asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now state whether the evacuation of all British officers and noncommissioned officers of the South Persia Rifles on the 31st March has been determined on; if so, what is to become of all the stores, equipment, and animals sup- plied by the British Government; and are the disbanded men to be left in possession of their arms?

The matter is still engaging the earnest attention of His Majesty's Government, and I regret that I can make no announcement at present.

Is it a fact that no evacuation has been ordered at present?

No evacuation is taking place.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken with regard to the draft treaty between Germany, the Allies, and Denmark to secure rights of minorities to the Danes and option as to nationality in the Prussian parts of Schleswig?

This draft treaty is still the subject of negotiation between the Allied Governments and the Danish and German Governments.

Is any result likely soon to be reached?

I hope so.

asked the Prime Minister if, in order to secure the fullest possible reparation from Germany for the War and the wanton damage done to Allied countries, any steps were taken to accurately ascertain the ability of Germany to meet the indemnity demands of the Allies; and, if not, will he recommend the creation of an international tribunal through the League of Nations with that object in view?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Debate on German Reparations which took place in this House on the 10th March.

asked the Prime Minister under which Section of the Treaty of Versailles the invasion of Germany before 1st May for the purpose of enforcing the indemnity is sanctioned?

The application of the sanctions arises from the failure of the German Government to carry out several provisions of the Treaty, publicity to which has already been given in the Press.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether martial law and the censorship of the Press still exist in Egypt; and, if so, why?

It is still considered necessary to maintain martial law in Egypt in the interest of good government and the maintenance of order, though it is hoped that this necessity will be of short duration. As to the Press censorship generally, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 1st instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will explain why the Censor in Egypt refused the publication in the Press of an opinion of Zagloul Pasha on the Milner Report, to the effect that it aims at placing Egypt under the actual super vision of England, this supervision being carried out by a British representative enjoying a privileged position, being backed by a military force; and that it was not possible for Egypt to accept this without amending it with the nation's reservations?

I have no information as to what matter the Press Censor in Egypt has seen fit to exclude from publication in that country. I would remind the hon. Member that this official is responsible to the Egyptian and not to His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any soldiers have refused to obey orders to form part of the firing squads entrusted with the carrying out of the death sentences passed by the military courts-martial in Ireland; and, if so, can he state the number and the period over which the cases occurred?

There is no foundation whatever for this suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister if, as representative of the stronger body engaged in internecine conflict in Ireland, he will call a truce, and thus pave the way to a conference which may emphasise the futility of the present strife and lead to peace between component parts of our Empire, both of whom would benefit by such a step?

I have frequently stated in this House that the Government would be willing to meet any persons authorised to speak on behalf of the majority of the people of Ireland to discuss this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that men serving in the Army in Ireland get 28 days' leave, plus travelling time, with a free railway pass, but that men of the Royal Marines obtain 14 days' leave only and have to pay their own railway fares; and if he will inquire into and put this matter right?

The Admiralty have received information of the concession of free travelling passes for leave to soldiers serving in Ireland, and are considering its extension to Royal Marines serving there. Leave to Royal Marines is not granted under Army Regulations and, in the case of those serving in Ireland, is granted at the discretion of the commanding officer, according as men can be spared without relief.

Will this decision be shortly come to?

I hope so.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether John McMahon and Patrick Herlihy who were shot at Ballymacelligot creamery on 12th November, 1920, were the only persons killed at that place on that date?

No, Sir. It is believed that at least four civilians were killed in an attack which took place on a party of the Crown Forces at Ballymacelligot on the afternoon of that date.

Does the right hon. Gentleman adhere to his statement that firing took place from this creamery?

I adhere to the statement I made when this matter was before the House on a previous occasion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman still prepared to stand by the Government in refusing an independent inquiry?

Certainly!

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the position where the ambush at Ballymacelligot took place on the 12th November, 1920, stating the distance from the creamery and the name of the road; whether the roads had been tampered with by the rebel forces; and whether he will state the hour of the day at which the attack took place?

A number of men who were taken prisoners at the time of the ambush are at present awaiting trial by court martial. In these circumstances I do not think it desirable that I should make any statement bearing on the case.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that this case has been pending since 12th November and has not been heard yet?

I regret that the court-martial has not yet sat to try these men.

Is there any reason why the court-martial is delayed?

No reason whatever except the ordinary reason of routine.

Will it be held in public?

All courts-martial are held in public except in those few cases where, for the safety of the tribunal and of the witnesses it is considered, in the discretion of the court, impossible.

Will this inquiry be held in public?

I must have notice of that question.

Will it ever be held at all?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can give any further particulars as to whether any arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Michael Walsh, of Arches Lane, Blarney Street, Cork, who, whilst an inmate of the infirmary, was forcibly taken by a band of armed men and done to death at the gates of the workhouse on 19th February; and whether it is known that Walsh was killed by Sinn Feiners?

The finding of the court of inquiry in lieu of inquest was that this man was wilfully murdered by persons unknown. I regret to state that no arrests have been made in connection with this crime. It was stated in evidence at the court of inquiry that Walsh was an ex-soldier and had served in the Boer War, had previously been kidnapped by Sinn Feiners, and since his release attempts had been made on his life.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will grant immediate release to the large numbers of men who served in the military forces during the War but are now serving long sentences for minor military offences?

I would refer the hon. Member to previous answers on this subject, and, in particular, to the answers given by my predecessor on 10th December, 1919, and 8th July, 1920, to the hon. Members for White-chapel and Norwich, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies. There are no men who served in the military forces during the War who are now undergoing long sentences for minor military offences.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the request for the release of these men comes from the ex-service men's organisations in different parts of the country?

Is it not a fact that all these eases have been kept constantly under review, with the idea of extending the greatest possible leniency in all cases?

As my Noble Friend says, these cases have been, and are, under constant review, and that fact was stated in the previous answers to which I have called the hon. Member's attention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be willing to consider special cases which I may send him, and which appear to require special consideration?

Of course I will, and I have already done so within the last week or two. I must remind hon. Members, however, that these cases have been reviewed quite recently. If there is any special case, I have not the slightest objection to looking into it personally.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any steps have yet been taken to appoint as officers in the Army a certain number of gentlemen with legal qualifications for permanent duty in connection with court-martial work, as recommended by the Committee on Courts-Martial in 1919?

This matter is still under consideration.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers of this class were used with great success during the War, and, in view of the present condition of affairs in Ireland, when numerous trials by court-martial are taking place, is it not still more imperative that this recommendation should be carried out at once?

I am in full sympathy with the recommendation of the Committee, and, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, it is being carried out in Ireland at this moment; but to make this a permanent rather than a temporary matter does require further consideration on financial and other grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far the distribution of War medals has progressed; when he estimates that it will be com- pleted; and when the Territorials in Yorkshire are likely to receive the medals due to them?

The bulk issue of the 1914 Star and the 1914–15 Star has been completed, but supplementary lists are still being received. The issue of the British War Medal and the Victory Medal is proceeding, and it is hoped will be completed within four years. As rgards the special medal for Territorials, the design has not yet been approved, as precedence is being given to the preparation and distribution of the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, but I hope progress will be made soon.

asked the Secretary of State for War what has been done with all big guns mounted on railway mountings during the late War; and whether such artillery is included in the provision for the post-War Army?

The railway equipments referred to are at present in store. Only a proportion of them are included in the provision for the after-War Army, and the question of how many of the remainder are to be retained as a reserve is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the grant of an amnesty in all cases of men not on active service who deserted from the Army after the Armistice, in order to enable them to be registered at labour exchanges?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to previous replies to questions on this subject, and in particular to the answer on 18th February, 1920, to the hon. Member for Silvertown, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the very special circumstances of unemployment existing at present, a very great hardship is inflicted on some men, who are unable to get on the books of the labour exchange owing to the fact that they are technically deserters, and will he give consideration to such cases?

I will have the question looked into.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office what has been the result of his latest communications with the Indian authorities regarding the unsettled account of G. W. Ball, No. 21327, Somerset Light Infantry; whether he is aware that eight months ago the Director of Finance at the War Office informed the hon. Member for Frome that this account was under immediate attention; and what steps it is proposed to take to remove the cause of these delays in the settlement of accounts, especially as regards service in India and the Far East?

I regret that no reply has yet been received from India to the cabled inquiry sent on 19th February last about this old-standing case. The extra pay which this man claims to be due on his Indian account is almost absorbed by the debt due by him on his account in this country, which remains in suspense until the facts are ascertained. I have reason to know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India is most anxious that everything possible should be done to clear up these arrears in India, and, with the assistance of a War Office paymaster now in that country, substantial progress has for some time been realised. A final effort is being made to settle all outstanding accounts.

Is it really not possible to take some more expeditious means of clearing up a case of this kind, so that it may not be left hanging on month after month?

If my hon. Friend can suggest anything I shall be very glad to consider it.

Is any reply whatever received to cable messages?

Yes, we receive cables frequently about these accounts, but no reply has been received about this one.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether members of His Majesty's forces who re-enlisted after they were entitled to demobilisation in 1919 did so in virtue of a contract for special re-enlistment, which provided that the rates of separation and dependants' allowance then in force would be continued; whether this contract has since been varied and the allowances withdrawn, except in the case of men who consent to a reduction of the pay to which they are entitled under the Royal Warrant; whether this alternative has been fully explained to the men affected, and their consent obtained to the variation in the terms of their contract of service; and wheher men who, either through misunderstanding or otherwise, have declined to accept the new conditions can reconsider their decision, and secure the continuance of the separation and dependants' allowance by now consenting to an alteration in their rates of pay?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 23rd February to my hon. Friend the Member for Surrey (Eastern). The men were allowed to secure the continuance of separation allowance or dependants' allowance if they adhered to the rates of pay in force on their enlistment. This was fully explained to them and they were given until 31st December, 1920, to decide. Election to take the new rates of pay and allowances once made is final, and it is regretted that it is not possible to give another option to those men who definitely elected to take the increased rates. Of course, an allotment out of pay may be made to the wife.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases of very extreme hardship arising through this action, and that in many cases the relatives believe that if they had been able to explain the matter to the soldier he would have been able to continue the allowance, and under these circumstances will the hon. Gentleman not agree to the matter being re-opened so that the soldier may get the option?

If the hon. Member will give me some special case where the man has been misled, I shall be very glad to look into it.

It is not a case of a special case. There are hundreds of cases. I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Army Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a very strong desire in Nottingham to hire a gun carriage and harness, in order that dead pensioners may be given a military funeral; and whether, in view of the fact that the local pensions committee have undertaken to house the gun carriage, keep the saddlery and harness clean, and provide the horses at internments, he will make arrangements for a gun carriage to be sent to Nottingham for this purpose?

I regret that at present I can make no definite promise that a gun carriage can be provided for Nottingham as suggested in my Noble Friend's question, but as many funeral gun carriages as possible have already been distributed to various military commands, and General Officers Commanding have been instructed to render every possible assistance in connection with military funerals. It is suggested, therefore, that the Northern Command should be communicated with whenever a funeral gun carriage is required in Nottingham.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Northern Command have refused this request, on the ground that there are no gun carriages to spare, and does he really expect one to believe such an excuse?

I do not really concern myself very much whether my Noble Friend believes me or not, but what I stated is absolutely the fact. It may well have been that on a particular occasion when my Noble Friend applied to the Northern Command the gun carriage was in use elsewhere. That gun carriages are available is the fact.

Are there not acres and acres of gun carriages and every kind of carriages at various places?

Is not a debt of honour and respect due to these ex-service pensioners, and if it is simply a question of a gun carriage, will not the War Office see if some provision can be made?

I hope there will not be any misunderstanding. I am entirely in sympathy with the desire to place gun carriages at the disposal of the relatives of ex-service men who have died. The sole question is as to what is the best distribution of gun carriages. The actual question asked is whether one can be located at Nottingham. If it were located at Nottingham, every other big town would have an equal right to claim that a gun carriage should be located there. As it is, they have been distributed throughout the Commands, which would enable Nottingham to get one from York, or wherever it is kept in the Northern Command, and that seems to me to be at present the best method of enabling everyone to have a gun carriage when required.

Should any local pension authority undertake the maintenance, the provision, surely, is a small item, and arrangements might be made for their easier distribution from such centres?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Nottingham Pension Committee are quite willing to pay for the maintenance and permanent hire?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Health whether any form of contract issued by the Housing Department of the Ministry contains a clause which would prevent the employment of ex-service men who were not members of a trades union if the employers in the district had agreed not to employ any workman who was not a member of a trade union; whether he is aware that Messrs William Thomas and Sons, of Wrexham, had entered into a contract with the Tredegar Urban District Council to erect a number of wooden bungalows on which they were employing a number of ex-service men who were bonâ fide carpenters, but whom the trades unions termed "dilutees"; whether the trades unions have demanded the immediate dismissal of these men or in the alternative that the urban district council should cancel the contract which is in the form prescribed by the Ministry of Health and is stated to have been infringed by the employment of non-union ex-service men; and whether the Ministry will make it clear to the Tredegar Urban District Council that Messrs. William Thomas and Sons are fully entitled to employ these men on building operations aided by a Government subsidy, and that nothing in any contract issued by the Ministry makes their employment inadmissible?

I have received representations from the contractor to the Tredegar Urban District Council to the effect stated in the question. The model form of contract on which the contract between the Tredegar Urban District Council and Messrs. Thomas and Sons was based, contains nothing which would enable the Council to prohibit the employment of ex-service men, and I am informing the contractor and the Council accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of boys and girls committed to reformatories and industrial schools in each year since 1915: the number of children under eight committed to industrial schools for each year of the same period; and the number of such children boarded out for each year of the same period?

Wth the Noble Lord's permission, I will have the answer to his question, which contains a number of figures, printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to :

The number of boys and girls committed to reformatory and industrial schools during the years 1916–1920, inclusive, is as follows:—

the figures were—boys, 260; girls, 182. Total, 442. The number of children boarded out during the years 1916–1920, inclusive, is:—

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state, for the year 1920, the number of clubs which were supplied with certificates giving practically to such clubs the privileges of licensed premises; and whether he can give the number of licences suppressed in that year under the redundacy provisions of the Licensing Act, 1910?

There are no certificates of the kind described; but if what the hon. Baronet wishes to know is the number of new clubs registered in 1920 under the Licensing Acts, the estimated figure is 1,146, and the figure of licences extinguished on payment of compensation in that year is 519. Both figures are subject to correction when the statistics now in preparation are completed.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the cases of women of British nationality who were married to Germans prior to the War, and thereby lost their British nationality, whose husbands either have deserted them or have been legally separated from them, and who if they had applied to resume their British nationality before the peace treaty with Germany was ratified would have been entitled to do so under Section 2 (5) of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1918; and whether he will introduce legislation enabling the wife of a former enemy alien to resume her British nationality in proper cases?

I am aware of cases of the nature indicated in the first part of the question. I do not think that the wives of former enemy aliens ought now to have any privilege not available to the wives of other aliens; and the general question of the nationality of married women is one of a number which are under consideration, in consultation with the self-governing Dominions, with a view to agreement as to legislation at an early opportunity.

In view of the fact that this consultation with the self-governing Dominions has been going on a long time, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us that he will be in a position to introduce legislation upon some reasonably early date?

Of course, I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by a reasonably early date, but I do not think there is the slightest chance this Session.

In view of the great urgency of these problems, will my right hon. Friend get at any rate the views of our Dominions and Colonial subjects?

That we are doing as rapidly as we can.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the total amount of damage done by incendiary fires in Liverpool by Sinn Feiners; whether any arrests were made; and whether the Government are taking all necessary steps to prevent similar destruction of property in this country?

The damage done by the warehouse and timber yard fires in Liverpool and Bootle on 27th November last was estimated at £950,000, damage at farm fires since that date in Liverpool and adjacent areas at £16,000. In connection with the November fires seven men were brought to trial, of whom three were convicted and sentenced to penal servitude. Others were detained for inquiry, but had to be discharged for lack of evidence. Six men have been arrested in connection with the recent farm fires near Liverpool. The Government are fully alive to the importance of preventing these outrages.

asked the Home Secretary whether police controls are now set for detection of cases of exceeding the speed limit in the metropolitan police area; whether any experiments have so far been carried out with special road police mounted on motor cycles; and, if so, with what results?

A certain number of controls are still in operation for the purpose stated. The answer to the second paragraph of the question is in the negative; the third therefore does not arise.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman announce last Session that the question of special road police was then under consideration, and cannot he give us a little more information?

It is under consideration still. The matter is one of very considerable difficulty and is not nearly so simple as the Noble Lord appears to think.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement to the House with regard to the disposal of the specimen of early Scottish art known as the Hilton-of-Cadboll Stone?

The Trustees of the British Museum tell me that inasmuch as Captain Macleod of Cadboll has informed them that great pressure has been brought to bear upon him to withdraw his offer of the stone to the British Museum and that he would not have made the offer had he realised the strength of Scottish feeling on the subject, they have decided to release him from his promise by declining to accept the stone. It is, therefore, again at the disposal of Captain Macleod, and I do not doubt that arrangements will be made for its retransfer to Scotland.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any scheme for the etablishment of small holdings at Gretna is under consideration; and, if so, whether, in view of the great interest shown in the subject in the subject in the locality concerned, he will make public information regarding the scheme as soon as possible?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I recognise the interest which is taken in the subject, and I shall make a statement regarding it as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the position of agricultural tenants in Scotland, whose tenancies expire at Whitsunday next and whose claims for compensation for unexhausted improvements may now under the existing law be incompetent, will be rectified by the proposed amending Bill to The Agriculture Act, 1920, when that Bill is introduced?

The Bill to amend the Agriculture Act, 1920, will be framed so as to cover the case of the tenancies referred to. I understand that the Bill is being introduced in another place to-day.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) how much money has been allotted for road improvement in Scotland in relief of local rates; and upon what system have the grants been made to local authorities;

(2) Whether, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport, he will ensure that roads situated in county areas which are corridor counties lying between two large industrial areas, and often having a low rateable value, will be given adequate aid in relief of the present high road rates caused by traffic which is bringing often no advantage to the locality?

I have been asked to answer these questions. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, it is proposed to make substantial grants during the next financial year from the Road Fund towards the cost of the maintenance and improvement of roads throughout the country included in classes 1 and 2, in recognition of the general principle that local rates should not bear the entire burden of the maintenance and improvement of roads carrying a large amount of through traffic. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport hopes to be in a position to make a statement on the subject very shortly.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question, on what system are these roads being classified? At present the ratepayer are being burdened with expense because the Ministry of Transport will take no local advice, and will not consult local authorities as to what roads should be classified as first and second class.

The classification has been arranged with almost entire agreement with the local authorities concerned in nearly every case. The first class roads are obviously those which are national roads in the sense that they carry the main amount of through traffic. Second class roads are not strictly local roads. They have some national characteristics. The other roads are, of course, purely local in character.

Is it not the case that there is not agreement in every instance, and will the House have any opportunity of discussing the classification before it is put into operation?

I did not say there was agreement in every instance. I said in nearly every instance. I do not know yet whether it will be possible to arrange for a discussion about it, but my right hon. Friend the Minister is desirous of making a statement if opportunity offers.

Will favourable consideration be given to areas where there is a very great deal of unemployment in regard to the allocation of the money?

May I again press the hon. Gentleman to know whether, if county councils make representations to the Ministry of Transport, they will have a better reception than they have had hitherto?

In reply to my hon. Friend (Mr. Sturrock), this is hardly a question of unemployment. It is a question of the ordinary maintenance of upkeep of these roads, and is more permanent in character than dealing with the question of unemployment. As to the question of my hon. and gallant Friend (Major Glyn), if he has any particular case in mind and will call my attention to it, I will see if it is capable of being reconsidered.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will set up a traffic Committee, after consultation with the Ministry of Transport, but not selected by that Department, which shall investigate the present heavy wear and tear of roads by lorry and motor omnibus services which cannot be repaired at the cost of the local ratepayers, which should decide what roads in Scotland shall be open to certain forms of traffic, which shall decide which are first, second and third-class roads, and which shall consider whether certain toll-gates on county boundaries might with advantage be re-established to tax vehicles not registered in the district?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the Rural Transport (Scotland) Committee was appointed by the Secretary for Scotland in 1918. The recommendations of this Committee, so far as they relate to road transport, have been very carefully considered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, and I do not see that any advantage would accrue from the appointment of another Committee such as that suggested in the question. The classification of roads in Scotland, which is now practically complete, has been carried out in consultation with the highway authorities concerned. As regards the last part of the question, I should very much deprecate any proposal for re-establishing toll-gates on county boundaries.

Is it not the case that there has been no relief whatever of local ratepayers from the excessive wear and tear of these heavy lorries on county roads?

In some cases that, no doubt, is true, and that is one reason why the present taxation is designed to relieve the local ratepayers and cast the burden upon the national Exchequer.

asked the Secretary for Scotland, if there have been any recent prosecutions or convictions for illegal fishing in the Carnoustie or St Andrew's Bays; and, if so, what additional precautions he intends to take to ensure the strict enforcement of the rules suggested' by the Scottish Fishery Board if their recommendation that these bays be thrown open to seine-net fishing is acted upon by him?

Thirteen cases of illegal seine-net flounder fishing in Carnoustie Bay were tried on the 3rd instant. In 12 cases the accused were convicted, the charge in the remaining case being found not proven. There have been no recent prosecutions for illegal fishing in St. Andrew's Bay. If the bays in question are opened to seine-net fishing, operations will be confined to daylight, and this will facilitate the detection of any infraction of the regulations made by the Fishery Board. No special precautions are considered to be necessary.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that in view of the multiplication of motor fishing boats during the War the time has now come to review the whole question of inshore trawling in Scotland?

That raises a large question of policy with regard to which I should not like to give an answer on the spur of the moment.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to reinstate those ex-service men who were employed as temporary sorters in the foreign section of the General Post Office in 1914 and whom his department have refused to take back on demobilisation?

The men to whom the hon. Member apparently refers were engaged early in the War as temporary substitutes for members of the regular staff serving with the Forces, and can only be re-employed under the general conditions applicable to the employment of ex-service men in the Post Office. The number of ex-service men applying for Post Office employment is greatly in excess of the number of places available; and some discrimination in selection is therefore necessary. Preference is being given to men discharged owing to wounds or disease due to military service and to long service professional soldiers, who in my opinion possess stronger claims than the men referred to.

Is it not a fact that the men who are doing this work have been taken on since these men were enlisted in the Army, and therefore they are more temporary than those to whom the question refers?

The whole question is one of the most difficult problems with which we have to deal. If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any particular case I shall be glad to deal with it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that mails, though leaving London at the same time as in 1914, are later in reaching places in Ireland by periods ranging from one hour in the case of Cork to one hour and twenty minutes in the case of Limerick; that afternoon trains connecting with the night mail to England now leave these places at least three-quarters of an hour earlier, thus making it impossible to reply by return of post to English letters on the day they are received; and whether he can explain this decrease of efficiency, and say when the Post Office will again be able to give the public arrangements as convenient as those enjoyed before the War?

As regards the night mail for Cork and Limerick via Holyhead, the apparent deceleration is in part due to the substitution of Greenwich for Irish time, which results in Irish times being 25 minutes later than in 1914. I am communicating with the railway companies as to whether it is now possible for them to retime some of the trains concerned.

Is it not a fact that if you lose 25 minutes in going to Ireland by a synchronising of English and Irish time you equally gain 25 minutes coming back, so that it makes no difference whatever?

That seems quite a reasonable position, but I should like some time to think about it.

Is it not the case that on all these contracts signed last year the Dublin Chamber of Commerce asked to be. consulted, and that the Postmaster-General refused to hear them, and is it not also the case that all this trouble is due to the hasty way in which the contract was rushed through this House last Session in the small hours of the morning?

I think a great deal of consideration was given to the matter. I must ask for notice of the first part of the question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any complaints about the tardy delivery of letters once they reach Dublin, and will he accelerate delivery when they reach Dublin?

Yes, I have. I have had more letters from the hon. Member himself than from almost anybody else.

Is there any hope?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state, approximately, the number of farmers and other residents in rural districts who are now telephone subscribers as compared with the number in 1914?

Subscribers to the special rural party line service number 2,650 now, as compared with 1,600 in 1914. Separate records are not kept of the number of subscribers in rural districts at the ordinary tariff rates.

Seeing the miserable character of these figures, is it not possible to readjust the rural telephone system so as to give our farmers something like the facilities enjoyed by their rivals in other countries?

It is very desirable that it should be done, and I hope it may be possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of canvassing these rural areas for subscribers?

Yes. In certain districts where a guarantee has been given I think canvasses have been made, and I think they might be made more widely.

Is not the guarantee quoted at an absolutely impossible figure?

In some cases, but not in others.

asked the Postmaster-General if a telephone subscriber, whose contract expires before April or at a date before the new rates come into use, must give three months' or accept three months' notice to terminate such contract; and if such contract is actually broken by the rise in rates?

The ordinary telephone contract is a continuing agreement and remains in force until notice is given to determine it in accordance with the terms of the contract. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. The new local rates will not apply to an existing subscriber until his agreement has been duly determined.

Is it a fact that subscribers are receiving documents containing about 18 paragraphs which they have to sign, and the Post Office refuses to give them a copy which they can retain after signature?

I was not aware of that. I will look into it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in the autumn of 1919 he informed certain residents in Kilmeston, Hants, that he would supply a telephone service if seven subscribers would come forward at £6 per annum; whether the contracts were signed in January, 1920, subject to the final approval of the Postmaster-General; whether that approval was never given, in spite of repeated applications; whether in August, 1920, the subscribers were informed that they could not have a telephone service unless they undertook to pay an annual subscription of £29 each; and whether he can state the reason for the very heavy increase in the annual charge?

In January, 1920, seven residents offered to hire exchange lines at the tariff rates then in force, but I am assured that the canvasser did not state that this amount of support would suffice. When estimates of the cost of providing an exchange with a junction circuit to Alresford were obtained it was found that a minimum payment of £29 per annum would be required from each of the seven applicants in order to meet the costs. I will ascertain whether sufficient support can be found for a Rural Party Line to serve the neighbourhood at the new rates of £4 or £4 10s. per subscriber.

asked the Postmaster-General whether telephone subscribers who have paid in advance under agreement with the Post Office for a year's telephone service are not entitled to complete the 12 months during which their agreement runs at the old rate of payment; and whether it is necessary for the Post Office under the terms of the usual agreement to give three months' notice from the date of the termination of the agreement to terminae the same before any additional charges can be made?

Telephone agreements are terminable at the end of the initial period provided for in the agreement or at the end of any period of three months thereafter. The fact that rental has been paid for 12 months in advance does not prevent the agreement being terminated by either party after due notice before the 12 months have expired. In such cases credit is given for the unexpired portion of the rental.

Surely, if a subscriber pays for a service for 12 months in advance he is entitled to have that service for 12 months without determination?

Normally the initial term is 12 months, but to prevent delay in the application of the revised tariff agreements at the old rates accepted in the latter part of 1920 provided for a shorter initial term, although a year's rental was paid in advance.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a statement of account will be rendered by his Department to telephone subscribers free of charge whenever a demand is made for payment of a further deposit in advance in respect of calls on the ground that the amount incurred for such calls approximates to or exceeds the sum already de posited by the subscriber?

The answer is in the affirmative. If a subscriber's deposit is found to be inadequate a demand for an increased deposit will generally be made on the next quarterly account.

Will a statement of account be made in all cases contrary to the present practice?

Yes. So far as I know, that is so.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is any censorship of letters, parcels, or telegrams leaving this country; if so, what is the cost of maintaining it; and when this War-times practice will be discontinued?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the remaining parts do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is any censorship of letters, parcels, and telegrams between England and Ireland?

The answer is in the negative.

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman cover any interference with correspondence by the Secret Service Department?

My answer is a complete answer as it stands.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any foreign countries maintain a censorship over telegrams, letters, or parcels entering the country; and, if so, whether he can say which countries they are?

So far as I am aware unregistered mails arriving in this country from foreign countries are not censored abroad. I believe a modified censorship of registered correspondence is maintained by Germany, Poland and Roumania. Censorship on telegrams is in force in a more or less restricted form in the following countries: Cilicia; the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croates, and Slovenes; Czecho-Slovakia; East Africa (Tanganyika Territory); Esthonia; Greece; Hungary; Japan; Mesopotamia; Poland; Roumania; Russia; Syria; and Tripoli.

Why is there a censorship in East Africa?

I am not able to answer that question at the moment.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a large percentage of the postal officials in Ireland are members of the Irish Republican Army; whether they are frequently using their official position in order to thwart the movements of the Crown, forces; and whether he will consider the advisability of suspending the postal services in the martial law area?

The Department has no evidence that Post Office servants in Ireland are members of the Irish Republican Army or that they abuse their official positions in the manner suggested. Such abuse would not be tolerated. In view of this fact, I can see no justification at present for suspending postal services in the areas under martial law. If my hon. Friend has any particular case which he thinks it advisable to bring to my notice I shall be glad to consider it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the thing is notorious all over Ireland and has been commented on by a Royal Commission already?

Notorious is a difficult word to define. We have not any knowledge.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to substitute the word "general" for "notorious"?

Yes. I shall be very glad to look into any particular case if the hon. Gentleman will bring it to my notice. We have had this question raised before, but we have no particular case with which we can deal at the moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the success of the activities of the Sinn Feiners is due largely to the fact that there are disloyal officials in the Post Office with knowledge of the Post Office?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in the residential and outlying dis- tricts of London there are six postal deliveries and six clearances of pillar posts daily; whether the reasonable commercial and industrial requirements of those districts necessitate so many deliveries and clearances; and whether, in the interests of economy and the avoidance of all unnecessary expenditure, he will substantially reduce the number of such deliveries and clearances?

The number of deliveries varies from six to four, and of collections from eight to six. In both respects the service is less frequent than before the War. Any further reduction would not, I am advised, result in a saving of expenditure, while it would create staffing difficulties owing to the work being spread less evenly over the day.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that a reduction from six to three in deliveries and collections would result in a reduction of expenditure, and would he consider whether six deliveries are not a doubtful necessity in a purely residential neighbourhood?

My hon. Friend knows that the number of deliveries is not in ratio to the expenses. The question might possibly be reconsidered, but it is not a simple question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the refusal of the Government to accept the Report of the Select Committee on Business Premises has caused consternation throughout the kingdom; whether he is aware that many businesses will be broken up at Whitsun and Midsummer if the Government refuses to extend the provisions of the Act to business premises; and whether he will even yet reconsider the Government's decision.

I regret that I can add nothing to the reply which I gave on this subject on the 28th February last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread distress that this is going to cause among men carrying on small businesses, and that in many cases rivals in trade are taking these premises over their heads, and it will mean the ruin of these men?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the serious position in which tenant farmers are placed by the Agriculture Act of 1920 depriving them of compensation for improvements which they were entitled to under the Agricultural Holdings Act of 1908 unless they had entered into the tenancy of the holding since 1st January, 1921; whether he is aware that this will affect many tenant farmers whose tenancy is due to expire on 25th March next; and whether the Government intend to introduce an amending Bill which will remedy this state of affairs and also be made retrospective?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The point raised by the hon. Member is dealt with in the Bill which has to-day been introduced in another place. This Bill is retrospective in its effect.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet has yet considered the request for the reduction of the electoral age of women from 30 to 21; what, in that case, is its view; and whether it proposes to take the opinion of the House on the matter?

The Cabinet have not recently had this matter under consideration, and, therefore, I am not in a position to make a statement on the subject at present.

Is it not a fact that if the proposal suggested in the question was carried out the women electors would largely outnumber the men, especially having regard to the heavy casualties among men in the recent War?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Deptford Cattle Market is at present held by the War Office as a reserve supply depot; whether the rent paid by the War Office is £10,000 a year; whether the Canadian Government are ready to ship sheep and cattle to the market for slaughter and sale; whether, if the market were re-opened, large numbers of unemployed could find work there; and whether he can take steps to restore the market to the use for which it was intended?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 21st December last to the hon. Member for Dartford. I regret it is not possible for the Department to relinquish occupation of the market at present. According to the best information there appears little prospect of the trade referred to being revived, as I understand no Canadian fat cattle are coming to other ports for slaughter where suitable accommodation is available.

Is not the hon. and gallant Member aware that at Birkenhead live cattle from Canada are being landed for immediate slaughter?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the Judicial Committee inquiring into certain allegations in regard to the Accounts Liquidation Committee of the Ministry of Munitions will sit in public?

asked the Lord Privy Seal if parties affected by the allegations made against certain officials of the Ministry of Munitions will be allowed to be represented by counsel; and if the proceedings will be held in public?

These are questions which come within the discretion of and must be decided by the Committee itself.

Would the right hon. Gentleman generally recommend that in inquiries of this kind where allegations have been publicly made the evidence both for and against the allegations should be given in public?

I think it very undesirable when the Government appoint a Committee to interfere with their procedure. I have no doubt that they will take into account the importance of publicity.

If the Government appoint a Committee, why cannot they say in their terms of reference that they should hold the inquiry in public?

So far as we are concerned there is no objection. On the contrary, we should welcome every publicity in the matter.

Will my right hon. Friend point that out in the terms of reference to the Committee? Why not?