asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a ring paper has been issued to William A. Miller, No. 326, 145, late corporal, Royal Engineers, residing at 23, Harlow Street, Port Dundas, Glasgow; that this man has made a number of applications to the post office at Port Dundas and is always told that the money has not arrived; that the ring paper is dated 2nd March, 1921; and what steps he will take to secure the prompt payment of his money?

A pension payment book was despatched to the post office on the 2nd March, but was inadvertently returned. It was re-issued on the 30th March, and the man drew payment of the arrears due to him on the 1st inst.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that William Stark, late sergeant, 14729, Royal Scots, was awarded a pension of 46s. 8d. per week, to take effect from 25th November, 1919; whether 19s. weekly is being deducted for hospital allowance and the balance to be paid to his mother; whether his mother has received £46 14s. up to 5th April, 1921, although the amount should be £102 Vs. 4d.; and whether he will authorise the payment of the balance of £55 13s. 4d.?

The appropriate treatment allowance in this case is at the rate of 27s. 8d. a week, without deduction for maintenance, and this sum (less any pocket money allowance) is, in accordance with practice, accumulating for the man's use in the event of his recovery and discharge. A dependant's allowance, assessed under the Royal Warrant at 13s. 2d. a week is, in addition, in payment to the man's mother. I am inquiring as to whether, in the particular circumstances of the case, it is possible for this amount to be supplemented from the pensioner's treatment allowance.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Ward, 38, Hamilton Street, Govan, Glasgow, the widow of Private Francis Ward, No. 21581, Black Watch, who died in Shakespeare Hospital, Glasgow, was in receipt of the full widow's allowance for 14 months, when it was stopped to obtain evidence of the death of her husband; and that this case has been pending from 23rd September, 1920, during which time this widow has not received any pension; and whether he will cause investigation in this case to be carried through with greater expedition?

No award of widow's pension has been made in this case. The hon. Member probably has in mind advances which were made by the Local War Pensions Committee pending the decision given in August, 1920, that the disease of which the late soldier died was unconnected with service. The widow has appealed against this decision and the case is now under further consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the Pension Appeal Tribunal, Court No. 7, Central Offices, House of Lords, found that the death of Driver William Alfred Hobson, Chelsea, No. 11919, Royal Field Artillery, Case No. 7/2007, residing at 5, Sherboro Road, Tottenham, was due to active service during the great War; and that, although a written decision to this effect was communicated to the widow on the 14th February, no pension allowance has been made to her by the Ministry since July, 1920; whether he will explain the reason for the delay in making payment; and what action is being taken to speed up the work of his Department in regard to the settlement of this and similar awards?

I am communicating privately with my hon. and gallant Friend regarding the facts of this case?

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is aware of the indignation created among the people of Glasgow, and particularly ex-service men, by the allegations against the administration of Bellahouston Hospital; whether it is alleged that men are being discharged as fit who have not been properly examined; whether he is aware that an allegation has been made that 900 outdoor patients were examined in seven days and marked fit for work; whether 210 men were examined in one hour and 20 minutes and 190 of them marked fit for work; what steps he will take to ensure a proper and thorough examination; whether he is prepared to authorise an inquiry into the administration of this hospital;

(2) whether he is aware that Alexander Fletcher, an ex-soldier on treatment for heart trouble at Bellahouston Hospital, Glasgow, was examined on the morning of llth February, 1921, and marked fit for work and discharged; that on the afternoon of the same day Fletcher collapsed in the local pensions committee office, Berkley Street, Glasgow, and was taken back in an ambulance to Bellahouston Hospital; that after treatment for several days he was discharged, and on 28th March he again collapsed while in a doctor's, and again taken to Bellahouston, and that he is still an inmate; and whether, in view of the grave dissatisfaction, he will hold an inquiry into the administration of this hospital?

I have not heard of the allegations referred to, but I have called for an immediate report regarding the various matters dealt with in these questions. Unless the report satisfies me that the allegations are unfounded, I will hold an inquiry into the administration of the hospital forthwith.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will explain why pensions are entirely withdrawn in the case of mentally afflicted ex-service men who have been admitted to the public asylums as the result of war service; and if he will issue an Order for some financial assistance to be given to the wives and children of ex-service men who have subsequently lost their mental balance through active service overseas?

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to have been misinformed. The wives and children of ex-service men admitted to asylums for mental disability due to service receive the usual allowances provided under Article 6 of the Royal Warrant for the families of men under treatment away from home.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a communication was recently forwarded from Hastings regarding the cases of five ex-service men, Messrs. Pyett, Mann, — First week of March, 1920. First week of March, 1921. Total No. Amount. Total No. Amount. £ £ Widows (including widows of officers) 189,800 455,155٭ 174,750 420,609٭ Officers and men 1,134,750 l,237,880† 1,198,000 l,123,613† ٭Including allowances paid as an addition to pension in respect of children. †Including wives' and children's allowances.

As regards the last part of the question, the matter appears to concern not only this Ministry, but the Ministries of Labour and Agriculture, and the Board of Education, and without more definite information as to the benefits which my hon. Friend has in mind I am unable to supply the figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware

Adams, Fitsell, and Simmons; whether he is aware that no reply has been received to this communication; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter?

The, letter referred to asked for information regarding five individual cases, and in order to prepare a suitable answer, it has been necessary to make inquiries in various directions. The matter is receiving urgent attention.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of war widows who are receiving pensions and the total amount paid to them during the first week of March, 1921, and the corresponding week in 1920; the total number of men who are receiving war pensions and the total amount paid in the first week of March, 1921, and the corresponding week in 1920; and the total number of ex-service men who are in course of training, or receiving benefits, and the cost of such for the first week in March, 1921, and the corresponding week in 1920?

The figures asked for in the first two parts of the question are:—

that the officers of a British infantry regiment forming part of the Army of the Rhme are being encouraged by their commanding officer to purchase uniforms and kits from German tradesmen who are supplying our officers with swords at a cost of 550 marks, or with the name of an English firm engraved thereon for 70 marks extra; and whether he considers that British officers should be discouraged from wearing uniforms made in Germany and should give preference to English firms?

I am not aware of the facts alleged in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. With regard to the last part of the question, provided officers obtain articles which conform to the patterns laid down in Regulations, I do not think that the War Office can dictate to them where they should purchase their uniform or equipment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is the intention of the Government to exhume and convey to the British cemeteries in France and Belgium the bodies of British soldiers who died in prisoner-of-war camps in Germany and Austria; and, if not, whether it has been decided to place over their graves memorial stones similar to those erected in the British cemeteries abroad?

This question is still under negotiation by the Allies with the German Government, and I hope to be able to make a statement on the matter before very long.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that payment of credits is still being withheld from C. C. Gibson, W.R. No. 554,318, Royal Engineers, who was demobilised on 20th February, 1919, upon the ground that the regimental paymaster, Chatham, is unable to obtain his last pay certificate from Mesopotamia; how many years are expected to elapse before last pay certificates are either produced or dispensed with in such cases; and whether he will take action in this case?

Cables have been sent to India for this man's last pay certificate, but it has not yet been received. A further cable has now been sent, and I will acquaint my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible. Every effort has been made to expedite the settlement of these cases, and it is hoped that in a short time full information will be forthcoming from the Indian authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a defence unit, with headquarters at Willesden, comprising the districts of Willesden, Harrow, Hendon, and the North-West portion of the county of Middlesex is not authorised under the scheme for raising a Defence Force for Great Britain; and is he aware that the omission is causing dissatisfaction in the area of the county above mentioned?

The units of the Defence Force are being recruited on the regular cadres of the Territorial Army. The headquarters referred to in the question is not part of the divisional organisation, and all men in this particular district who are able are requested to join another Defence Force unit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, on the occasion of the hearing of the claims for remuneration in respect of salvage services against the owners of the s.s. "Clan Sutherland," torpedoed in the English Channel on the 17th April, 1917, it was decided that the allegation of looting, brought against the crew of H.M.S. "Bittern" by the owners of the "Clan Sutherland," had been proved, whether Lieutenant Irving, the commander of the " Bittern," was prevented from being present at the hearing of the case; and whether, in view of the awards of £100 and £50 to Lieutenant Irving and the first lieutenant of the "Bittern" for salvage services, and the fact that five members of the crew of the "Bittern" were prepared to give evidence rebutting the allegations of looting, the desire of the relatives of members of the crew of the "Bittern," who lost their lives when the "Bittern" was sunk on the 4th April, 1918, will be met by an official statement that no stigma, on account of the judgment referred to, attaches to the memory of the men who lost their lives?

The facts are generally as stated. The Admiralty took no disciplinary measures on account of the judgment of the High Court, and the service records of "Bittern's" crew are not in any way affected by the allegations which were made at the trial.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on Thursday, 31st March, nine armed policemen called at the house of Mr. James E. Calvert, of Darkley, County Armagh, who is a magistrate for the county, and dismantled his motor car; and if he will take steps to have the parts of Mr. Calvert's car, which they removed, returned to him?

Mr. Calvert applied for permits to use two motor cars, but the Competent Military Authority could not see his way to grant permits. In accordance with the usual practice Mr. Calvert was asked to hand over to police custody some essential part of the cars which would prevent their use. He declined to do so, and it was therefore necessary to send two skilled mechanics to dismantle the cars. They were accompanied by the usual armed police escort. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the burning of part of the town of Westport, in County Mayo, was an official reprisal for an ambush at a place seven miles distant; if not, whether any steps have been taken to bring to trial those who were responsible for the burning; and whether compensation will be paid by the Government for the damage done?

Pending the result of the official inquiry which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has ordered to be made into this matter, I am not in a position to deal with the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. T. J. M'Kenna, a railway clerk, was wrongfully arrested in Greenore by members of the auxiliary police force on the night of 22nd March, and that, on being released two days later and reporting to the head constable in Dundalk to complain of the treatment he had received, he was detained and held prisoner in the Dundalk military barracks until the 1st instant, when he was removed, under military escort, to Belfast, although no charge had been preferred; and whether he will take steps immediately to have this man liberated from detention and reinstated in his railway employment?

I regret that I have not yet received full information as to the details of this man's arrest. The ground of his arrest was that he was suspected of acting, having acted, or being about tax act in a manner prejudicial to the maintenance and restoration of order in Ireland, and an internment order under the. Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulation 14 b. has been made against him. It is open to him if he so desires to appeal against this Order.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has seen the letters, by Mrs. O'Callaghan published in the Press containing statements which, if true, destroy the validity of the verdict of the; military court of inquiry into the Limerick murders; and what action Le proposes to take in the matter?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for South Down on the 7th instant.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, notwithstanding repeated assurances in this House, the president of the military inquiry into the murder of Christopher Reynolds, of Rathfarnham, for the second time during the inquiry ordered the Press, the public, the relatives, and the legal advisers of the next-of-kin to leave the court so that the evidence might be taken in secrecy; whether counsel for the next-of-kin thereupon refused to take any further part in the inquiry; whether one of the witnesses produced by the Crown refused to give evidence lest it might incriminate him; whether definite charges of murder have been brought against the Crown forces; and on what public grounds it is being sought to shield the murderers or conceal; the facts?

As I have stated explicitly in reply to previous questions arising out of this case, it is within the discretion of the President of the Court of Inquiry to exclude members of the public and of the Press from the Court if he is of opinion that their admission might endanger the lives of witnesses. In the present case, the President came to the conclusion that the lives of certain members of the Crown forces who were called to give evidence might be exposed to danger if their evidence was given in public, and he therefore decided that no person other than members of the Court should be present while such evidence was given. In conveying this decision to the representatives of the next-of-kin ha stated that they would be red-admitted when the evidence of the Crown witnesses had been taken in private and that this evidence would be read over to them and they would be allowed to put in writing any additional questions they might desire to ask, whereupon the Court would again be closed in order that any proper questions handed in might be put to the witnesses. The representative of the next of kin protested against this decision of the President and withdrew from the Inquiry. One of the witnesses called in camera acting on the advice of his legal advisers declined to give evidence. The Inquiry is at present adjourned owing to the fact that several of the witnesses are also witnesses in another case which is now proceeding, but it will be re-opened at the earliest possible date. The suggestion contained in the latter part of the question is wholly unjustified.

asked the Chief Secretary whether on 9th January a party of auxiliary police from Beggar's Bush Barracks, and armed with revolvers, raided the Pembroke Fire Brigade Station at Ballsbridge, Dublin, and subsequently commandeered a motor car at a neighbouring garage; whether these policemen were under the influence of drink and threatened the lives of the firemen on duty; whether the lives of the firemen were again threatened when they were identifying the raiders; whether two of the auxiliaries again visited the fire station on 15th January, demanded the production of the men who had reported the previous raid and presented a revolver at the head of the superintendent; whether the same party held up at the same time two men of the Dublin Metropolitan police and stole their arms and ammunition; whether these raiders were surprised and cap- tured by their own commanding officer and other officers; and what further action has been taken?

A full official inquiry has been held into these matters, and it is found that the allegations contained in the first paragraph of the question, namely, the raid on the fire brigade station and the commandeering of the motor car on the 9th January, are correct, but that the other allegations have not been substantiated. Severe disciplinary action has been taken against all the cadets concerned on the 9th January, and, in addition, they have been compelled to make good the damage done to the car.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a bomb was thrown last week from a polic lorry at the residence of the Rev. T. Dunne, P.P., Kilnadeema; that on the same day a bomb was thrown into the sitting-room of the Rev. Dr. Dignan, P.P., Duniry; that on the same day the house, effects, and out-offices of a farmer, named Downey, at Abbey, Loughrea, were destroyed by fire; and what explanation is forthcoming?

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has instituted an official inquiry into these matters, and if any members of the police forces be found to have been guilty of the outrages alleged, the hon. Member may rest assured that appropriate action will be taken.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, at the military inquiry into the murder of Mr. Sean O'Brien, chairman of the Charleville District Council, it was given in evidence that the deceased made a dying statement that he had been beaten and shot by two Black-and-Tans; whether a policeman who was barrack orderly on the night of the murder deposed that two constables were missing from the barracks when a patrol was ordered out after the murder; whether the barrack orderly further stated that when the two constables returned they failed to report to him, although the regulations required them to do so; whether, notwithstanding this evidence, the military officers returned a verdict of wilful murder by some persons unknown; and what action he proposes to take?

With the exception that no allegation that he had been beaten was made by Mr. O'Brien the reply to the whole of this question is in the affirmative. I would add, however, that both the constables referred to were called as witnesses at the inquiry, and were closely examined with regard to their movements during their absence. The matter is being further investigated. The military court held in lieu of inquest examined 17 witnesses and brought in the finding as mentioned in the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the arrest and imprisonment on 7th March of Martin Brophy, of Maryborough, for non-payment of a vaccination fine; whether 10 armed police took Mr. Brophy to Kilkenny Gaol on 7th March, returning with him the same day to Mountrath police barracks, where he remained the night under armed guard; whether next day Mr. Brophy was taken to Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, with a plain clothes escort of five men; whether Mr. Brophy was put in a cell 7 feet by 12 feet, made to sleep on a plank bed, and fed on prison diet; what was the total cost of this imprisonment to the authorities; and whether, so as not to harass in this way conscientious objectors to vaccination who refuse to pay fines on the ground that Irish objectors have the same right to exemption as that enjoyed by English, Scotch, and Welsh objectors, he will give instructions that no further similar imprisonments are to take place?

Brophy was arrested on the 7th March on a warrant for his committal to prison for seven days, for the non-payment of a fine of 10s. and 20s. costs, imposed by Petty Sessions Court at the suit of the Abbeyliex Poor Law Guardians for the non-vaccination of his child. Owing to the numerous cold-blooded assassinations of unarmed police and of police travelling in very small parties, Brophy was taken to Kilkenny Prison by an escort of five armed police in a motor car. As he could not be received in the prison, he was brought back to the police barracks, where he was detained for the night, No guard was posted other than the usual barrack guard, which is main- tained whether or not a prisoner is in custody. On the next day he was taken to Mountjoy Prison as stated. The conditions of his detention there were exactly similar to those of any other prisoner undergoing a sentence of imprisonment. His sentence expired on the 12th March, and he was released on that date. The total cost to the State, including the travelling expenses of prisoner and escort, was approximately £4 10s. There would not appear to be any ground for any action on my part.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the increases of pay of certain specified services serving in India promised in Indian Army Order No. 868, of October, 1919, and sanctioned to date from the 1st of July, 1919, have in the case of the Royal Army Medical Corps taken effect only from 1st January, 1920, instead of from the earlier date as in the case of all other corps; and what is the reason for this distinction between officers who are serving under identical conditions?

The pay of Royal Army Medical Corps officers in India was increased in March, 1920, with effect from 1st July, 1919. Consequent on an increase of pay granted to Indian Medical Service officers with effect from 1st January, 1920, a further increase has recently been granted to Royal Army Medical Corps officers with effect from the same date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what proportion of the enumerators to be employed in the burgh of Kirkcaldy in connection with the forthcoming census on 17th April are persons who are in full-time employment; how many of the full list of persons required for the work recommended by the labour exchange authorities are unemployed ex-service men; and how many of the persons so recommended have been appointed?

Approximately 74 per cent, of the enumerators referred to in the first part of the question are in full-time employment. I am informed that the labour exchange authorities submitted no list of persons recommended by them as suitable for appointment as enumerators, and the last two parts of the question do not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. O'Kane, recently charged with culpable homicide in Glasgow, and to the observations of the Lord Advocate for Scotland on the case, indicating that it was a defect in the Scottish criminal system that the sheriff had not the same power to remit a prisoner for sentence to the High Court, after the prisoner has been convicted on indictment by the verdict of a jury, as is permitted when a prisoner pleads guilty under Section 31 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act; and whether, having regard to the widespread feeling in connection with this case; he is prepared to introduce legislation to provide this reform?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the Report of the Committee on Heather Burning is likely to be presented and published?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Mr. Gardiner).

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the demolition of the wreck of the "Campania," off the East Coast of Scotland, by means of explosives, is seriously interfering with the local fishing industry; and if, in view of the fact that the wreck does not constitute a danger or hindrance to shipping, its further demolition can be postponed to a season at which the work will not endanger the livelihood of the local fishermen?

I am informed by the Fishery Board for Scotland that they have received no complaints from fishermen. The Board are inquiring into the matter, and, on receiving their report, I shall communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a company of British officers are proceeding to Japan for the purpose of developing a Japanese militant air service in the Far East; and whether these officers are going with the consent, approval, and authorisation of the British Government?

As to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 23rd ultimo to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East (Mr. Hogge). To the second part of the question, I would add that as this undertaking has no official aspect, so far as this country is concerned, the question of the consent, approval, or authorisation of His Majesty's Government does not arise.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of friendly societies, co-operative societies, and other organisations who have made application for permission to pay unemployment benefit in accordance with the provisions of the National Insurance Act, 1920; and of these, how many, respectively, are now approved societies for the purpose of paying unemployment benefit?

Applications for arrangements under Section 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, have been received from 366 trade unions and 42 other societies, none of which are cooperative societies. Arrangements are in operation with 188 trade unions and 20 other societies. As regards the balance of 200 applications, 16 resulted in arrangements which were subsequently cancelled by the association concerned; in 92 cases arrangements have been approved, but not yet been put into operation; in 65 cases the applications are still under consideration; and 27 applications have been withdrawn.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that William Redden and Lewis Davies, of Pontypool, members of the All Together Union, applied for work under the Pontypool Parks Committee; that, as the district rate for labourers is 2s. 1d. per hour, and the Parks Committee only offered 1s. 6½d. per hour, the two men did not accept the employment; that the two men were subsequently refused their unemployment benefit; that the matter, was referred to the Court of Referees without the men being notified to appear; and whether he will have this case reconsider in the light of the provisions of the Act?

I am making in quiries into this case, and will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible. I should add that it is one of the rules of procedure for Courts of Referees that the applicant and the branch secretary of any association through which he is claiming benefit shall receive at least 24 hours notice of the time and place of hearing before the Court.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Stoke-on-Trent Town Council have applied for permission to carry out the work of levelling a site in Stone Road, Longton, for the purpose of creating a recreation ground; that the council is under an obligation to lay down the site within a period of less than nine years; and whether, in view of the present unemployment, sanction will be given to the proposed work and financial aid made available from the Unemployment Grants Committee?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. In view of the apparently excessive cost of the scheme, the matter was discussed with the borough surveyor, and I am awaiting further proposals. I see no reason why the work should not be approved, and started immediately they have been received.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the inconvenience and confusion caused in many industries owing to the operations of several trade boards in the same business or firm; and whether, to prevent such overlapping, he will introduce legislation to obviate the existing state of affairs by means of a National Minimum Wage Bill or other methods?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Trade Boards Acts can be applied only to specified trades separately. The scope of Trade Boards has always been settled in consultation with employers and workers concerned. Owing to the complexities of industry it is sometimes the case that more than one trade is carried on by one employer. In these cases every effort has been made to frame the scope of the Boards with a view to causing the minimum inconvenience, and the operation of Trade Boards is carefully watched in order that amendments suggested by experience may be made. If my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to give me particulars of the cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to give them careful consideration and to communicate further with him.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an officially authorised statement was made at a meeting of the Blackburn Town Council on the 7th of April to the effect that, with a view to economise on brickwork in the construction of municipal houses, the height of the rooms was reduced from the regulation standard of nine feet to eight feet, effecting a saving of £9 10s. per house; that, in order to compensate for this reduction in height, dormer windows became essential, costing £11 10s. each, the net result being a loss of £2 per house; whether his advisers have given personal attention to this and other methods of economy which are producing a sequel opposite to what was intended; and if he will give an assurance to the House that false economy alterations will be discouraged in the future?

I am informed that 20 of the houses erected by this local authority have been provided with dormer windows at the suggestion of the Council's architect, and that, contrary to my hon. and gallant Friend's information, a net saving of approximately £6 per house was effected by this means. I would point out that in any case the use of dormer windows does not depend on the height of the rooms.

asked the Minister of Health whether, during the latter part of 1920, the supply of rain-water spouting, ranges, and other ironwork necessary for the equipment of dwellings was insufficient, and, as a result, houses almost ready for use were kept standing empty, entailing loss to local authorities and the Treasury; whether this was due in large measure to the action of the Light Castings Association; whether the present supply of light castings is deemed sufficient for the housing work in progress; and, if not, what steps will be taken to increase the quantity of light castings so that house building will be expedited?

There has been, and still is, a shortage of rain-water and soil goods, and baths, available for housing schemes. The output of light castings has been investigated by a committee appointed under the Profiteering Act, and that committee has recently issued a report, which deals, amongst other things, with the operations of the National Light Castings Association. Efforts have been made to encourage other makers to undertake the production of the materials of which there has been a shortage, and of substitutes for these materials, and there are indications that output is now improving.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now estimate the approximate cost of the local inquiry into the proposed extension of the Cities of Leeds and Bradford; and whether he has yet had time to consider any change of policy by which such waste of the money of ratepayers may in future be avoided?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative As regards the second part of the question, I regret that I have not yet had time to go into the question of the policy involved.

asked the Minister of Health whether any decision has yet been reached in relation to the request of a large number of approved societies for a minimum allowance of 5s. per member per annum to ensure efficient administration on the part of the approved societies; whether any increased allowance is to be made; and, if so, from what date is it to be paid?

The Departmental Committee to which this question was referred, has completed its investigations, and is now preparing its Report. Until I receive the Report I am not in a position to make any announcement, but the hon. Member may rest assured that I shall do so as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health if he can give the total number of persons receiving medical benefit; the amount paid to them the first week in March, 1921, and the corresponding week in 1920; and the total number of persons in sanatoriums or institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis for the first week in March, 1921, and the corresponding week in 1920?

The number of persons in England and Wales entitled to medical benefit is approximately 12,750,000. I regret that no figures are available of the number of insured persons actually receiving ( a ) medical treatment and (b) cash benefits in particular weeks. The total number of insured persons in England and Wales who were receiving treatment for tuberculosis in sanatoria or other institutions was 8,922 on the 1st March, 1921, and 8,754 on the 1st March, 1920. The actual number of non-insured persons receiving such treatment on those dates is not available, but the total number of beds available for non-insured and insured persons in approved institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis was 17,894 on the 1st March, 1921, and 16,432 on the 1st March, 1920.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been or will be taken on the Report of the Federal Trade Commission, to which reference is made in paragraph 4, Benzole, of the Second Report on Motor Fuel?

So far as I am aware, no action has yet been taken by the Government of the United States in the direction of restricting the export of petroleum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the high rate of exchange between German and British money is increasing the unemployment in the fabric, glove, and other trades, he will consider if any steps can be immediately taken to remedy this state of things?

No steps are possible without legislation, and the Government's proposals on this and allied matters are embodied in the proposed Ways and Means Resolutions which have recently been published as a White Paper (Cmd. 1219).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can furnish particulars and value of the manufactured goods imported from Germany, Belgium, and France for January, February, and March of the present year?

The information desired has not been compiled. I hope to be able to furnish the particulars in the course of the present month, and will send a copy to my hon. Friend at as early a date as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Russian Bolsheviks admitted under Article 4 of the Russian trade agreement to this country are allowed to bring their baggage into the country without examination; what steps are being taken to ensure that the provisions of Article 5 are being observed that sealed bags of correspondence are not to exceed three kilograms per week; and whether the numbers of the couriers and number and weight of sealed bags are checked at all ports?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, effective steps are taken by the Customs officers to ensure that the provisions of Article 5 of the Trade Agreement are being observed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention to revert to the pre-War system and arrange that postal and telegraph offices accommodated in private shops shall be opened for business from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and not closed from 1 p.m. to 2.30 as at present?

The mid-day closing interval at this class of office does not ordinarily exceed one hour, and is confined to localities where the closing of shops is general. I shall be glad to consider any case which my Friend has in mind. As regards duration of business hours, most offices close at 7 p.m., and many are not opened before 9 a.m.. On the facts before me I do not consider these hours unreasonably short, and I am not proposing to extend them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that persons taking out quarterly licences for motor cars have to wait nearly one week before the licence is returned; and whether he will arrange that in cases where the money for the new licence and a card have been sent the owner shall be allowed to use his car pending the receipt of the new licence?

I am not aware that there is any general delay as stated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question, though in some cases, no doubt, some delay occurs owing to the great pressure of work on the local authorities. As regards the renewal of quarterly licences, to which I infer the second part of the question relates, I would point out: (1) That an expired quarterly licence can be surrendered and a new one obtained at any principal Post Office in the registration area, and 1327 that if this facility were more largely used, the licensing authorities would be relieved of a great deal of work. (2) That quarterly licences can be renewed with the licensing authorities through the post without the surrender of the old licence at any time during the 10 days preceding the commencement of the new quarter.

asked the Prime Minister if he has considered the suggestion that St. George's Day should be honoured by keeping it annually as a holiday in all schools controlled by the State?

I think the question whether St. George's Day should be observed as a holiday is one which is best left to the discretion of the local education and school authorities.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if it is possible Year ended 31st March. Gross income brought under the review of the Inland Revenue Department. Deductions (necessary to reduce the gross income to the actual income liable to tax) for exemptions, repairs to property, wear and tear of machinery, overcharges in assessment, etc. Actual income liable to tax before deduction of personal or family allowances and reliefs. £ £ £ 1913 … … 1,111,456,413 204,304,600 907,151,813 1914 … … 1,167,184,229 216,143,742 951,040,487 1915 … … 1,238,313,397 253,116,796 985,196,601 1916 … … 1,322,684,843 272,790,805 1,049,894,038 1917 … … 1,662,724,028 289,272,246 1,373,451,782 1918 … … 1,967,065,911 336,338,827 1,630,727,084 1919 … … 2,445,655,311 374,083,515 2,071,571,796

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Income Tax has now to be paid on incomes of over £500 at the rate of 3s. in the £ on the proportion of the first £500 upon which Income Tax is payable after deductions, if any, and 6s. in the £ on the balance over and above £500; and whether, in view of the fact that

to exempt charitable allowances made to persons of 70 years of age from deduction or disqualification of old age pension?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for the Bedwelty Division (Mr. Charles Edwards) on the 23rd February and to the hon. and gallant Member for the Buckingham Division (Captain Bowyer) on the 21st February. The enjoyment of free maintenance from relatives does not prevent the recipient from obtaining an Old Age Pension unless the maintenance (with the other means, if any), is of such value as to exceed the statutory limit for pension.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the gross assessment to Income Tax for the financial years ending 31st March, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, and 1921?

The following statistics are available for the financial years 1912–13 to 1918–19 inclusive. Similar information for 1919–20 and 1920–21 cannot yet be given:

this sudden rise from 3s. to 6s. in the £ involves hardship upon many people with comparatively small incomes, he will consider the question of revising this scale and initiating a system whereby a sliding scale is introduced which would gradually raise the rate of Income Tax payable instead of suddenly jumping from 3s. to 6s. in the £?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. His question does not correctly reflect the results of the new system of graduation of the Income Tax. He will find the effects fully explained on reference to H.O. VI which was laid before this House at the time of the last Budget statement. I may add that the system of graduation accepted last summer by this House is that which was recommended by the Royal Commission on the Income Tax after a most exhaustive investigation designed to discover the fairest possible distribution of the burden of taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Entertainment Duty in militating against the progress of the work which agricultural improvement societies are doing or seeking to do; and, seeing that their object is the improvement of the livestock of the country, which would benefit all the people of the country, and that the tax imposed upon the public attending their shows is a large hindrance to the societies' activities, will he endeavour to get the tax abolished?

Exemption from Entertainment Duty is granted in respect of bonâ fide agricultural shows provided by a society not conducted or established for profit and not including any extraneous attractions in the proceedings.

asked the Home Secretary the reason why summer time this year has been made from the first Sunday in April to the first Sunday in October, whereas the Committee which sat on this subject in 1917 proposed that the period should be from the second Sunday in April to the second Sunday in September, and if he is aware of the agricultural diffi- culties it creates in carrying it on to so late a date in the year?

The Committee suggested that summer time should end on the third and not the second Sunday in September, and they also said, "The general view appears to be that the period … should be approximately from the beginning of April to the end of September.' The information before me does not show that the termination of summer time on 2nd October instead of on a slightly earlier date causes any substantial difficulties to the agricultural section of the community, and I think the dates fixed command general approval. In fixing these dates one of the considerations was the desirability of reducing as far as possible the periods during which summer time operates in France before and after the dates adopted for this country.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the creation of one administration from Nyasaland to Lake Rudolph is contemplated; and whether the scheme will, if carried into effect, just include, or just exclude, Nyasaland?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to possible future administrative changes in Eastern Africa.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is in a position to give an undertaking that no civil servant will be prejudiced in the service by reason only of the fact that he has given evidence before the Ministry of Munitions Inquiry Committee?

Yes, Sir. I am prepared to give the assurance asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend.