consult the parties concerned before these Regulations are put into effect?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which was made last Thursday in reply to a number of questions on this subject. I am in communication already with the parties concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the confusion arising in the Poor Law service as a result of the various interpretations of the Unemployment Insurance Act; that some boards of guardians have been given to understand that their statutory officials are excepted from the provisions of the Act; that other boards have been informed that they are not in a position to certify that none of their employ£s should lose office on grounds other than misconduct; that the employés of some boards are being automatically excepted whilst other boards are being compelled to make application in respect of their officials; that it has been ruled that whilst these applications are pending the officials must pay their contributions under the Act; and that, as a result, the employés of the Portsmouth board of guardians were recently and without notice stopped 14 weeks' contributions from a single week's wages; and whether he will take steps to remove the confusion at present prevailing on this matter.

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that considerable difficulty has been caused owing to the strict interpretation which, after taking the advice of the Law Officers, the Department have been bound to place upon the provisions of Part II (d) of the First Schedule to the Unemployment Insurance Act, with regard to the grant of certificates of exception. The Second Schedule of the Unemployment Insurance Bill now before the House contains provisions which will, I hope, remove this difficulty.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in relation to the War bonus to civil servants (which has been extended to the staffs of most local gov- ernment bodies), he is aware that, under the decision of the Whitley Council set up by the Government on the one hand and the Civil Service representatives, the War bonus will be raised on 1st March based on the average result of the index figures for the past five months, namely, 165, although the figure for 1st February was 151 and is rapidly falling; whether the result is that, in addition to the large increases now being received, the bonus will be further increased by 10 points or 2/26ths of the present payments, and will so remain for the following six months, although the cost of living has fallen considerably, and is still falling; and is he aware that, this being so, all persons subject to the Civil Service bonus scales will receive out of the public, either through Imperial or local taxation, an added bonus equal to £165 for six months, while the other sections of the community, comprising very largely those who have the utmost difficulty to pay the excessive burdens of taxation, are made to bear the costs and resultant expenses of the War, this privileged class not only escape but are in a better condition as the result?

Under the Civil Service bonus scheme, which provides for periodical revisions on the basis of the average of the cost of living figures for the period preceding the date of revision, the bonus now payable will be increased by 2–26ths as from 1st March next. The revision at that date will be based on the average figure for the four months preceding, not five, as stated; and the revised bonus will be calculated with reference to a cost of living figure of 165. The allusion in the hon. Member's question to £165 appears to be a printer's error. I should perhaps add that the system of assessments in force is not, as the hon Member's question would appear to suggest, entirely in favour of the Civil Service. Thus, although the cost of living figure had risen to 150 in June last and was still rising, the bonus payable to civil servants was revised as from 1st July last on the basis of an average of 135; and again, in November last, by which date the most recently published cost of living figure was 164 and a further considerable rise was in prospect, the bonus was revised on the basis of an average of 155.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider issuing an order or introducing legislation abolishing the disqualifications attached to the payment of old age pensions, so that the principle of universal pensions be enacted, to enable applicants for and recipients of old age pensions to derive the full benefit of their thrift and personal provision for old age, and to receive assistance from friends, employers, organisations, etc., without reduction of, or disentitlement to, the old age pension?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to the hon. and gallant Member for the Buckingham Division (Captain Bowyer) on Monday.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can furnish a list or give the number of secondary schools in England and Wales, not being private schools, which are now independently supported, receiving no grants from the Board or from a local education authority?

There are at present about 120 schools of the kind referred to in the question, which are recognised by the Board as efficient. The Board have no reliable information as to how many other schools of the kind there may be in England and Wales, and it is often doubtful whether a school should be classified as a secondary school, but there are probably not less than 150 of them.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will approve the adoption of Scale 4 of the Burnham Report for local education authorities outside the Metropolitan Area, or whether he will approve Scale 3 for the large provincial cities, subject to no teacher's salary being reduced thereby?

The Burnham Committee has not completed its work, and I do not think it desirable that I should make any pronouncement as to the allocation of particular standard scales to particular areas of types of area until I am in a position to review the recommendations of the Committee as a whole.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he agrees to the fixing of teachers' salaries for a period of five, years at rates recommended by the Burnham Committee at a time when the cost of living was at its highest point?

My attitude to the Report has been indicated in my correspondence with Lord Burnham which has been published, and of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member copies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Administrator has been appointed for the island of Nauru; and what was the previous administrative experience of this gentleman?

Under the Nauru agreement the first administrator is to be appointed by Australia; and the Commonwealth Government have not yet notified His Majesty's Government that they have taken any action in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether natives in Nigeria on trial for their lives may only employ counsel to defend them if and when they obtain the permission of the Governor; and whether he will consider advising the Nigerian Government that this prohibition should be withdrawn or modified at an early date?

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. Counsel are not allowed on either side in the Native Courts or in the Provincial Courts in the Protectorate; their practice is confined to the Supreme Court. For the grounds for this policy, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to paragraphs 44 to 54, and Appendices III and IV of Sir F. Lugard's Report, which was laid before Parliament as Cmd. 468. The existing system is working well, and it is not intended to alter it.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, notwithstanding the announcement last December that no action was being taken in the Kenya Colony regarding the segregation of Indians pending further consideration of the matter, nothing has been done to stop the system of segregation already in operation in Mombasa; whether a new area has been prescribed for Indians in Nairobi; and whether the local town-planning committee have divided Lumbwa into European and Indian areas?

The Governor of Kenya had been requested to take no action with regard to the proposed sales of town plots in Nairobi and Mombasa until the policy with regard to segregation had been settled, but it was ascertained later that he had already taken steps to proclaim an area in Mombasa which would eventually be reserved for Europeans. The only immediate effect of this notice was that an Asiatic holding land in the reserved area could only transfer it to a European with the condition that it would then be reserved for European occupation. The Governor was asked for information on the point, and a despatch received on the 22nd February shows that the notice was issued in order that the general town-planning scheme for Mombasa, which was being prepared should not be prejudiced by transfers of land made before the scheme was complete. The Governor's proposals for a new definition of the Asiatic area in Nairobi are under consideration. They contemplate very substantial increases in the area to be reserved for Asiatics. No information with regard to Lumbwa has been received.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether surveys have been made within the confines of any of the royal parks in connection with the question of finding suitable sites for war memorials and statues; whether he is aware of the opposition, to which this House has frequently given expression, to the placing of statues in the royal parks; and whether he can say that no such proposal is in contemplation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am fully aware of the views which have been frequently expressed in this House objecting to the placing of statues in the Royal Parks, with which I am generally in agreement. The hon. Member is no doubt aware of the proposed site for the Guards' memorial, of which I have already informed the House in answer to previous questions.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his Department intends to undertake the upkeep and repair of public buildings by direct labour instead of having the work performed by contract; and whether there is a proposal to create a new Works Department for this purpose?

A proposal for the employment of direct labour on maintenance work is at present under consideration with the Treasury, but the matter has not yet been finally settled.

asked the Home Secretary whether persons imprisoned for political offences are entitled to ameliorative treatment under Home Office Regulation 243a?

The Rule in question allows certain ameliorations of the ordinary prison discipline to be accorded to prisoners of previous good character if they have not been convicted of offences involving dishonesty, cruelty, indecency, or serious violence; but neither prisoners whose offences are due to political motives nor any other classes of prisoners are entitled to claim the benefit of it; each case or class of cases is judged on its merits.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the function of his Department to accept suggestions that films foster immorality and propagate crime, and to invite reports from prison, police court, or other authorities based upon such suggestions?

Yes, Sir. In matters relating to crime the Home Office receives reports and suggestions from any and every source and carefully considers them.

asked the Home Secretary who compose the committee for the censorship of cinema films; by whom are the appointments to that committee made; what is the cost of the committee; whether that charge is fully covered by the licensing costs of the films; what is the exact jurisdiction and power of the committee; and what action can the cinema trade take to prevent the exhibition of films that do not pass the censor?

I am informed that the British Board of Film Censors, which has been constituted by the cenemato-graph Trade to examine films before they are exhibited in public, consists of a president appointed by the trade associations (who is the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool) and of three examiners who are appointed by the president. There is, in addition, a small consultative committee representing the various branches of the industry, but this committee takes no part in the actual work of censoring. I am not in a position to give the actual cost of the Board, but I understand that the fees charged for examining films are not more than sufficient to cover the cost of the Board. The Board has no statutory or official authority, but I am informed that the majority of the proprietors of cinema theatres are party to an agreement not to show any film which has not received the certificate of the Board. I may add that local authorities have full power under the Cinematograph Act, 1909, to add to the licences which they grant conditions as to the character of the films exhibited, and in many cases the local authorities stipulate that all films must have been passed by the Board of Film Censors.

asked the Home Secretary if the Government has come to a decision regarding the introduction of summer time this year; and, if the decision is in the affirmative, from what date will it operate?

The Government proposes to introduce summer time this year from midnight on Saturday-Sunday, the 2nd-3rd April, to midnight on Sunday-Monday, the 2nd-3rd October.

asked the Home Secretary the number of medical officers on the regular staff of His Majesty's prisons employed part-time only, and the names of the prisons at which they are employed?

There are 31 part-time medical officers employed at the following prisons:—Bedford, Bristol, Canterbury, Cardiff, Carlisle, Carmarthen, Carnarvon, Dorchester, Durham, Exeter, Gloucester, Hull, Ipswich, Leicester, Lincoln, Maidstone, Newcastle, Northallerton, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Preston, Shepton Mallet, Shrewsbury, Swansea, Usk, Winchester, and Worcester.

asked the Home Secretary whether the non-tariff offices are desirous of having a representative on the Royal Commission to inquire into fire losses; and if, considering the importance of these organisations, he can see his way to grant this request?

The answer to this question was printed in the Debates for yesterday.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is any serious amount of unemployment in Ireland; and, if so, whether any steps are being taken to deal with it generally, and, if not, for what reason?

I have been asked to reply. On the 4th February there were 54,404 men and 24,972 women registered at the Employment Exchanges in Ireland as wholly unemployed. There were also 44,440 persons drawing unemployed benefit or out-of-work donation during short-time working. There are, of course, other short-time workers not receiving benefit or donation. In view of the conditions prevailing in Ireland, special grants for works there have been made from time to time during the last three years, primarily for the purpose of providing employment for ex-service men. These grants, which total £515,000, have been administered by the Chief Secretary for Ireland. In addition, local authorities in Ireland may make application to the Unemployment Grants Committee for contributions to approval works. The payment of unemployment benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act and of out-of-work donation to ex-service men applies, of course, to Ireland.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the local elections for district councils and boards of guardians will be taking place within the next few weeks; and if he will send out instructions to all local authorities that, wherever possible, unemployed men and women shall be appointed to the position of poll clerks, &c.?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills) on Monday last, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health what is the amount distributed by each London board of guardians in the form of out-relief to the unemployed men during the last 13 weeks; and if, in view of the additional burden thus cast upon the ratepayers of the poorest boroughs, he will advise the Government to make a repayment of the amount thus expended so that the cost may equally be borne by the community?

I could only give the information asked for in the first part of the question after obtaining a special return. As regards the last part of the question, it has already been intimated that additional contributions from the Exchequer in aid of local rates for Poor Law purposes are not to be expected.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give some approximate estimate of the additional number of men who might be employed on existing and potential Government housing schemes in the absence of any restricting trades union regulations?