asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Jewish population of Upper Silesia, comprising 20,000 people, a large proportion of the industrial population, voted unanimously in favour of remaining with Germany, knowing that their welfare lies with that country; and will cognisance be taken of that fact in the plebiscite award?

The future of Upper Silesia will be decided in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles, which does not provide for any distinction being drawn between the votes of different races, sects or creeds.

Whatever the final decision about Upper Silesia, will the minority clauses be enforced with regard to these Jewish minorities?

I have no doubt that will be done.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision by the tribunal sitting in Belgium on the Polish-Lithuanian dispute is in any way binding on His Majesty's Government; and whether, in view of the action of Polish irregulars in Silesia, as formerly in Vilna, and the improper support obtained for such action elsewhere, he will now recognise the independence of Lithuania de jure as well as de facto?

There is no tribunal in Brussels, as suggested. Monsieur Hymans has been delegated by the League of Nations to preside over conferences between Polish and Lithuanian delegates in Brussels, and will submit any solution that may be reached to the Council of the League of Nations for its decision. De jure recognition of Lithuania must be decided upon its merits apart from the question of Upper Silesia.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Monsieur Hymans, who is presiding over this Conference, is alleged to have given a decision that Lithuania should be subject to Poland?

I do not know whether he has or has not given a decision, but whenever he does he will report to the League of Nations.

Is it not a misapprehension to talk about Monsieur Hymans giving any "decision" at all? Is he not there merely to try and induce these parties to come to an agreement between themselves?

That is what I said. Perhaps in answer to a supplementary question I should not have put the matter as I did, but have said that the result, whatever it may be, will be reported to the League of Nations.

In any case, may we take it that the fact that Lithuania has not been recognised de jure will not be used to prejudice the case of Lithuania before this tribunal and before the League of Nations?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Persian Government proposes to dispense with the services of certain British officers and civilian officials who were employed in Persia under the terms of the lapsed Anglo-Persian Agreement of 1919; and whether, subject to adequate compensation being paid to these officials for termination of contract, His Majesty's Government will accord to Persia complete freedom in any such action?

Such information as I have recently received does not substantiate the intention attributed to the Persian Government in the first part of the question. The other points do not therefore arise. My hon. Friend will, however, realise that the political situation in Teheran is at present somewhat unstable.

Under any circumstances, is it for any foreign Government to accord complete freedom to the Government of the King of Kings?

I should like to discuss that with my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement upon the state of affairs in Persia as regards Bolshevik influence or its absence, and the attitude of the Shah's present Government in regard to military matters, and particularly to the South Persian Rifles?

The representative of the Russian Soviet Government has recently arrived in Teheran. The Persian Government were endeavouring to raise and train a suitable force for the maintenance of internal order and in-tended to take over the force hitherto known as the South Persian Rifles. The Persian Prime Minister, Seyed Zia-ed-din, has, however, now resigned, and the Government appears to be temporarily in the hands of a military dictator. How far this may be connected with the arrival of the Soviet Emissary at Teheran, I am unable at present to say. In these circumstances, while His Majesty's Government are watching events attentively, it is too soon to make any more definite statement regarding future developments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information he has regarding the political complexion of the Angora Turkish Government in Asia Minor; whether it is still acting in close touch with Moscow; and whether the recent hanging of a British-Indian subject is due to representation made by the Russian Soviet Government?

The latest information regarding the political complexion of the Angora Government is that the extremists are in the ascendant. It is in close touch with the Russian Soviet Government, but I have no information to show that the recent hanging of a British Indian subject was the result of Russian representations.

Have any representations been made to the Angora Government with regard to the hanging of British subjects?

Communication is at present very difficult. Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in closing camps of Armenian and other refugees; and what is the monthly cost now being incurred on this account?

Everything possible is being done to absorb permanently the Armenian refugees in Mesopotamia who are capable of colonising the healthier districts. The remainder will be repatriated as soon as some reasonable guarantee of their personal safety has been received. A telegram was recently sent to the High Commissioner enquiring the monthly cost of their maintenance. No reply has yet been received. The Assyrian camp at present costs 400,000 rupees, approximately, £26,666 a a month. It is hoped to dispose of the inmates at a comparatively early date, partly by repatriation and partly by allotting them land for settlement, together with a small capital for the purchase of stock, etc. Steps are being taken to remove all the remaining Russian refugees from Mesopotamia at a very early date. Approximately, a sum of £9,700 is being incurred monthly on the maintenance of those Russian refugees who are under British control in camps in Egypt, Cyprus, and at Tuzla, near Constantinople. There is a further charge of £10,000 per month for those refugees who have been taken over by the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government. I would refer the hon. Baronet to the reply which I gave to him on 24th February last.

Does my hon. Friend think that these refugees will ever go away if they are not to be returned until there are reasonable guarantees or provision has been made for them?

The hon. Member is referring to the Armenian refugees. We cannot launch them into the wilderness, and leave them to their fate.

Are any of the Assyrian refugees in Mesopotamia being enlisted in the local Mesopotamian forces?

I do not know. I would like notice of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that it is the wish of the lower deck that the Welfare Committee should be again formed and a sitting held this year; and can he hold out any hope that this will be done?

The Commanders-in-Chief at the home ports have been directed to ascertain the feelings of the men in regard to this matter. The action of the Admiralty must depend upon the reports received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make any statement regarding naval officers' marriage allowances?

I regret that I am unable to add anything to my previous replies on this subject.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House when he thinks he will be in a position to give some definite reply to this request, which has been preferred so often during the present Session?

I know my hon. Friend appreciates some of the difficulties, but I hope to be able to make a definite statement when the First Lord's Vote comes on.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many paymaster-lieutenant-commanders or paymaster-lieutenants have been appointed to relieve the chief writers at the naval ports; whether he is aware that the decision of the Admiralty as given to the Welfare Committee was to the effect that if the responsibilities of these posts should become too great for chief writers warrant writers should be appointed in lieu; can he say whether this decision has been carried out in letter and in spirit; and, if not, can he give any reason why a departure has been made?

No chief writers at the ports have been relieved by paymaster lieutenant-commanders or paymaster-lieutenants. The remaining portions of the question do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what documents Sir Julian Corbett will have access in compiling the Naval History of the War, and which of these documents will not be available to Members of Parliament or the general public?

Sir Julian Corbett has access to all the Admiralty papers covering the period of the War, and also to relevant papers that may be furnished him by the Committee of Imperial Defence. Apart from such despatches and reports as may have been published, none of these documents is available to Members of Parliament or the general public.

Could the hon. Gentleman circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the documents—just the titles of the documents?

I think that would be too long a task.

Does that mean that Sir Julian Corbett will have access to Board minutes, such as those on the Battle of Jutland in which each member of the Board commented on that battle?

I would prefer to have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the post-War disability scale of pensions will be applied to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines?

The post-War scales will become operative 30 days after the official termination of the War. It is anticipated that detailed particulars will be ready for publication at an early date. The regulations governing the application of the post-War scales to pre-War disability pensioners who have served in the present War are now practically complete, and as soon as some minor details have been settled, the work of reassessing these pre-War pensions will be taken into hand.

Will they be paid automatically, or will each individual have to apply?

I think they will be paid automatically.

May I take it that the reply given is in effect the same as the reply given to me to an unstarred question?

I believe the answers in both cases are identical.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the arrangement recently made in the dockyards as to the order of discharge of men serving in the yards is being carried out, or if ex-service men are being discharged while men not ex-service men, who entered the yard after August, 1914, are being retained?

The order of discharge laid down by the Admiralty is being observed, but it does not follow that ex-service men recently entered on a casual basis, whose entry was made possible by those already employed being put on short time, are retained in preference to the earlier entrants.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the estate of every man of the lower deck who was killed on service during the War was credited with the full amount of prize money, that is, prize money for 30 months' sea service, but that those men who were wounded, or injured by shell-fire, torpedo, or the like, and who, having escaped with their lives, were discharged as invalids, are only being given the proportion of prize money due to their length of active service during the War; and if he will remedy this state of things?

Under the Proclamation of the 10th February, 1919, the maximum rates of prize money which could have been earned, having regard to the date of entry, are payable not only to the estates of those who lost their lives in action or other casualty whilst on qualifying service, but also to those who, as a result of wounds or injuries so received, were invalided or were certified as medically fit for shore duty only.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the reasons for the delay in distributing the balance of prize money due from the late War; whether a further payment on account can be made; how many persons are engaged in administering this fund; who is at their head; what is the total of the salaries paid to these persons; and whether these salaries are chargeable to the Prize Fund?

Prize proceeds can only become available for distribution as the accounts relating to the several seizures are completed by the various Prize Courts concerned, and the balances are transferred to the Naval Prize Fund. The collection of such proceeds is being made as rapidly as circumstances permit. In view of the large number of beneficiaries (nearly 500,000) and the labour involved in each distribution, the accretion of a very considerable amount is necessary before a further payment is justifiable, and it is not considered that such further distribution (which will be final) will be practicable until the early part of next year. The branch of the Accountant - General's Department charged with the administration of the fund comprises about 180 persons, but it is responsible not only for the investigation of claims and payment of prize money, but also for the record of services for the determination of claims to medals, etc. Their salaries, amounting approximately to £42,000 a year, are not chargeable against the Prize Fund.

Will the hon. Gentleman reconsider the decision not to make further payments on account, in view of the fact that many of the people to whom prize money is due are in a state of the greatest distress at the present moment?

I am afraid it would be very difficult and costly to do so. It would mean that the whole staff now engaged on medal work would have to be taken off that work in order to deal with this distribution and those awaiting medals would be kept a long time.

Is it not a fact that some of these men would rather wait for the medals than wait for the prize money?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Secretary to the Admiralty is a member of the Board; and, if so, when this change was first brought about?

For all practical purposes, both the Parliamentary and the Permanent Secretary have always been members of the Board, taking part in the Board meetings and having definite administrative spheres assigned to them by the First Lord under the Order in Council defining the constitution of the Board. Although they are not Lords Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral, this has never affected the practical position, as may be seen from the fact that the earliest Order in Council (of 1869) defining the constitution of the Board placed the Civil Lord under the direction of the Parliamentary Secretary.

May I take it then that the position is exactly the same as it was formerly—that no change has been made?

That is so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Government of Peru has yet made any remittance in respect of the claims made against them by the British emigrants who went out to Peru on the representations of their Consul in London, and subsequently returned to this country, owing to the fact that conditions there were not as represented?

No remittance has as yet been received from the Government of Peru in respect of the claims made by emigrants from this country, but I understand that a decree was signed by the President on 19th May, authorising an advance payment of £2,000 to be paid throught the Peruvian Legation in London. As soon as this money is received a distribution will be made.

Has the Peruvian Government admitted its total liability in the matter?

No, Sir, I do not think that is so, but the President, pending investigation, has authorised an advance to us of £2,000.

Does the British Government propose to accept that in full settlement of the Peruvian Government's liability?

That depends on investigation of the particular claims, and a good many claims have been sent in. Some of these naturally are at the very highest figure, and we can only ask the Peruvian Government to pay those claims which we have ourselves verified.

In the interim cannot the Government make some advance towards these men until this £2,000 is paid, as many of them are absolutely destitute and entirely dependent on Poor Law relief?

Some advance has been made. I have written to my hon. Friend or that very subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a statement in the Press on 20th May with regard to ex-service men in the building trade; whether the number of ex-service men employed on that date was seven; and what is the exact number of ex-service men now employed under the scheme?

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men have now applied under the Government scheme for employment in the building trades, and how many are now employed?

16,244 ex-service men have now applied for employment under the scheme. In spite of the increasing industrial stagnation due to the coal mines dispute, I am glad to say that building trade employers in London, and His Majesty's Office of Works, are starting to-day to employ ex-service men on jobs on which there is a shortage of bricklayers, plasterers, slaters or tilers. Over 50 men have been taken on and have already started work under the scheme; 70 others have been allocated to employers in the London area, and should be starting to-day or to-morrow. As my hon. Friends have doubtless seen from the Press, in order that there may be no misunderstanding, notices have been posted in all the jobs in the London area that the job is only open, so far as bricklayers, plasterers, slaters and tilers are concerned, to men who are willing to work and to assist ex-service men to learn such trades. Any suggestion that the urgent necessity for more building trade operatives does not continue is contrary to the facts.

What are the conditions of employment?

I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the scheme in all its details.

Of these 16,000 men, how many have started?

Fifty men have started work already, and some of the others will be started to-day or to-morrow. I must point out the great difficulties that were in the way of implementing this scheme, which began on 18th April, when we were in a period of industrial trouble.

Are we to under-stand that the net increase since this time last week amounts to 105 men either in employment or expecting employment?

Yes, if you include those who are to start to-day or to-morrow.

Is that confined to London, or does it apply to the whole country?

The fifty taken on are general; the seventy referred to are in the London area.

How many are in the country areas?

The building employers have undoubtedly been under great difficulties because of the stagnation in the industrial world, and therefore progress has been very much slower than either they or I wished. We hope that now the scheme may go ahead.

Have similar steps been taken with regard to plasterers, who are in a still more difficult position than bricklayers—or, at any rate, quite as difficult a position?

They are included

asked the Minister of Labour if any of the trainees under the training scheme are sent to political organisations for the purpose of learning to be political agents or to occupy similar positions; and, if so, how many are thus employed; do they receive payment from the State; and where are such trainees at present placed?

Four ex-service men are being thus trained. These men specially asked for this form of training under the business training scheme, which was designed to reduce unemploymen amongst ex-service men of higher educational qualifications. During their training they receive the normal maintenance allowances provided under that scheme. The training was limited to a period not exceeding one year and on conclusion a guarantee of 12 months' employment at a salary of not less than £4 a week was given by the employers in accordance with the scheme.

Do I understand that if a political organisation apply to the Minister of Labour they may be able to obtain assistance for nothing?

No. Any organisation which will undertake to train an ex-officer or a man with similar qualifications, and after that guarantee him employment at a minimum rate, will, if it is a proper case, get a maintenance allowance. Perhaps my hon. Friend will make this known, that I shall be glad to know of any political organisation that is able to give these chaps a job.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question and state where such trainees are at present placed?

I can, as a matter of fact. One is at the Unionist Central Offices and three with the National Unionist Association. I am glad this question is on the Paper, because there may be other political organisations who may be prepared to take these young fellows into training.

Will you give them the opportunity to finish their education by extending it to the Central Labour College?

Is there any objection to these men when they are trained going to any political organisation they like, such as the Labour party or the Liberal party, and is it not a fact that there is real scope for properly trained political agents in all the parties?

If there be an undertaking given by the firm or the political society to train these men, and give them work at the end, and if the scheme be a proper one, I give it my assistance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can yet state the result of his investigations into the adequacy of the piece-rates paid to workers in the linen trade at Belfast?

The inspections so far carried out have shown that some of the piece-rates paid by the firms which were inspected were insufficient to yield the piece-work basis time-rate fixed by the Trade Board, which was made obligatory in April. Undertakings have been given to increase the rates in question so as to comply with the requirements of the Acts, and steps are being taken to deal with the other firms in the trade as rapidly as possible.

Is it not a fact that in some instances these rates were fixed so high that they could not be paid?

I do not think so.

They never paid them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is a strike of dock labourers at Glasgow harbour and that an office for the employment of free labourers to take the place of the strikers has been opened at the Windsor Hotel, Glasgow; whether this hotel is leased by the Ministry of Labour and is used to house various Government Departments; whether the agency now located in the same building is to be considered a Government Department: and, in view of the resentment of trade unionists in the city and also of ex-service men who attend this hotel for medical treatment, he will take steps to have this agency closed forthwith?

I am aware of the circumstances of this case. As regards the second part of the question, the Windsor Hotel is leased by the Office of Works for the accommodation of various Government Departments. The Office for the Employment of Free Labourers at Glasgow harbour was transferred from the Windsor Hotel on the 24th ultimo.

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly answer that part of, the question as to whether this agency is to be considered part of a Government Department for the enlistment of blackleg labour?

No, Sir. It is a voluntary organisation, and as soon as attention was drawn to it, it was removed.

Under whose authority was this agency brought from another place in Glasgow and located in a Government building?

I suppose it was done by the local representative in charge of the enlistment, but I do not know.

asked the Minister of Labour how many women and girls are now claiming unemployment benefit under the general classification of domestic service; what in general is the character of their former occupations; and what fresh means are being taken to ensure that local employment committees do not continue the payment of unemployment benefit to those who are suitable for private domestic service?

The number of women and girls on the live registers of the Employment Exchanges under the general classification of domestic service claiming unemployment benefit on the 13th May were 26,550 and 713 respectively. Their previous employments cover a great variety of women's trades. They must in all cases have been employed for a substantial period in some occupation other than private domestic service, as they would not otherwise be entitled to benefit; 85 per cent. of them were in fact claiming in respect of contributions paid in some insurable employment, other than private domestic service. Constant attention is paid to the possibility of offering domestic service vacancies to applicants on the register, and the local employment committees are scrutinising the list of applicants in order 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 may add that in the first four months of this year 52,400 domestic service vacancies of one kind and another for women have been found by the Employment Exchanges.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state how long this special service register has been in preparation, and if it is now completed?

It has been in course of completion about two months, speaking off-hand.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a case at Jarrow Police Court, on the 26th May last, when a woman admitted that, though she had not worked for four years and that her husband was in work, she and one of her daughters were each drawing 16s. per week unemployment benefit; whether any similar cases of women, married and single, who have never worked since the Armistice and are still receiving unemployment benefit have occurred; and whether any steps can be taken to prevent such a state of affairs in future?

My attention has been called to this case. The claim to benefit in each case was in respect of contributions paid during insurable work. I am informed that the daughter has recently fallen out of employment, and there appears to be no reason to challenge her claim to benefit. As regards the mother, the benefit has been suspended and the case referred to the Local Employment Committee. Existing arrangements provide for a review by the Local Employment Committees of the cases of women applicants for benefit, except those on systematic short time. A large number of cases had already been reviewed by the Local Committee at Jarrow, and disallowed by the Insurance Officer. At the date in question, the view had not been completed, and the women applicants referred to were among those whose cases had not then been examined. The local employment committees throughout the country are dealing with this matter as expeditiously as the circumstances permit.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the State has not suffered financially by reason of the undue delay in the revision of these cases?

With these vast numbers there is necessarily some difficulty, but perhaps my Noble Friend will look at an answer I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for South-East Essex (Lieut.-Colonel Hilder), a copy of which I will send him.

asked the Minister of Labour if advances are made to trades unions paying the State unemployment benefits so as to avoid the necessity of their obtaining loans to meet the current payments; if he is aware that, as the result of the burdens thrown on some trades unions, they are abandoning the distribution of these grants; and, if so, if he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The Unemployment Insurance Act provides for repayments to associations of moneys already disbursed by them in State employment benefit, but does not authorise issue of funds to them until they have made the payments. The administrative expenses allowed to the associations by the Act are intended to include provision for interest on the amount outstanding from time to time. I am aware, however, that in the present very exceptional circumstances the payments of State benefit by the associations are abnormally large, and that it is not always possible to make repayments to them as quickly as I should wish. I am therefore prepared to make emergency arrangements where necessary for substantial repayments in anticipation of the normal procedure.

Is it not a fact that some trades unions have had to withdraw from the distribution of the grants and that the Potters' Union had to borrow £30,000 to make the necessary payments?

I think I dealt with that case.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether any Government loans are being made to any trade unions for the payment of unemployment benefit, and whether it is intended to do so under the extraordinary circumstances which prevail at the present time?

There is no loan, and it is not intended to make any loans. What I have said is that I am prepared to make emergency arrangements, and I am doing so at the present time.

asked the Minister of Labour if the cases of casual labourers at Liverpool Docks who were refused unemployment benefit during Easter week and the two days following has been brought to his notice; and if he will give the necessary instructions that these men shall receive these arrears in common with other casual labourers who received unemployment benefit under similar conditions?

I have made inquiries in these cases and find that they have been dealt with in accordance with the usual practice, that is, that benefit has not been paid for day of holiday. I am causing inquiry to be made into the cases referred to by my hon. Friend, in which benefit has been paid.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men under similar circumstances have been paid and that these men have been refused, although the circumstances are the same?

That is what I propose to inquire into. The practice under the law has been followed, but I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the cases of workmen in St. Helens whose unemployment benefit has been refused on the grounds that they had received the annual yearly bonus from the firm for whom they worked; and, if so, on what grounds was the unemployment benefit refused these men?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Wirrall (Mr. Stewart) on the 4th May, from which he will see that unemployment benefit is not payable in respect of a period of holiday with pay. I understand that in this case it is customary for the firm to allow a week's holiday with pay, and that the present holidays were taken during a period of suspension. The decision not to allow benefit for the holidays therefore appears to be in order, but it is of course open to the claimant to appeal to a Court of Referees in accordance with the statutory procedure.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this case men got the bonus irrespective of anything else?

I think it is very simple. There is a week's holiday allowed in the year, and the men took it during the period of suspension and asked for unemployment benefit, which was refused

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that under the existing regulations of the Unemployment Insurance Act casual dock labourers employed intermittently for three halfdays per week are in consequence deprived of unemployment benefit for the remaining four-and-a-half days; and will he consider the question as affecting such casual labourers so as to qualify them for each actual day idle?

It is expressly provided by the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, that unemployment benefit is not payable in respect of any period of less than one day, and I have no power to alter this rule. A man working three half-days in a week is not necessarily unable to draw benefit for one or more of the other days of the week. His right benefit depends on whether the days of complete unemployment are or are not continuous under the definition given in Section 7 (2) ( b ) of the Act, a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a grave injustice is being inflicted on these men, and ought not something to be done to remedy it?

What was done was done under the Act.

The right hon. Gentleman makes no kind of attempt to remove this gross injustice.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has recently received a communication from the Pressed and Stamped Metal Trade Board concerning the delay to give effect to his promise of the 23rd March last, that the numerous questions relative to the scope of its operations would be dealt with promptly; and whether he can see his way to expedite consideration of the matters submitted for his decision with the view to an early settlement of the same?

I have been in communication with the Trade Board since my answer to my hon. Friend's question on the 23rd March, and on the 25th May I wrote to the Board inviting it to send representatives to discuss with officers of my Department an amended draft definition of the trade, which will be before the Board at its next meeting on the 3rd June. My hon. Friend will, of course, realise that the points at issue are of great difficulty and complexity, and must necessarily involve consultation with representatives of important interests not covered by the Trade Board before a definite decision can be reached.

asked the Minister of Labour the present position regarding the application submitted to him in April, 1920, by the Aerated Water Trade Board for an enlargement of its powers so as to cover the operations of persons engaged in bottle-washing, bottling, and filling, and all subsidiary processes preparatory to the sale of alcoholic beverages, when such operations are carried out apart from the manufacture of mineral waters; whether he has received several requests for his decision on the points raised; and will he say when it is proposed that such decision shall be announced?

Investigations have been made into the circumstances in which the bottling of beer, wines, and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages is carried on, and I am in communication with the trade associations concerned on the subject of the Trade Board's proposal. As my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, there are many different classes of trades engaged in the sale and distribution of alcoholic liquors who are not at present covered by the Trade Board, and who would be affected by the proposed amendment of the Aerated Waters Trade Order. My information is not yet complete, but, as a result of the investigations already made, I find that the proposal involves a considerable extension of the operation of the Trade Boards Acts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make that extension?

I am considering that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a letter, dated 26th May, from the Incorporated Association of Retail Distributors requesting him to secure a reconsideration of the minimum rates of wages provisionally fixed by the Grocery and Provision Trade Board; and whether, in view of the fact that the rates recently forwarded for his confirmation were fixed when the cost of living was 48 points higher than it is now, and in view of the fact that the bringing into force these rates must inevitably lead to further dismissals of employés, thereby increasing the present evils of unemployment, he will order the reconsideration of these rates?

The rates in question have been submitted to me by the Board for confirmation. In coming to my decision I shall take into account all the relevant factors, including those mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the employers, who have to pay whatever increased rate of wages may be fixed, before deciding?

The employers are represented on their side of the case, and any further representation made to me I shall be glad to consider.

Are any representations made by the customers?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that payment of assimilation arrears due from 1st July, 1920, under the Whitley Scheme have not yet been made to the Irish staff of the Ministry of Labour Employment Department; and whether, seeing that the staff in Great Britain was paid two months ago and that Sir James Masterson Smith gave an undertaking in October last that any agreement reached in regard to the service in Great Britain would apply equally to the Irish staff, he will see that this undertaking is carried into effect?

It is quite true that an undertaking has been given that the agreement reached regarding the reorganisation of the Departmental Class of the Employment and Insurance Department in Great Britain shall apply equally to the staff of the Employment Branch of the Irish Department; and my hon. Friend may rest assured that this undertaking will be honoured. But the reorganisation of the Irish Department of the Ministry of Labour presents peculiar difficulties at the present time, and it has not been found practicable to reorganise the Employment Branch of the Irish Department without completing the reorganisation of the Irish Department as a whole. But these difficulties are being examined with care, and I hope that they will be removed without undue delay.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will now make available for Members a complete file of the "Weekly Summary," as promised in the House on 4th May?

As I have already said in this House, early copies of the "Weekly Summary" are not available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Attorney-General for Ireland stated in the House on the 4th May that he would do every- thing in his power to get the back numbers? Does he say there are no copies on the file in Dublin Castle?

Months ago I asked for all copies, in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy). I was unable to get them. It is my regret that I cannot supply them to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Can hon. Members take any steps to secure copies for themselves, or are they liable to prosecution?

asked the Chief Secretary whether the trial of two constables for having beaten and shot John P. Greene, a Kitchener scholar at University College, Galway, on 14th May, 1921, is proceeding; whether his attention has been drawn to the treatment of James S. R. A. Egan, health insurance inspector for County Mayo, on the same day, and the shooting of Daniel Gilloway, at Magmore, County Clare; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with these?

On a point of Order. Is not this question, as framed by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, calculated to prejudice the fair trial of two constables? It says, "whether the trial of two constables for having beaten and shot". Should not the question be worded, "on the allegation of having beaten and shot"?

I agree. I think the word "alleged" should be in the question.

With your permission I will add that word. HON. MEMBERS "Withdraw!"]

In the cases of John Green and James Egan, two constables are awaiting trial on charge of attempted murder. In the case of Daniel Killoughrey, the Court of Inquiry, in lieu of inquest, found that death was due to a bullet wound inflicted by Crown forces in the execution of their duty, and that no member of the Crown forces was to blame

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the discontent among the prison officers owing to the delay in promulgating the assimilation scheme; when this will come into force; when it is intended to adjust the pensions of prison officers who retired since 1st April, 1920, and who have not received the benefit of the full percentage to their pensions in accordance with the National Whitley Council Report; and whether it is proposed to pay the temporary staff the bonus due to them from 1st March last?

The decisions of the Treasury on the several outstanding matters arising out of the assimilation of the Irish to the English prison service have now been received, and will be promulgated within the next few days. The consequential adjustment of pensions affected will follow. In regard to the closing part of the question, all the temporary staff in the Irish prisons service are in receipt of the bonus due to them from 1st March last.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the creameries of Glenmore, Glen-pipe, and Mullinvat, and consequently four auxiliary creameries, were closed by order of the military on 25th May last; that all these creameries are situated in South Kilkenny, within easy reach of Waterford and in a district in which no ambushes have occurred and no member of the Crown forces has been killed or even fired at; and that the closing of these co-operative creameries will mean a loss of some 10 tons of butter a day, great hardship to the farmers in the district, and a raising of the price of butter to the English consumer; and what was the reason for this action?

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to an order of the Military Governor, issued 24th May, closing down two creameries at Bansha; and whether the policy of closing down creameries as a reprisal for attacks on the forces of the Crown is a part of the policy of His Majesty's Government?

I explained fully the circumstances in which certain creameries have been closed in the martial-law area in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on the 30th May. In some cases prior to the closing of the creamery, murderous attacks have taken place on members of the Crown forces. At Bansha, for instance, four constables while leaving the Roman Catholic Church were fired at by armed men hidden behind the wall of the Protestant Rectory. One constable was murdered, and the remaining three were wounded. I have no doubt that in the other cases quoted the military authorities had adequate grounds for the action taken.

With reference to my question, which I object to being answered with the other, as it is entirely different, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been no attack of any sort on the Crown forces in this area at all; and, further, how can the farmers, who are not allowed to have arms, prevent the Irish Republican Army from trenching the roads? How in human nature can they prevent them from doing it?

That would really require an argument.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will make inquiries into the circumstances under which Michael Ryan, of Ballybrack, was shot dead, while crossing one of his father's fields, by armed forces of the Crown on 12th May last?

The Court of Inquiry in this case found that deceased was shot by members of the Crown forces in the execution of their duty, he having failed to half when called upon to do so, and that no blame attached to any member of the Crown forces. According to the evidence, Ryan was on the road when challenged by the patrol, but he jumped a hedge and endeavoured to get away. He was called upon to halt three times before he was fired upon.

How far was this man away when he was called upon to halt?

How many men, can the right hon. Gentleman say, have been shot in Ireland for this kind of thing?

I think notice should be given of that question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received any report of the inquiry into the circumstances under which Patrick Goffan, aged seven years, of Ballinagree, was fatally wounded by a shot fired by a soldier on the 21st April last?

This occurred in the martial-law area, and I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that this very sad case was the result of a tragic mistake. Troops were patrolling rough ground in a mountainous district where a flying column of rebels was reported to be operating, and this boy was shot and wounded. The wounds were quite superficial, and at first he progressed favourably, but toxæmia supervened after four days and proved fatal. The Court of Inquiry found that no blame attached to any member of the Crown forces in the matter.

Will any compensation be paid to the relatives of this infant shot by the agents of the right hon. Gentleman? [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw! Withdraw!"]

The hon. and gallant Gentleman ought not to make allegations of that kind in a supplementary question, which would not be allowed, according to the rules of the House, to be put on the Paper.

Withdraw! Withdraw!

If the House would allow me to deal with this matter, it would be better.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker—

Black-and-Tans!

In view of the most serious accusation that has been made against the Crown forces, and not substantiated, I desire to ask you whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite (Captain Benn) ought not to withdraw his accusation, or substantiate it?

I have sufficiently indicated, I think, that in my view a supplementary question ought not to be put in a form in which it would not be allowed on the Order Paper.

asked the Chief Secretary what Report he has received with reference to the destruction of Tincurry House, county Tipperary, on 14th May; and what action he is taking in the matter?

My right hon. and gallant Friend is aware that on receipt of the further particulars in regard to this case, I at once asked the Commander-in-Chief to make the fullest inquiry into the allegations contained therein. I regret to state that owing to the great difficulty of communication in the martial law area the Commander-in-Chief has not yet been able to let me have that Report. If my right hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to repeat his question one day early next week, I hope that I shall be in a position to give him the desired information.

I understand there is no doubt—[HON. MEMBERS "Order!"]—I wish to ask my right hon. and gallant Friend whether he cannot now issue an order that no house shall be burnt down in Ireland except on purely military grounds, such, for instance, as a house being used for an ambush, or if it is known to be occupied by people reasonably supposed to be participants in outrages—cannot he issue such an order?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman has been a soldier himself, and is an ex-Secretary of State for War. He knows that when martial law is proclaimed in a given area in Ireland or elsewhere, the Commander-in-Chief is responsible. What I shall do is to send the question of the right hon. Gentleman to the Commander-in-Chief, and ask him to send me back an answer clearly defining the ground on which any reprisal takes place in any area.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Commander-in-Chief what object there is in competing with arson in Ireland?

Would it not be a better course to have implicit confidence in the competent military authorities?

asked the Chief Secretary whether the principal of the publicity branch of his office receives a salary from the Ministry of Health Vote; what salary he receives; and, in view of the fact that his services are apparently not required by the Ministry of Health, whether they will be dispensed with as unnecessary if paid for from the Irish Office Vote?

The Principal of the Publicity Branch, who is lent by the Ministry of Health, continues to draw his salary, which is at the rate of £800 per annum plus bonus, from the Vote of that Department. The Ministry of Health is one of a number of Departments which have at considerable inconvenience placed the services of experienced officers at the disposal of the Irish Government. The arrangements made are in accordance with usual rules of the service, and there is no reason for departing from this arrangement on the present occasion.

Arising out of that—

We really must not have so many supplementary questions.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can give any particulars of the murder of Major Compton Smith, D.S.O., Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who left his home in mufti to meet the monthly nurse who was coming to attend on his wife, and was seized and has since disappeared; and why it has been impossible to obtain information hitherto?

Major Compton Smith disappeared on 16th April, and a communication was subsequently received from the rebels intimating that it was intended to murder him if certain executions at Cork were carried out on 28th April. These executions took place. Five undated and unposted letters written by Major Compton Smith, together with his silver cigarette case, have recently been captured in a raid on Sinn Fein premises in Dublin used as an office by Michael Collins. From these letters I fear that there is no doubt that this gallant officer has been foully murdered.

May I ask why, after having made inquiries from the Irish Office since the resumption of the House, I have not received any information on behalf of the widow and her friends, and it was left to me, through the medium of the Press, yesterday to learn the end of this gallant officer?

I must contradict that flatly. Every possible search has been taken and every possible information received has been communicated to the family of this gallant officer. His father is now seated in my room in the House of Commons waiting to see me in the vain hope of getting some news.

I inquired from the Attorney-General for Ireland the moment the House resumed. I have asked almost every day if he had any information to give, and I have received no reply.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number and the nature of the guard usually posted at the Dublin Customs House before it was burned?

No special guard beyond the ordinary police and military patrols was posted at the Customs House. It was regarded as incredible that any Irishmen would be guilty of wanton destruction of a building which was one of their nation's finest possessions.

( by Private Notice ). asked the Chief Secretary whether a Chancery Judge at Dublin, on the 26th May, ordered the issue of a Writ of Habeas Corpus to the Military Governor of Cork to produce on the 6th June the body of John R. Moylan, at present in custody in Cork; meanwhile, will he restrain action by the military in respect of Mr. Moylan's person, and, further, whether he is aware that Moylan's execution may take place on 4th June, and will he see that the writ is obeyed?

I received private notice of this question at five minutes to one to-day. I wired at once to Dublin, and I shall give the information I have received.

I gave you notice yesterday about it.

John R. Moylan came before a court-martial yesterday at Cork on two charges, one of levying war against the King, and the second of having in his possession improperly one revolver, 30 rounds of revolver ammunition, and 2 Mill's pattern bombs. The trial commenced yesterday. The accused was defended by counsel. The answer to the first part of the question is, I understand, substantially in the affirmative. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, all I can say is that the Court now stands adjourned until to-morrow.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the writ of Habeas Corpus which has been issued will be obeyed by the Military Court, or does it not run?

That is one of those very difficult legal questions which I cannot answer off-hand, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that if he will put a question down for to-morrow, or put one on Private Notice, I will do my best to give him a fuller answer. These cases in reference to the issue of writs of Habeas Corpus have been brought before the Court of King's Bench at Dublin, and certain momentous and decisive decisions have been come to in reference to the conduct of the Commander-in-Chief in the Martial Law area. On the specific point whether a writ has been issued in this case and as to the result of that issue, I cannot now give an answer.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, will he say that in the meantime, pending his inquiry and decision, the execution of this man shall not take place?

I have already said that the case has been adjourned, and therefore the man has not yet been found guilty.

Sentence is to be promulgated.

That is not my information.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the appreciable improvement in the health of urban populations at the present time, attributable by many medical authorities to the purer condition of the atmosphere due to reduced coal consumption; and has he considered the possibility of securing these same health advantages by means of measures for smoke abatement when coal consumption again becomes normal?

The time during which the consumption of coal has been reduced has not been sufficient for the confirmation or contradiction of the suggestion in the first part of the question. The whole question of the pollution of the atmosphere by smoke and other noxious vapours is receiving the consideration of a Departmental Committee under the Chairmanship of Lord Newton. I have no doubt that the Committee are fully conversant with the aspects of the problem to which the hon. Member refers.