asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German Government is evading Articles 323, 327, and 368 of the Treaty of Versailles by withholding an emigration licence from the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company on the plea that, as a licence is stated to have been refused to a German line, no discrimina-is therefore being exercised against a British line; and whether, in view of the early inauguration of a passenger service by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company between Hamburg and the United States, the Government will bring pressure to bear upon the German Government to carry out the Treaty, which clearly requires not only the abolition of German emigrant control stations, but that no obstacles should be placed in the way of any British steamship line participating in the emigrant traffic from, to, and through German territory on an equal footing with any German steamship lines?

I am aware that an emigration licence has not yet been granted to the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, and this matter is now under discussion with the German Government. My hon. Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will take such action as may be necessary to secure to British interests their full rights under the Treaty in this matter, which they recognise to be of the greatest importance.

Will the Government take advantage of the presence of so many Germans in London at the present time to press the question?

Everything that is possible will be done.

Is it not a fact that the Treaty provides positively that such interference with British ships as is suggested in the question shall not be possible by the German Government under the Article quoted in the question?

I think the answer I have given shows that His Majesty's Government are fully aware of all these conditions.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has yet been made in dividing up the rolling stock, and particularly locomotives and goods wagons, between the various succession States; and whether there is any possibility in the near future of so overcoming the mutual distrust now obtaining between certain of these States in Central Europe that through goods trains may again be sent with impunity across the various frontiers?

The Commission for the distribution of Austrian rolling stock, which was provided for in the Treaty of St. Germain, has not so far been able to arrive at a final settlement, but proposals have recently been made which, it is hoped, may accelerate a solution of the problem. It was decided recently in Paris to summon representatives of the Successor States to a Conference with the Allies at an early date to consider what steps can be taken to restore, so far as possible, normal economic relations, and in particular to improve means of communication, between the States of Central Europe.

Is not this almost the most vital question between these States to-day, and has there not been undue delay in this matter, which is holding up all trading?

I agree as to its importance. We find the effect of the interruption of communications in almost every department, but, as the answer shows, a Conference has now been summoned, and I hope that something practical will result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the terms of the Mandates for Mesopotamia and Palestine have been officially published; and whether any opportunity will be afforded to the House of discussing them?

As has already been stated, instructions have been given for the publication of the Mandates, and they will be in Members' hands at an early date. After hon. Members have had an opportunity of examining them, perhaps my hon. Friend will address a question to the Leader of the House in regard to their discussion.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that five German passenger and cargo steamers of over 1,600 tons gross register, trading in the Argentine, and belonging to the Hamburg South American Company, have been transferred by one Delfino, the representative of that company in the Argentine, to a new Argentine company formed for the purpose, with a view to avoiding the surrender of these vessels to the Reparation Commission of the Allies under the Treaty of Versailles; whether his Department and the Ministry of Shipping had their attention drawn to the matter as long ago as March, 1919; if warning was later given to those Departments that evasion by the Germans of their Treaty obligations in this manner was likely; whether the prestige of the Allies in South America is liable to suffer seriously if the Germans are allowed thus openly to evade the Treaty provisions; and what steps it is proposed to take to set matters right?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the circumstances connected with the five steamers which are referred to in the question, and the matter is being closely watched. The question as to the delivery of the steamers under the Treaty of Versailles is a matter for the Reparation Commission and is being dealt with by them.

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman says that the Government are watching this project, is he aware that repeated notification has been given to the various Departments of the Government, including the Foreign Office and the. Department which he represents, calling attention to the fact that this would happen; and is the Government aware that owing to the slackness of the various Departments these steamers are being transferred practically to the German Government or under German management?

I really must disagree with my hon. and gallant Friend that it is due to any slackness on the part of any Government Department. We have been fully aware of all the circumstances in regard to the transfer of these particular steamers. My hon. and gallant Friend must realise that this is a very difficult and delicate subject and the Reparation Commission is awaiting a reply to a note sent to the German Government, and until we get that reply I cannot usefully add anything to my answer.

As the hon. and gallan Gentleman says he is waiting for a reply does he recognise the fact that these steamers have been transferred to the German flag and practically under German management, namely, the Hamburg Amerika Line; and does my hon. and gallant Friend think that now any alteration can be made?

I cannot agree that they have been transferred to the German flag. They are under the Agentine flag at present, and my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that when a country is involved which is not a signatory to the Treaty, it may be a somewhat delicate question, and I would rather not give an answer now.

I beg to give notice that I will repeat this question again in a week or two weeks' time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to the situation in Vilna; and what progress the League of Nations is making with arrangements for the plebiscite in that area?

The question is at this moment before the Council of the League at Paris. Pending the result of their deliberations, I am not in a position to make a statement.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the proposal introduced into the American Senate that the United States should intervene to limit the German indemnity to £3,000,000,000, part of which should be regarded as wiped out by the loss of the German trans-Atlantic cables and African Colonies, which should pass to America in settlement of the Allies' debt; and whether, notwithstanding the comparative insignificance of the losses sustained by America in the War, and the fact that she has refused to ratify the Peace Treaty, America is now taking part, in the settlement of the questions of reparation and other points arising under the Treaty?

I have received no information about the proposal in question. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

If the right hon. Gentleman has not received any notification, and has not seen any report, will he ascertain whether the statement in this question is correct or otherwise?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have the information on which his question is based.

With the greatest of pleasure.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has received from its representatives in Manchuria any reports relating to the massacres of Koreans and others in Chientao, Manchuria, in October and November, 1920; whether these reports show that Japanese troops on non-Japanese territories have been engaged in military operations, involving great loss of life and wanton destruction of property; whether the officers in command of these forces have discriminated against Christians in these operations, and have burnt Church property over a wide area; whether His Majesty's Government has received any report of the facts in the case of the murder on 29th–30th October of a Christian colporteur of Sulchilgo without even a form of trial; whether His Majesty's Government accepts the explanation issued by Major-General Sato, on behalf of the Japanese War Office, namely, that the operations in the Chientao district have been rendered necessary because the Chinese authorities had expressed anxiety that the Japanese should stamp out outlawry and Korean plots as speedily as possible and then withdraw their forces; whether such operations are defended officially regardless of the fact that many innocent suffer;. and whether His Majesty's Government have taken any steps to defend the reputation of British citizens, missionaries in this district, who are charged in this official Japanese document with being themselves the cause of the tragedy?

Before this question is answered, may I ask if the Japanese Imperial Government have made any complaint to His Majesty's Government about similar occurrences in Ireland?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman cannot expect me to answer that question. Reports of the nature indicated have reached His Majesty's Government both through His Majesty's Ambassor at Tokyo and His Majesty's Representative at Peking. These reports, which are necessarily based upon information from unofficial sources, show that numbers of Koreans have been killed and Korean property has been destroyed in Chientao. There is no confirmation of the report that special discrimination has been shown against Christian Koreans or Korean Church property as such. His Majesty's Government have received from an unofficial source an account of the alleged circumstances attending the death of the Korean colporteur at Sulchilgo, just as they have received reports of punitive measures elsewhere in Chientao. The general nature of these reports has been such that His Majesty's Government have felt justified in bringing them to the notice of the Japanese Government. As regards the utterances of Major-General Sato, the precise statement attributed to him by my hon. Friend has not so far come before His Majesty's Government, nor would they be disposed to regard such a statement by a subordinate military official as in any sense authoritative. But as long ago as December last, a disavowal was made by the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs of the utterances of that officer and of those of Colonel Mizumachi in accusing British missionaries of encouraging Korean malcontents against Japan. As stated in this House, in reply to my hon. Friend's previous question of 21st December last, His Majesty's Government have no reason whatever to suppose that British missionaries are in any way guilty of aiding Korean malcontents.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that it is not intended that we should interfere with the affairs of Japan in Korea?

Is it not a fact that these operations of Japan have taken place really in Chinese territory, and how is it that one great State can invade the territory of another without some more general protest?

I would rather not make any more definite statement than that contained in the answer I have given, which is very detailed.

May I ask whether His Majesty's Government has any concern in this matter, unless a British subject is maltreated?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that newspapers in the English language published in Egypt are still being rigidly censored, and are frequently refused permission to publish articles which have appeared in well-known British journals; that all news from Ireland is systematically censored or mutilated; whether he can state the total number of persons employed in Egypt in censoring the Press; and whether their salaries and expenses are paid by the British taxpayer or from Egyptian revenues?

The Egyptian Government still find it necessary to maintain a mild censorship on newspapers in Egypt irrespective of the language in which they are published. The censorship is designed to prevent the publication of matter liable to excite religious or racial animosity or the dissemination of false or alarmist reports calculated to disturb public tranquillity. I have no information as to the numbers of persons whom the Egyptian Government employ for censorship purposes, but no expenditure under this head falls upon British funds.

May I ask how the censoring of Irish news can have any effect on religious or racial feeling in Egypt?

The reactions of Irish news are very marked both inside this House and out of it.

asked the Prime Minister when the House will have an opportunity of discussing the Milner

I am not in a position to name a date for this discussion.

asked the Prime Minister whether a Proclamation has recently been issued by Lord Allenby prohibiting the payment of Egyptian workers and workers in Egypt of other nationalities of all contributions to trade unions or similar organisations; whether this Proclamation was issued with the knowledge and approval of His Majesty's Government; and whether immediate instructions will be issued to Lord Allenby to cancel a Proclamation which violates the right of the workers to form and subscribe to organisations for the protection of their own interests?

I would refer the hon. Member to the written reply given to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Neil Maclean) on the 24th instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that out of the 17,000 Bulgarian officers and men taken prisoners to the west of Scopie by the French in the late War, and handed over to the Serbians, only 12,770 have been repatriated to Bulgaria; whether the Serbians report that there are no more Bulgarian prisoners of war on their territory; and whether it is possible to ascertain what has become of the 4,230 officers and men that make up the total number of Bulgarian prisoners that were handed over by the French?

I understand that a certain number of Bulgarian prisoners are still detained in Serbia on the ground that these men are not ordinary prisoners of war, but individuals detained under the Treaty provisions affecting War criminals. The number and condition of of these criminals is being investigated by Dr. Nansen's Commission under the League of Nations.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs as to the number of children who are being fed daily in Central Europe by American and British institutions?

British institutions are feeding over a quarter of a million children daily, and I am informed, although I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the figures, that 2,750,000 children are being fed under the auspices of the American relief administration and further numbers of children by other American organisations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any encouragement has been given to the issue by the Sudan Government of a loan for the building of the Kassala Railway, having regard to the employment which will be found in this country for the production of the necessary material; and has his attention been drawn to the opinion of a high financial authority that the Sudan Government is now capable of successfully issuing a loan without British Treasury guarantee?

The Sudan Government are most anxious to construct the Kassala Railway, but they must decide for themselves as to whether they are justified in issuing a loan for the purpose. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative, and the Sudan Government have been informed of the opinion to which the hon. Member refers.

In view of the vast importance of this question to the Sudan, can the right hon. Gentleman ask the Leader of the House whether an opportunity will be given before, or just after, Easter to discuss the whole matter, especially in view of the fact that a loan has just been issued, guaranteed by the British Government?

I will see that my Noble Friend's suggestion is conveyed to the Leader of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of the United States of America has protested against the acquiring by a British company of an oil concession in Costa Rica; if so, whether he can state the grounds for the protest; and if he is prepared to support legitimate British enterprise in a friendly country?

His Majesty's Government are aware that the United States Consul at San Jose endeavoured to secure the cancellation of a concession in Costa Rica obtained by a United States Company, but in which British capital was interested. His Majesty's Government will afford all proper support to any legitimate concession obtained in accordance with the laws and constitution of Costa Rica.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the recent trouble between Panama and Costa Rica was caused by this very question of the oil concession, and whether the territory seized by Costa Rica is territory in which oil has been found?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the reasons which prompt His Majesty's Government in delaying the recognition of the popularly and legally elected Government of Mexico; whether he is aware that this delay is causing prejudice to British interests in that Republic; and whether he can assure the House that the non-recognition of Mexico is in no way caused by the policy or attitude of the United States of America?

His Majesty's Government have throughout been prepared to recognise the Government of Mexico as soon as they are convinced of its stability, and they are not aware that such a policy is prejudicial to British interests. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that this is a predominant consideration by which the decision of His Majesty's Government has been, and will continue to be, guided.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can hold out an early prospect for the abolition, or a substantial modification approximating to peace-time conditions, of the present passport regulations, so that continental travel and intercourse, especially with our Allies, may be further facilitated?

There is no intention at present to abolish the passport and visa system. When the resolutions agreed to at the International Conference, held in Paris in October last, are adopted, a substantial modification in the system will result. The League of Nations is in correspondence with the various Governments on the matter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the intention of France to modify their passport regulations?

I would rather have notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the Government intend to do something to persuade other countries to adopt the twelve months' visa system?

I will see that that suggestion is conveyed to my Noble Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the necessity of continuing negotiations for abolishing the visa altogether?

I would rather not commit myself to any statement on that point at the present time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an answer has yet been despatched to the note sent by Commissary Tchitcherin on 4th February with regard to the Russian trade agreement; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay?

Monsieur Krassin is expected to arrive in London very shortly, and the reply to the latest note from the Soviet Government will be made to him as soon as practicable.

:

Because personal negotiations are much more rapid than the prolonged method of writing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, if many cases have been brought to his notice, more especially in British Colonies and Dominions, of the loss to British trade of contracts obtained by foreign competitors who benefit by the rate of exchange?

My attention has been called to a number of cases in which contracts have been lost by British trade to foreign competitors who benefit by the rate of exchange. The great majority of these cases relate to foreign markets, and, so far as the Dominions and Colonies are concerned, I have not as yet received any definite information of important contracts for competitive goods having been lost to foreign competitors on account of the level of the exchanges. As, however, I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for the Keighley Division on the 22nd February, it would be unwise to assume that European competition in Empire markets will not be more severe in the near future.

Is the right hon. Gentle-aware that the President of the Board of Trade intimated on the reassembling of Parliament that the Government would bring in a Bill to deal with the exchange system and what has been done in that matter?

There was a reply given to that question yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the duties of private secretary and assistant private secretary to a member of the Army Council are being carried out by ladies; and were these positions formerly filled by higher division civil servants?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The post of private secretary to a member of Council is held sometimes by a lady, sometimes by a regimental officer, sometimes by a retired officer clerk and sometimes by a clerk of the higher division of the Civil Service. Only one member of Council at present has an assistant private secretary and this appointment will expire on 31st March next.

Seeing that there are so many ex-officers unemployed, are these ladies considered indispensable?

I am in hearty sympathy with the desirability of giving every opportunity of employment to those not able to get work elsewhere, but there are special reasons why these particular appointments should be allowed to stand. I have gone into this question myself, and am satisfied with the arrangement.

If the women make themselves particularly efficient in these jobs, is there any reason why they should not be employed?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman as head of the War Office prepared to lay it down that the bravo continue to deserve the fair?

Is that a very respectful way of speaking of women who are doing extraordinarily good work in the positions which they hold; and is it adding to the dignity of the House when an hon. Member speaks of women in that fashion?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements have now been completed for the relief of all Indian units who have been more than three years away from India on service overseas

With the exception of three Indian infantry-units in Mesopotamia, arrangements have been made for the relief of all Indian units which have been away from India for over three years. The relief of the remaining three units is at present under discussion with the Commander-in-Chief in India.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any measures have been taken to withdraw the isolated detachment in the neighbourhood of Kasvin, some 600 miles distant from its main body?

Arrangements have been made for the withdrawal of the British Force in North-West Persia as soon as the passes are clear of snow and the road is fit for the movement to be effected.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is considered necessary since the War to have major-generals to carry out the duties of Military Attaché in foreign countries with aide-de-camps attached when lieutenant-colonels and colonels without aide-decamps were considered a suitable rank for such a post before the War?

The Military Attachés at Paris and Washington are of the rank of major-general because their position and work at these important capitals at present necessitate this status. No aide-de-camps are borne on the establishment of Military Attachés.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether some medal will be given to those who volunteered for service in the early days of the War and served for long periods at home, their age or physical condition only preventing their services overseas?

The question of the award of a medal for service at home during the War will receive further consideration as soon as the preparation and issue of the War medals is more advanced.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many old men may be passed into the next world before this modal is issued. It is two years since the Armistice, and these gentlemen, some over 60 years of age, who gallantly served at home in the Defence Force are still awaiting some recognition of their service?

We are giving consideration to this question as quickly as possible, but the issue of medals is a long and tedious process.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing this matter before a final decision is come to, in view of the strong opinion in the country that medals should not be given to men described as physically unfit to serve their country?

My Noble Friend will have an opportunity very shortly of discussing the question on the Estimates.

How far has the issue of War medals gone?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, over half a million war medals have had to be melted down owing to their being defective, and a further number melted because the War Office changed its mind as to the design; and what is the total cost of the medals which, owing to these causes, will have to be replaced?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 22nd February to the hon. and gallant Member for Fair-field. As regards the second part, the change in the finish of the Victory Medal does not involve any melting down, but merely re-treatment. I regret to say that it is estimated that the nugatory expenditure involved will be £9,770 in replacement of those medals melted down, and £12,000 for re-treatment of all the medals issued and made before it was decided that the medal should have a bright finish.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, under Army Order 325, of 1919, pre-War pensioners employed by the Crown, and who-were refused permission to join the Colours in the late War on the ground of indispensability, cannot have their pensions reassessed; whether he is aware that the late Lord Kitchener issued a letter, which was posted up in the Army Ordnance establishments, to the effect that men serving in such establishments who were retained as indispensable were doing military duty equal in every way to those serving at the front; and whether, in view of this, he will give instructions-that Army Order 325 shall be amended so that the pensions of those men who were desirous of re-enlisting but were prevented from doing so shall be reassessed in the same way as those who re-enlisted?

Reassessment of pension is limited by the Royal Warrant to men who gave satisfactory re-enlisted service, and I regret it is not possible to depart from the general rule.

May I ask whether the term "re-enlistment" in the Army Order could not be construed so as to include the case of those men who applied to be re-enlisted but were refused permission and retained in Government employment, especially in view of the terms of the late Lord Kitchener's letter referred to.

The question had been fully considered, and it was not found possible to alter the decision come to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can inform the House as to the number of British soldiers in the Army of Occupation who have married German wives?

I am informed that the number of British officers and soldiers in the Army of Occupation on the Rhine who have married German women, up to 31st December, 1920, is approximately 112.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any appeal is allowed against refusal to grant an application for the discharge of a soldier by purchase?

Appeals against an adverse decision regarding the adequacy of the grounds on which claims to purchase discharge are based are now allowed to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command in which the soldier is serving. His decision on the matter is final.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private F. Hind, No. 37676, enlisted on 5th July, 1920, and was posted to the 3rd Dragoon Guards, his age being then 17 years and 2 months; that he was shortly afterwards transferred to the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), with whom he is now serving at the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, Ireland; that within a fortnight of his enlistment his parents claimed him, and the necessary birth certificate and letters, duly signed by the vicar, etc., were forwarded; that the officer commanding the Carabiniers recently applied for this man's discharge on compassionate grounds, particulars of which were furnished, but that his discharge was not sanctioned by higher authority; and whether, in view of the fact that this man joined under age and that there are good compassionate grounds for his release, and also in view of the fact that it is very undesirable that quite young soldiers should be employed in Ireland, where their duties may often necessitate being called out in aid of the civil power, he will take steps to get this man released from military service?

Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any estimate has been made of the total cost of the proposed subsidy of motor lorries in the event of their being required for purposes of war?

The proposal under consideration is to subsidise vehicles sufficient only to provide for the mobilisation of a small force, in place of acquiring and maintaining in store a number of idle lorries; and the necessary provision for a beginning to be made in the current financial year was included in the Estimates. I have, however, already undertaken that nothing will be spent until the Vote on Account for Army for 1921–22 has been taken. The cost for that year would be £38,000. I take this opportunity of explaining that a similar scheme was in operation before the War; and that the forms to which reference was made last week were merely forms of enquiry, sent out after conferences at which the scheme had been discussed with representative makers and owners of vehicles, in order to ascertain whether the necessary numbers of vehicles would be tendered in the event of the scheme being adopted.

How many lorries is it proposed to subsidise?

I cannot answer. It will be the number required for a small Expeditionary Force.

How can the right hon. Gentleman tell the cost if he does not know the number?

We know the number, but I have not the figures with me. If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will get the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to advise the Department not to proceed further with this, as I should imagine it is decidedly against the opinion of the whole House?

I informed the hon. and gallant Member on a previous occasion that the question is not yet decided. It is only under consideration. Provision was made in last year's Estimates, but nothing was done.

Is it not possible to requisition lorries without subsidising them?

Yes, but there are other considerations. Requisitioning involves searching for lorries, but under an arrangement of this sort lorries are brought to us.

In case of war, are not the Government of the day in a position to commandeer anything they like?

That is true, but you have to know where to lay your hands on them. A register of vehicles enabling you to get them at a moment's notice may be very important in a case of urgency.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman rely on getting through the police a thousand or two or three thousand lorries in less than two hours?

Is it not possible to have a register without a subsidy?

Hon. Members must not put further questions on this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Mr. A. T. White, of 60, Longstone Road, Eastbourne, late lance-corporal, No. WR/199068, Royal Engineers, has not yet received a settlement of his Army account owing to the non-receipt of his last pay certificate from India; whether his last pay certificate has been lost; and whether, seeing that this man has been demobilised for over a year and that the War Office are in his debt to the extent of about £80, including time-expired bounty, refund of compulsory allotment stoppage, and gratuity, he will have the account settled forthwith?

No information has been received to the effect that the last pay certificate of ex-lance-corporal T. White, Royal Engineers, has been lost. It was cabled for on 29th January last, and a further cable has been despatched requesting that this document be sent forthwith. As soon as it is received from India, the account will be finally settled, but as his account stands in the Home Paymaster's book, he has already received his terminal credits.

If these papers have not been lost, may I ask why it is that this man has been kept waiting a year for money due to him, and has only just received, after urgent representations, a payment on account?

I cannot answer that. I can only say that we are doing all we can to get these accounts settled. If the accounts are lost, we shall assume the matter, and deal with the man fairly.

How much longer is he to wait?

We have cabled to our representative in India to take the matter up personally, and at once.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office if those naval ratings who enlisted in the military police before 23rd February of this year in the belief that they would receive the pay due to those who had done two years' service, will receive the increase of pay given to men of two years' service or if such increase is only for future enlistments; and if he is aware that Dominion soldiers from South Africa and Canada are drawing full pay?

Yes, Sir. Naval ratings with two years' service will receive the increase of pay. Soldiers from South Africa and Canada who served in Imperial units and were paid from Imperial funds draw the increased pay, but, as I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member, Colonial service, as such, does not qualify.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say from what date these naval ratings will receive the increase?

I cannot answer that offhand, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will write me a note I will inform him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the reconstitution of the Territorial Army, he will consider the advisability of making its Director-General a member of the Army Council?

I am afraid that I cannot accept the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend. I am satisfied that the interests of the Territorial Army are very well represented on the Army Council by the Under-Secretary of State, who is the member of Council responsible for the work of the Territorial Army directorate in the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of officers holding Territorial Army commissions who are at present commanding Territorial Army divisions, Territorial Army Infantry brigades, and Territorial Army Royal Artillery brigades, respectively?

No officers holding Territorial Army commissions are at present commanding Territorial Army divisions; eight officers are commanding Infantry brigades; two are commanding Royal Artillery, and 55 are commanding Artillery brigades.

How many officers commanding Infantry brigades are on full-time duties?

I cannot answer that without notice.

Are these C.R.A.'s?

There are two C.R.A.'s (commanding Royal Artillery) and 55 commanding Artillery brigades.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the complete accounts of the Canteen Board for the period ending 31st December, 1918, will be available; and what is the amount of the money in hand, and how is this sum to be disbursed?

The balance sheet and profit and loss account of the Navy and Army Canteen Board as at 31st December, 1918, was published in Army Council Instruction 91 of 1920. In regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Aberdeen Central on 22nd February.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the terms of reference of the Committee which is to inquire into the question of the Expeditionary Force canteen profits will enable the Committee to investigate the accounts of the Expeditionary Force canteens and the Navy and Army Canteen Board and to hear evidence as to any agreements made for the ultimate disposal of the Expeditionary Force canteen profits; and whether the evidence given before the Committee will be published?

The terms of reference to the Committee are as follow:

"To consider and advise as to the basis to be adopted for ascertaining the profits of the Navy and Army Canteen Board and Expeditionary Force Canteens available for apportionment among the various interests concerned, and to make recommendations as to apportionment, regard being had to the reduction of the organisation to a peace footing, and to its future requirements of working capital."

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Committee will be able to investigate the accounts mentioned in the question?

I am only here to answer as to facts. I cannot read thoughts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the old war-time regulation that cash has to be paid to a wine merchant before delivery of the goods ordered is still maintained; and when he hopes to be able to restore liberty in such matters to the people of this country?

Like another question with which the Prime Minister dealt last Wednesday, this is a matter which will come up for consideration on the proposed Licensing Bill.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the postponement of this small matter is causing infinite irritation throughout the country, and is doing infinite damage to his Government; and cannot he, therefore, consider the repealing of this stupid Regulation at once?

In view of the possibility of an alteration in the law by new legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the working classes have to pay cash on delivery?

Is not the Regulation due to the fact that so many people drink more than they can pay for?

May I ask when the Government intend to introduce the Licensing Bill?

That question should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

May I ask the Leader of the House?

asked the Home Secretary if there is any likelihood of the higher positions in the Civil Service being thrown open to competition, by which ex-service men could secure these appointments by competitive examination?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the further steps to be taken for the appointment of ex-service men to permanent posts in the Civil Service is under consideration by Lord Lytton's Committee, whose Report on the subject must be awaited.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government has considered the Report of the Select Committee on Business Premises; if he is aware that the matter is urgent; and if it is proposed to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister yesterday to a question by my learned and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side (Lieut.-Colonel Hurst).

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation which will have the effect of causing wheat to be milled in the United Kingdom instead of being imported as flour, and thereby providing employment for a very large number of ex-service and other unemployed, whilst at the same time providing cheap feeding-stuffs for British stock raisers and poultry farmers?

The only means by which the object which my hon. and gallant Friend has in view could be secured would be either by an import duty or by an absolute prohibition of the importation of flour. His Majesty's Government are not prepared to adopt either of these courses.

Is it not a fact that this will have no effect on the cost of living to the poor of this country, and will not the Government consider the matter with a view to providing by new avenues the employment which is so imperatively necessary, in view of the present cost to the taxpayer?

That is a very difficult problem, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows. I spent a good many years myself trying to solve it, but I was not successful.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet is considering any scheme, and, if so, what, for the stabilisation of exchange; whether there is any likelihood of an early decision; and whether, if action can be taken in any profitable direction, it will be expedited so as to relieve the volume of unemployment?

I fear that it is beyond the power of His Majesty's Government to effect a stabilisation of the world's exchanges, but the Government has under consideration proposals, both in connection with the Ter Meulen scheme and otherwise, for facilitating the exports which are now checked by the state of the exchanges, and I can assure the hon. Member that there will be no delay on the part of His Majesty's Government in doing anything that may be found feasible.

In view of the immense importance of the rupee exchange to the trade of Lancashire, may I ask whether anything will be done to stabilise it?

We quite realise the importance of that, but I cannot give an answer to my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister to state who is to represent this country at the forthcoming International Transport Conference, which is to be hold at Barcelona on 10th March?

The British delegate at the Barcelona Conference will be Sir Hubert Llewellyn Smith, G.C.B.

Is he the only one?

That is my information. He will at all events be the head.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the provision of credits for Central European countries in order to facilitate the restoration of trade between them and this country and so to diminish unemployment?

As the hon. Member is aware, an export credits scheme has already been set up with a view to facilitating trade with countries whose economic conditions have been disorganised by the War. The question whether any modifications can be made in that scheme with a view to facilitating its utilisation, and the question generally of the provision of credits in respect of the countries concerned is receiving the active consideration of the Government.

May I ask whether the Government have not yet realised that their scheme has proved a comparative failure, and whether, in view of the urgent need of markets, they will hasten their deliberations?

Every effort is being made. Deliberations are taking place continuously now, and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade hopes to announce the Government's proposals in the course of a few days.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in favour of necessary modifications?

My experience of the working of the present scheme has convinced me that some modifications are necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now received the revised Report of the Economy Committee on the staffing, etc., at the Ministry of Munitions; and, if so, whether he will publish it?

I have received, not a revised Report, but a Supplementary Report from the Committee, and I am making arrangements for the publication of the two Reports.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will give particulars as to the value and amount of cigars of Havana manufacture cleared from bond since the imposition of the additional Budget duties, and corresponding details showing clearances, value, and amount of similar cigars during the corresponding period in the years 1918–19 and 1919–20;

In the case of goods cleared from bond, records are kept neither of the country of consignment nor of the values, and I regret, therefore, that I cannot supply my hon. and gallant Friend with the information he desires. As regards Question No. 58, I would refer him to my reply to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Hood) on the 23rd February last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the distress and loss caused to the public by the failure of certain banks, such as the Charing Cross and Farrow's Bank, the Government propose to introduce any legislation to check the use of the name bank, except in the case of bonâ fide concerns, and also to check the issuing of fraudulent balance sheets by a periodical inspection by Government auditors of the books of banks or by any other method?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on the 23rd February to the hon. Member for Ilford (Mr. Wise) and to the replies given yesterday by the President of the Board of Trade. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of these answers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what investigations he has made into the merits and demerits of the Turnover Tax; whether he will reconsider his decision re introducing a Turnover Tax to relieve the present Income Tax; and, if not, will he state what are the conclusions which he has arrived at which make it impossible for him to introduce a tax on turnover, particularly in view of the fact that the Belgian Finance Minister is introducing a tax on turnover in his next Budget, and that the Finance Minister of Canada says that the tax has been favourably received by the business community and the public generally, and the Inland Revenue Department of Canada has found that the tax may be administered and controlled without undue cost or effort?

My predecessors and I have carefully considered the merits and demerits of a turnover tax on more than one occasion. I cannot, of course, enter upon them in reply to a question, but I may say that, whatever be the merits of such a tax, I do not consider the present moment favourable for introducing a new tax on trading transactions.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British industrial community is by no means unanimous in the view that it would like to have a turnover tax?

I have never known the British industrial community to be unanimous in favour of anything.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why France and Italy did not apply direct to the United States for such loans as they required after the entry of the United States into the War, instead of applying to Great Britain, who had no money to lend and had to borrow the money from the United States in order to lend it to France and Italy?

As I informed my hon. Friend on Tuesday last, France and Italy applied for and received loans direct from the United States Government after the entry of the United States Government into the War. While His Majesty's Government would have much preferred a system under which they would have been relieved from the necessity of borrowing from the United States Government for expenditure in the United States of America at the same time as they were lending to the Allied Governments for their expenditure elsewhere, it was not possible for His Majesty's Government to refuse financial assistance to the Allies simply because it involved as a corollary borrowing by His Majesty's Government from the United States Government. It must be remembered that such refusal might have risked the whole Allied cause.

Why did not France and Italy borrow direct from the United States for the arms, accoutrements and money they required rather than asking this country, with no money to lend, to provide them with funds?

I have tried to explain to my hon. Friend, but I have not succeeded in making it clear to him that the Allies did borrow from the United States for their expenditure in America. They borrowed from us for their expenditure elsewhere than in the United States of America. We might have avoided any necessity for borrowing from the United States if our whole credit had been free to meet our own needs, and if we had not used part of our credit to come to the assistance of our Allies.

Did the United States lend no one any money which was not spent in their own country, and make no real bonâ fide loans to ourselves or the Allies in fact?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by bonâ fide loans. They lent us money, no doubt, to meet our commitments in the United States. It was very essential to us under the circumstances that we should have that assistance, and I hope nothing will be said to lead people to suppose that we underrate the service that America rendered by making those loans.

Is it a fact that America made no loans to ourselves or the Allies except to cover payments made to America?

I ought not to answer questions of this kind without notice. I hope my hon. Friend will put his question on the Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether nearly 15,000 workmen, chiefly colliers, in South Wales were summoned for non-payment of Income Tax during last year; whether one defaulter earned wages which in the aggregate amounted to £1,000 a year; whether £700 to £800 were common earnings; whether all arrears of Income Tax in South Wales have now been recovered; and, if not, in how many cases does the tax remain unpaid?

The number of manual wage-earners in South Wales who were, during the calendar year 1920, summoned for non-payment of Income Tax, was approximately 52,500, and of these about 35,000 were colliers. It cannot be traced that any one of these taxpayers was earning as much as £1,000 a year, and while in a number of cases colliers were in receipt of earnings amounting to £700 or £800 a year, the general average of their earnings was much below those figures. There are in South Wales, as in other parts of the country, a number of cases in which there are arrears of Income Tax due from manual wage-earners, and the collection of tax in these cases is proceeding in the manner provided by law.

In view of the difficulty of working men paying large sums quarterly or annually, has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of collecting the tax from their wages weekly through the employers?

Yes, that was, I think, the original proposal of my predecessor, Mr. McKenna, when the tax was first applied to manual wage earners. It met with strong opposition from both the workmen and the employers. It was examined by the Royal Commission on Income Tax and they said it would be inexpedient to adopt that system until there had been a sensible change of opinion among those affected.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is nearly time, seeing that miners in South Wales earn £700 and £800 a year, to increase the wages of poor Members who have to depend on this House for the miserable £400 they receive?

Is it not a fact that only a small number of miners earned £700 and £800 because they would not work more than three or four days a week?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see the advisability of having these forms printed in a language people can understand—printed in the Welsh language?

I do not think the failure to pay arises from that, as the hon. Member knows from the correspondence I have had with hon. Members representing Wales. I would gladly have the forms printed also in Welsh if administratively I could carry it out, but the pressure on the Inland Revenue officials at present is so great that I cannot add to their difficulties.

Is it not a fact that the major part of the House all last year were urging the miners to produce a good deal more coal? In the name of common sense why are they growling now because they are earning more?

I hope you and the House will excuse me from taking further part in the Debate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether provision will be made in the forthcoming Revenue Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax as regards an increase in the present statutory allowance of 16⅔ per cent, for repairs in respect of small dwelling-houses, such recommendations being under Section 4 (c) of the Report, that for a period of five years an allowance of one-fourth should be made for houses not exceeding £20 in annual value, and one-fifth for houses not exceeding £40 in annual value?

I cannot undertake to include in the Revenue Bill, which I hope to introduce at an early date, proposals to deal with the particular matter to which my hon. Friend refers, or with the other recommendations of the Royal Commission on the subject of repairs to property. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that under the provisions of Rule 8 of No. V in Schedule A of the Income Tax Act, 1918, as amended by Section 19 of the Finance Act, 1919, the property owners now question can obtain relief, from Income Tax in respect of the whole of any excess of the actual cost of repairs, on the average of the five preceding years, over the statutory allowance of one-sixth of the assessed annual value of the property.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to allegations that men in full employment are taking part in unemployed processions with the object of sharing in the proceeds of the collections made; and whether he will take steps, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, to supervise street collections for the unemployed, and to ensure that a participation in the proceeds is only allowed to persons genuinely out of work and who an; British subjects?

No case of the nature referred to in the first portion of the question has been brought to my notice. As regards the supervision of street collections on behalf of the unemployed, I will send to the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the special and additional conditions attached to the official permits issued by the Commissioner to accredited committees. The police cannot supervise the distribution of the proceeds: it is the business of the committee concerned to ensure that only genuinely unemployed British subjects are allowed to participate.

What steps are taken to prevent people who are not out of work joining these processions?

We cannot prevent them joining, of course, but the committees concerned must take steps to see that they do not participate in the proceeds.

In view of the desire of the population, as has been shown every day, to assist cases of real distress, will it be made clear that no man who is in receipt of unemployed donation who takes part in these processions will continue to receive the donation if discovered?

No, Sir.

Why not?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can throw any light on the disappearance of Robert MacDonald, organiser of the Stepney unemployed, who was last seen on Sunday, 20th February, at about 1.30 p.m., in conversation with two policemen; whether he has been arrested; and, if so, what is the charge against him?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that MacDonald was arrested on 20th February on a warrant for alleged fraudulent conversion. He appeared on 21st February before the magistrate at Clerkenwell Police Court, who remanded him in custody, till the 28th, and then further remanded him till the 2nd March.