asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions prevailing at the prison camp where Irishmen are interned at Earls Island, County Galway, where, during the month of December, 1920, 27 prisoners were housed in a small galvanised iron shed, which was so dark that it was impossible to read at midday, where there was neither fire nor artificial light, and where the prisoners had no beds and only three blankets among them; and what steps he proposes to take against the officers responsible for these conditions?

The 27 prisoners in question were housed in a Nissen hut under the same conditions as the troops. A supply of candles was issued to them and each internee was provided with two blankets. There appears to be no ground for any action such as is suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in view of the fact that the men in internment camps in Ireland are not convicted and have not even been charged with any offence, he will direct that they be allowed to receive visits and letters from their friends, and to send out letters to any reasonable extent;

(2) whether an official order has been issued that Press representatives are to be excluded from Ballykinlar camp, and, if so, on what grounds; whether he has considered the advisability, in view of the murder of two of the interned prisoners, of allowing all possible light to be thrown on the administration of the camp; and whether the same regulation applies to all other camps in which men are interned against whom no conviction has been recorded and no charge has been preferred?

I am in communication with the military authorities in Ireland regarding these two questions and will let the hon Member know the result.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the conditions in the town hall, Galway, during December, 1920, where 120 men were interned in one room 30 feet by 100 feet; whether the sanitary arrangements were abominable until prisoners themselves erected them; that the only ventilation was a broken window; and will he cause inquiries to be made?

The hon. Member has evidently been misinformed. The area of the hall in question is 60 feet by 200 feet, and the number of men detained there at no time exceeded 90. The ventilation of the hall was excellent, and the sanitary arrangements were adequate and better than those available for the local troops. No further inquiry would appear to be necessary.

asked the Chief Secretary upon what grounds Councillors Raymond Hennessy and Thomas Downey, of Loughrea District Council, have been sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment; whether Councillor Stephen Jordan has also been sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment by the same court-martial; and for what reason?

The three persons mentioned were convicted under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations, No. 42.

asked the Chief Secretary why County Inspector King was not present to give evidence at the Mallow inquiry; whether cross-examination of witnesses was permitted; whether speeches by counsel were permitted; whether the Press reports were required to be supervised in any way by the Court; whether the president of the Court at Mallow said he had his orders and he was going to carry them out; and, if so, to what orders he referred?

Captain and County Inspector King was not present at the Mallow inquiry into the murder of his wife and others because he was himself wounded in the attack and was physically unable to attend it. His evidence was placed before the Court in the usual form of a statement taken on oath before a magistrate. The late gallant Colonel Commandant Cumming, president of the Court, allowed counsel for the railway-men to examine and cross-examine, to call and recall any and every witness he wished. The solicitor for the railway-men was supplied with a copy of the evidence taken prior to the briefing of Mr. Healy, K.C., counsel for the railway-men, so that he could recall witnesses and cross-examine them on their evidence. He did not make a speech at the conclusion because such a speech was not deemed necessary by the Court. Press reports were supervised by the Court because a state of rebellion exists in that part of Ireland, and the Court must consider the interests and lives of witnesses and the officers of the Court. Many witnesses and officers have been murdered because of the publicity given to their names. The president of the Court, the late Colonel Commandant Cumming, D.S.O., was murdered by Sinn Feiners before the inquiry was concluded. The orders he carried out were the orders of the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary why St. John's Church, Tralee, was fired on by a machine gun on the evening of the 26th March, when many people were assembled in it for confession; and how many people were killed or injured on that occasion?

This matter was recently brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, who directed that a full report should be furnished. According to that report a number of rifle shots were fired by civilians on the evening in question in the direction of the auxiliary barracks in Tralee. The sentry fired several rounds in reply, but it is not known whether the three or four shots which struck the roof and walls of the chapel were fired by him or by the civilians. There was certainly no wilful or deliberate firing at the chapel by the sentry. I am glad to state that although a number of people were in the chapel at the time no person was killed or injured.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the two members of the Crown forces arrested in connection with the murder of Whelan, Ballyrowan, the one arrested in connection with the murder of Lawless, Maryborough, the three in connection with the murder of Kennedy and Murphy, Dublin, the one in connection with the murder of Dixon, County Wicklow, the one in connection with the murder of Thompson, Delvin, and the two in connection with the murder of Prendergast, Carysville Island, have yet been tried and with what result; and whether any other members of the Crown forces are at present on trial or awaiting trial on charges of murder or manslaughter?

The cases of the members of the Crown forces arrested in connection with the deaths of James Whelan and N. D. Prendergast are at present under investigation. Those arrested in connection with the deaths of James Murphy and Patrick Kennedy will be tried on the 12th instant. Those arrested in connection with the deaths of Thomas Lawless and Robert Dixon will be tried shortly. A member of the Crown forces has been tried for the alleged murder of Patrick Thompson and acquitted. Two other members of the Crown forces are at present in custody on a charge of murder.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received any complaints regarding the alleged brutal treatment of men in Cork gaol and detention camp who are recovering from hunger strike, and are still in delicate health; whether, in the case of one man named Burke, visitors are being refused permission to see him; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

As I only received notice of this question yesterday I can only reply to so much of the question as relates to these men while in civil custody from which they were removed on 24th March last. During that time no complaints were received as to their treatment, and they received every care and attention, including skilled nursing by nuns, and since the abandonment of the hunger strike a specially selected and nutritious invalid diet. They were allowed visits in accordance with the ordinary rules for untried prisoners.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the British Embassy at Washington have issued a communication in reference to the charitable organisations for the relief of distress in Ireland, to which, among others, President Harding has contributed, declaring that no case of distress could not be adequately met from British sources; and whether, in view of the refusal of the Government to give compensation to the citizens, such as those of Cork, whose premises have been burned down admittedly by the forces of the Crown except by the payment through their own rates of their own losses, the British Minister at Washington will, in consequence, be instructed to withdraw or correct this statement?

The following is the text of the statement issued by the British Ambassador at Washington:—

"Representatives of the Friends' Committee have had several interviews with the Commander-in-Chief and representatives of the Civil Government in Ireland and have been given to understand that provided any organisation set up is constituted on a non-political basis and deals in an impartial spirit with cases of hardship coming before it the Government will not place any unnecessary difficulties in the way as regards the last part of the telegram. I would point out that Ireland as a whole has never been more prosperous than at the present time, as banking and trade statistics clearly show. Every case of distress and disturbance is directly due to Sinn Fein rebellion save those cases of unemployment which are the result of the world-wide depression in trade, and this depression in trade is less severe in Ireland, being largely agricultural, than in England. Millions of pounds sterling are available for housing, land settlement, and other employment schemes in Ireland, but the rebellious counties and cities of Ireland refuse to accept the money. They prefer the self-made grievances for American consumption. If the rebellion ceased and the ordinary law became operative there is no case of any individual or his property that could not be adequately dealt with without the charity of anyone. There is no shortage of food in Ireland."

It is a statement of fact, and no question of withdrawal, or correction arises.

asked the Chief Secretary what statement the Government have to make in reference to the shooting down in the village of Clogheen, a short distance from Cork city, of five young men who had surrendered to the police, and who were shot down after they had been told to run; and whether a public inquiry will be held into this tragedy?

The allegation that these men were shot down after surrender and after receiving orders to run is utterly without foundation. The facts are that a party of six men, not five as stated in the question, were located sleeping in an outhouse of a farm. Before the police cordon was drawn completely round the outhouse they became alarmed, fired a revolver shot, and endeavoured to break through the ring under cover of darkness. They were all shot dead in the mêlée which ensued. They were armed with a bomb, revolvers, and dum dum ammunition.

asked the Chief Secretary the number of soldiers

Counties. Police. Military. Civilians. Total. Ulster— Antrim … 1 Nil Nil 1 Armagh … 3 Nil 2 5 Belfast City … 6 Nil 1 7 Cavan … 1 Nil Nil 1 Donegal … 2 Nil 1 3 Down … 2 Nil 1 3 Fermanagh … 1 Nil 2 3 Londonderry City … 3 Nil Nil 3 Londonderry County … Nil Nil Nil Nil Monaghan … 3 Nil 4 7 Tyrone … 1 Nil 1 2 Totals … 23 Nil 12 35 Leinster— Carlow … 2 Nil 3 5 Dublin City … 19 22 7 48 Dublin County … 7 Nil 2 9 Kildare … 3 Nil Nil 3 Kilkenny … 2 Nil 3 5 Kings … 2 Nil Nil 2 Longford … 9 Nil 3 12 Louth … 1 Nil 1 2 Meath … 1 Nil 2 3 Queens … Nil Nil 2 2 Westmeath … 3 Nil 3 6 Wexford … 2 Nil 7 9 Wicklow … Nil Nil Nil Nil Totals … 51 22 33 106 Connaught— Galway … 7 Nil 2 9 Leitrim … Nil 1 2 3 Mayo … 3 Nil 3 6 Roscommon … 10 3 2 15 Sligo … 7 Nil Nil 7 Totals … 27 4 9 40 Munster— Clare … 24 4 4 32 Cork City … 10 13 10 33 Cork County … 56 32 17 105 Kerry … 18 9 4 31 Limerick City … 6 Nil 2 8 Limerick County … 22 5 1 28 Tipperary … 29 8 6 43 Waterford City … Nil Nil Nil Nil Waterford Oounty … 4 1 1 6 Totals … 169 72 45 286 GRAND TOTALS … 270 93 99 467

and members of the Royal Irish Constabulary murdered in the name of Sinn Fein in each of the counties of Ireland since the 1st of January, 1919?

The numbers of police and military respectively who have been murdered in each of the Counties of Ireland during the period from the 1st January, 1919, to the 31st March, 1921. are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of military in Ireland and in Great Britain, respectively; and the total monthly cost approximately per month of the military administration in Ireland and Great Britain, respectively?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Hogge), in which I stated the number of troops in Ireland at a recent date. I cannot give a reliable estimate of the cost without imposing upon my staff great labour which would not appear to be warranted.

asked the Chief Secretary if he intends at an early date to have a short Bill passed through Parliament providing a new pension scheme for Irish national school teachers complementary to the new improved salary scales; and whether such new pension schemes are already in operation in England and Scotland?

In view of the fact that the control of Education in Ireland, including teachers' pensions, passes to the new Irish Governments under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, it would not now be opportune, and is not intended, to introduce legislation: on the subject in this House. Any questions concerning teachers' pensions in England and Scotland should be addressed to the Ministers concerned.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the attention of the Government has been called to the Report of the American Commission on conditions in Ireland; whether the membership of this Commission consists of many senators, governors of States, mayors, bishops, and ministers of several religious communities; whether this Commission has reported that the British forces in Ireland have indiscriminately killed innocent men, women, and children, and have indiscriminately assassinated persons suspected of being Republicans, and tortured and shot prisoners while in custody, as well as being guilty of a series of house burnings and other wanton destruction in Ireland; and whether the Government have made any representations to the American Government in reply to this serious indictment?

No copy of this Report has yet been received by the Government, but I understand that it contains allegations of the nature indicated in the question. The Report is entitled to no more weight than should be given to any judgment based entirely upon ex parte statements put forward by persons admittedly holding extreme views. I need hardly say that the Commission has no official character, and therefore affords no occasion for representation from His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he personally received a Report regarding the raid upon the house of Bishop Fogarty; and whether that Report was of such a character that he issued instructions for the special protection of the life of the Bishop?

It was reported to me and to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland that the house of the Most Rev. Dr. Fogarty had been raided by unknown men in December last, and instructions were at once issued to the police that every step was to be taken with a view to the reverend gentleman s protection.

asked the Minister if, with reference to the conference in London last month, he can throw any light as to why, when the province of Smyrna was offered to Turkey in restoration, it was stipulated that a Greek garrison should remain in Smyrna?

The stipulation was made as part of a compromise between the conflicting Hellenic and Ottoman claims.

asked the Prime Minister what has been the result of the consideration of the Mandate for Mesopotamia by the Council of the League of Nations; and whether the acquiescence of this international body in the terms of the draft will leave the British nation, which is to find the necessary funds, equally free to introduce or to abstain from introducing any or all reforms which will add to the British national expenditure?

The Council of the League is to consider the draft Mandate for Mesopotamia at its next meeting, which will proably be held early in June. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the several questions and answers arising out of the reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon) on the 24th March.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to pay Ministers without portfolios a salary in the future out of public funds?

asked the Prime Minister whether he could state the duties of the Minister without portfolio; to what his salary will amount; and of what his staff will consist?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Leader of the House yesterday in reply to questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he can make any statement as to when the Channel Tunnel will be commenced?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I am giving to-day to a question by my Noble Friend the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon).

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now state the result arrived at as a consequence of the deliberations of the Indian legislature on the proposed surcharge on traffic carried by railway or inland waterways; and whether country boats are brought within the scope of this tax?

In the Indian Finance Act recently passed it is provided that the surcharge on railway goods traffic and on coaching (other than passenger) traffic shall be at the rate of 2½ annas per rupee of freight, except in the case of food-grains and pulses, fodder and firewood, which are exempted. The surcharge on similar traffic carried by inland steam vessels is to be 1¼ anna per rupee of freight, subject to the same exemptions. Country boat traffic is not brought within the scope of the tax.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Report of the Esher Committee on the pay of British officers serving in India was to the effect that payment was being made on the basis of the rupee being worth 2s.; whether, at the present rate of exchange, the pay of officers serving in India amounts to actually less in sterling value than if they were serving in this country; whether a large proportion of the pay of married officers is, in a great many cases, sent here to provide for the education of their children; and whether, owing to the great distress caused by the reduced value of the rupee, he will undertake that officers serving in India shall receive their pay in rupees calculated upon the value of the rupee being 2s., instead of 1s. 3d., as it is at the present time?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Esher Committee recognised that the pay of officers of the Army in India must be fixed in rupees without reference to any particular rate of exchange. As regards the second part, it is the fact that in some instances the rupee rates of pay of British service officers in India are at present less than the home rates of pay and allowances converted at the current rate of exchange. This point is under consideration. As regards the third and fourth parts of the question, I regret that I cannot arrange for officers to remit a portion of their pay home at a privileged rate of 2s. the rupee, if that is what my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any definite contracts with firms in the country have yet been placed under the Russian trade agreement; and, if so, whether he can specify them and state how payment has been arranged?

I have at present no information, as such contracts would be concluded by the firms direct.

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has been received from the Bolshevik Government to the letter handed to M. Krassin simultaneously with the trade agreement in connection with Bolshevik propaganda and espionage in Central Asia?

A telegram has been received from M. Tchicherin acknowledging the receipt by courier on 31st March of the text of the Agreement and of the letter referred to. M. Tchicherin assures the British Government of the "firm resolve" of the Soviet Government to execute strictly all engagements entered into by agreement. He states in regard to the letter that a "special study" is being made of the questions raised, and that the results will shortly be made known.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that out of 48,000 employés in British paper mills 26,201 are totally unemployed and 16,153 are on part time; and whether this has been brought about principally by dumped imports of paper from Finland, Germany, Sweden and Norway, where the depreciated value of the currency enables these countries to quote prices, delivered in England, which are far below the manufacturing cost in British mills?

I am aware of and regret the unemployment and short time in the paper-making industry. These conditions have no doubt been accentuated by cheap imports from the countries named, though I would point out that the currency of Sweden has not depreciated as compared with sterling, and that the depreciation in the case of Norway is comparatively small.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether since the start of the miners' stoppage of work concrete instances of damage to British trade in general have reached his Department, apart from the serious loss caused by the suspension in the output of coal?

Stoppages on this account are not necessarily reported to the Board of Trade, but I may say that the effect already in the production of iron and steel is known to be considerable.

asked the Minister of Health what proportion of the 80,000 houses reported by local authorities in 1919 to be required in Wales and Monmouthshire have already been built or have been contracted for; what number he estimates will be completed by 31st July, 1922; and what steps, if any, the Government propose to take to provide for the remaining need?

The number of houses for which contracts have been let by local authorities and public utility societies in Wales and, was on the 1st April, 9,206. Plans had been approved relating to 22,076 houses. In addition 546 houses have been completed by private builders under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, and provisional approval has been given in respect of approximately a further 1,400 houses proposed to be built under this Act. It is difficult at the present time to estimate the number of houses likely to be completed by July, 1922, but I am fully investigating the whole position in Wales.

asked the Minister of Health how many boards of guardians have declined to put in force the Superannuation Act, 1920; and what action he is taking in these cases?

I regret that I have not complete information on the first point. As to the second point I have no authority to decide the meaning of an Act of Parliament, and as at present advised I do not see that I can usefully take any action.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the action of the visiting committee of the Dudley board of guardians in threatening to dismiss two of its officials at the Stafford asylum for writing to the local press; and whether be will make representations to the guardians concerned on the matter?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this case, but I will make inquiries and communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the Press statement that the farmers will only charge 3d. per quart for milk during the months of May and June, while the retailers will charge the public 8d. per quart; and is the statement correct that the Ministry of Health is giving its sanction and aid to the Drink More Milk Campaign, and thus assisting the retailers to exploit the public?

My attention had not previously been called to the statement quoted by the hon. Member. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the proposed standard for unsweetened condensed milk being about 12½ per cent, below the minimum cream contents recommended by the great weight of evidence heard by the Sub-Committee appointed by the Minister of Health; whether this is against trade interests in this country; whether it will tend to increase unemployment here; whether ho is aware that the standards proposed by the, condensed milk industry, manufacturers, importers, and the trade in this country are based upon the description officially given to this article in the Public Chemists' Report for many years; and whether he will use his influence with the Minister of Health to fix a reasonable standard which can be met by producers in this country and which importers should be required to reach if they desire to trade here?

I am aware that the proposed standard for the minimum cream content in unsweetened condensed milk is lower than that recommended by English makers, but I am unable to accept the various suggestions made by my hon. Friend. In determining the proposed standard, consideration had to be given not only to the interests of British manufacturers, but to those of other sections of the trade, and still more to the necessity of maintaining at competitive prices adequate supplies for the requirements of the country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the speeches of prominent members of the Farmers' Union in the county of Bedford for the reduction of labour; whether he is aware that in a report of the proceedings of the Executive Committee of the Bedfordshire Farmers' Union, held on Monday, 7th March, and published in the local Press on the 11th March, it is reported that the secretary stated that the number of men discharged ran into three figures; and if any action has been taken to speed up the acquisition of land for allotment cultivation in the rural areas of Bedfordshire?

The Ministry of Agriculture's attention has been drawn to the Report, as published in the Press, of the proceedings of the Executive Committee of the Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire Farmers' Union, and to the statement made by their General Secretary. So far as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Wages Board can ascertain, it does not appear that agricultural unemployment in Bedfordshire is exceptionally high at the present time. So far as the last part of the question is concerned, I am informed that the Ministry of Agriculture's District Commissioner has been in constant touch with the county council and the allotment authorities with regard to the provision of land for allotments in the areas referred to.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in spite of the decision to retain the staff of the Agriculture Costings Committee, the services of the director, Mr. H. G. Howell, have been dispensed with; and, if so, in view of his eminent qualifications, whether the right hon. Gentleman will have this matter reconsidered?

I have been asked to reply for the Minister of Agriculture. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The work of the Agriculture Costings Committee is being completed under the supervision of the three Departments of Agriculture, and there is, therefore, no necessity for the retention of the services of the director. The Minister of Agriculture has given the matter careful consideration, and does not propose to alter his decision.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total sum received, and over what period, by the clerk or other officials of the Bedfordshire County Council, as purely personal charges when land has been let to the registered cooperative small holdings societies in this county; and in what other counties are charges made when co-operative societies take up land for small holdings?

The total sum received by all officials of the Bedfordshire County Council during the past seven years in respect of land leased to registered co-operative societies is £50 5s. None of the work done formed part of the duties of the officials concerned, and if not carried out by them would have had to have been entrusted to some other outside person and paid for by the society. The Ministry is not aware of the practice obtaining in other counties as regards co- operative societies requesting officials of the councils to undertake tenant-right valuation work for them.

asked the Postmaster-General what are the rates paid by his Department to railway companies for the conveyance of letters, newspapers, and parcel post; whether the rates have been increased when railway rates were raised to ordinary traders; and, if so, by what amount?

The remuneration of the railway companies for the conveyance of letters or postal packets other than parcels, is based on lump sum contracts entered into with the different companies. The rate paid for the conveyance of postal parcels is ll/20ths of the postage payable on rail borne parcels at the scale which was in force at the outbreak of War. So long as Government control lasts an addition of 100 per cent, is made to the remuneration payable under both heads.

asked the Postmaster-General what are the present arrangements by his Department for an air-post service for letters and parcels; to what places and countries the same is operative from London, and what are the postage rates; and if his Department, are considering as to extending such air-post services?

Air mail services are at present in operation between London and Paris and London and Brussels. Letter packets, including letters, postcards, printed papers, commercial papers and samples, are accepted for transmission by these services, but not parcels. Letters may be sent by each service, not only for places in the country in which the air service terminates, but also for places beyond to which the normal mail route lies through that country. The special air fee payable, in addition to the ordinary international postage rates, is 2d. per ounce in each case. The air fee for the Brussels service will probably be increased in the near future. It is hoped to establish very shortly an air mail service between London and Amsterdam, and also to give the public in this country the opportunity of posting letters for conveyance to Holland by ordinary mail and thence by air mail to Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin and Copenhagen. I hope to be able within the next few days to give the public full information about these services.

asked the Postmaster-General the amount in the Post Office Savings Bank in Ireland for the year 1914, and during the last three years?

The amounts are as follow:— £ 31st December, 1914 12,745,000 31st December, 1918 12,031,000 31st December, 1919 13,622,000 31st December, 1920 13,870,000 The amounts for the last two years are estimated.

asked the Minister of Transport when the North British Railway Company will receive the compensation to which it is entitled under the decision of the Railway and Canal Commission?

An appeal has been lodged in the case referred to, and, pending a decision, I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made a grant of £847 to the Southwark metropolitan borough council towards the cost of certain plant, including the purchase of a steam wagon, which cost the borough £1,430; and whether he is aware that there are large numbers of carters and contractors only too anxious to do the work and thus avoid an extention of municipal trading?

A grant has been made as stated in my hon. Friend's question. No question of municipal trading arises.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company have no statutory authority to convey by road merchandise traffic which does not pass over their railway during any portion of its journey; why he permits that company to carry on the business of road carriers; and why he is not being furnished with particulars of the traffic and with accounts to show the extent of the loss incurred in this particular department, a loss which is being borne by the Government?

I hope my hon. Friend will excuse my giving a legal opinion as to the statutory rights of individual railway companies. The whole subject of road conveyance of goods by railway companies has been considered by a Committee which was appointed to advise on the matter, and the reports of this Committee, which are contained in Command Paper 1,228, are now under consideration. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company states that the services are remunerative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the urgent need for codifying and simplifying the numerous regulations for motor traffic; whether any representations on the subject have been made by the police authorities; and whether he will consider the practicability of issuing such a codification of the regulations at an early date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 24th February to the hon. Member for Walls-end (Mr. Simm) relating to the matters at present under consideration by the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles. I am sending a copy of this answer to my hon. Friend. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is awaiting a further report from the Committee before taking any steps to promote legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received communications from the London County Council, the Association of Municipal Corporations, and other important bodies, urging the re-introduction of the Electricity Supply (No. 2) Bill, which was withdrawn last Session?

Yes, Sir, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has received communications from the London County Council, the Association of Municipal Corporations, and other bodies, urging the reintroduction of the Electricity Supply Bill. The Government fully realises the necessity for this Bill, and it is hoped that it may be possible to introduce it at an early date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to re-introduce the Electricity Supply (No. 2) Bill, as promised when the Bill was withdrawn last Session; and, if so, whether the necessary powers will be given to joint electricity authorities under the Bill to borrow money by the usual methods, and to authorise undertakers to render financial assistance to them by loans or otherwise?

I have replied to the first part of this question in my preceding answer. As regards the second part, the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the Royal Navy is the only service in which no marriage allowance is given to an officer, and that even indulgence passages, which were recommended by the Halsey Committee, are denied him; and if he will inquire into the matter with a view of pressing this question forward?

With regard to marriage allowance, I regret I cannot add anything to my reply yesterday to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham (Lieut.-Colonel Parnall). As regards indulgence passages, the position of the naval officer in this respect is precisely the same as that of Army and Air Force officers. The opportunity for granting indulgence passages is necessarily rare at present, as the number of Government transports is small and insufficient even for the passages of Government passengers.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been directed to the hardship of men disabled in former wars being denied treatment allowances for their dependants during the period of medical care in connection with their disablement; whether such treatment allowances for dependants are accorded to men disabled in the late War, although they have married after disablement; and whether it is proposed to continue this distinction against veterans and others disabled in former wars?

The Warrants and Regulations of the Ministry of Pensions make no provisions for the medical treatment of men disabled in former wars, and it is only in exceptional cases that a man would need treatment at this date for a disability incurred so long ago. The question has, however, recently been raised in connection with certain tropical diseases and is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what policy is to be adopted with regard to the future of the officers in the cavalry regiments which are to be disbanded?

The policy was stated at some length by me in the Debate on the Estimates on 15th March last. Its application to individual officers will be considered and settled before disbandment takes place.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the case of Private F. C. Martin, No. 125,568, 12th Section, C Company, 8th Battalion, Mounted Gun Corps, Mesopotamia, whose service with the Forces terminated in February or March, and who has not yet returned to this country; is he aware that Mrs. Martin, his mother, is in great need; and when Private Martin will return to England?

I am making inquiries in this case, and will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Sergeant Richard Fairhurst, No. 795,401, Transport Section, 2nd Manchester Regiment, now stationed in Mesopotamia, is the eldest son of a widowed mother whose two other children are aged 16 and 18 years, respectively, whose wages are not sufficient to support the home; and whether, in view of the fact that employment is assured him by his former employer, he will consider the case and, if possible, grant his discharge on compassionate grounds?

This case is still under investigation. The battalion has been moved to India, and the report on the case is being expedited by cablegram.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office to whom the £160 was paid as compensation for the taking over and working of the quarry at Herston, near Swanage; whether any stone was left in the quarry; and, if so, how it has been disposed of, to whom, and at what price?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his question on this subject on 23rd March last. The compensation was paid to Messrs. Parsons and Hayter, who are the owners of the quarry. There was an accumulation of stone at the quarry, which was disposed of to the owners at a price of 2s. 6d. a ton, the sale being one of the terms of settlement for the handing back of the quarry.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a qualifying examination was held in December last of ex-service men for positions as officers of Customs and Excise, when a certain number passed the examination and were then called upon to appear before a Customs Selection Board and that 57 were declared successful candidates and 113 unsuccessful candidates; and that, although the 113 unsuccessful candidates have proved themselves of sufficient educational status, they are now obliged to sit in open competitive examination with men who have seen no war service; and whether he will consider the advisability of allowing the above-mentioned 113 men to receive appointments as vacancies arise?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd) on the 6th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether some weeks ago certain ex-service clerks employed in various departments in Woolwich were sent to the Arsenal for examination with a view to their being transferred there as their services were no longer required in the other Government Departments, and numerous men have passed that examination, but nevertheless they have received notice of discharge although they were promised employment some time ago at the Arsenal; whether he will ascertain how many non-ex-service men are at present engaged in Woolwich Arsenal; and whether he will postpone the discharge of ex-service men for such a period as may be necessary to substitute these ex service men in the Arsenal or other Government employment?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware discharges at Woolwich have been temporarily suspended pending a further consideration of the possibility of finding other work for the redundant clerks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that four able-bodied men have been engaged as watchmen at Beachley, near Chepstow, when disabled ex-service men, capable of performing the duties, have applied for the positions of watchmen, and have been refused; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made, so that unemployed ex-service men may be given preference for this class of work?

I have ascertained that the appointments in question were not made by the Ministry of Labour, but by the local Disposals Board officer, who explains that all the men in question are ex-service men though able-bodied, and that the work entailed requires men to be physically fit, as they have to walk from 15 to 18 miles a day over an area of 470 acres.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the total number given in the official returns of those employed in the Civil Services include the whole of those temporarily employed; and, if not, what is the number of those not so included?

I have been asked to reply. The total number given in the official returns includes all persons, whether temporary or permanent, directly employed by Government Departments with the qualifications shown in the footnotes.

asked the Minister of Health what was the salary and other emoluments paid respectively to the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and the Second Secretary on the appointments originally being made; what was the date of such appointments; what are these-officers being paid at the present time; and is it contemplated making any increase either in their salaries or in any other manner in the near future?

The salary and bonus of the First and Second Secretaries of the Ministry of Health when the appointments were originally made were respectively: First Secretary Salary £2,000 War Bonus £300 Second Secretary Salary £1,700 War Bonus £300

The date of these appointments was 1st July, 1919. The present salaries and bonus are as follows: First Secretary: Salary £3,000 War Bonus £500 Secondary Secretary: Salary £2,200 War Bonus £500

These increases in scales of salary are of course not confined to the Ministry of Health, but were approved by the Government for that and other large Departments of State in pursuance of the Report of the Committee (the right hon. the Member for Paisley, Sir James Maclay and Lord Colwyn), appointed to advise on the salaries of the principal posts in the Civil Service (Cmd. 1188).

The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary if a Captain Hardy is engaged at Scotland Yard in the prevention or detection of crime; and, if so, on what date he returned to Scotland Yard, and from where?

The reply to the first question is in the negative, and the second, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) the number of persons who died during the years 1918, 1919, and 1920, leaving fortunes of £1,000,000 or over;

(2) the number of persons who died during the years 1918, 1919, and 1920, leaving fortunes between £500,000 and £1,000,000;

(3) the number of persons who died during the years 1918, 1919, and 1920, leaving fortunes between £100,000 and £500,000?

The number of estates in the various classes desired as obtained from affidavits, etc., presented for purposes of the Estate Duty in the past three financial years is as follows:— Magnitude of Estate:— Net Capital Value. Number of cases. 1918–19. 1919–20. 1920–21. Exceeding Not exceeding Provisional. £ £ 20,000 50,000 1,692 1,901 1,755 50,000 100,000 439 603 555 100,000 500,000 298 366 313 500,000 1,000,000 21 30 17 1,000,000 — 9 12 11

NOTE.—The above figures do not represent the number of persons dying in the financial years quoted, but the number of cases in which affidavits were presented to the Department in these financial years. There is necessarily an interval between the death and the presentation of the affidavit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of persons Who died during the years 1918, 1919, and 1920, leaving fortunes between £50,000 and £100,000, and between £20,000 and £50,000?

The desired information is contained in the statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT [ as above ] in reply to similar questions addressed to me this afternoon by the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether the men attending the Crumlin, Monmouthshire, rescue station have suspended their efficiency practice as a protest against the coal-owners' refusal to meet them to discuss matters of importance re conditions of training, remuneration, etc.; whether such meeting has been applied for since May, 1920; whether the request is the result of advice given by the Coal Controller in a letter dated 11th February, 1920; and, seeing that, should their services be required, this suspension of practice may be disastrous, will he take steps to see that such meeting takes place?

asked the Secretary for Mines if the members of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Mine Rescue Workers' Association (Crumlin Rescue 'Station area) have suspended training in rescue work as a protest against the action of the employers' representatives refusing to afford them reasonable facili- ties to lay before them the grievances of the rescue workers; that the applications for an interview have been ignored since the 29th May, 1920; and if he will cause inquiries to be made as to the genuineness of this complaint and, if necessary, advise the owners' representatives to meet the men affected with a view to remedying these grievances?

Information was received during February that training practices at Crumlin Rescue Station had been discontinued owing to the men's complaint that they had not received the same treatment as the men at other rescue stations in South Wales, and the management were advised to remedy this complaint. I will have further enquiries made when the present crisis in the coal industry is past.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the workmen engaged at the Barhaugh Estate, near Alston, Cumberland, coal mine or coal drift, have not been paid the advances agreed on by the Government to the coal miners for the March and October, 1920, settlements; and will he take the necessary steps to get the same dues paid?

I have investigated a complaint that the deputy and two men employed at this drift from September, 1919, to December, 1920, were not paid the advances referred to. In the case of the deputy I am informed that the engagement was on an upstanding wage, with an understanding that the terms would not be varied except by mutual agreement, but I have advised the manager that the advances should be paid.

asked the Home Secretary what is the total revenue secured from the island of Alderney by Government Departments; what disbursements are made for the benefit of the island; and how the remainder of the expenditure is met?

For the year ended 31st March, 1920, which is the last year for which complete figures are available, the gross revenue collected by the Office of Woods in virtue of the Crown rights in Alderney was £1,012. The current expenditure of the Office of Woods (excluding repayments towards a capital sum advanced for building a jetty) was as follows:—Cost of collection and management (less a sum paid by the War Office for work done for them), £113 16s. 2d.; Cost of repairs and maintenance, including expenditure on the harbour, £195 12s. 9d.; Salaries of States officials and other expenses of local administration (less a contribution of £100 from the States), £292 5s. 8d.; Miscellaneous payments, £28 5s.; Total, £629 19s. 7d. The remainder of the local expenditure is met by taxes raised by the States, the main tax being a Customs duty on intoxicating liquors and tobacco. The War Office own certain lands and quarries in Alderney, and for the year in question their rents and royalties amounted to about £430. The Admiralty also received a sum of £123 as a payment from certain quarry lessees for the use of a tramway owned by the Admiralty.

asked the Minister of Labour the nature of the reductions in wages which have been accepted by any sections of British workmen with the object of lowering prices and stimulating employment?

It is not practicable to state in detail in what cases reductions in wages have been agreed upon specifically for the purposes indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend. I may point out that the reductions of wages which are taking place can be divided broadly into certain categories. In one group, of which the railway services, the Civil Service, and the woollen and worsted industry are examples, wages are regulated in accordance with fluctuations in the cost of living. There are other trades where this principle is now being applied for the first time ( e.g., hosiery, civil engineering, vehicle building, and others). Another group, in which iron and steel manufacture is the chief industry, regulates wages on a sliding scale according to the ascertained selling price of the products, and as selling prices are falling, automatic reductions of wages are taking place. Other trades are regulating their wages through joint industrial councils, or other representative organisations, or have submitted the matter to arbitration by the Industrial Court. The wages of low-paid and badly organised trades are regulated by statutory Trade Boards, consisting of representatives of employers and workpeople in the trade concerned, together with impartial members appointed by the Ministry. In some of these trades proposals to reduce wages have already been issued by the Board. Details of changes in rates of wages are published in the "Labour Gazette," recent issues of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can inform the House what classes of earned incomes have been least affected by war-time increases; and what is the average ratio of increase on remuneration earned by manual and non-manual labour under £600 a year aggregate per individual?

The information available on this subject relates almost exclusively to organised groups of "manual wage earners, whose rates of wages are regulated by agreement between the employers' associations and the trade unions concerned. Among these organised workpeople, the increases, since 1914, in weekly rates of wages for full time vary widely in different occupations, ranging from about 100 per cent, in a few cases to over 300 per cent, in a few others. The general average is probably in the neighbourhood of 160 or 170 per cent., but the figures are necessarily very approximate. It should be remem- bered, however, that, owing to the prevalence of unemployment and short time, the increase in actual earnings in most industries is at present considerably less than the increase in full-time rates of wages. Statistics are not available to show the average increase, from 1914 to the present date, in the earned incomes of persons not of the manual labour classes.

asked the Attorney-General whether a member of a county council is debarred from discussing or voting on a drainage scheme affecting some hundreds of thousands of acres of land by reason of the fact that he himself owns some portion of land which is or may be affected by the scheme?

Section 22 (3) of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1882 (45 & 46 Vic., c. 50), which is applied to county councils by Section 75 of the Local Government Act, 1888 (51 & 52 Vict., c. 41), provides thata member of the council shall not vote or take part in the discussion of any matter before the council, or a committee, in which he has, directly or indirectly, by himself or by his partner, any pecuniary interest. The question whether such an interest exists is in each case a question of fact, and I think that the facts here outlined are sufficient to debar the member referred to from discussing or voting on the scheme.