asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a complete file of the "Weekly Summary" is now available to Members of Parliament?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 4th May.

asked the Chief Secretary whether about midnight on 5th April last a bomb was thrown at a party of constables leaving the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks, Dromore; whether the perpetrators of this outrage are known, and, if so, whether they have been arrested; whether on the following night a party of Class B special constables entered the town, smashed windows of Catholic houses, fired shots into houses, attempted to burn the hotel and the house of the Catholic curate; whether they dragged three young men named O'Doherty, Slevin, and Devine from their beds and murdered them; whether two special constables named Bradley and Griffin were arrested for these murders; why the coroner's inquests on the bodies of O'Doherty, Slevin, and Devine were stopped; why the military court then held was conducted in secret; and whether any persons have been punished for these outrages and murders?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No arrests have yet been made in connection with this outrage. I have not yet received the report of the military court of inquiry held into the deaths of the three persons mentioned in the second part, of the question, but I understand that three persons, two of whom are members of the Special Constabulary B Force, have been arrested. The prohibition of the coroner's inquest was in accordance with the general practice which, I regret to state, has been found to be necessary in order to secure an impartial inquiry in cases where allegations are made against members of the Crown forces.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on 25th January last a number of police entered the house of a young woman named Miss Delia Browne, at Kilmihill, county Clare, and cut off her hair and also demanded money; that the police had three times previously threatened this girl that they would cut off her hair, and that she had already complained of them to the inspector; whether she was awarded £400 compensation by the county court judge; and what steps have been taken to punish the culprits?

I am aware that these allegations were made in evidence given at the hearing of a claim for compensation for malicious injury at the Kilrush Quarter Sessions last month, and that an award was made as stated. For reasons which have already been given, however, I am not prepared to accept the findings in these compensation cases as establishing guilt on the part of members of the Crown forces who are not present to give evidence in their defence. This case has been carefully investigated, and there is no evidence beyond the woman's own statement, which in this instance hardly amounted to more than a suspicion that the miscreants who perpetrated the outrage were members of the police forces. I am informed that no complaint was made to the local inspector at the time of the occurrence, and that although on being brought to his notice the matter was at once investigated, it was not then possible to obtain any clue as to the culprits. The previous complaint referred to in the latter part of the question was made 18 months ago, and would appear to have no bearing on this incident.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will give instructions that, before houses or buildings are destroyed by forces of the Crown as reprisals, an inquiry shall be held at which the owners of the property proposed to be destroyed may have an opportunity of stating their cases against the proposed destruction?

This is a matter which relates to the martial law area. I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that although the greatest care is exercised in the selection of houses to be destroyed as a punishment for rebel outrages it would not be practicable to hold inquiries of the kind suggested.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the house of Mrs. Nealon, a widow, of John Street, Limerick, was destroyed as a military operation in view of an attack on a party of police; whether this woman or her household were in any way connected with the crime; and whether this house was selected because her cousin, who used to live there and is now in prison, was believed to be a Sinn Feiner?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that this house was among those burnt as a military operation on 9th April in circumstances which were explained in my reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 20th April.

asked the Chief Secretary the result of his inquiries into the case of John O'Brien, of Clanbough, Kilbrittain, Conty Cork.

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that, on review of the circumstances of this case, it has been decided by the military authorities to remit the remainder of O'Brien's sentence. He has now been released.

asked the Chief Secretary the number of prisoners who have been killed or wounded when attempting to escape from escort; whether such attempts are presumed to indicate negligence on the part of the escorts; and whether any courts-martial have been held in consequence of the presumed negligence?

The number of prisoners killed and wounded whilst attempting to escape from escort is 48 and eight respectively. A court of inquiry is held in every case of death, and in any case of proved negligence on the part of the escort the offenders would be tried by court-martial or military court in the martial law area.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Miss Kearns, a wardress in the Irish prisons service, resigned the service on the 20th February last for the purpose of getting married; that she forwarded her marriage certificate to the General Prisons Board on the 12th March; that she intimated to them that she and her husband were emigrating to America, and requested early payment of the gratuity due to her; whether, in view of the fact that they are now in possession of their passports, and have all arrangements made for sailing, he will take steps to have her paid her gratuity without further delay; and whether he can state the amount of gratuity she is entitled to receive?

The Treasury inform me that the gratuity amounts to £154 16s. 10d., and that it will be paid in two or three days at latest.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act applies in whole, or in part, to the martial law areas?

The Restoration of Order in Ireland Act applies to the whole of Ireland, including those portions of it under martial law.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the members of the special constabulary in Ulster are subject to the provisions of Section 18 of the Act 6 William IV., rendering members of the constabulary force in Ireland during the time they are members, or within six months after they have quitted the force, incapable of giving their votes for the election of a Member to serve in Parliament for any place in Ireland, and rendering liable to a forfeiture of £100 any member of the constabulary force offending against such provision; whether the members of the special constabulary in Ulster are legally capable of giving their votes at the forthcoming elections of Members to serve in the Parliament of Northern Ireland; and whether, if not legally capable, instructions as to their incapacity will be issued to them in due time before the elections?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the remaining points, persons who are otherwise eligible to vote at the forthcoming elections for the Parliament of Northern Ireland will not be disqualified through serving, or having served, as special constables.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the possibility of the short-time workers at Woolwich Arsenal having their time off on Saturday instead of Wednesday?

The workers at Woolwich Arsenal on short time stand off one week in six, and I assume that the hon. Member's suggestion is that the men should stand off from Monday to Saturday. Such arrangement is now in force throughout the Royal Arsenal, and has been in operation for some weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for War the grounds on which Territorial officers holding permanent commissions are being gazetted into the Defence Force, into a rank junior to that which they hold, instead of being seconded for service with a Defence Force unit, with pay and allowance of the appointment for which they have been accepted?

It was contrary to the policy of the Government to call out officers or men of the Territorial Force for service in the emergency. The Defence Force was therefore constituted on a Regular Army basis, and all officers of the Force are given temporary Regular commissions. Territorial officers who volunteered and were accepted for the Defence Force have been given temporary Regular commissions for the period of their service in the Defence Force without prejudice to their existing Territorial Force commissions, which they will resume in due course. Their rank in the Defence Force is governed by the establishments authorised for that Force, and although in the majority of cases the temporary commission granted to them is in the same rank or higher rank than that which they hold in the Territorial Force, a few cases have occurred in which no vacancy existed for them in the Defence Force except one in a lower rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any inquiries have been made into the not at Aldershot during the last week-end; whether outbreaks of a similar character on the part of Reservists called up for the present emergency have taken place elsewhere; the cause of the outbreak at Aldershot; and whether, in view of the fact that the conditions for which these men were called up have not eventuated, they will be demobilised without further delay?

Lord Cavan is conducting an inquiry into the disturbance referred to at Aldershot, and until the receipt of his report I am not in a position to make any statement as to its cause, but I can say that some of the reports of the incident are greatly exaggerated. Absurdly exaggerated reports have also appeared in certain newspapers with regard to the disturbances at Colchester and Doncaster. So far as Doncaster is concerned, the trouble is believed to have been due to a quarrel between a few intoxicated soldiers. There has been no fighting between soldiers and civilians, but I regret that in the brawl three policemen were slightly injured and a sergeant-major was seriously hurt. So far as Colchester is concerned, it has been stated in certain newspapers that serious military disturbances occurred, that Reserists, after heated arguments, broke into general fighting with other troops, that armed military pickets, both infantry and cavalry, rushed to the scene, that a rescue of the ringleaders was attempted, that an officer was kicked and otherwise injured, but that by drawing his revolver he saved the situation. This report is so false in every material particular as to suggest that it was purposely supplied to the Press for propaganda purposes. The "serious military disturbance" and the "general fighting" concerned, at the most, 30 men, of whom three were arrested for being drunk and disorderly. There were no "armed military pickets." There were no "cavalry." No "rescue" was attempted. No "officer was kicked or injured." No officer "drew a revolver," and the only ground for the allegation that bayonets were used is that the sentry at the guardroom was, as is usual, armed with a rifle and bayonet, neither of which, however, was used. I have no reason to suppose that there is any disaffection among the Army Reservists, but not unnaturally a sense of weariness has overtaken some of them. Their services may, however, be required at any moment to aid the civil power in giving protection to those who volunteer to continue the essential services without which all the people of the country may be caused infinite hardship and suffering. Nothing has been more praiseworthy than the loyalty with which all ranks responded to the calling-up notices, and the patience with which the great majority have borne themselves during the trying period of waiting, in spite of organised efforts which have been made by seditious leaflets and other propaganda to tamper with their loyalty.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the estimate that over £2,000 worth of damage was done to property in Aldershot by Army Reservists on Saturday night last; whether the owners will be compensated; if so, from what fund is the money drawn; and whether it is to come from the rates or from central taxation?

This question will receive consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if all officers called up recently are being given way, etc., whether they have left their homes or not, or whether they are employed or not; and if he can prevent this waste?

All officers who were called up recently, and who, in accordance with their liabilities, reported to the military authorities and were given orders, became entitled to receive their pay in accordance with the Royal Warrant and the Army Act. Steps were taken at an early date to release definitely all officers who were not required, and, from the date of their release, these officers ceased to be entitled to receive pay.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present white garrison in Mesopotamia; to what extent has it been reduced since the beginning of the year; and whether all possible provision has been made for its comfort and convenience during the coming hot weather?

The strength of the British troops in Mesopotamia, including those serving with Indian units, but excluding the troops in North West Persia, on 1st May was approximately 11,300. Since the 1st January last, there has been a reduction of approximately 5,200, and further considerable withdrawals will take place shortly. The provision of mud brick huts to supplement tentage in camps and mitigate the discomfort of troops in hot weather has been authorised and the work is well advanced. I do not, however, wish to anticipate the general statement which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies hopes to make shortly in this House.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of women and girls employed by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes and the number of ex-service men so employed; and whether it is intended to replace women by ex-service men in the canteens?

I am informed that the latest figures of the employés of the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes are, women and girls 2,096; ex-service men 1,524. The policy of the employment of ex-service men and women in regimental institutes has been fully explained in reply to previous ques- tions in this House, and in particular, I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Smethwick (Mr. Davison) on the 15th December last.

asked the Secretary of State for War if there is a good deal of dissatisfaction in the minds of a number of people in this country on account of the War Office Order issued in April, 1919, forbidding the next-of-kin wearing the medals and ribbons awarded for War services, whilst at the same time men and women are allowed to wear the O.B.E.; and if he will take action in the matter?

It is an offence under Section 156A of the Army Act for an unauthorised person to wear any decoration, medal or medal riband. The only person authorised to wear a decoration or medal is the person to whom it was awarded. Owing to a mistaken impression, which became prevalent during the War, that medals awarded to deceased soldiers could be worn by their relatives, an announcement was made in the Press in April, 1919, explaining that medals or medal ribands could only be worn by the persons on whom they were conferred. I might add that the hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that the insignia of the Order of the British Empire may be worn by relatives. This is not the case. The only persons permitted to wear the insignia of the Order of the British Empire are those upon whom this decoration has been conferred.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many men blinded in the War have been refused admission to St. Dunstan's in the last two months; and whether, in view of the fact that the accommodation for blinded soldiers at St. Dunstan's is being seriously curtailed, the Government is making any provision for the training of these men in new occupations suitable to their condition?

I am informed that accommodation at St. Dunstan's is being curtailed only because the requirements are diminishing, and that no man whose blindness is due to his War service has been refused admission.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres have been acquired, and how many ex-soldiers have been settled upon the land in Huntingdonshire since the new small holdings committee of the county council was formed; and what number of ex-soldiers remain to be settled, and how many of these it is anticipated will be settled before the end of the year?

The new small holdings sub-committee in Huntingdonshire took over their duties on 15th September, 1920. According to the Ministry's records, 231 ex-service men have been settled in the county since that date; 119 additional ex-service men have been approved as suitable, but have not yet been actually settled on the land, while 164 men are awaiting interview. Since the date mentioned the council have acquired 650 acres, which they have not yet let, and it is estimated that this land will provide for approximately 80 suitable ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now make any statement as to the economic results of the working of small holdings which have come into existence since the War, and especially as to the successes which have been achieved on them by ex-service men?

I hope to present to Parliament in the course of a few weeks the Annual Report of the Ministry's Land Department, which will deal with both the subjects mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the case of Richard Jewell, of 12, Abingdon Road, Finchley, N.2, who last December was recommended by the Finchley war pensions committee for a grant of £104 to enable him to take up poultry farming, and in consequence Mr. Jewell spent in anticipation a substantial sum in getting together the means of starting poultry farming; whether the War Pensions Committee has since been informed that the grant cannot be made; whether this man's pre-war earnings as an accountant were £300 per annum; whether he is totally unable to undertake any but outdoor work of a light description; and whether, if any technical objection or regulation prevents the award to him of the sum for which he has been recommended, he will, under the special hardship of the case, advise the Treasury that the grant itself or a compassionate allowance in lieu should be made?

I have been asked to reply. The Civil Liabilities Department is not empowered to award a grant in this case, owing to the fact that Mr. Jewell was discharged from the Army in 1915 without a disability pension and did not re-enlist till after the Armistice, namely, on the 29th August, 1919, and was discharged from the Army on the 22nd October, 1920. The War Pensions Committee was duly informed of the decision. Mr. Jewell's pre-War earnings were stated on his application form to be £300 per annum. I am afraid we cannot admit Mr. Jewell to a grant. I am, however, having inquiry made as to whether there is any voluntary fund from which assistance can be obtained and will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if some thousands of applications for a civil liabilities grant have been refused this year on the following grounds: failure to lodge an application within a period of one year from the date of discharge or demobilisation from the Army, and failure to lodge an application within a period of six months from the cessation of treatment; if under the Regulations men who were discharged from the Army with a slight disability and tried to follow their pre-War employment, but finding that owing to their disability they are unable to do so, are debarred from grants because application was not forwarded within a year of discharge or demobilisation; and, if under the Regulations men who were discharged from the Army and re-enlisted again for a short period are debarred from grants, whilst a man who did not re-enlist and perhaps draws unemployment pay for 11 months is entitled to grants, he will take steps to either give or obtain authority to cancel such Regulations, and so meet the demands of discharged and disabled ex-service men?

I am aware that a considerable number of applications have had to be refused by the Civil Liabilities Department on the grounds mentioned in the question. I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that State aid to enable men who served in the late War to resume a civil occupation cannot be continued indefinitely. The time limits for each class of application were framed on a generous scale, and I regret that I can hold out no hope of any further extension.

asked the Minister of Labour the exact number of men employed under the scheme for ex-service men in the building trades, giving the names of the districts in which these men are employed?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the question on this subject by my Noble Friend the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a number of ex-service men are now studying at various forestry schools; if at the expiration of the 12-month course work of a like nature will be found them in the United Kingdom or elsewhere; if there are any openings in the forestry operations in this country; and, if not, what are the prospects of these men?

The number of ex-service men being trained in forestry is approximately 40. There is a reasonable prospect that if these men properly complete the course of training laid down they will be absorbed in forestry or allied occupations in the United Kingdom, subject to their remaining in sufficiently good health, and I understand that the Forestry Commission concur in this view.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Private A. Allen, No. 17608, East Yorks, later transferred to the Labour Corps, No. 655042, and with nearly five years' service, has recently been taken to Sedgefield Asylum, and, up to the time of going there, had a pension of £2 per week, which has now been stopped from his parents, but his father has been advised that the upkeep of his son will cost £2 2s. per week; on whom the liability should fall for maintenance; if he recognises the cost involved in visiting the son in the institution; and will he see that the pension is repaid to the parents?

The pensioner was admitted to Durham County Asylum on the 6th April, and as his mental disability has been accepted as due to service he has been classified as a "service patient." The total cost of his maintenance and treatment is being borne by the Ministry. I am considering whether the mother's allowance of 8s. 9d. a week (based on pre-War dependence) cannot be supplemented from the pensioner's treatment allowance, which is granted in substitution for pension and is now accumulating for his benefit.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Dr. Christopherson's antimony treatment is now accepted as a certain cure for bilharziasis; that the Australian Government, after segregating all returned soldiers infected in Egypt, has completely stamped it out by this method of treatment; that there are still a number of men in this country who were infected during the South African war, and are still sufferers, but who are debarred from treatment by the Ministry because they have not served, in many cases because of this disease, in the recent War; and if there is any valid reason why these men should not have an exception made in their particular favour and receive treatment?

I am fully in sympathy with my hon. Friend's suggestion, concerning which I am in com- munication with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the dependant's pension payable to Miss Mary Kenyon, of 24, Salisbury Street, Moss Side, Manchester (3/D/1,796), has been discontinued on the ground that she was earning 18s. a week; and whether, having regard to the facts that her employment is temporary and her wage is liable to an early reduction owing to the fall in the cost of living, he will have the case reconsidered?

The circumstances of the dependant in this case are not such as to justify the further award of pension, and accordingly a final gratuity of £17 17s. 6d. has been awarded to her under Article 22 (2) of the Royal Warrant. It is, however, possible that the soldier's mother with whom the dependant lives may be entitled to pension under Article 21 of the Warrant, and, if a claim be made by her through her Local War Pensions Committee, it will be favourably considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the cause of delay in hearing the pension appeal presented on 6th December, 1920, by A. Massey, 10, Greenhill Street, Greenheys, Manchester (local committee's reference, E.M./D. 37,898); whether any provisional grant can be paid to him, having regard to the family dependent upon him, and his physical inability to work; and whether he will expedite the hearing of the appeal?

This appeal is now in the hands of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, and will, I understand, almost immediately be heard.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether seeing that certain British pre-War pensioners served during the, War in Dominion forces and that Army Order 325, of 1919, only provides for the reassessment of pension of those pensioners who re-enlisted and rendered satisfactory colour service with British forces during the War, the pro- visions of the said Order can be extended to those British pre-War pensioners who enlisted and rendered satisfactory colour service with Dominion forces during the War, they having given equal service to the State?

I have this question under my consideration at the present time, and hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet come to any decision whether any, and, if so, what, form of inquiry should be made into industrial unrest?

The Government are considering whether some form of systematic enquiry into industrial unrest is desirable, but, at the moment, I cannot say more. It will be appreciated that the matter is not free from difficulty; we must, for instance, remember that at the present time, by means of conciliation boards, industrial councils, and other joint bodies, negotiations are going on between employers and employed in a large number of trades, and I am glad to say that in many instances recently these negotiations have resulted in mutual agreement. Two years ago the Government urged upon employers' associations and trade unions the need for mutual discussion, without external interference, and I am glad to say that the views we then expressed have been accepted, as the joint negotiations now in progress show. I am sure my Noble Friend will agree that, in these circumstances, in coming to a decision on the matter he has raised, we must consider carefully whether a general enquiry might not retard rather than accelerate the progress of these negotiations.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs when a copy of the Mandate for Tanganyika territory will be made public; and whether any reports of the administration of other mandated territories, especially of Mesopotamia, will shortly be available?

The draft Tanganyika Mandate will be laid before the House very shortly. The second part of the question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of the Allied troops in the German Army of Occupation; and what is the annual cost, including all charges attributable to them?

The number of British troops in the Rhine Army of Occupation on 1st May, 1921, was 10,080 all ranks, including Naval and Air Force personnel. The annual cost of these numbers would be about £2,700,000, but the cost in any one year will vary according to the actual numbers. The numbers of French, American and Belgian troops on 1st April, 1921, were respectively, 64,700, 14,700, 15,300, making a total, with the British, of 104,780.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Colonel Cockerell, British controller in the Beuthen district in Silesia, has resigned his post owing to the insufficiency of the forces at his command for the preservation of order; and whether any steps are contemplated for the reinforcement of the Allied Commission?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply given by the Prime Minister to-day, and by the Lord Privy Seal yesterday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any confirmation of the report that Polish troops armed with machine guns are among the insurgents in Upper Silesia?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give figures showing the coal output of the Ruhr and Upper Silesia?

The coal output of the Ruhr and of Upper Silesia in the years 1913 and 1920, and in the months of January, February, and March, 1921, was as follows:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a gathering, limited on account of space to 1,000 Government officials, was held at the Continental Hotel, Cairo, in honour of Zaghloul Pasha; and whether all mention of this meeting and of the speeches made there has been forbidden by the Egyptian censor?

I have no information other than that contained in the newspapers which have published accounts of this gathering.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many persons have been injured by the police in Cairo in attempts to suppress demonstrations against Adly Pasha's Government during the past week?

I have no information that any persons have been injured by the police in Cairo during the past week.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement made by Rudski Pasha, Vice-Premier, that the British Government does not wish Zaghloul to preside at the official negotiations; and, in view of his statement on 14th March that it was for the Egyptians themselves to choose the delegation, will he state what foundation there is for this assertion?

His Majesty's Government have no information on the subject beyond the telegram in the "Times" on the 10th instant, according to which Rushdi Pasha denied the statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any confirmation of the report that police under Saieda Commandant entered Kashad School, Cairo, and beat the students on 6th May; and whether this was done to punish them for shouting, "Down with Adly and No Chief except Saad"?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the prosecution at Singapore of 17 Indians charged with the possession of seditious literature of American origin conveyed apparently on board a British vessel; what was the result of the trial; and to what extent this practice prevails of trying to introduce into India printed matter intended to be subversive of British rule?

I have seen reports of the incident referred to. The literature included the publications of the revolutionary Indian organisations in America. I have not yet heard the result of the trial. It is undoubtedly the case that efforts are continually being made to introduce such matter into India, but to judge from the method adopted on this occasion it is, I am glad to say, found to be difficult.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that there are 38 Silladar cavalry regiments in the Indian Army, and that it is proposed to disband a large number of these; that these Silladar regiments are recruited from yeomen, men who mostly own their land; that these regiments are self-supporting; that the soldier in these regiments pays for his own horse and for all his equipment, with the exception of his carbine, which is supplied to him by Government; what is the monthly pay of a soldier in an Indian cavalry regiment at the present rate of exchange of the rupee; and, in view of the dissatisfaction that will be caused by the proposed abolition of these Indian cavalry regiments, can this decision be reconsidered?

There are 36 Silladar and 3 non-Silladar regiments of cavalry in the Indian Army. It is proposed, on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief, to reduce this number by a process of amalgamation to 21 regiments, all of which will be non-Silladar. The respective merits of the Silladar and non-Silladar system have been carefully considered; and while the advantages claimed for the Silladar system have not been overlooked, the conclusion has been reached that the non-Silladar system is better suited to modern needs. The reasons against the retention of the Silladar system are as follow:

(i) It is unequal to the strain of a prolonged war, and automatically ceases to function.

(ii) The wastage in horses has to be met by the Government in war.

(iii) The wastage in men has to be met by enlisting men who cannot always contribute towards the cost of horses, etc., and so automatically cease to be Silladars.

(iv) The replacement of all equipment has to be made in war by Government Departments,

(v) The administration in peace of the Silladar accounts, regimental remounting, provision of equipment and clothing, management of horse runs and grass farms, absorbs an undue proportion of the officers' attention, to the neglect of preparation for war.

(vi) The equipment, etc., is not standardised, and this leads to confusion in war.

(vii) In peace no use is made of the Government supply services (supplies, transport, veterinary, ordnance) who thus have an undue extra strain thrown on them in war.

(viii) The vested interests of regiments in their lines and barracks complicate reliefs and even adversely affects training.

The opinions obtained from a representative number of commanding officers showed a large majority in favour of abolishing the Silladar system.

The whole question of the army needed for the defence of India is to be examined by a sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence.

The pay of a non-Silladar cavalry soldier is Rs. 18 per mensem, equivalent at the current rate of exchange to £1 4s.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will cause inquiries to be made into the subject of the installation of wireless telegraphy upon drifters, trawlers, and other vessels engaged in the fishing industry, and the utilisation otherwise of wireless telegraphy on behalf of fishermen whilst engaged in their calling?

I have been asked to reply. All ships of 1,600 tons and over, and all passenger steamers, are at present required to be fitted with wireless. So far as I am aware, it has not hitherto been proposed that fishing boats should be compelled to carry wireless, and a strong case would have to be made out before this extension, which would require legislation, could be made.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the amount of grant from the Local Taxation Account under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, in the standard year 1913–14; the total amount of grant to school board and other school managers in that year; and the corresponding amounts for the last year for which statistics are available?

The amount received by the Education (Scotland) Fund from the Local Taxation Account under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, in the standard year 1913–14, was. £220,668. The total amount of grants from the Vote and from the Education (Scotland) Fund paid to school boards and to other school managers (including secondary education committees (in that year was £2,207,442. For the year 1920–21 the corresponding figures are £338,906 and £5,969,521.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the amount of expenditure for school buildings sanctioned by the Scottish Education Department for each of the years from 1912 to 1920?

Expenditure upon school buildings does not require the sanction of the Department, except in so far as it is to be met by means of a loan. The total amount of the loans sanctioned by the Department in each of the years 1912 to 1920 was as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Merchandise Trade Marks Bill is going to be introduced?

I am afraid that I cannot yet name a date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of baskets imported during the last year?

Importers are not required to furnish information regarding the number of baskets imported. The total value of the imports of baskets and basketware into the United Kingdom, registered during the year ended 31st December, 1920, amounted to £557,350.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are large stocks of paper held by wholesale paper merchants in this country; whether such stocks are being held up to maintain the high prices obtained during and subsequent to the War period; and whether paper can now be purchased at very much cheaper prices abroad than those obtaining in this country?

I understand that merchants' stocks of paper are believed to be large, and no doubt holders desire to obtain the best possible prices. With regard to the third part of the question, I understand that paper is cheaper in some foreign countries, especially those with a heavily depreciated currency, than it is here.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the articles covered by the new import duties imported into the United Kingdom for each year since the first imposition of these duties, showing the exporting country and the value with respect to each class of articles for each year?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is being prepared, and will be sent to him when it is ready.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there are thousands of tons of basic slag produced in this country; that it is a special feature of the steel trade to-day; that it is sold to farmers for agricultural purposes; that the average price of English basic slag, ground for putting on the land, containing about 18 to 20 per cent. phosphate of lime is probably about £5 per ton; what is the average selling price of ground basic slag imported into this country; and whether the Ministry of Agriculture are doing anything to encourage the farmers to use English basic slag instead of imported ground slag?

The answers to the first three parts of the hon. Member's question are in the affirmative. The selling price of basic slag, containing 18 to 20 per cent. phosphate of lime, delivered free to purchaser's station or wharf in Great Britain is limited until 31st May, 1921, to £5 6s. 6d. per ton under an agreement entered into between the Department and the trade. I have no information as to the selling price in the United Kingdom of imported ground basic slag, as there are no restrictions on the sale of slag at less than the above price, but I am informed that during the three months ended 31st March last, the amount of imported slag for agricultural purposes was probably under 10 per cent. of the amount delivered by British manufacturers to consumers in the United Kingdom for the same purposes. I think that farmers have been made fully aware of the value of English basic slag.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether ocean-going steamers are required to employ skilled wireless watchers throughout the day and night; and, if not, whether he will take the necessary steps to make this element of safety obligatory in all steamers licensed to carry passengers?

Ocean-going steamers are required to maintain a continuous watch either by means of certificated operators or by means of a certificated operator and certificated watchers. The requirement is contained in rules made under the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, of which I am sending the hon. Baronet a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House the latest information on the economic situation in Germany both as to the return on capital and as to the amount of unemployment?

A detailed review of the industrial situation in Germany at the end of last year will be found in the published report prepared by Mr. J. W. F. Thelwall, Commercial Secretary to His Majesty's Embassy, Berlin (Cmd. 1114). Attention may in particular be drawn to Appendix XI on industrial combinations (pages 63–73) and Appendix VIII on unemployment in the Reich (page 62). The latest information as to return on capital is too voluminous to give in the form of a Parliamentary answer, but I am sending a copy of a statement on the subject to the hon. Member, and also a statement giving the most recent information on the question of unemployment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, taking the 12 chief industries of both countries, he will give, in comparative form, the wages cuts made since the Armistice, both in the United States and here?

I have been asked to reply. It is not the practice of the United States Department of Labour to publish returns of changes in rates of wages at shorter intervals than a year. Their most recent report on this subject, issued in March, 1921, carries the record down to May, 1920, only, when the trend of wages in the United States was still upward. The reports on wages reductions in that country that have reached the Ministry of Labour since last autumn, while very numerous, are neither complete nor precise enough to serve as material for a statement in comparative form such as my hon. Friend desires.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state those industries in which the men are paid less than the scale of wages which, assuming the Government advance of £10,000,000 and the maximum offers of concessions both by the owners and the employed, would be now paid to the miners in the least remunerative coalfields, were a settlement to be reached on the terms last discussed?

A comparison of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend could only be secured as the result of prolonged inquiries, as account would have to be taken of the average earnings of workers in the industries concerned, together with the value of any privileges enjoyed, and the nature of the occupation. The information possessed by my Department as to current rates of wages is not adequate for this purpose, and it is therefore not practicable to afford my hon. Friend the information asked for.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the matter of the reinstatement of the commercial travellers' week-end ticket and his recommendation to the railway companies in connection therewith, he is aware that the National Union of Commercial Travellers has been informed that the question has been considered by the railway companies and that they were unable to re-establish the concession; and whether, in view of this decision and the fact that the granting of these tickets to commercial travellers would widen the sphere of their activities and stimulate trade, instructions will be issued to the railway companies to restore the concession?

At the request of my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, the railway companies are still considering this matter, and I am not aware that the National Union of Commercial Travellers has been informed that the companies are unable to re-establish the concession.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to supplement the information given on the 3rd May as to the rates of wages that would be payable to miners under the Government's offer by saying how it is proposed that the federated area should be sub-divided; whether the result of any such sub-division would be a reduction of less than 3s. a shift in any district; and whether he will reprint the figures then given by him with any necessary amendments and showing the percentage increase in each case of the proposed rates over the pre-war rates?

No further meeting has taken place between the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation since 5th May, and no agreement has been reached as to grouping districts in the Federated Area. I understand, however, that the owners on their part would be prepared to accept a grouping arrangement under which the whole of the coalfields of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Cannock Chase would be treated as one group. I cannot say exactly what would be the average reduction in wages per shift in these counties if this proposal were adopted. Its precise amount would depend on several questions which are still unsettled, e.g., the level of standard wages and the ratio of profits to wages. It is certain, however, that the reduction would be considerably less than 3s. per shift.

asked the Minister of Transport what supplies of petrol exist in this country; and whether they are adequate for all the immediate needs of the country, assuming that due care in use is taken?

The supplies of petrol in this country are at present unusually high. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that at Accrington the public were collecting coal from an outcrop, but that the miners objected, whereupon the police in a body followed, and the miners were persuaded to give way on a promise that the public should not be allowed during the coal dispute to touch any more coal; and whether he will call for a full explanation from the proper authority, more particularly as the miners themselves are collecting coal and selling it in the open market?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have made inquiry of the chief constable. He informed me that late on the 4th instant a large crowd, including some 700 miners, went to the coal outcrops at Moleside, Accrington, with a view to stopping the miners and others who were getting coal there. The police proceeded to the spot to preserve order, and, after some discussion, the crowd dispersed on the understanding that no more coal would be taken from the outcrop until the position had been discussed by representatives of the miners with a meeting of the local gas and water board and the electricity committee, which was to be held the next day, most of the coal already obtained from this source having been purchased by the corporation to maintain gas and electricity supplies. No arrangement was reached at the meeting, and I am informed that no coal has been worked since the 6th instant. For the present, the corporation have sufficient coal to carry on, but, if necessary, a further supply may have to be obtained from the outcrops.

asked the Home Secretary whether, during the strike, he proposes to issue instructions suspending all regulations regarding overcrowding on vehicles, so that passengers deprived of their normal means of locomotion may at least be able to obtain means of transport of some kind?

The relaxations allowed during the War in the Metropolitan Police district are still to a great extent continued; and, if and when the strike reduces the number of vehicles available for carrying passengers in the streets, the regulations will be further relaxed so far as is consistent with safety. I have no doubt the same course will be followed elsewhere by local authorities.

asked the Home Secretary how many people are in receipt of a pension or superannuation allowance in respect of service in the police force in Great Britain; what is the average payment received and the average age of qualification for such payments; and whether any and, if so, what portion of such payments is derived from State as distinct from local funds?

The latest figures available are those for the financial year 1919–1920. The total number of ex-constables in receipt of pensions on 31st March, 1920, was 24,054, and the average rate of pension was approximately £72 per annum. Generally speaking, the qualification for pension is a service, not an age qualification. In most forces in England and Wales a constable is entitled to retire on pension after 25 years' service, and to receive the maximum rate of pension (two-thirds of his pay) after 26 years' service. The net cost of pensions (after making allowance for the men's contributions and other special receipts) is met half from local funds and half from State funds. The above figures relate to forces in England and Wales. The Scottish police are under different pension conditions, and I understand the corresponding figures are not immediately available.

asked the Minister of Health if he will cause an inquiry to be made as to the refusal of the Standing Joint Committee of the Devon County Council to grant increased pensions to the under-mentioned men under Treasury Regulation, of 11th October, 1920, under Section 4 of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, relating to certain police pensioners: William Dymond, ex-inspector, aged 70, 50, Sherwill Hill, Chelston, Torquay; Albert Pratt, ex-inspector, aged 60, Chatsworth Road, Torquay; Thomas Hockridge, ex-sergeant, aged 68, 25, Kenwyn Road, Torquay; John Payne Newington, ex-constable, aged 65, Avenue Road, Torquay; and Reuben A. Johns, ex-constable, aged 60, 1, Princes Road, Torquay?

I will communicate with the Devon Police Authority, but as I explained to the hon. Member for the Western Division of Nottingham (Mr. Hayday) on Monday last, the Police Authority have a discretion as to the application of the Act in individual cases.

asked the Home Secretary if there are any speed regulations for motors, etc., in the Royal parks; if he is aware that War Office, etc., motor cyclists ride through St. James's Park at a dangerous speed; and if he will regulate these speeds?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The police report that very few cases of infringements have been brought to their notice, and that these have been dealt with.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received any representations and, if so, what, from the National Farmers' Union on the subject of the docking of horses' tails and its proposed prohibition?

Representations have been received from a large number of branches of the National Farmers' Union protesting against the provisions of the Docking of Horses Bill, 1921. I may add that I understood that the Bill has now been withdrawn.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there are still Very large numbers of heifer calves being slaughtered; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to restrict such slaughter similar to those taken by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland?

It appears from returns received that there is a decrease in the number of calves slaughtered this year as compared with last year. I have consulted the Advisory Livestock Committee which I recently appointed, and they do not favour the reimposition of Government control, which in this respect has always proved ineffective. I agree with their recommendation and do not propose to take any action at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that during the proceedings of the Imperial War Conference in 1917 Lord Ernle, then President of the Board of Agriculture, stated that so far as the English Board of Agriculture were concerned they were in favour of the removal of the embargo on Canadian cattle; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary to bring to the notice of the Cattle Embargo Commission extracts from the discussions at the Imperial War Conference, 1917, on the admission of Canadian cattle into the United Kingdom [Cd. 8673, 1917]?

The Report of the Imperial War Conference to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, with other documents bearing on the past history of the question, has been supplied to the Royal Commission in the evidence tendered on behalf of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that there were 460,376 more cattle in Great Britain in 1919 than in 1913, he will explain the allusion in the terms of reference of the Cattle Embargo Commission to the losses to which livestock were subjected during the War?

It is quite true that the falling-off in the total number of cattle took place during the last year of the War and the two following years, as a result of war conditions, and not during the whole period of the War. The number of cattle of under 1 year old, however, fell in the United Kingdom from 2,544,348 to 2,312,388 between the year 1913 and 1920. Moreover, the expression used in the terms of reference to the Royal Commission is not cattle but livestock, and during the same period sheep in the United Kingdom fell from 27,552,136 to 23,329,199, and there was also a large falling-off in pigs. The terms of reference as finally drafted include losses both during and after the War.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons in the category of domestic servants are at present drawing unemployment pay; and what steps are taken with regard to persons in this category who refuse to accept employment when it is offered to them?

Domestic service, except in establishments run for profit, is not an insurable occupation under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. Accordingly, there are no persons drawing unemployment benefit whose only employment has been in private domestic service. The total number of women and girls claiming benefit under the general classification of domestic service at the 29th April was 36,610, consisting mainly of indoor and outdoor servants in hotels, boarding-houses, restaurants, canteens, and institutions. An applicant for benefit has to prove, among other things, that she is capable of, and available for, work but unable to obtain suitable employment. A claimant who refuses to accept, apparently, suitable employment, including domestic service where suitable, would be held to have failed to satisfy this condition, and the payment of benefit would be suspended. Constant attention is paid to the possibility of offering domestic service vacancies to applicants on the register, and the local employment committees have recently been asked to form a special register of women who, irrespective of their last previous employment, may reasonably be regarded as suitable for private domestic service. I would add, that in the period 8th January to 8th April, 40,804 domestic service vacancies for women were found by the Employment Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour on what grounds the Central Committee on Women's Employment is proposing to spend £150,000 for training women in domestic work, in view of the large number of domestic servants already out of work and drawing unemployment pay?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 23rd March on this subject to my Noble Friend the Member for Battersea South (Viscount Curzon), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings in the Tower Bridge Police Court on the 3rd May, when a girl concerned in a midnight disturbance, describing herself as a domestic servant, admitted she was drawing unemployment pay, and also to the remark of the magistrate that here was a young able-bodied person drawing out-of-work pay, and instead of getting up to look for work of a morning was roaming the streets half the night; and what steps he proposes to take in this and similar cases?

I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the written reply to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Baling (Sir H. Nield) on the 10th May, from which he will see that the person referred to, who had previously been employed as a kitchenmaid at a restaurant, made a claim to unemployment benefit but did not receive any payment. She has been interviewed and admits that her statement to the contrary was inaccurate. As regards the general position, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on the 4th May, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate number of workpeople at present engaged on short time; the number in receipt of unemployment benefit; the number of unemployed; and the present position of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?

The number of workpeople working short-time to an extent entitling them to claim unemployment benefit or out-of-work donation was on 29th April 1,077,929. The total num- ber on short-time or otherwise underemployed was, no doubt, much greater. The number wholly unemployed and registered at the Employment Exchanges on 6th May was 1,920,500; of these, about 1,760,000 were claiming benefit or donation. As regards the position of the Unemployment Fund, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the right hon. Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert) on 3rd May.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that at the Hamsteels Colliery, County Durham, over 200 men and boys received notice to finish work at the colliery on 26th February, and that, although they applied for unemployed pay at the labour exchange, their claim was turned down and they have not yet received any payment; and, as the unemployment of these miners has nothing to do with the lock-out, will he see that these miners receive the unemployed allowance?

Inquiries are being made in the matter, and I will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if a great number of people have been insurance policy holders for many years, and have been clear on the premium books up to nine or ten weeks ago, but have, through unemployment, fallen into arrears, and their policies are on the verge of lapsing, which will mean that they will lose their claim on the companies unless the Emergency Act is brought in to save them; and if he will take action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject on the 5th instant.

asked the Postmaster-General when he expects to receive the Report of the Commission inquiring into the working of the telephones; and whether the number of subscribers now compelled to give up the use of the tele- phone will militate very considerably against any gain expected from the revised tariffs?

The inquiry into the organisation and administration of the telephone service is being conducted by a Select Committee of the House of Commons, who will, of course, report to the House. The number of subscribers who have given up the service owing to the increased charges is rather less than 3 per cent. of the number who have so far signed the new agreements, and, if this proportion is maintained throughout, the gain from the revised tariff will not be seriously affected.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a new Regulation has been introduced prohibiting parcels being sent to India if they exceed in value the amount (£120) for which they could be insured under stated Post Office restrictions; whether, since the new Regulation changes the practice existing for 30 years at least, under which specially valuable parcels are insured at Lloyd's, who make good any loss without reference to Post Office responsibility, and will destroy all trade in diamonds carried on by parcel post to India, he will state the reasons for this change of policy; and will he receive representations in favour of a reversion to the former policy?

The Regulation to which the hon. Member refers relates to parcels of jewellery only. The Foreign and Colonial Parcel Post is designed for a miscellaneous traffic, and is not adapted for parcels of small bulk and high value, which call for more elaborate safeguards than the Parcel Post can provide. There have been large thefts of jewellery out of the Parcel Post, and, though the Post Office incurs no financial responsibility beyond the small amount for which it insures, it appears to me undesirable that the Post Office should accept for conveyance valuable and easily portable parcels for which the necessary safeguards cannot be provided. I have come to this decision after fully considering representations from all the interests affected. The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company offers a low rate for freight and insurance of valu- ables from this country to India, and is in a position to afford them greater security than the Parcel Post.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the syllabus of examination for the graded clerks of the Congested Districts Board for Ireland corresponds to the syllabus of the second division of the Civil Service; that the last two examinations for such posts have been conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners; that the prospects held out to the candidates by the Congested Districts Board in their 20th Annual Report, and by the evidence given on behalf of that Board before the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, were identical with those of the second division; that the successful candidates who are still in the service of the Congested Districts Board are discharging duties equivalent to and of equal importance to those discharged by the second division clerks in other Departments; that many of the graded clerks in the Board's service have not obtained an increment of salary for a number of years, and are held up at maxima of £150 and £200 respectively; that the graded clerks as a whole are ROW the lowest paid body of clerical workers in the Civil Service; and whether, seeing that the Board have accumulated a sum of £360,000, which is equivalent to a year and a half's income, the Government will place sufficient funds at the disposal of the Board to enable them to carry out reorganisation of their clerical staff in accordance with the Report of the Reconstruction Committee for the Civil Service?

The graded clerks of the Congested Districts Board are not civil servants. While their position is in some respects analogous to that of Second Division Clerks in the Civil Service, in other respects it is quite different, and the suggested general analogy is not admissible. Although many of the Board's graded clerks have received no increase of permanent salary for a number of years, they have, however, received temporary additions to salary in the form of war bonus payments varying from 142 to 96 per cent. of salary. The Board's income being limited by statute, they are not at liberty to increase salaries except to such an extent as the general position of their funds permits. The sum of £360,000 referred to is not available for the increase of salaries, being already hypothecated for the improvement of congested estates, for the payment of debt due to the Land Commission, and for the reserve fund of the Board's insurance schemes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the ease of Mr. W. R. Woollard, until recently employed on the establishment of the Central Registry, Eastern Command, and who, after over 26 years' satisfactory service with the War Office, has been discharged from his employment on the pretext of reduction of War-time staff and also because of the declared policy of His Majesty's Government relative to the employment of ex-service men; whether the policy of employing ex-service men refers to the period subsequent to August, 1914, only; and whether, in view of the fact that the War Office is considering the question of establishing on a pensionable basis its pre-War clerical employés, he will have investigations made into Mr. Woollard's case with a view to his reinstatement in the position from which he has been wrongly removed?

I am informed that Mr. Woollard's pre-War employment under the War Department was as a messenger and not as a clerk, and that he voluntarily took a position as clerk in March, 1915, on the temporary basis common to other temporary clerks engaged during the War. As reductions of staff become necessary, non-service temporary clerks are normally discharged before ex-service clerks in pursuance of the Government policy as to the employment of ex-service men, and on the facts before me I see no ground for a special exception in Mr. Woollard's case. He has received a gratuity of £64 under Section 4 of the Superannuation Act of 1887.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many boys and youths under 18 years of age are employed in his Department; and what are the weekly rates of payment, including bonus, at the ages of 15, 16, 17, and 18?

There are 24 boys and youths under the age of 18 in the employment of the Board of Education. As the

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the investigation promised by his Department into the case of Mr. J. P. Nagle, at one time employed at the Infantry Record Office, Dublin, has been carried out; if so, whether he can state the reasons why this man, who served in the fighting forces of the Crown during the late War and has a wife and six children to support, was dismissed from his employment on 31st December, 1920; whether the officer in charge of the infantry records is justified in stating that the dismissal was necessitated by the reduction of staff; and, if so, if he will explain why no less than 16 female clerks and 10 non-service clerks were retained in their employment on that date?

It has been ascertained that the discharges that took place on 31st December (including that of Mr. Nagle) were consequent upon reductions of staff, and that while due regard was paid to the claims of all the ex-service men concerned, it was necessary to retain certain women and non-service persons as a trained nucleus in order to secure the efficient working

further details asked for are somewhat complicated, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the statement referred to:

of the office. I understand that Mr. Nagle has already been informed to this effect. The total clerical staff at the Infantry Record Office, Dublin, is now 75; of this number 57 are ex-service persons.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can inform the House under what authority the Special Committee, at present considering the reorganisation of the principal probate registry, was constituted; whether this Committee includes persons unconnected with the registry; whether schemes of reorganisation should be formulated by the head of a Department in conjunction with the establishment officers and other senior officials; whether such schemes, while still in provisional form, should be communicated to the departmental Whitley Council for discussion and modification in accordance with the views of the staff representatives; and whether he will give an assurance that these principles will be observed by the Lord Chancellor and the President of the Probate and Admiralty Registry, and that the recommendations of the Special Committee now sitting will not in any degree usurp the legitimate functions of the departmental council?

The Committee considering the reorganisation of the Principal Probate Registry was appointed by the Lord Chancellor and the President of the Probate and Divorce Division, and consists of Mr. Tomlin, K.C. (Chairman), Mr. Roger Gregory, Solicitor, the Permanent Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and officers of the Probate Registry, Supreme Court and the Treasury. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. Sitch) on the 28th ultimo.

asked the Minister of Health if he will grant a Return of all the cases of death arising from ill-effects of the arseno-benzol treatment of venereal diseases which have been reported to his Department since the commencement of the public treatment of these diseases; and if in future he will arrange for such particulars to be recorded in his annual Report or in that of his chief medical officer?

Twenty-one deaths have been reported to my Department, as following the administration of arseno-benzol compounds in treatment centres of venereal diseases. Further inquiries shew that in 3 of these cases death was not due to the administration of the drug, and that in 5 other cases it was doubtful how far the drug had contributed to the fatal result. In the last complete year for which figures are available, the number of deaths in which the administration of the drug may have been a contributing cause represents in approximately every 4,300 patients treated for syphilis, and in approximately every 30,000 injections of these drugs. I will consider the suggestion in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing numbers of what are known as lock-up medical practices, where panel medical practitioners see panel patients at fixed hours only, as they (the doctors) only have consulting rooms there, while they reside it may be miles away, out of reach of a panel patient in an emergency; and whether, in view of the hardship thereby incurred by the patient, he will consider the taking of necessary action in this matter of urgent public interest?

My attention has been drawn to one or two cases of the kind referred to in the question which are under investigation. If my hon. Friend is aware of any case of the kind I should be obliged if he would furnish me with particulars, as the Regulations make adequate provision for dealing with such cases.

asked the Minister of Health the number of members insured in the Navy and Army Fund, the Deposit Contributors Fund, and the Exempt Persons Fund, as at the 31st December, 1914 and 1920, respectively; what was the amount available for administration expenses and the actual cost of administration of each of the said funds for the years 1914 and 1920 respectively; the total number and amount of claims paid to the members of the respective funds for the years 1914 and 1920; what number of clerks was engaged in the administration of the respective funds on the 1st January, 1914 and 1920, respectively, stating the number of males and the number of females; what was the actual cost per member involved in the administration of each of the said funds for the years 1914 and 1920; whether he can set out the particulars of any economies which have been effected in the administration of each of the said funds for the year 1920 as compared with 1914; what was the total remuneration paid to the officials, and the number thereof actually responsible for the administration of each of the funds for the years 1914 and 1920; and whether he can give particulars of any other work undertaken by these officials other than that of the general management and control of the administration of the respective funds?

The accounts and records of the Ministry of Health are not kept in such a form as to enable the whole of the detailed information desired by the hon. Member to be readily supplied. I am, however, having a complete statement prepared on the various points raised in the question, and a copy will be sent to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health if he can give the House any information showing the increase during the last six weeks in Poor Law relief, with the names of the districts where this is especially noticeable?

The names of the Poor Law unions in which the numerical increase is greatest are:

In England. —Lanchester (County Durham), Auckland, Ecclesall Bierlow, Pontefract, Wakefield, Gateshead, Doncaster, Worksop, Middlesbrough, West Ham, Manchester, Wolverhampton, Cannock, Houghton-le-Spring and Sheffield.

In Wales. —Merthyr Tydfil, Bedwellty, Neath, Pontypridd, Swansea, Wrexham and Cardiff.

I should add that in the case of a few unions from which returns for the 30th April have not yet been received the figures for the 23rd April have been taken for inclusion in the Table.

asked the President of the Board of Education the total amount of grants to education authorities for elementary and secondary education, respectively, in the standard year 1913–14, and also the corresponding amounts for the last year for which statistics are available?

The grants paid by the Board of Education to local education authorities in England and Wales were as follow:

The number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on the 19th March, 1921, and the 30th April, 1921 (excluding lunatics in asylums, persons in receipt of medical relief only, and casuals), was as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of certificated and uncertificated teachers employed in elementary and secondary schools in England and Wales for the year 1919–20?

On the 31st March, 1920, there were employed in or in connection with elementary (including special) schools maintained by local education authorities in England and Wales, 114,671 certificated and 35,596 uncertificated teachers. The classification of teachers as certificated and uncertificated does not apply in secondary schools, and I have no figures later than 1913 showing the number of teachers in those schools who hold the Board's certificate.

asked the President of the Board of Education the amount of the salary bill for certificated and uncertificated teachers, respectively, in State-aided schools in England and Wales for the financial year 1919–20?

The expenditure of local education authorities on salaries of teachers in public elementary schools in England and Wales in 1919–20 included, approximately, £25,239,000 for certificated teachers and £4,294,500 for uncertificated teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether Parliament has ordered that the enforcement of compulsory attendance at continuation schools until the age of 18 should be deferred until seven years from the appointed day; whether any Order of a like kind was made or contemplated by Parliament in respect of such attendance until the age of 16 from the appointed day; and, if not, by what constitutional authority are the Board of Education justified in permitting local education authorities to postpone, modify, or authorise schemes for the establishment of continuation schools for the lower of these age limits?

The fixing of appointed days for the purposes of Section 10 of the Education Act, 1918, is expressly reserved to the Board by Section 52 (3) of the Act, and in their consideration of the question the Board must have regard to circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether France, Italy, Belgium, and the other Allies, whose obligations have been increased in the last 12 months, are paying the interest on these loans; if the interest is added to the indebtedness; and what is the interest charged?

With minor exceptions no interest is actually being paid by the Allies in respect of their obligations, the amount charged on account of interest being added for bookkeeping purposes to the capital debt outstanding. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 10th instant to the hon. Member for Dunfermline District (Mr. Wallace).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will issue a statement showing in detail the receipts from Customs and from Excise for 1920–21, and the corresponding Estimates for 1921–22, Customs and Excise to be shown separately in each case?

The following table shows, under the several heads of duty, the estimated revenue from Customs and Excise in 1921–22, as compared with the approximate receipts in 1920–21: