asked the Secretary of State for India what is the pay per mensem of a police-constable in the different provinces of India; and whether that pay is considered sufficient to obtain a contented and loyal police service?

I regret that I have not complete particulars to enable me to reply fully to my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but I have asked the Government of India to send me the latest figures. I may say that considerable increases of pay have been granted during the last few years.

When are we likely to have that information?

I will try to get particulars as soon as I can, but local governments, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, have considerable discretion in raising police pay, and I am anxious to give him figures up to date. I will let him know as soon as I get the information.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, under existing regulations, officers of the Indian Army Reserve get no medal for service in India during the great War, and, that if they relinquish their volunteer commissions on joining the Indian Army Reserve of Officers, do not count such service as double for Volunteer officers' decoration; and whether, seeing that this may have an injurious effect on that force which the institution of a long-service decoration would remove, and that Indian Volunteers who were actually mobilised with the Territorials on 5th August, 1914, have been refused the Territorial war medal on the ground that they were not Territorials, he will consider the desirability of arranging that service by Europeans in different parts of India, either with the Volunteers or with the Indian Army, shall give the same claim to the 1914–18 medal as that rendered by a Regular soldier of the British Army who never changed his station in India during the whole of the War, and was in India prior to its outbreak?

Officers of the Indian Army Reserve of Officers do not qualify for a medal by service in India during the War unless they were not ordinarily resident in India before the War. I am consulting the Government of India on the question of allowing a Volunteer officer whose name was removed from the roll of a Volunteer unit on his joining the Indian Army Reserve of Officers to count his Indian Army Reserve of Officers service as double service for the Volunteer Long Service Medal. I do not understand how an officer can have been mobilised with Territorials on 5th August, 1914, unless he was a Territorial officer, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind I will look into it if he will give me particulars. I regret that I cannot consider that service in India by an Indian Service officer resident in India before the War should qualify for a medal on different lines from the rules applying to service in the United Kingdom of a British Service officer.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will take steps to obtain information as regards the percentage of public works and forest officers with less than 20 years' service who refused to accept the new scheme for pensions; if he will say what is the difference in the purchasing power of a pension of Rs. 4,000 in England, taking Income Tax into account, in 1884 and at the present time; and whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living in England during the last 25 years, he is prepared to sanction a considerable increase in pensions fixed before 1894, and to allow the three years' probationary period formerly passed at Cooper's Hill by officers of the Forest Department to count for pension?

The Government of India have been asked whether they can supply the information referred to in the first part of the question. A retired officer drawing a pension of Rs. 4,000 a year in this country, and possessing no other means would, at the present time, after deduction of Income Tax, receive, if single or a widower, £3 2s. 6d., and if married £16 12s. 6d. more per annum than in 1884. That is exclusive of any rebates for children or dependants to which he might be entitled under the present Finance Act. The purchasing power of his pension is no doubt less. I am not aware of arguments which would justify the suggestion in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is any arrangement in operation whereby the Indian Government supplies opium to Hong Kong; and what are the terms and duration of such arrangement?

The agreement formerly existing for the supply by the Government of India of opium to the Government of Hong Kong has been renewed for a further period of five years, with certain modifications. Under the new agreement, which has effect for five years from the 1st January, 1921, Hong Kong will be supplied with ten chests of opium a month, at a fixed price. No obligation rests on the Government of Hong Kong to take any prescribed minimum quantity of opium.

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount of opium shipped from India to Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements, respectively, in 1920; whether such opium is for local consumption only; whether, if the amount shipped is in excess of local requirements, what steps, if any, are taken to prevent the surplus being smuggled into China; and whether any opium was shipped direct from India to Macao and the Dutch East Indies and, if so, how much?

I regret that complete information regarding the question asked by my hon. Friend is not available at present. I have asked the Government of India to supply it. As regards the prevention of smuggling from Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements into China, I will ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can furnish the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also ask whether the amount of opium grown in South China is not so large as to make the disposal of this small surplus a matter of no account whatever?

Is there any limit to the amount that may be sent into the Dutch East Indies?

I am not familiar with this question in detail. I would ask my hon. Friend to give me notice of his question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year he informed me that the export of opium from India was very heavy indeed, and that the opium is very largely bought by Japanese merchants and taken into China under their different treaties? Will the sending of this opium from India be stopped?

Stopped altogether?

In unnecessary quantities.

In unnecessary quantities, of course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether the cultivation of opium in China is not great; and whether that is not really the overriding fact of the situation, and not these details?

I should like to get my hon. Friend any information he desires, but I find difficulty in getting information in China. Perhaps he will address his question to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs?

Is it not a fact that there is no poppy growing in China, except to a very limited extent which is strictly regulated?

The information I have about China does not bear out that view.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there are any Pharmacy Acts in operation in India similar to those in this country; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation in India similar to that of the Dangerous Drugs Act with a view to limit the use of such drugs to legitimate medical and scientific purposes?

There are no Pharmacy Acts in operation in India similar to those in this country. It is not proposed to introduce legislation in India similar to the Dangerous Drugs Act, as the regulation of the traffic in and use of such drugs is already strictly controlled under a variety of Local and Imperial Acts. I may add for the information of the hon. Member that it is believed that the law and the practice in India in respect of all such drugs are entirely in accord with the provisions of The Hague Convention; the Government of India were, however, requested some time ago to examine the whole body of law and regulations on this subject, and to effect such amendments, if any, as might be required in order to bring their law and practice into precise conformity with the provisions of the Convention.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can now state what steps have been taken to carry into effect the recommendations in Part V of the Esher Report in regard to the improvements in the conditions of service of the personnel of the Army in India, which are so long overdue.

As a result of the recommendations in Pant V of the Esher Committee Report the following measures have now been sanctioned:

British officers, both of the British and Indian Services will receive free forage and saddlery, an allowance of Rs.15 per mensem for a syce, and will be able to buy chargers at concessional rates. British Service officers will cease to receive horse allowance. Indian Army officers, on the introduction of these measures, will be liable to have the number of authorised chargers reduced and the pay of cavalry assimilated to that of infantry as recommended in the Report. The sum of 19 lakhs has, in addition, been provided for pay concessions for British officers of the Indian Army, but it has not yet been decided how far the precise proposals in Section II of Part V of the Report will be followed.

As regards Indian officers, increases of pay, pension, family pension, and travelling allowances have been sanctioned and equipment will be issued free on promotion.

As regards Indian other ranks, improved scales of pay, good service, and good conduct pay have been approved.

The main proposals for improved family pensions have been accepted in principle, but the details are not yet settled. The same applies as regards disability pensions, both for Indian officers and other Indian ranks.

The pay of religious teachers will be raised as recommended.

A grant will be given in respect of Hindustani clothing, but in what form has not yet been settled.

Charpoys and kit boxes will be provided free, and also free lighting.

The contract allowance system in regimental offices will be abolished. An establishment of enlisted clerks has been sanctioned, and Government will supply stationery, etc.

Seven lakhs will be provided for the improvement of Indian Army schools.

Does the right hon. Gentleman state that chargers are not to be provided by the Government? Will officers still have to purchase their own chargers?

I think that the proposals I have read out were in the precise form of the Esher Committee's recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it was one of the terms of recruitment for Indian troops that they should not be employed outside the Indian Empire; how many such troops are at present serving outside India; and in what theatres they are employed.

No, Sir. Indian troops are enlisted for "general service." On February 1st there were 121,800 Indian troops serving outside the Indian Empire—this excludes followers. These numbers are fast being reduced and it is anticipated that they will be reduced to less than half by the end of the present month. The theatres of employment are:—

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to make a full statement as to the Army position in India?

This question has been postponed, but I would like my right hon. Friend to continue his undertaking that there shall be no further reductions in the meantime.

Certainly. There will be no further reductions.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can state the nature of the proposals made to the Council of State on the 3rd instant by Sir William Vincent which were opposed by Lord Rawlinson?

The hon. Baronet's question is evidently based on a Press message which appeared in Monday's newspapers, in which Lord Rawlinson is reported as having stated in the Council of State that the Government would be extremely lucky if the country escaped sporadic disorders in the next month, that he strongly objected to certain proposals of Sir William Vincent, and that owing to attacks made upon them officers were already showing signs of losing their initiative. I felt sure, when I saw this message, that Lord Rawlinson must have been misreported, and I at once telegraphed to India for the facts. I am informed, in reply, that there is no truth in any of the allegations, that none of the subjects referred to were even mentioned in the Commander-in-Chief's speech, and the Commander-in-Chief asks, that a categorical denial should be made. Sir William Vincent, in a speech in the course of the Debate reported, alluded to possible sporadic disorders and to the possible effect on officers of such proposals as those put forward by Mr. Sastri, the mover of the resolution under discussion. I find that the Press report is correct that six out of the eight proposals made by Mr. Sastri were rejected by the Council, and I gather that the two that were accepted were not regarded by the Government of India as unreasonable. I would add that Reuter's, to whom I think we are greatly indebted for the information sent from, and conveyed to, India with general accuracy, have expressed to me their regrets for the unfortunate mistakes connected with this telegram.

Is there nothing that can be done in India to prevent these wicked reports being sent over here? Can my right hon. Friend ask the Indian Government to take any steps to see that Reuter does not telegraph absurd misstatements of this kind?

I know that nobody regrets these mistakes more than Reuter themselves. Of course, we have no control over private messages sent by Press agencies from one to the other, but in the bulk of telegrams which Reuter receives the general accuracy is highly to be commended, and I am quite sure that Reuter will take steps to try to avoid by every means the possibility of an important mistake of this kind occurring again.

Are any British State moneys involved in messages passing from India?

I do not know that. It is a matter between Reuter and their representatives in India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statistics corresponding to the statistics issued monthly by the Board of Trade in this country to show the rise in the cost of living in India due to the War and the present variations in such cost of living; and, if not, will he, with a view to diminishing labour unrest in India, have such statistics prepared?

The Government of India have for some time been publishing a monthly statement of the "percentage increase of retail food prices in Calcutta since July, 1914." The Indian Statistical Department is now examining the possibility of publishing weighted comparative figures of the cost of living for the main towns of India on the model of the Board of Trade figures.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that food prices are not the only element in the cost of living, and that the cost of clothing has gone up more than the cost of food?

Yes. That is why the Indian Statistical Department is considering the publication of figures comparable with the Board of Trade returns.

Has the collection of statistics ever anywhere had any effect in allaying unrest?

I imagine that that information is always useful.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the personnel of the Committee which will inquire into the fiscal arrangements in India has been settled; what will be the proportion of the Indian representatives; whether the Legislative Assembly or any other Indian body will be able to nominate one or more representatives on that body; whether the proposals made by that Committee will be embodied in a Bill and voted by the Legislative Assembly before any action will be taken; and will he assure the House that in no case action will be taken over the head of the Legislative Assembly?

Nothing has yet been decided regarding the personnel of the Indian Fiscal Commission. Effect cannot be given to the proposals of the Commission without the introduction of a Bill in the Legislative Assembly. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the announcement made on this subject by the Finance Member.

If there is to be a Committee or Commission appointed to inquire into the fiscal arrangements of India, would it not be possible to make it a Committee of the Legislative Assembly and the Council of State joint—an Indian Commission rather than an English Commission?

The hon. Member will remember that there was a Committee, of the old Legislative Council last year, which recommended to the Government the appointment of an expert Commission, and it is in following that advice that the Government of India propose to appoint a Committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the scheme for the reconstruction of the Royal Naval Reserves is as yet complete; whether recruiting has as yet commenced; and, if not, when it will commence?

The scheme for the re-organisation of the Royal Naval Reserve has received approval, and it is expected that the revised conditions of service will be promulgated to-day. As my Noble and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, limited recruiting for the Royal Naval Reserve from amongst men who served either in that Force or in the Royal Navy for the period of hostilities has been in progress since March, 1919; general recruiting will commence on 1st April next.

Did not the hon. Gentleman make an absolutely identical announcement on 14th December, 1920, and is it not also true that absolutely nothing has been done since then?

I am glad that I am able to confirm what I said so long ago. My hon. and gallant Friend must recognise that the limited amount of money at our disposal in the Estimates this year necessitates our going very cautiously, and I think it better to spend the money in a way that in the long run would be more beneficial to the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

May I take it that recruiting for all classes of Naval Reserves will take place as soon as possible?

Yes; it will begin on 1st April.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, before the Navy Estimates are introduced, a table can be made available to Members showing the comparative strength of the navies of the United States of America, Japan, and the British Empire, to-day, in 1924, and 1925, in ships of all kinds, sub-divided into the various classes and distinguishing be- tween ships embodying the lessons of the War and those built or designed prior to this period?

A table showing the comparative strength of the navies of the principal Naval Powers at the present time is being prepared, and if my Noble and gallant Friend will kindly put down a further unstarred question for Monday next the information will then be available. It is not possible to forecast the relative strength in 1924–1925, as this depends not only on the progress made in the respective building programme, but also upon the removal of older ships from the effective list.

Will the table show the number of ships in commission among the various Powers?

It will give all the information asked for in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, inasmuch as vacancies for appointments to senior master have been caused by the recent promotion of four officers of the schoolmaster branch of the Royal Navy to the rank of headmaster, lieutenant, and observing that the percentage of senior masters is still considerably below the normal percentage for that rank, if he is in a position to state that those vacancies will now be filled and the percentage of senior masters brought up to the normal?

Further promotions to the rank of senior master are under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can hold out any hopes that a certain percentage of promotions to the rank of headmaster (lieutenant) on the active list will be given to schoolmasters, Royal Navy, of ripe age and experience, other than senior masters, holding commissioned rank, observing that such promotions to lieutenant rank obtain in other branches of the naval service

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the present rate of pay of officers and men of the Royal Navy are sufficient to meet the increased cost of living and increased rate of income tax since they were fixed; and, if not, whether it is proposed to raise the scale?

I regret I am unable to add anything to the reply given to a similar question by my Noble and gallant Friend on the 24th November last.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has succeeded in settling the dispute between the employés and manager of the General Accident Corporation, Limited; why did the Ministry agree to the suggestion of the manager to ask each individual to send in a personal statement as to why they were dismissed; will he state whether this is the practice of the Ministry when dealing with matters of this kind; and if he will use the powers conferred upon him by the Industrial Courts Act, 1920, to enforce a settlement?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the failure to bring about a settlement between the General Accident Corporation and the members of the Guild of Insurance officials, he will institute a Court of Inquiry under the Industrial Courts Act of 1919?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the conflict in the statements made to him by the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation, Limited, and the Guild of Insurance Officials with regard to the strike of some of the corporation's employés which has been in existence since 8th November, he can now see his way to accede to the request of the guild, made so far back as 8th December, 1920, that he should hold a court of inquiry into this dispute as provided for by the Industrial Courts Act of 1919?

I will answer these three questions together. The difference between the parties to this dispute has not yet been settled. As regards thee question of my hon. Friend the Member for the Bedwelty Division, I adopted the suggestion of the general manager in order that I might inform myself as fully as possible of the facts of the case. I had already seen representatives of the employés. I may say that the Guild has accepted the suggestion, and I have now received from both parties certain information regarding the individuals in question. I have no powers, contrary to the supposition of my hon. Friend the Member for the Bedwelty Division, to enforce a settlement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Regulations of the Civil Liabilities Department do not admit of grants other than resettlement grants being made except to disabled men who are prevented from resuming their pre-war occupation and for whom no suitable employment is available; that this very severe limitation is further contracted by the refusal of the Department to make grants to men who applied originally to the King's Fund and who were at the time of application so disabled, but who have since, in the course of many delays, ceased to draw disablement pension; and whether this lays the Department open to the charge of purposely delaying grants in order that men may become ineligible?

In addition to Resettlement Grants (for which, let me say, ex-service men not disabled are eligible) and grants to disabled men referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question, grants are also made to disabled men who do not draw a disability pension, for the purpose of assisting such men to meet contractual obligations such as rent, rates, taxes, etc. A lump sum grant, however, cannot be given to a disabled man who was an employé prior to enlistment, whether he originally applied to the King's Fund or not, unless he is in receipt of a disability pension. Provided the applicant is in receipt of a disability pension when his application is received, and he is otherwise eligible for a grant, the same is paid without any further inquiry as to pension. It has never been the practice of the Military Service (Civil Liability) Department to penalise the applicant because of undue delay on their part in dealing with an application.

Am I to understand that a man who, when he applied to the King's Fund, was disabled and his application for some reason or other was delayed or refused, is now eligible for a grant?

That, I think, was the point made in the last part of my hon. Friend's original question—that there have been delays purposely, in order that men shall not be eligible. I want to deny that at once. If there has been such a case let the hon. Member tell me at once.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, under existing laws, rules, and regulations, a female domestic employé who throws up her job can obtain 16s. a week out-of-work pay and 12s. 6d. from the unemployment insurance fund, in addition to a pension of 20s. a week on account of a deceased demobilised husband?

Domestic servants are not ordinarily entitled to Unemployment Benefit or Out-of-Work Donation, inasmuch as private domestic service is not an insurable occupation under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and donation is only payable to women who have served as mobile members of one of the Women's Service Corps. Any person who leaves his or her employment voluntarily without just cause, is thereby disqualified for benefit. Benefit and donation cannot be drawn concurrently. The amount of any benefit or donation otherwise due is not reduced by reason of a pension drawn on account of a deceased demobilised husband.

What is a "deceased demobilised husband"?

I accepted the expression used in the question. I suppose the reference is to the widow who receives a widow's pension because of the death of a soldier husband.

Is not a deceased demobilised?

What is mobile employment?

That is in reference to the Women's Service Corps; it is a definition in regard to their service. No women can get a donation unless they were at the time mobile members of the Women's Service Corps.

If a woman was employed in an ordinary factory, would she be in mobile employment?

I think the hon. Gentleman misunderstands me. No civilian woman is entitled to donation. It is only women who served in one of the service corps who are now entitled to donation, and only in those cases where they were mobile.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the total number of those whose wages or salaries are varied according to the index figure of the cost of living supplied by his Department?

The total number of persons whose wages or salaries are regulated directly in accordance with the movements of the index number relating to cost of living, which is prepared by the Ministry of Labour, is estimated to be nearly 1,500,000. Particulars of the industries and services affected, and of the arrangements in operation in each case, were given in the Labour Gazette for December last, a copy of which was sent to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, owing to the variations in the prices of different commodities, it is the case that as a result of war conditions economies or readjustments of expenditure have been effected in many households, especially in those cases where incomes have not increased so much as prices, whilst the standard of living has been raised in those families in which wages have been increased in a greater proportion than the official rise in prices; whether any allowance is made for such alterations in the standard of living; and, if not, is he aware that the food index figures supplied monthly by his Department are unreliable?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the index number prepared by the Ministry of Labour is designed to indicate the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-War standard of living of working-class families. The fact that in some families the standard of living has been lowered, whilst in others it has been raised, does not affect the validity of the index number for the particular purpose which it serves.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that a great many families are affected who are not working-class families at all?

That may be, but the index number is designed to indicate the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-War standard.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, since the Treasury have removed their embargo, it is the intention to spend more public money by the erection of new employment exchanges; and how much it is proposed to expend on the new exchange at Hounslow?

It is not the intention to erect any new permanent buildings for employment exchanges within the next financial year, except in a very small number of cases where new accommodation is absolutely necessary and cannot be provided otherwise. The cases in question are Newcastle-on-Tyne, Leeds, Govan, and Partick, there being very exceptional reasons why these four cases should be dealt with without delay. The office at Hounslow is a branch employment office situated in hired premises, and there is at present no intention of expending money on new premises.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what is the amount involved in these building operations?

I think there is provision in the Estimates for 1921–22 for four cases only, but I cannot carry the figures in my mind, and I will let my hon. Friend know what these four cases involve.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the employers at Darlaston, arising out of a small sectional industrial dispute, have closed their works, and that benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act is not being paid to those locked out; and, if so, whether he will take steps to cause an inquiry to be held into the employers' conduct under the Industrial Courts Act?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to him on 2nd March. In reply to the latter part of the question, the Labour Department is in touch with the parties to this dispute and is endeavouring to bring about a settlement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the exhibition of work done by disabled men in the Government factories and of the fact that the success of the work done by disabled men in these factories is very little known, he will consider having a cinema film made of operations being conducted and of work being done in engineering, building, and other Government instructional factories by disabled men, and of having that film exhibited in the House of Commons, or some adjacent spot, to Members, and subsequently exhibited all over the country?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that arrangements are now being made for the production of cinema films showing the training of disabled men in the various trades, and I have reason to hope this can be arranged without any cost to the taxpayer. We shall certainly consider the suggestion that these films should be exhibited in some suitable place where Members of this House can conveniently witness them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the number of men trained in the building trades in Government instructional factories, he will consider the possibility of arranging that after they leave the factories they should be put direct on to building cottages; and whether, if necessary, a cooperative society might be instituted to enable them to do this effectively?

Many disabled ex-service men who are in training under the Ministry of Labour in the building trades are already employed on cottage building during their period of institutional training. I would view with great pleasure the establishment of co-operative societies such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, and I understand that in one instance active steps are being taken by the trainees themselves to form such a society.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in touch with any organisation of ex-service men on this matter?

I have received several communications from organisations of ex-service men on this matter.

Is there any hope of these communications having some result, as a large number of ex-service men are still unemployed?

Yes. As a matter of fact, the large and general question of our negotiations to secure the training of very large bodies of ex-service men is engaging our attention at this moment, and I hope it will have a successful issue without delay; that has rather set aside the proposals of a smaller character, but I have had communications on this very point with one or two bodies of ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Labour whether considerable difficulty is experienced in finding improvers' vacancies for disabled men who have been trained in the Government instructional factories; and whether, under these circumstances, he will consider furnishing to Members of Parliament in whose constituencies Government instructional factories are placed a list of trainees from time to time who are seeking improvers' vacancies with a view to such Members of Parliament assisting to find them places?

It is unfortunately true that on account of the present state of employment, great difficulty is being experienced at the present moment in finding improvership vacancies for disabled ex-service men who have been trained in the Government instructional factories, and I shall be only too glad to forward to any Members who are willing to help in this way a list of men in their constituencies for whom no vacancies can be found.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the fact that on 28th February all ex-officers acting as investigators for the Ministry of Labour received official notice that after the 31st March their services would not be required in view of the fact that the present sanction for investigation work for the establishment of trade boards is due to expire on the 31st March, 1921, and that, as no decision has yet been reached by His Majesty's Government with regard to the future activities of the Department in this direction, the Minister of Labour gave one month's notice of the termination of their appointment; and whether, in view of these facts, a decision is likely to be reached by His Majesty's Government before the 31st March in order that these ex-officers may not be added to the list of unemployed, and, if not, can he explain why the Government cannot come to a decision in this matter?

I have been asked to reply. Parliament, in passing the original Trade Boards Act, 1909, adopted the principle of instituting trade boards in trades where wages were exceptionally low; and in a later Act, 1918, authorised the Minister to apply the Acts if he is of opinion that no adequate machinery exists for the effective regulation of wages throughout a trade, and that accordingly, having regard to the rates of wages prevailing in the trade, or any part of the trade, it is expedient that the principal Act should apply to that trade. In deciding to apply the Trade Boards Acts to a trade, we are bound to have regard to the general industrial situation. That, at present, is such as to make it necessary to proceed with caution. It is quite true that these considerations will lead for the time being to our dispensing with the services of a number of ex- officers who would otherwise have proceeded with the work of investigation. But on the day that notices were issued, the Joint Substitution Board were notified, and I need not assure my hon. Friend that every endeavour will be made to find them other employment.

Is it not a fact that if the Trade Boards Act of 1918 is repealed this work must be done by someone, and can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that at any rate these efficient and experienced men will not be discharged, to be replaced at a later date by others with less claim upon the State?

The Trade Boards Act will be administered by the Ministry of Labour. It is not a good thing to put on full canvas when you are going into a bad gale, and therefore I am going cautiously. My hon. and gallant Friend needs no assurance from me that every endeavour will be made to supply these officers with other work.

Are we to understand that it is the policy of the Government to suspend the operation of the Trade Boards Act in the period of very low wages that is coming?

No. What I have been endeavouring to point out is that we cannot quite move at the same pace during a time of great depression as we might in a time of great prosperity, and therefore we have to move with great caution.

Is it not the case that the kind of trade depression which may lead to a fall in wages is just the time when the Trade Boards policy ought to be enforced?

There is no question of affecting existing Trade Boards. The real question at issue here is the establishment of new boards, and in that matter we have to move with a certain amount of caution.

Is it not a fact that trade boards or trade unions have no control over wages?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that his Department ordered an inquiry by one of their inspectors at Bearsted for 20th January, and ordered notices to be sent out; that numbers of officials and inhabitants assembled and waited for an hour, in accordance with the Health Ministry's own printed notices; and whether, seeing that great inconvenience was caused by the fact that no inspector arrived, he will cause an explanation and an expression of regret to be sent to the rural district council of Bearsted, seeing that this has not yet been done in spite of the telegram of protest which was sent in from those who assembled?

I am aware of the facts, and on the 9th of February I sent a letter to the rural district council of Maidstone, expressing my great regret that, through a failure to notify alteration of date, inconvenience and annoyance was caused to the various persons who attended the inquiry. I have taken steps to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the proposed transfer of tuberculosis treatment from the health insurance committees to county and borough councils, he will make provision to secure adequate and permanent representation for the members of health insurance committees upon the new committees to be appointed?

I am hoping to introduce legislation on this subject shortly, and the point to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the interest among the many sufferers from the disease in this country, he has sent an expert to inquire at first hand into the Spahlinger serum for the treatment of consumption; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of sending an expert immediately?

This question has already been carefully explored, and was before the Medical Research Committee in 1914. There would be no advantage in the adoption of the course suggested, as much of the work has been done in London. Perhaps I may refer my hon. Friend to the answers which I gave on this subject on the 23rd February and the 2nd March, of which I will send him copies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish as much as possible about the researches into this treatment, so that those who are suffering from tuberculosis may know whether it is worth their while to pursue any further investigations on these lines or not?

I will give all the information I have, but the preparation of this material is a secret, and it is quite impossible further to explore such suggestions and give any advice on the subject without proper clinical inquiry and other experiments. Until that material is available, it is quite impossible to express any opinion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the treatment is really successful or not?

I have already said that the material is not sufficient to express any proper opinion. I am sure hon. Members will recognise how important it is not to mislead thousands of sufferers from tuberculosis by holding out any hope which might not be justified.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the editor of the "News of the World"?

asked the Minister of Health how the death rate of infants under one year of age during 1920 compares with the recent preceding years; and whether, as a part of promoting public economy, he proposes to reduce the number of infant welfare centres and maternity beds available for this service?

The death rate of infants under one year of age per 1,000 births during the years 1914 to 1920 is as follows:

In view of the extremely satisfactory results achieved by the Ministry, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of circulating the information among local authorities so that they may continue this good work?

I am preparing a statement which I hope to issue to the local authorities on this matter.

asked the Minister of Health if, when the Government gave its approval to the London County Council housing scheme at Dagenham, it had before it the Council's proposals for dealing with the questions of transport, water supply, and drainage in connection with the scheme; if arrangements have been made with the railway companies concerned which ensure adequate transport facilities to and from the new estate; and if he will state what is the estimated total cost of the whole scheme on the basis of accommodating 250,000 persons, and what will be the charge on the rates when the scheme is completed with the rents fixed by the Council and assuming that all the houses erected are taken up?

All the matters referred to in the first part of my hon. Friend's question were considered in detail before approval was given, and the question of transport was also considered at length before approval of the site was given, including representations from the Ministry of Transport. There was not at any time, so far as I am aware, any intention of providing for as many as 250,000 persons on the estate; and the present proposal of the London County Council, if the scheme is fully carried out, is to build about 18,000 houses sufficient for 80,000 or 90,000 persons. Owing to the extreme difficulty of obtaining skilled labour, progress at present is lamentably slow, and any estimate either of the total number of houses to be built or of the ultimate cost would be conjectural. In any event, the limit of a 1d. rate will not be exceeded as the burden on London rates.

How many of these 18,000 houses have yet been constructed?

I may have to correct this figure, but I think it is 4,000 houses, but as to how many have actually been completed, I will ask my hon. Friend to give me notice.

Is it not a fact that the building of these houses is being held up entirely owing to the action of the trade unions, and will my right hon. Friend take further steps if possible to enable these houses to be constructed, owing to the enormous requirements there are in this district?

This case, I think, exhibits in a remarkable degree the very unsatisfactory attitude of the unions concerned. I regard it as a very sad fact. We have endeavoured to get bricklayers in all sorts of places, but all kinds of difficulties are being made by the existing bricklayers on the job, and we are now endeavouring to get an increased proportion of houses made of concrete and other alternative materials, but I am sorry to say that still the difficulties of demarcation and such like have arisen. It is a very lamentable case altogether.

Does that not mean that the action of these various unions is keeping these working class people from getting the proper houses to live in?

There is no doubt at all that in this case that is so.

Will my right hon. Friend tell me whether it is a fact that the prevention of the building of many of these houses is due to the fact that some of the local authorities have taken exception to the room space and air space provided by the Ministry of Health in many of the houses? May I quote a case? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

There are all kinds of objections, I dare say. We have had many more objections than we have had helpful suggestions all through. At the same time, there is no doubt that in this case the statement I have made with regard to the workmen concerned is true.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Building Materials Supply Department charge a commission of 2½ per cent. on the invoice value of all building material supplied for approved housing schemes; whether, in addition to this commission, the Department solicits and obtains orders for the supply of the goods, and in such cases retains the 5 per cent. profit which in the ordinary course of events would go to the merchants whose business it is to supply such materials; whether these charges consequently increase the cost of the houses to be constructed; whether the Ministry of Health has obtained Parliamentary sanction for the establishment of what is to all intents and purposes a commission agency and trading Department; and why the Government exercise such powers as they may have for the purpose of influencing the sale of such materials through their own Department, instead of such purchases going through merchants who are recognised as the proper channels?

The Department of Building Materials Supply was originally established as a Department of the Ministry of Munitions with the object of ensuring a sufficient supply of materials for State-aided housing schemes. The Department was able by bulk purchase, and on a basis of costings, to acquire materials at a lower price than that which building contractors would be obliged to pay in the open market. In accordance with the usual practice, it was provided in the Estimates, which were laid before Parliament, that the whole of the cost of supplying the materials to local authorities should be recovered from the local authorities to whom the materials were sold. In order, therefore, to comply with these conditions, a charge is made to cover the expenses (including interest) of carrying out the service. These expenses are estimated at 2½ per cent. of the sales. I may add that some time ago I gave instructions that no further orders for materials should be given by the Department unless some public necessity arose which required instructions from myself

Does my right hon. Friend think it is advisable that the Government should take upon themselves duties of commercial travellers and go round soliciting orders, taking them out of the hands of ordinary merchants? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]

asked the Minister of Health if he has received a resolution from the Heywood Housing Committee protesting against the decision of the Housing Commissioner not to accept the tender of the building guild for the erection of houses for the committee, and by such refusal compelling the committee to accept higher tenders and by so doing considerably increasing the cost of the houses?

For reasons which I have already given, I have felt it necessary to limit the number of guild contracts until further experience is gained of the results of building by this method; but, in the particular case mentioned by the hon. Member, no tenders have in fact been accepted from any builders, and I can assure him that none will be approved unless the price is strictly reasonable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these building guilds are successful?

I have answered that question several times. The houses which these guilds are building are not yet completed, and I cannot give any information until they are.

Is it not a fact that the building guilds, especially in Yorkshire, have built houses at £200 less than most builders in the same district with the same type of house?

£300 in Seaham Harbour.

I will inquire, but, under the contracts, no houses have been finished to any considerable degree, so that we are not able to give any figures.

Is it not also a fact that workers in these building guilds are generally wicked trade unionists?

The workers throughout the building trade are generally trade unionists, but I have never said they were wicked. Like other human beings, they are sometimes a little selfish.

asked the Minister of Health (1) the comparative cost to local authorities of building schemes and of houses of a similar type, where they have been built by building guilds and where they have been built by private contractors; what the difference means to the ratepayers and occupiers in the shape of rent;

(2) what is the lowest cost per house that has so far been completed by local authorities with direct labour; and what is the highest cost per house by private contract to local authorities?

I am unable at present to state the comparative costs of houses built under the various methods referred to by the hon. Member. The hon. Member will understand that until the contract for the whole of a local authority's scheme is finished, it is not possible to ascertain the final cost.

When there is such difference in statements, is it not only fair that the Minister of Health ought to have this knowledge, so that he might encourage that which is most efficient, and discourage that which is least efficient?

As soon as we have got the information I shall be glad to give it to the House, but reliable information as to what we have experienced is often quite different from the sanguine expectations.

Are the fees and expenses of surveyors and so on provided by the Office of Works, by the local authorities or by the guilds building these houses?

All the proper costs of the building scheme are provided by the guilds.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an effort to supply us with all the contracts which have been completed by guilds, and make a statement to the House, so that we may be able to judge in contrast with that accomplished by the ordinary private contractor?

I shall always be happy to give all the information I can. I will see if I can give any more. It is quite useless to give scrappy information.

Is there not a tendency to hide the virtues of the building guilds and bring forth all their vices?

I am sure I try to be perfectly fair in this matter. I have no desire to conceal or make misleading statements. I only give the facts, and until they build the houses, I cannot give the facts.

asked the Minister of Health how many boards of guardians are making payments to persons in receipt of compensation for injuries received in the course of their employment and the amount of such payments; and what steps he proposes to take to reimburse these boards for that expenditure?

I have no information as regards the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, the guardians are empowered to recover the cost of maintenance where the circumstances appear to justify such a course, and no further steps are contemplated for reimbursing them their expenditure in these cases.

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to give information to this House as to the amount that is being paid by boards of guardians because of the inadequacy of the compensation allowance? Boards of guardians in industrial areas feel this very heavily, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think it ought to be a national charge?

There are more than 600 boards of guardians, and it is quite impossible at short notice to give details of this kind.

I put this question three or four days ago.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representation from insurance committees with regard to the new medical record cards in use for insured persons?

I have received representations with regard to the medical record cards from four only of the insurance committees, which, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, administer medical benefit in every county and county borough. In three cases the representations are on matters of detail, and in the fourth case the committee have sent me a resolution that the keeping of the records is desirable for securing a proper medical service for the insured population. I have also received a letter from the chairman of the National Association of Insurance Committees, stating that the opinion of the executive council of that body is that the keeping of the medical records is unquestionably in the interest of the insured persons.

asked the Minister of Health the cost to the public of the erection of the Wellhouse Hospital, Barnet; the latest figures available as to the cost of maintenance and treatment; the proportion of such cost attributable to paying patients; the amount of fees received; the number of staff engaged; and the numbers, respectively, of Poor Law patients and paying patients treated?

A loan of £40,000 was sanctioned for the erection of this infirmary, and £38,505 was raised by the guardians. The infirmary was only opened recently and no figures of the running costs or of the amounts recovered from persons relieved in the infirmary have as yet been returned. According to a return made by the clerk to the guardians, the staff numbers 36, and there are also two consultants. I am obtaining from the guardians the further particulars required, so far as they may be available, and I will send my hon. and gallant Friend these particulars as soon as I receive them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the urgent need of development in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda; and will he take action to effect more speedy development than is yet proposed, having regard to the employment which will be created in this country and the known advantages from the development of these colonies since 1901 when their revenue was only £193,000, while in 1919 the revenue was £5,864,000?

Every endeavour is being made to promote the development of the countries mentioned. A large programme for the construction of new railways, roads, and harbour works is in contemplation and, in part, actually in hand.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have considered the project of a train ferry across the English Channel as an alternative to a tunnel under the Channel; and whether any consultations have taken place with the Government of the French Republic on this subject?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The project of a train ferry across the English Channel has not been considered as an alternative to a tunnel. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, carefully considered the use, for commercial purposes, of the train ferry steamers constructed during the War. He came to the conclusion, on the advice received, that the use of train ferries for goods traffic between this country and the Continent did not promise commercial success, as the difference in the character of the rolling stock on Continental and British railways rendered the free interchange of railway wagons impossible. I have no knowledge of any consultations with the Government of the French Republic on this subject.

Would not the objection about the rolling stock apply to the tunnel, and would not the objection to the tunnel, which is largely naval, apply also to a train ferry?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the great unemployment which is being caused by the importation of manufactured goods from Germany; and if he is now in a position to state definitely when the Bill to counteract collapsed exchanges and safeguard key industries will be introduced?

I have been asked to reply. This Bill will be introduced and proceeded with immedately after Easter.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a very definite pledge and undertaking was given by the Government that this Bill would be the first measure of the Session, and as we were promised that the Bill would be introduced before Easter, will he reconsider the position?

It is quite true that the Prime Minister said that he hoped it might be possible to introduce the measure before Easter, but no pledge was given to that effect. The Bill will necessitate a Financial Resolution, and, as my hon. Friend is aware, the time of the House is fully occupied up to Easter, and it will be impossible to take that Financial Resolution before Easter. It will, however, be taken immediately after Easter and the Bill will be proceeded with.

Is my hon. Friend aware that a very definite undertaking was given by the Government last Session by the President of the Board of Trade, with the approval of the Leader of the House, that this Bill would be the first measure of the present Session, and is it proposed to carry out that undertaking?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend is not assisting the cause which I know he desires to support. My hon. Friend is as well aware as anybody in this House of the condition of Parliamentary business in this House. The only Bills which have been given precedence are those in which time is essential, that is the Unemployment Insurance Bill and the Coal Mines (Decontrol) Bill. If it is suggested that the Bill is being postponed because the Government wish to avoid it, there is no truth whatever in that suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can afford any information as to the extent Chinese troops are being employed by the Soviet Government in Russia; and whether these Chinese troops are being used to suppress the rising of Russian workers which has for its aim the setting up of constitutional government?

His Majesty's Government have no information as to the extent to which or the purpose for which Chinese troops are being employed by the Soviet Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why it is commendable for Chinese troops to be employed to kill workmen and improper to use them in mines?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, as amended last Session by a Standing Committee, will be introduced this year, or whether facilities will be given for the Bill on this subject recently introduced in another place; and whether he is aware of the strong feeling expressed by women's organisations throughout the country that considerable changes ought to be made from the proposals incorporated in the Criminal Law Amendment (No. 2) Bill of the last Session?

It has been decided not to reintroduce the Criminal Law Amendment (No. 2) Bill of last Session, but if the Bill which has been introduced in another place, and which contains some of the less controversial provisions of the Government Measure, reaches this House, the Government will then give it consideration and see what action may be possible. I am aware that some of the Clauses in the Bill of last Session meet with strong opposition from certain women's organisations.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that in the case of an Irishman being murdered by a policeman, as in the case of the late Canon Magner, compensation has to be paid out of the local rates; and whether he will introduce legislation to alter this state of affairs?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. Under the existing law in Ireland, as in this country, no obligation rests on the Government to pay compensation for the wrongful or felonious acts of its servants acts which it condemns and does everything in its power to punish. If the action is "malicious" within the meaning of the Malicious Injuries Acts in force in Ireland, a legal liability to pay compensation is imposed upon the ratepayers. The general question whether anything further can be done to relieve the many hard cases of persons who have obtained awards in the courts, but have been unable to secure any payment from the local authorities, on account of the refusal of those bodies to recognise the British Parliament or the British Government, is at present under consideration. Any such measure would require legislation. I hope to be in a position to make a further statement on this matter at an early date; but it should be clearly understood that no question of any readjustment of the ultimate burden can be entertained until peaceful conditions have been restored throughout Ireland.

When there are cases of real hardship is it not possible to make some donation as an act of grace, and how can the Government disclaim responsibility for the acts of their own servants in Ireland?

I have done my best to answer the second part of the hon. and gallant Member's question. As to the first part, I have already made some small payments, but I have no large sum of money at my disposal.

When does the right hon. Gentleman propose to introduce legislation to redress financial wrongs for outrages committed by the servants of the Government?

Is it not a fact that General Crozier compensated a lady whose place was looted for the loss of her chickens?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the circumstances surrounding the murder of three men in Limerick, including the Mayor, the Government will take every step to make the inquiry public, and re-establish the coroner's court as the proper court for dealing with such cases?

These murders occurred in the martial law area, and I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that he has given instructions for the military inquiry into the circumstances attending these murders to be held in public.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether the five cadets who were placed under close arrest by General Crozier on account of the Trim looting were subsequently placed under open arrest, and, if so, on whose authority and when; whether these five men broke their open arrest, and attempted to cash a cheque for £50 in the City of Dublin; whether they were recaptured after an exciting incident; and where they are now?

I am informed that, owing to the number of cadets under close arrest and to the absence of sufficient prison accommodation for them at Beggars Bush Barracks, it was decided on the 28th ultimo by the Acting Commandant of the Auxiliary Division, after consultation with the office of the Chief of Police, to place the five cadets in question under open arrest. I regret to say that two of them broke from arrest on the 1st inst., and, I understand, attempted to cash a cheque for £50. They were re-arrested. All five were transferred on the 4th inst. to Mountjoy Prison, where they now are awaiting trial.

Is there any precedent for putting men charged with a capital offence under open arrest? Is that a proper method of discipline?

These men are charged with looting and not with a capital offence. I must say, in relation to this question, that the new Commandant of the Auxiliary Force—General Wood—has just taken office, and I hope the House will give him an opportunity to carry on the discipline in his own way.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's reply point to the advisability of not having these men under military law?

It is only the people who are under military law.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a full pardon, restoration to their companies and duties, and an undertaking for payment of back pay, have been granted to the Auxiliary Cadets who were recently dismissed for looting by General Crozier when commanding the Auxiliary Division; and whether this is the result of the pledge given to the House that these cadets would be court-martialled and punished for their participation in the looting at Robinstown, Trim?