asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the speech delivered by the agitator Mohammed Ali at Madras, reported in the Press of the 11th instant, in which he is stated to have said that he differed from Gandhi in that he favoured violence and that the English came to India like thieves and should be driven out like thieves; and what steps are being taken against the speaker and also to prevent the repetition and dissemination of seditious utterances like those tending to foment insurrection in India?

I have seen a newspaper report of the speech referred to. I will ask to be informed as to the steps, if any, taken or contemplated in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Governor of Madras has one Brahmin councillor and three non-Brahmin ministers; whether the anti-Brahmin agitation in the Madras Presidency has now been abandoned; whether in the Madras Presidency in urban districts from 43 to 72 per cent. and in rural districts from 20 to 59 per cent. of the electorate voted; and whether, in view of the novelty of parliamentary elections in India, these results may be considered extremely satisfactory?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, in so far as the differences between Brahmins and non-Brahmins last year were due to the apprehension of the latter that they would not secure adequate representation on the new legislative council, the grounds for these differences should have been removed by the results of the elections in which non-Brahmins secured over 72 per cent. of the seats open to Hindus. As regards the third part of the question, percentages as high as those quoted were reached, though there were smaller polls than those quoted in some areas. I hope to make available to Parliament a detailed return of the results of the elections this week.

Has my right hon. Friend information that the results of the elections have actually tended to reduce friction between Brahmins and non-Brahmins, or does he only infer that such would be the natural result?

I do not think I can usefuly add anything to the reply I have given. When the Members of the House are in possession of the Return, which I propose to issue this week, they will form their own conclusions.

Do not the results of the elections in Madras show that all those precautions provided under the Rules and Regulations, to give special representation to non-Brahmins, were mistaken, and at the same time showed a want of confidence in the people of India?

I do not think they were mistaken, because they removed apprehension. How far you can judge by the issue of one election it is for the House to say.

Is it not a fact that the number of the non-Brahmins elected is in no way excessive, looking at the comparative figures of population?

If I answered that, I should be expressing an opinion as to the wisdom of the electorate, which I prefer not to do.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read a book by the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) in which it is stated the Madras Brahmins always placed their heels on the necks of the lower classes and castes?

If my hon. and gallant Friend sees no objection, I would prefer him to address that question to the hon. Member for East Nottingham.

If the hon. and gallant Member puts a question on the Paper, I shall answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to modify the law and practice relating to appointments to the High Court benches so as to bring both into conformity with conditions of the present day when the vakil bar is equal to the supply of any number of judges of equal ability and greater experience than the barristers, who are usually appointed puisne judges from the English Bar, for whom four places are at present reserved, while in Madras, for instance, only one of twelve judges is a vakil?

The Government of India have undertaken, in accordance with views expressed in a debate in the Legislative Assembly on the 24th February last, to consult local governments, High Courts, and others as to the creation of an Indian Bar. If such a Bar were created, the matter referred to in the question would come under review, but I am not otherwise aware of any proposal the effect of which would be to modify the existing law and practice. This requires that where, as in Madras, there are twelve permanent High Court judges, not less than four should be barristers of England or Ireland or members of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland, of not less than five years' standing.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that one Indian judge, out of an admittedly capable and large Bar, is a very small representation of that body, and is there not a case for reconsidering the rules applying to these appointments?

I will consider any representation made to me by my hon. Friend, but that was not the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any legislation legalising trade unions in India has yet been drafted or introduced into the Legislative Assembly?

Legislation has not yet been introduced. I have not yet seen any draft.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to urge the Government of India to introduce this very necessary reform?

The Government of India have already announced, on their own initiative, their intention to introduce legislation. I would remind my hon. Friend that the Legislature of India is not in Session.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether peaceful picketing will be installed under this system?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has yet any information as to the alleged arrest of Dr. Kichlew and Rhambhuj Dutt?

I have ascertained from the Government of India that these gentlemen have not been arrested.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that these two men were leaders of the rebellion of 1919, and can he say for what reason they were pardoned unconditionally and allowed to resume their anti-Government propaganda?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the reduction of the 39 pre-war Indian cavalry regiments of four squadrons each to 21 regiments of three squadrons each is now being proceeded with; and, if it is, will he give directions that no further reductions are to be made pending the inquiry by the Sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers which I gave him on the 6th and on the 19th instant.

Does that mean that these reductions are being carried out or does it not?

If my Friend will read these answers, he will see I have given an explicit statement.

Can he explain his meaning exactly, because I cannot get it out of these answers?

My hon. and gallant Friend puts that question weekly. I have tried to draft a different answer weekly conveying the same information. On this occasion I have failed.

Are the reductions being carried out, or are they not?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement with reference to the fighting on the North-West Frontier; whether these disturbances are the direct result of Bolshevik money and propaganda; and whether this propaganda and expenditure of money still continues?

I would refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chesterfield on the 20th April, and to the answer given by the Prime Minister yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Bromley, of which I will send copies to the Noble Lord. I am not in a position to add anything to those replies.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us anything about the news of fighting which was in the Press last night and this morning?

No, I have not seen it. I am not quite sure to what the Noble Lord is referring, but I do not think I have had any information to-day.

Are there hostilities being carried out under war conditions or under peace conditions?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question?

I will ask the right hon. Gentleman to ascertain whether the troops are serving in Waziristan under war conditions, or are they not, and whether they are allowed to fire on these men when they see them or not?

The hon. and gallant Member has been invited to put down a question.

asked the Secretary of State for India what proportion of European to native troops was fixed after the Indian Mutiny; what was the proportion in March, 1914, and March, 1921; and what will the proportion be after the proposed reductions of the Army have been carried out?

After the Indian Mutiny the proportion agreed upon was one British to two Indians in the Bengal Army, and one British to three Indians in the Madras and Bombay Armies. In 1893 a uniform proportion for the whole garrison of India of one British to two and a half Indians was accepted. I am not able, without further investigation, to give the exact proportion in March, 1914, but in June, 1913, it stood at one British to 2·39 Indians. For the exact proportion in March, 1921, I should be obliged to refer to India, but the constant return to India of troops from overseas, and the disbandment in progress of temporary units of the Indian Army, must cause the figure to change from day to day. The proposed post-War strength of the Army in India is to be the subject of an inquiry by a Sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and the proportion of British to Indian troops will necessarily be one of the factors.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the increase of 25 per cent. granted to all pensions under the Indian military service family pension fund has been ruled by the director of funds at the India Office not to apply to pensions from the Madras military fund; and will he have this differentiation between widows and orphans dependent upon these two funds put a stop to?

I am aware of the differentiation to which the hon. Member refers. The increase of 25 per cent. was granted to pensioners under the Indian military service family pension scheme as a result of the increase in the rate of interest allowed on the half-yearly balances. The Madras military fund was closed to future entrants in 1862 and the assets of the fund were exhausted many years ago. As a matter of grace, however, an increase of 25 per cent. in the lower rates of pension has been sanctioned subject to a maximum income limit of £150. The cost of this falls on Indian revenues, and I regret that I do not see my way to make any greater concession.

Considering that the Madras pension fund is taken over by the Government, should not that fund be under the same conditions as all the other funds?

All the facts were taken into consideration in coming to this conclusion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has given his sanction to the appointment of Major Robert Lambton Surtees as Deputy Chief Constable of Kent, as recommended by the Standing Joint Committee; if so, whether Major Surtees' experience in the Army and as an inspector under the Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries are regarded by his Department as specially fitting him for the post; whether the position was advertised; and, if not, whether any other steps were taken to obtain the services of a candidate from the police service sufficiently well qualified for the duties to be performed, as suggested by Section 9 of the Police Regulations of 20th August, 1920.

This appointment is governed by paragraph 7 of the Police Regulations, and as Major Surtees will be entitled to reckon his service under the Crown as approved service for the purposes of pension my approval is not required. Paragraph 9 of the Regulations to which the hon. Baronet refers relates only to appointments to the post of Chief Officer of Police, and does not apply in this case. I understand that the vacancy was not officially advertised, but it was generally known, and there were a number of candidates for the appointment, from among whom Major Surtees was selected as the most suitable.

May we take it that chief constables do not include the lesser or deputy chief constables, and did not the right hon. Gentleman's own Committee strongly recommend that in these cases except in special cases, they should only be appointed where they had gained their experience and training in the police forces of this country, and if that is so, will he see that in future this is done?

For the purposes of the approval of the Home Secretary, a deputy chief constable is not in the same category as a chief constable, and all the other circumstances were taken into consideration.

Would my right hon. Friend state the policy of his Department as to the appointment of chief constables, either Army officers or promoted policemen who have had practical experience of the work?

I do not think I can state that in answer to a question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Essex Standing Joint Committee have received 126 applications from police pensioners for increases under The Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920; that increases have only been granted in 26 cases; that the increases granted are graduated from 50 to 10 per cent.; and whether, in view of the fact that the Committee are under the impression that they have discretionary power in the matter, he will follow the practice of the Ministry of Health in applying The Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, to all pensions paid under The Poor Law Officers' Superannuation Act, 1896, and issue an order to police authorities so that police pensioners may receive equitable treatment?

I am informed that the action taken by the Essex police authority under The Pensions (Increase) Act is substantially as stated by the hon. Baronet. The Order issued by the Treasury on 11th October, 1920, applying the Act to pensioners under the Poor Law Officers' Superannuation Act, 1896, applied it also to police pensioners, and I have no power to make a further Order such as the hon. Baronet suggests.

Is it not a fact that in one county at all events where they had refused to put the Pensions (Increase) Act into operation, the Law Officers of the Crown have advised that that Committee was wrong, and that it is not a discretionary measure; and, if that be so, will the right hon. Gentleman see that in all cases these authorities are informed that they must put the Pensions (Increase) Act into force at once?

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's statement of the facts.

May I ask whether it is not a fact that, in the case of the Worcestershire Standing Joint Committee, the Law Officers of the Crown have informed them that their action in refusing these pensions was ultra vires, and that when it was reported to the Committee their answer was: "Oh, bother the Home Office."

I do not think that was the answer. My recollection is that the Law Officers advised them that they must consider these cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Essex Standing Joint Committee are fully advised by the Home Office of the state of the law as advised upon by the Law Officers of the Crown; will he make a direct communication to the Standing Joint Committee in Essex?

I think that has been done.

Is the Pensions (Increase) Act a discretionary Act, or must the authorities carry it out?

Of course they must carry it out, but the Act itself gives them a certain discretion.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is issuing any special instructions to the police or warnings to the public in connection with the outbreak of window slashing?

The Metropolitan Police have received special instructions. They are warning shopkeepers observed to be neglecting precautions, such as the lowering of shutters, etc. As regards the public generally, the matter has been given quite enough prominence by the Press.

Would it not be better, when so much real crime exists in the country to-day, for the police to be taken off such work as tracking down dangerous criminals who are organising whist drives and charitable things for hospitals?

May I ask if there is any evidence to show that these stupid outrages have anything at all to do with the Sinn Fein organisation in Ireland?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the "Daily Express" this morning appears an advertisement of a certain firm offering glazier's diamonds at half-price?

I was not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the troops at Killarney still need a motor ambulance; and, if so, whether one will be provided by the War Office, so that the ambulance commandeered some months ago from the local health authority may be restored, as its absence is causing suffering to sick and infirm people?

I am informed that the military authorities took possession of the ambulance in question as it had not been used for any lawful purpose for a long time, and no permit for it had been applied for. It was last used for the unlawful conveyance of rebels to Killorglin Fair, where it was damaged. It is not proposed to hand it back to the local authorities.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what provision is made for reassessing the pensions of pensioners of the Irish police force who retired on pension before the War and joined His Majesty's forces and served during the War; whether he is aware that many of these men are in receipt of very small police pensions, which are totally inadequate for their support, and that owing to their service in the police and in the Army they are unable to obtain employment in Ireland; and whether he will take steps to obtain the sanction of the Treasury for increases of pension for these men?

Provision for increasing in certain cases the pensions of policemen who retired from police forces in Ireland before the War has been made by the Pensions (Increase) Act of last year. As regards the other matters mentioned in the question, I would refer to my reply to the hon. and learned Member's question of the 3rd March.

Could the right hon. Gentleman circulate a statement as to the amount of the increases of these pensions?

The amounts are contained in the schedules of the Pensions Act of last year.

Is he aware that that is entirely inadequate and illusory?

We have no power. They are statutory measures.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether members of the Reserve of Officers were promised by Royal Warrant a gratuity when called up in time of war or national emergency; and whether such a payment has been refused by Army Order 154 of 1921, dated 12th April, 1921, even to officers who had rejoined before the said Army Order was published, and, if so, for what reason?

There is no warrant providing for the grant of a gratuity to officers of the Reserve of Officers on being called up in a national emergency. If my hon. and learned Friend is referring to officers of the Special Reserve, I am prepared to consider the position created by the delay in issuing the Royal Warrant of the 12th April, which explicitly stated that the gratuity granted by the Special Reserve Regulations would not be issuable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the sum expended on entertainment by the head of the British military mission to Finland and the Baltic States was spent wholly in the public service; whether the amount of the original grant for such service was provisional and fixed without any real knowledge of the probable requirements; whether the expenditure in excess of the provisional grant was, judged by results, reasonable in amount and necessary to the admitted success of the mission; whether it was incurred in anticipation of covering sanction only because, through difficulties of communication, it was impossible to await special authority without jeopardising the objects for which the original grant was made; whether in those special and exceptional circumstances the decision to incur the expenditure in anticipation of sanction was right and proper; and, if so, whether he will give directions that the additional grant of £150 allowed in September last towards the extra expenses in question should be increased to £372 8s. 3d.

All the circumstances connected with the fixing and arranging of the allotment in question, including the facilities for communication with the War Office existing at the time, have been very fully considered by the Army Council, and it has been decided that no further grant can be made from Army funds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has yet been arrived at with reference to the question of making deductions in cases of pensioners who are in receipt of pay under Class B of the Army Reserve?

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to disability pension. If the disability is so slight that the man is retained in Section "B" of the Reserve, both reserve pay and disability pension are issued without deduction.

Have cases not arisen where, after a few months of pension, a man has lost the pension and the reserve pay as well, some years before the normal term, and will repayment be made in those cases?

I have not heard of any cases like that, but if my hon. and gallant Friend can give me any information, I will look into it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office to what other Departments 8,520 of the staffs of the Ministries of Shipping and Munitions have been transferred with effect from 1st April, 1921; and what extra work in these Departments has caused the necessity for this sudden increase in staffs?

Of a total staff referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, 7,764, including 5,100 industrial workers, are employed under the Disposal and Liqui-

dation Commission which is charged with the disposal of stocks of surplus war material in the United Kingdom and abroad, and the liquidation of outstanding commitments of the late Ministry of Munitions. The remainder, namely 756, were transferred to the Board of Trade for duties taken over by that Department from the Ministry of Shipping. These duties include the transport of troops and material, the management of Government-owned vessels, including ex-enemy tonnage, the preparation of British reparation claims relating to shipping and a considerable volume of liquidation work.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the extra work in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Board of Trade which necessitated the transfer to these Departments of 1,676 of the staff of the Ministry of Food when that Department was closed down; what has caused this sudden necessity for any extra work; what were the numbers employed in the Department of Agriculture and the Board of Trade in June, 1914, and at the present time; and what is the annual cost?

The staffs transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Board of Trade are required for the performance of various duties taken over from the Ministry of Food. The Ministry of Agriculture will complete the inquiry into agricultural costs instituted by the Ministry of Food, and the Board of Trade is charged with the liquidation of the stocks and commitments of the Ministry of Food and the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies and the maintenance of arrangements for distribution of food in an emergency. Particulars of the number and estimated cost of the staff employed at the Ministry of Agriculture and the Board of Trade in 1914 and at the present time are as follow:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when effect will be given to the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the organisation, etc., of the Civil Service, referred to on the 2nd December, 1920, as affecting the non-professional staffs of the solicitors to the Public Departments, Ireland; by whom has the question of reorganisation been considered; what evidence has been heard; what conclusions have been arrived at, and when will they be published; and what bearing has the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, upon the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, 1914, in so far as they relate to the non-professional staffs of solicitors to the Public Departments, Ireland?

It has not yet been possible to consider the non-professional staffs of the solicitors to the Public Departments, Ireland, in conjunction with the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the organisation, etc., of the Civil Service. The matter will, however, be considered at the earliest possible date with a view to reaching a settlement in all cases before the appointed day of transfer.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman kindly answer the last part of the question?

As to the latter portion of the hon. Gentleman's question, it is scarcely for me to say, but in general these matters, after transfer, will be considered by the Irish Government.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these gentlemen are in a state of the very greatest apprehension, and regard themselves as being like Mohammed's coffin, suspended between Heaven and earth?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many civil servants are in receipt of salaries of £1,000 a year and upwards; what is the total sum payable; and what are the proportions of salary and war bonus, respectively?

Steps will be taken to compile the figures requested, and they will be furnished to my hon. Friend in due course and circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what further steps he is taking to protect the allotment holders in towns and cities, particularly as to security of tenure, assistance in procuring cheap soil-feeding materials, and the provision to such allotment holders of general training to enable them to procure growth in the vitiated atmospheres of many great industrial centres?

As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Duddeston (Mr. Hallas) on 20th July last, absolute security of tenure for allotment holders can Only be ensured by the land being purchased by the local authority or by the allotment holders themselves, but the capital value of land in the neighbourhood of a town, due to its value for building, is, as a rule, too high to enable the land to be purchased by the local authority for allotments, inasmuch as the allotment holders cannot afford to pay a rent based on the cost. In such cases the only alternative is to hire the land until it is required for building, in which case it is clearly impossible to guarantee the allotment holders absolute security of tenure. With regard to the second part of the question, the Ministry is endeavouring, as far as possible, to facilitate the import of such raw materials as are required to ensure adequate supplies of fertilisers at reasonable prices for home consumption, and it is for allotment holders themselves to set up co-operative societies in order to secure supplies at the lowest market prices. In reply to the last part of the question, there are no special arrangements for the training of allotment holders, but there are on the staff of most county horticultural committees and many borough councils, instructors with technical knowledge relating to the growing of garden and allotment crops, whose duty it is to advise allotment holders on all cultural matters. Complex matters, beyond the scope of these in- structors, can be referred to the scientific advisory officers at the provincial agricultural colleges.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it has been arranged that an appropriate payment will be made to the British miller for every quarter of British wheat which he mills before the 13th August to make it worth his while to buy British wheat at the average c.i.f. cost of all milling wheat imported during the two preceding months, together with the actual and anticipated arrivals in the United Kingdom during the current month, subject to necessary adjustments; and whether this monthly payment to the millers per quarter milled will be fixed on a sufficiently generous basis to ensure to the farmer the payment of the full price guaranteed for the 1920 crop?

Since the 31st March arrangements have been in force whereby a refund will be payable up to 13th August next to millers in respect of home-grown wheat of fair average quality of the season fit for milling into flour for human consumption; the amount of this refund is announced from time to time, and is so calculated as to make it worth while for the miller to buy British wheat at prices which will, on average, ensure to farmers the full price payable under the Government's undertaking.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when and where these grants will be announced, because at the present time farmers do not know what the figure is.

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give notice of that.

Has any calculation been made as to the cost to the taxpayer of the subsidy to this industry?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will be good enough to put that question down.

Is it not a fact that the taxpayer will not pay anything; and is it not a fact that, if the farmer had had the free play of the market up to the 31st December, he would have received £4,000,000 more for his wheat which he has sold, and which money has gone into the Exchequer?

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many flying officers are now serving in the fully-commissioned ships in the Fleet; how many in aircraft carriers; what is the establishment of flying officers in each case; how many flight from fully-commissioned ships have been made since the 1st January, 1921; how many flights from aircraft carriers in the same period; and how many landings have been made on aircraft carriers in the same period?

The answer to the first part of the question is one, and to the second part, twelve. The remainder of the flying officers for work in co-operation with the Fleet are borne on the establishment of the Royal Air Force Base at Leuchers, the establishment of which for 1921–22 is 51, but this will not be entirely filled until later in the year. In addition to these, there is another squadron engaged in cooperation with the Navy, and available for embarkation. If the Noble and gallant Lord is interested in these experiments, I will show him full reports which deal with the latter parts of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the first cost of the latest type of dirigible rigid airship; what is the cost of its hangar and mooring mast, respectively; what is the estimated annual cost for maintenance in commission; what is the number of the crew; how many persons are required in attendance at the hangar when the airship is setting out on or returning from a cruise in bad weather; what is the first cost of the latest type of long-distance scouting seaplane or flying boat; and whether any details of its speed and endurance can be given without detriment to the national interest?

I am having the calculations worked out, and will send the information to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Home Secretary if the attention of the Public Prosecutor has been, or will be, drawn to the activities in this country of agitators directly or indirectly paid or inspired by foreign Bolshevists with the object of causing or aggravating industrial disturbances; if the Public Prosecutor has found that the existing laws enable such persons to carry on a great deal of mischievous propaganda with impunity; and, if so, will the Government ask this House for such powers as may be necessary to check such activities?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In the existing state of the law, persons can receive money from foreign countries for the purpose of propaganda with impunity, and the law as to sedition is cumbrous and difficult to enforce. The question of strengthening the law is under consideration.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman realises that, while the Government is leisurely considering this matter, these foreign-paid agitators are actively working to cause trouble?

Is it not a fact that a great deal of this industrial unrest, and to a certain extent the present coal strike, may be directly attributed to this revolutionary propaganda?

May I ask whether there is any proof that the coalowners have received anything from Bolshevist sources?

No, Sir, I do not know about that.

When is it proposed to present the Bill dealing with this matter to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred?

I have not referred to any Bill.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if the building of the new school at Cowdenbeath at a cost of some £44,000 is to be proceeded with?

I have now received a report by His Majesty's Inspector on this subject. I am informed that contracts have already been entered into, that the building is already far advanced, that the necessary materials are on the ground, and that postponement at this stage would probably involve penalties for breach of contract, the cost of which would fall upon the ratepayer. In these circumstances I feel constrained to allow this building to proceed.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many ex-service men have applied for small holdings in the Kinross and West Perth area; when the applications date from; how many have received holdings; and what steps have been or are now being taken to place these applicants on the land?

Applications from ex-service men in the area number fifty-nine. Four of the applications were made prior to the Armistice, and the others have been made at various dates since then up to February last. One applicant has been settled, and proposals for four schemes are at present under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do everything in his power to expedite the settlement of men?

Certainly. I have been endeavouring to do that for a number of years, but my hon. Friend will recognise that one cannot arrange those matters on a purely county basis.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Board of Agriculture have come to any decision with regard to the applications for small holdings in North and South Uist?

The Board have submitted to the Treasury for approval a proposal for the acquisition of Balranald Estate, in North Uist. This estate is 2,512 acres in extent, and would provide accommodation for 16 new holdings and 32 enlargements. The Board is also negotiating for the acquisition of additional land both in North and in South Uist.

asked the Post master-General whether, in general condition 10 of the new agreements for telephone, he will consider the desirability of deleting the words, "and to all other premises under the subscribers' control," as being injurious to the interest of persons who are in the position of trustees or agents for clients' property, and who may lose their business if they pledge their clients' properties to a wayleave for their own private wire?

The words in question have been inserted in agreements for many years past, and so far as I am aware they have never given rise to any difficulties. They would certainly not be used to anyone's detriment in the manner suggested. If the hon. Member has any specific case in mind, I shall be happy to make inquiry into it.

asked the Post master-General the total number of telephones in service in the United Kingdom at 31st December, 1920, and the total number in service in the United States of America at the same date; and the ratio of telephones to population in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, respectively, at 31st December, 1920?

The total number of telephones in service at the 31st December, 1920, in the United Kingdom was 988,500, and in the United States of America approximately 13,500,000. The ratio of telephones to population was I telephone to every 47 inhabitants in the United Kingdom and one to every eight inhabitants in the United States of America.

asked the Post master-General how many county boroughs there are in England with a population of 100,000 which enjoy the facilities of a head post office; and how many boroughs having the same number of inhabitants remain as sub-offices to a neighbouring area?

According to the 1911 Census Reports there are 35 county boroughs in England with a population of more than 100,000. Of these, 31 have head post offices, two are within the London postal area and, at the remaining two, the main office is a branch office subordinate to a neighbouring large head office.

May I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to inquire into the serious disability of the county borough of Wallasey, which has now a sub-office?

Yes, certainly I will.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Hollinwood Mill, purchased by his Department for £180,000, was previously on offer for £40,000, as reported at a meeting of the Oldham Chamber of Commerce; and whether he has asked for any further information from the members of the Oldham Chamber of Commerce who were responsible for the statement?

The report that the Hollinwood Mill, prior to purchase by His Majesty's Government for £185,000, was on offer for £40,000 is entirely unfounded. The property was held for sale on behalf of the American Government by the Disposal Board subject to a reserve figure of £200,000, exclusive of site, which figure I understand, was fixed after a valuation carried out by a Manchester firm. It seems probable that the statements referred to arose from a confusion between this portion of the property and an adjoining portion, with temporary buildings only, which has been sold for £45,000.

Has the Ministry taken any steps to correct this report of the Oldham Chamber of Commerce?

Correct it?

Yes. Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the Lancashire papers the statement was made on the authority of members of the Oldham Chamber of Commerce that they had had this particular building offered for £40,000; and is the Department taking steps to correct that inaccuracy?

We have thought it wholly unnecessary. Anyone with local knowledge would see that on the face of it the report was absurd, and unlikely to carry conviction.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state how much has been paid into the special account in respect of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yesterday on the same subject to the hon. Member for South Hackney.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how long it would take at this rate to secure the indemnity declared necessary by the Government?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman will see that for that I would require time for calculation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the amount payable by a British importer, under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, is 50 per cent. of the invoice value of the goods or an amount equal to any amount paid to the German trader regardless of the value of the goods?

The German Reparations (Recovery) Act, 1921, diverts to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise one-half of the value of imported German goods, as denned in the Act. Such value is expressly defined as including the sum payable to the Commissioners.

Then are we to take it that the value of the goods on which the sum is payable is not the invoice value or the real value of the goods, but the sum, whatever it is, which is paid to the German exporter?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman will not require me to go into a legal definition of what may be "value" in the terms of the Act; that would obviously require higher legal judgment than mine; but as to the point of the invoice, though it may be some evidence, it is not conclusive evidence.

asked the Prime Minister whether Austria has been approached by France in order to induce her to place a tax upon all German imports; whether this demand receives the support of the British Government or any of the other Allies; and whether, in the event of a refusal on the part of the Austrian Government to accede to this request, any steps will be taken to enforce it?

I am unaware that any such demand has been made of the Austrian Government. Consequently, the second and third parts of the question do not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Allies have suggested or considered the desirabilty of suggesting to Germany the sale of some of her vast art treasures, either in America or elsewhere, for the purpose of raising money towards the demand for reparation payments?

So far as I am aware, this suggestion has not been considered up to the present.

Is it not rather a good one?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an Inter-Allied Plebiscite Commission is sitting at Oppeln to determine, or otherwise provide for, the results of the plebiscite held in Upper Silesia, and to apportion the territories concerned between Poland and Germany; whether this Commission will have the final and determining voice in the demarcation of the new frontiers; who are the British and Allied members of the Commission; and on what date is it expected the final decision will be reached?

I am still unable to say precisely when the Allied Com- mission at Oppeln will report to the Allied Powers with whom rests the final decision as to the allocation of Upper Silesia, but I do not anticipate any long delay. The French President of the Commission is General Le Rond and the Italian and British members are General de Marinis and Colonel Percival.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether in view of the fact that the number of school excursions, school camps, and bathing lessons is likely to be seriously curtailed by the recent ruling of his Board that contributions by children or parents to the expenses of such outings is inadmissible if these educational opportunities are to be counted as school attendances for the purposes of the grant, he will introduce a short amending measure to prevent this interference with these most desirable school activities voluntarily undertaken by many teachers?

The principle on which Section 26 of the Education Act of 1918 rests is that children attending a public elementary school should not be debarred from enjoying all the educational advantages provided in that school, by inability of the parents to contribute to the cost. Arrangements for excursions and camps can now be submitted to the Board for their approval under Section 17 of the Act of 1918, and may include a charge, though the Board would require to be satisfied before giving their approval that elementary school children otherwise eligible were not excluded from the benefits of the arrangement owing to their inability to pay such charge. As regards lessons in swimming, I think that in so far as they form part of the curriculum of public elementary schools they should be free in the same way as the other lessons; and I do not think a case has been made out for amending the Act of 1918 in the direction suggested.

In respect to the school excursions, is the right hon. Gentleman making local educational authorities, who have suspended these in view of the recent ruling, acquainted with the revised ruling to which he has now given utterance?

Do I understand—is it credible—that the rates and taxes are at present being legally used to teach children to bathe?

Certainly—to swim!

How dare they bathe?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has had any correspondence or conversation with the London County Council with regard to the provision of further continuation schools under Section 10 of the Education Act, 1918; and, if so, will he inform the House of its nature?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the correspondence.

asked the Prime Minister if, having regard to the suffering and losses inflicted upon innocent people during industrial disputes, who are in no way responsible for such disputes, he will consider the advisability of amending the Industrial Courts Act to provide for compulsory arbitration, with juries drawn from panels of trade unions and employers' associations with independent chairmen, and the establishment of courts of appeal open equally to employers and employed, with provisions that the side which refused to accept a decision in a final court of appeal should not be allowed to use the resources of the State to carry on a trade dispute that inflicted loss and suffering upon others who have no voice whatever in such disputes; whether he is aware that compulsory arbitration in Australia has abolished 90 per cent. of their industrial disputes, and increased the membership of trades unions and employers' associations from approximately 37 per cent. to nearly 100 per cent.; and whether similar results would probably follow the introduction of compulsory arbitration in this country?

I have been asked to reply. The question of compulsory arbitration was considered by the Committee over which my right hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mr. Whitley) presided, and, after full consideration, was rejected. I think the consensus of industrial opinion is that compulsion in this matter is impracticable. Its success in other countries where it has been tried has been by no means conclusive, and in any case I am afraid that arguments from the conditions in other countries do not apply equally here.

asked the Prime Minister if arrangements are in progress to inaugurate trade conferences, as also trade Government Departments, of the Allied nations, with the object of assisting financial schemes already discussed by the Allied Governments, and so bring about a more normal rate of exchanges?

I do not altogether understand what my hon. Friend has in mind, but so far as I do understand it, I cannot usefully add anything to the very full replies to questions upon this subject which were given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Thursday last.

asked the Prime Minister whether an article suitable for newspaper publication, entitled the New Hundred Thousand, by Tan Hay, the author of the First Hundred Thousand, has been issued gratis to newspapers in the United Kingdom during the last few days by His Majesty's Government; what is the cost of this publication; which Department of the Government is responsible; on which Vote will the cost be borne; and what useful purpose is this expenditure expected to serve?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers given to similar questions yesterday.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether it is possible to avoid comparisons with Kitchener's Army in future in any Government propaganda? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]

It seems to me that certain comparisons naturally spring up in the mind in relation to the men who volunteered for service in an emergency?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this sort of deliberate propaganda is quite fair to the men of Kitchener's Army, especially those who did not return?

Yes, Sir; I am sure they would be the last men to resent it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that a proper comparison is made between beating the Germans and beating the miners?

No, Sir; that is not what I said. I would ask the House and other people to judge me by what I say, and not by the very unfair comment of the hon. and gallant Gentleman! [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can explain how it is that certain circulars posted to members of the Institute of Electrical Engineers on 17th April were franked by the War Office and stamped London Official instead of a postmark?

The letters referred to dealt with recruiting for certain technical units of the Defence Force and were accordingly sent out by the War Office under the official frank.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, provided bunkering coal could be obtained from Dunkirk or other near-by Continental ports, a number of British ships now laid up could be sent in the course of a few days to bring supplies of coal from America or elsewhere to this country?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines gave yesterday to the hon. Baronet, the Member for Twickenham (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks).

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that only a few days ago a firm of shipowners obtained some bunker coal from Dunkirk and when it was brought across it was commandeered by the Government authorities at the English port?

No, I am not aware of it.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Transport whether the statements appearing are true that the railwaymen intend to refuse to distribute coal for purposes essential to the sustenance and health of the community, and whether he can say what action the Government proposes to take?

I regret to inform the House that the National Union of Railwaymen have taken the grave step of instructing their members to refuse to handle coal from any colliery sidings, and also to refuse to handle coal brought from overseas. The instruction is given without differentiation as to the purpose for which that coal is required.

It seems to me impossible that this great union can have realised the meaning or effect of this decision. The coal in question is absolutely necessary for the life of the community. It is required to provide a bare minimum for household use, and to carry on public utility services on which the health and welfare of the entire population depend, such as sewage, gas, water, electricity, and a minimum of transport. To prevent its delivery to the places for which it is intended can only be interpreted as an attempt to starve the nation. The Government, during this and previous disputes, has favoured no class and has secured the necessities of life to the community as a whole without any discrimination.

I have invited the general or the industrial secretary of this union to meet me this afternoon, and I trust that good will result.

In reference to the conclusion of the question, it must be apparent that no Government can allow the nation to be so coerced.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman this question? He says that the Government have treated both sides without discriminating between them, will he inform me why the Government have posted a statement all over London and the provinces to the effect that miners are getting a certain wage when even the coalowners themselves, in the public Press, are giving figures exactly contrary to the statements which the Government have published?

I understand that that allegation is not founded on fact, but, in any case, the question and answer refer to the distribution of coal for the life of the community, and not to the industrial dispute which is in progress. In the distribution of coal and food and the general supply of the necessities of life, there has been no discrimination whatsoever.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of encouraging traders at a very difficult period, he can see his way to suggest an early reduction in the bank rate by the Governor and Directors of the Bank of England?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer (including answers to Supplementary Questions) given by my right hon. Friend, now the Lord Privy Seal, to his question on the 22nd March.

With every admiration for that great institution, the Bank of England, is it quite fair that the responsibility of changing the bank rate should rest entirely with it; and would the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the formation of a small Committee, upon which are representatives of the Bank of England, the Treasury, Joint Stock Banks, and the trading interests of this country?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to put down a question on the second point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has been able to form an estimate of the number of effective Income Tax payers for the present financial year?

The number of effective Income Tax payers for the year 1921–22 is estimated at 2,400,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of assessors employed throughout the kingdom by the local Commissioners of Taxes; what is their remuneration whether such assessors are, as a rule, men having their residence or business in their own particular district and both well-known to the taxpayers therein and also well acquainted with the financial position of most of the inhabitants; and whether, under these circumstances, they are better able to estimate the financial position of the taxpayers in the locality than is possible in the office of a surveyor of taxes, who is frequently changed and is usually not resident in the district?

The assessors (who, generally speaking, are also collectors) of taxes, number about 4,500, and the total remuneration is estimated at £41,000 exclusive of bonus. In the event of the Revenue Bill becoming law it is intended to continue to make full use of the local knowledge which many of these officers have acquired, either in their capacity of assessor or in that of collector It is the fact that assessors are generally resident in or near to the parishes for which they act, but the general inferences which my hon. Friend draws from this fact are matters which cannot be satisfactorily dealt with within the limits of a Parliamentary answer. My hon. Friend will therefore perhaps await my statement on the Second Reading of the Revenue Bill.

Am I to understand then that these assessors are paid on an average less than £10 a-piece, exclusive of bonus, and does he consider that there is any likelihood of Government officials being prepared to do this work at anything like that figure? Will not the expenses of the community be very great indeed if those proposals are carried out?

If you consider the amount of the work to be done, I think there is every prospect of effecting economy in the administration.

Does the hon. Gentleman admit that they are only to be paid £10 a year each, which appears to be the case from his reply, and does he think that any Government official is likely to undertake the work for that amount of remuneration?

It is possible that, although I may admit the fact, I may not admit the inference which might be drawn from it.

asked the Minister of Health whether in any case other than that of Harrow his Department has invited any urban district or other council to pay any of its employés any salary or allowance larger in amount than the sum such council, as the representative of the ratepayers, considered to be as large as was necessary or as much as their available funds could properly provide?

My Department has on occasion thought it necessary to invite local councils to increase the remuneration proposed for employés in whose appointments the Department is concerned where it appeared insufficient to attract and retain competent services, but there are very few and only quite exceptional cases in which it has been necessary to take such action.

Does my right hon. Friend not think that it is an exceedingly unfortunate precedent to invite or incite a local council to grant more than as the guardian of the ratepayers' money it thinks proper to pay?

It has been an old-established practice to draw the attention of local authorities to any particular cases where they think the salaries are too low. I agree that this practice should be adopted very sparingly.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that British seafarers still suffer under disabilities unshared by their fellow-countrymen or by foreign seamen in being penalised if they seek treatment for venereal disease, and that the British representatives at the meeting of the health section of the League of Nations are advocating international facilities for the free treatment of seafarers; and if the Government will consider the desirability of amending the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, Section 34, Sub-section (1), as desired by all interests concerned?

I apprehend that the hon. Member is referring to the treatment of British seamen in foreign ports. I am aware that the same facilities as are provided in British ports for the treatment of seamen suffering from venereal disease are not available in many foreign ports. This matter is under consideration by the Committee of the Office International d'Hygiene Publique, and will in all probability be dealt with by the International Health Organisation which is now being established under the League of Nations. I will consult with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in regard to the last part of the question.