asked the Postmaster-General (1) how many hours' unpaid overtime in excess of the normal working week of 38½ hours the permanent women clerks in the Savings Bank Department were compelled to work during the month of April;

(2) how many permanent women clerks, first and second class, in the Savings Bank Department, who did not earn overtime payment, were required to attend 42 hours in each week during the month of April, thus making up time for the Saturday half-holiday; whether these women have been compelled to work these additional hours without payment, not for exceptional business, but over a very long period, in order to clear off very heavy arrears accumulated during the War as a result of the employment of women on men's work; whether this habitual addition to hours contravenes the recommendation of Section 31 of the Report of the Organisation Committee of the Civil Service National Whitley Council that the clerical class should normally work seven hours daily and should normally be granted a weekly half-holiday?

The number of hours worked in excess of 38½ hours weekly during April for which overtime payment was not made was 18,007; and the number of women who attended 42 hours each week during April but did not earn overtime payment was 129. The additional hours have been worked with-out payment since December last. The arrears which rendered the overtime necessary were partly due to accumulation of work during the War and partly to shortage of staff. Vacancies in the staff are being filled, and I hope that the arrears of work will soon be greatly reduced. There is, in my opinion, no breach of the recommendations referred to, as the staff have but rarely been required to work on Saturday afternoons. The Report clearly lays down that payment for overtime should not be made except for attendance in excess of 42 hours per week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any and, if so, how many of the officers responsible for the elementary education of prisoners are certified teachers or hold any educational qualifications that would be recognised in a public elementary school; and whether the attainments of these officers are usually considered satisfactory if they pass what is known as a Grade 5 test?

All clerks and school-masters have had to qualify before the Civil Service Commissioners in the following subjects:

Reading.

Writing from dictation.

English composition.

Copying manuscript.

Arithmetic.

Digesting returns into summaries.

Book-keeping.

It is considered that this is a sufficient standard for carrying out the education system laid down for prisons. The school-mistresses have all been reported on by the Board of Education as being sufficiently educated.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that, whilst there are only 46,000 ex-service men temporary employés in the Government service, there are still not less than 60,000 temporary employés who are not ex-service men; and whether in the proposed reduction of the staffs of Government offices preferential treatment will be given to ex-service men?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the temporary employés of Government Departments number about 106,000, of whom 46,000 are ex-service men; whether he can give an assurance that the projected diminution in the numbers employed will not affect the ex-service men; whether former conscientious objectors are still employed in the Civil Service; and, if so, whether these persons will be dismissed first?

There were employed in a temporary capacity on the 1st May last, 55,000 ex-service men, 9,000 non-service men and 47,000 women. Of the latter a large proportion are employed upon work specially appropriate to women. I am not aware of any Departments in which conscientious objectors are temporarily employed. I cannot guarantee continued employment, irrespective of the requirements of the work, to any temporary employés, but when reductions in staff are effected, preferential treatment is accorded to ex-service men.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury is about to issue a new circular on superannuation as it affects the Civil Service; and what in that case will be the effect on the national financial liability for the payment of the Civil Service?

A circular is being issued by the Treasury to the Heads of Government Departments informing them of a number of decisions in regard to the calculation of superannuation awards, and I will send the hon. Member a copy. It is not possible at present to estimate with precision the effect of the provisions of the circular upon the non-effective charge, but I am satisfied, on the data available, that it will not be so large as to justify a refusal to make the changes proposed, which are required to remove the existing inequalities in treatment as between certain individuals and classes.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the agitation for placing the whole of the Civil Service on an established basis; and what, in this case, would be the cost to the nation of such a change?

I am aware that in certain quarters proposals have been put forward with a view to placing the whole of the Civil Service on an established basis. It is not possible to estimate the cost of such a radical change in the organisation of the Civil Service, as the cost would be materially affected by the conditions under which the new system was introduced. It would almost certainly prove to be very large.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is correct that 75 per cent. of the War bonus to the Civil Service is to be regarded as pensionable; and whether, when this bonus automatically disappears, owing to the fall in prices, this pensionable amount will disappear also?

As was explained to my hon. Friend the Member for Lambeth, Kennington Division (Mr. Purchase), on the 22nd December last, the superannuation allowances of civil servants are calculated in accordance with the scales laid down in the Superannuation Acts, 1834 to 1919, upon the actual salary received at the date of retirement, together with 75 per cent. of the bonus appropriate to that salary at the same date, except in cases where they are calculated upon the average salary and War bonus for the three years preceding the date of retirement. Pensions when once granted are not subject to periodical review in consequence of changes in the cost of living.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will assure the House that in future all demands for any increase in remuneration to sections of the Civil Service shall first be brought before the House for its approval, together with the reasons why this course is recommended?

I could not agree that all proposals to revise the pay of civil servants—whether these take the form of increases or reductions—should be submitted to this House before they are approved by the Government. The authority of the House to refuse to sanction any such items of expenditure when presented in the form of Estimates is already complete; and I can see no advantage in the change of system suggested in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the total amount paid by the Government in rent and rates for premises occupied by any Department in London and in the provinces, respectively, in the last financial year; and by what amount this exceeds the similar expenditure in 1913–14?

The Government owns or pays rent for several thousand premises, and makes contributions in aid of rates in respect of such properties. To prepare the computations desired by my hon. and gallant Friend would involve heavy work, and unless very clear reasons be shown for adding to the pressure on the staff of the Office of Works, I trust that I shall not be required to do more than state that rents have not materially increased since last year, although the amount paid in lieu of rates is larger this year than last. In each case, of course, the totals paid largely exceed the outlay of 1913–14. If my hon. and gallant Friend desires details in regard to specific cases I shall be glad to give the necessary information.

asked the Minister of Health whether boys of 15 engaged in the Ministry of Health are being paid 33s. 2d. per week, and that at 17 their pay ranges from 40s. to 51s. 9d.; and whether these salaries are nearly double those which are paid in the City?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Harborough (Sir K. Fraser) on the 11th instant, these weekly wages are in most cases general service rates, which are fixed for me by the Treasury. I do not accept the statement in the last part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to give the new post-War scales of pension; and can he say when these new scales will come into operation?

The post-War scales will become operative thirty 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 re-assessing these pre-War pensions will be taken into hand.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give the new post-War scales of pension; and when these new scales will come into operation?

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the post-War scale of disability pensions for soldiers. This will be included in the new Royal Warrant for the Pay, etc., of the Army which it is hoped will shortly be published, and the new scale will come into operation for cases arising more than 30 days after the official termination of the War.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the application of D. E. Carley, of the School House, Shelford, who was seriously wounded in 1918 near Ypres, and has since been suffering from his wound and has developed tuberculosis; whether due consideration has been given to the written statement, after full consideration, of Dr. Arthur Latham, F.R.C.P., that the strong probability is that the diseases from which Carley is now suffering was contracted in and by active ser-vice; whether the Ministry have communicated with Carley after receiving a copy of Dr. Latham's letter of 31st March; and, if so, to what effect?

My hon. Friend is no doubt referring to the case of Lieutenant D. E. Carley. The whole of the medical evidence, including that referred to in the question, has been very carefully reconsidered by my medical advisers, who, however, are unable to regard the tuberculosis as due to service. The case is now being forwarded to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal for tearing, and a letter to that effect was sent to the officer on the 25th May.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that for eight weeks past the pension book issuable at Oxford Road Post Office, Manchester, to ex-Private R. Reilly, No. 44,378, North Staffordshire Regiment, of 86, Percival Street, Manchester (12/MR/8697), has not been forthcoming; and whether he will expedite its issue and the payment of all arrears?

The pension book appears to have been lost in transit in the post, but a new book has been despatched and payment of arrears owing has been authorised.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether embodied Reservists of Section D who were formerly in receipt of first-class proficiency pay are now receiving it; and, if not, why not?

Under the instructions issued mobilised reservists who on transfer to the Reserve were in receipt of Class I Proficiency Pay are drawing proficiency pay whilst mobilised. This applies to those reservists who passed into Section D without a break in their service. Ex-soldiers who re-enlisted into Section D after an interval cannot draw proficiency pay until they qualify in the usual way.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who deserted during the War are still liable to punishment if they surrender?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Gentleman on the 17th February to a similar question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much of the £394,146,000 received during the past year from property, income, and Super-tax was derived from property and Income Tax and how much from Super-tax; and what was the amonnt of the yield of property and income from a 1d. Income Tax?

The estimated allocation of the Exchequer Receipt of Income Tax and Super-tax for 1920–21 is as follows:—

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Income Tax due in the financial year 1920–21 which has not yet been collected; whether, in his Budget Estimate for 1921–2, he took his anticipated payment into account; and, if so, whether he did so at its face value?

The estimated amount of Income Tax due for payment in the financial year 1920–21 which had not been collected by the 30th April, 1921, is £40,000,000. This amount represents the estimated sum collectable after that date, and due allowance is made in the Budget Estimates for 1921–22 for this factor.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the source and the amount of the two items of revenue, Receipts from Sundry. Loans £12,000,000 and Miscellaneous Receipts £21,500,000, on page 9 of Command Paper 89, of 1921?

The receipts from sundry loans are interest on War Loans to the Dominion Governments on the Suez Canal shares, and on various minor loans. The miscellaneous receipts include £2,400,000 from the Mint, £1,570,000 from Fee and Patent Stamps, £15,000,000 from Surplus Interest on the Currency Note Investment Account, and various smaller miscellaneous items. Details of all these receipts are shown in due course in the Annual Finance Accounts.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Indian frontier medal is to be granted for the operations in the Kuki Hills?

The question of an award for the operations in the Kuki Hills is under consideration with the War Office, and it is hoped that a decision may be reached shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India what decision has been arrived at with the War Office regarding the adjustment of the pay of those officers of the Indian Army who were retained in the Army on account of the War beyond the date on which they became due to be placed on the retired list?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to arrive at a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for India what was the total number of troops employed on the North-West Frontier of India in repelling the Afghan attack and the tribal risings during 1919?

Sir Charles Monro's Despatch, published in the "London Gazette" of 15th March, 1920, mentions that 340,000 men were at one time employed west of the Indus.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that between 200 and 300 demobilised officers are waiting at Deolali, and in some cases have been waiting for three months, for passages to return to England; that they are quartered under canvas with no fans, or punkahs, or adequate furniture, and suffer great discomforts, and that in several cases officers who have situations to return to are in danger of losing them owing to this delay; and, in view of the statement made recently that the number of passages available each week exceeded the demand, will he have special inquiries made into this case and see that these officers are given facilities to get home immediately?

I have already communicated with the Government of India regarding the delay in getting demobilisable officers home. Steps have been taken to secure every available berth on private steamers for these officers. I have now sent an inquiry to the Government of India regarding the conditions at Deolali camp, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Palestine administration has suspended immigration into Palestine; whether this suspension is connected with the recent disturbances in Jaffa on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd May; whether the consequences of this suspension of immigration will be felt almost exclusively by Jewish workers, mostly refugees from Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania, many of whom are already on their way there; whether protests have been made by the Zionist Commission and by the Jewish National Council in Palestine against the turning back of the steamer "Corniola," with emigrants, to Trieste, where these persons are now stranded; and whether, in view of these hardships and the facts, he will take steps to have the suspension of immigration removed?

The answer to the first four parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the fifth part, the whole question of future immigration into Palestine has received the most careful consideration of His Majesty's Government in consultation with the High Commissioner for Palestine. Sir Herbert Samuel proposes to make a statement on the subject on the 3rd June, on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday, in which he will announce the policy of His Majesty's Government. I feel sure that the House will agree with me that it is not desirable for me to anticipate the High Commissioner's statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether correspondence has taken place between the Colonial Office and the Government of Jamaica regarding the restoration of the citrus-growing industry of the colony, which was one of its mainstays two or three decades ago; and with what result?

I have received suggestions from the Governor of Jamaica to the effect that the citrus fruit industry of the colony would be benefited if certain facilities were granted by the Government of Canada in addition to those acquired under the Canada-West Indies Agreement. Correspondence is now proceeding with the Dominion Government on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the desire on the part of the allotment holders of Barrow-in-Furness to secure co-option of representatives of the local allotment society on the allotments committee of the council; whether co-option has been granted by other councils in the country who have appreciated the assistance thus rendered by the allotment representatives; and whether he will represent to the Barrow Council the advisability of co-opting representatives who have intimate knowledge of matters regarding administration of the allotments?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the remainder of the question, my Department has urged local authorities to co-opt on to their allotment committees representatives of local allotment holders, and many authorities in England and Wales have adopted this course with beneficial results. Special representations have recently been made by the Ministry to the Barrow-in-Furness Council on this subject, but the council has refused to co-opt, and as the matter is one entirely for the discretion of the council I have no power to intervene further.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that allotment holders at Westfield Park, Balby, Doncaster, have received notice to quit, and that this notice has been given by the agents of the owners, whereas it appears that the allotments are held through the Doncaster Town Council, to whom the allotment holders have paid their rent; and whether he will have an investigation into this case with a view to these notices being rescinded?

I have no information with regard to the allotments mentioned by the hon. Member, but will have inquiries made and communicate the result to him as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among allotment holders at Bootle in consequence of evictions at Breeze Hill; whether it is contended that the land in question is not to be used for building, but is to be used as a rubbish tip; whether alternative plots offered at Aintree Road are subject to very short tenancy and, in addition, that the state of the ground is such as to make cultivation extremely difficult; and whether he will have a further investigation made into the complaints of the evicted holders and others waiting for allotments in Bootle?

The Ministry made full inquiries into the position with regard to the allotment holders at Breeze Hill, Bootle, in connection with the questions asked by the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring in March last. I am informed that out of 68 persons who were dispossessed of their allotments, the majority have accepted land at Aintree Road, and that at the end of March only 12 men had refused to take up the alternative land offered. I am aware that the land at Aintree Road is held by the corporation subject to resumption by the owner after February, 1922, on giving three months' notice. As, however, it is building land, the Ministry cannot ask the Council to purchase it for the purpose of providing allotments, and local authorities can usually take such land on lease only subject to the owner's power of resumption at short notice. In the circumstances, I regret that I cannot make the further investigations which the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Postmaster-General the extent to which employment of postmen is likely to be diminished by the proposed abolition of Sunday delivery of letters where that practice at present obtains; whether any men in the service will be displaced thereby; if so, the approximate number; and, if none, to what amount the average wage of postmen now employed in that service will be decreased, if at all?

No full-time post-men will be displaced as a result of the abolition of Sunday delivery; but it will be necessary to terminate the services of a certain number of persons employed on Sundays only. The exact figures are not available. The average Sunday pay of postmen in the provinces is at present 4s. 5d. per week. The greater part of this will disappear. This sum is, of course, outside the normal weekly wages.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the desirability of retaining the 1d. postage rates for picture postcards if used only for complimentary purposes; and whether he is aware that the policy of raising the postage for picture cards has proved a failure in France and is being abandoned, and that its adoption in this country will mean the practical extinction of the British picture postcard industry and create a large amount of unemployment?

Picture postcards used, as the hon. Member puts it, "for complimentary purposes," or, as the Post Office Regulations say, "bearing no writing except dates and names and addresses of sender and addressee, formulas of courtesy, or of a conventional character not exceeding five words or initials," need not be prepaid more than a 1d. for inland transmission on and after the 13th June, provided that they are marked to go not at the inland postcard rate but at the inland printed paper rate. It follows that I am unable to share the hon. Member's apprehension as to the extinction of the industry. I am not aware whether the statement made as regards France is correct.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has information to show that the increased rates on picture postcards imposed in France and Germany has proved unremunerative and in France is already about to be withdrawn; whether he has considered the representations made to his predecessor last year by the trade and kindred trades, both in deputation and by letter; and whether, having regard to those representations and to the distinction drawn between picture post-cards and correspondence postcards, he will amend his proposals so as to exempt the former from the additional postage providing they do not contain more than a limited number of words?

I have no information as to the results of the increased rate in France and Germany and I have received no notification of any intention to withdraw it. I have considered the representations made to my predecessor. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to-day to the question on the same subject by the hon. Member for the Basingstoke Division of Hampshire, in which I pointed out that the picture postcards bearing no writing except dates and names and addresses of sender and addressee, formulas of courtesy not ex-ceeding five words or initials, need not be prepaid more than 1d. for Inland transmission, provided they are marked to go not at the Inland Postcard rate, but at the Inland Printed Paper rate.

asked the Minister of Health why the meetings of the Parliamentary Housing Group have been discontinued?

The meetings of the Parliamentary Housing Group were discontinued some considerable time ago, largely, I believe, in view of the many and increasing demands on the time of Members in other directions.

asked the Minister of Health whether house builders are reluctant to proceed with building operations while the subsidy is not assured by legal enactment; and whether, in view of the fact that the best time of the year for building is rapidly passing away, the Government will arrange that the remaining stages of the Housing Bill shall be taken as soon as possible?

I am well aware of the facts stated by the Noble Lord. The Bill will now be proceeded with in the other House as quickly as possible. In view of the non-controversial character of the Bill, I hope that house-builders will be disposed to proceed without necessarily waiting for the measure to be placed on the Statute Book.

asked the Minister of Health what number of persons insured under the National Health Insurance Act pay their contributions direct to the Government; and what profit has the Government made out of the contributions of such persons during the last five years?

I understand the hon. Member's question to refer to insured persons who are not members of any approved society. Such persons' contributions are paid into, and their benefits paid out of, the Deposit Contribution Fund and the Navy and Army Insurance Fund, each of which is administered by a Government Department. The number of deposit contributors at 31st December, 1920, was 350,100, and the number of members of the Navy and Army Insurance Fund during the year 1920 varied from 270,000 to 350,000. No profit is made by the Government out of the contributions of such persons.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether, in view of the disagreement of the jury at three trials in Belfast in the case of the two young men, Hugh M'Feely and Robert Doyle, charged with the murder of James Dobbin in Derry during the disturbances there of last June, he will consider the advisability of releasing these two men from Derry prison, where they are at present?

With the approval of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, I am taking steps to carry out my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary the names and addresses of persons of Irish birth or descent who have been deported from this country since the beginning of the year, and the dates of the deportation orders in each case; and whether it is proposed to keep these

It is not at present proposed to put them on trial.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has seen the statement of Mrs. de Roiste, wife of one of the Sinn Fein members for Cork, that Father O'Callaghan was shot in her house during curfew on the early morning of 15th May by men with English accents and under the influence of drink, and whom she believed to be soldiers or police; and whether an inquiry has yet been held into this case, and with what result?

I am still awaiting the Report from the Commander-in-Chief of the Court of Inquiry in this case, and shall be glad if the hon. Member will repeat his question on Thursday of next week.

asked the Chief Secretary whether on the night of 7th May, between 10 and 2 o'clock, a party of military or police attacked the town of Youghal, County Cork, breaking windows in about 150 houses and raiding several

persons interned indefinitely without trial or charge?

The particulars are as follow:

shops and looting their contents; whether this is to be regarded as a reprisal for an attack on a military party in the neighbourhood; whether curfew was in force during those hours; and whether any arrests have been made?

In spite of the extreme provocation given the action of these soldiers has not been condoned in any way, and the military authorities are taking the necessary disciplinary action. This occurred in the martial law area, and I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that while returning from a dance held at Youghal Barracks on 6th May an ex-soldier was murdered and a girl with him wounded at close range by rebels armed with shot guns. These loyal persons were well known and popular with the troops. Following a rumour that the girl had died as a result of her wounds, about 40 soldiers, incensed by this callous murder, broke barracks and caused considerable damage to shops. The disorderly element in the town, seizing the opportunity, secured a considerable amount of loot. The soldiers were easily and very quickly rounded up, as it appears that this outbreak was sudden and unpremeditated.

asked the Chief Secretary the result of the court martial on the constable charged with the murder of Mr. Dixon, of Milltown, County Wicklow?

Constable William Mitchell, Royal Irish Constabulary, has been convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. The sentence will be carried into execution on the 7th instant.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the dispute regarding demarcation of work between the National Union of Operative Heating and Domestic Engineers and the United Operative Plumbers Domestic Engineers' Association, which is holding up the completion of work at Edinburgh and other places; and whether he can make any statement?

Yes, Sir. I regret that there have been a series of demarcation disputes between these two unions at Edinburgh and in various parts of the country. My Department has attempted to secure agreement between the unions, and we were fortunate in enlisting the good offices of the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress. But it has not yet been found possible to secure a general agreement, and difficulties still exist at Edinburgh and at a number of other places. Representatives of the Heating and Domestic Engineering Joint Industrial Council have recently approached my Department, and it is proposed to see representatives of the Operative Plumbers' Association again. It is to be hoped that the unions will recognise the inconvenience due to such disputes, and the delay caused to housing and other scheme, and will see their way to reach an agreement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the "Labour Gazette" for May the price quoted for the following article was greatly in excess of the price at which it was freely advertised in the multiple stores in London, viz., fresh butter was quoted at 2s. 8¾d. per lb., whereas stores prices were 1s. 10d. per lb.; that in the case of other articles the price stated in the "Labour Gazette" is greatly in excess of the current price, and that as a result of this inflation of price the average percentage increase compared with July, 1914, is stated to be 126 per cent. of this commodity, whereas if the true price was stated, viz., 1s. 10d. per lb., at which fresh butter could be bought freely in London on the date mentioned, the average percentage increase would only have been 52 per cent. increase above that of July, 1914; and whether, in view of these inaccuracies, steps can be taken to compile a more accurate table, in view of the far-reaching importance of the figures compiled from these data?

The figure quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend from the May issue of the "Labour Gazette" represents the average price at 30th April in the United Kingdom as a whole. I am aware that some butter was being sold at a minimum of 1s. 10d. per lb. on 30th April at one or two large establishments in London; but this price was exceptionally low, and in practically all the shops in working-class localities throughout the country the price was substantially higher, the average price being as stated in the "Gazette." In the early part of May there was a considerable reduction, which will affect the figures for 1st June, to be published in the next isssue of the "Labour Gazette."

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the growing use of oil-fuel installations on locomotives on railways in different parts of the country; and whether he will consider the setting up of an advisory committee to inquire into the possibilities of such form of motor power on the British railways?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 9th May to the hon. Members for Water- ford (Captain Redmond), Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke), and Southwark Central (Mr. Gilbert). With regard to the second part, I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by setting up an advisory committee as suggested. Railway companies are fully aware of the possibilities of oil fuel, and some railways have locomotives fitted for it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received a definite reply from the North British Railway with reference to the Granton and Burntisland Ferry rates?

As stated in reply to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on the 12th April, the question of rates to be charged on the Granton and Burntisland Ferries has been referred to the Rates Advisory Committee set up in accordance with Clause 21 of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, and my right hon. Friend the Minister is awaiting their report.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in the case of the proposed inquiry commencing 14th June in connection with electricity schemes for the London and Home Counties area under the Electricity Supply Act, 1919, no agreed scheme has been deposited, but only a number of conflicting proposals; and whether, seeing that such an inquiry, if not limited to a few days only, will involve serious costs and expenses to electric supply undertakers, borough councils, railway companies, and others whose interests are affected, he will take steps to abbreviate to the shortest possible limit this inquiry?

Of six schemes which have been deposited, the three principal ones, relating to the whole district, are in general agreement on their main engineering proposals. The Electricity Commissioners will take all possible steps, consistent with a proper hearing, to shorten the inquiry with the view of reducing expenditure to a minimum. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and the Electricity Commissioners do not consider that these inquiries necessitate the incurring of heavy expenses. The Commissioners embodied this view in a Circular issued by them on 15th December, 1920, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many control Orders issued by the late Ministry of Food are still operative; and when it is proposed to decontrol the articles subject to these Orders?

There are still operative 43 Orders under the Ministry of Food (Continuance) Act, a number of which will be revoked on the termination of the present emergency. Beer and spirits are the only articles of which the prices are still controlled, and the retention of these Orders is at present under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an extensive inquiry into costs, prices, and profits arising from the manufacture of cotton materials was undertaken by the Standing Committee on the investigation of prices of the Profiteering Act Department; and, if so, whether he will arrange for the publication of the results of the inquiry?

A preliminary inquiry into the costs, prices, and profits of the manufacture of cotton yarns and cloths was made by the Chief Accountant to the Central Committee, but the Standing Committee did not proceed with the inquiry. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the cost incurred in connection with the Standing Committee on the investigation of prices of the Profiteering Act Department in pursuing investigations, the results of which have not been published?

I am unable to give the particulars desired by the hon. Member owing to the impossibility of determining with accuracy what proportion of the general costs of Central Committee should be allocated to particular inquiries, and to arrive at even an approximate estimate would entail considerable labour and expense, which I do not consider justifiable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that toys for the spring and summer trade, which were ordered before 8th March and which arrived before 8th April, have been held up under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, although all the necessary documents have been sworn and presented to the authorities; whether the Government propose to compensate the importers for the loss of market of the goods liberated too late for the season's trade; and whether the Government propose to accept the responsibility for the heavy charges for storage at the dock warehouses?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has no knowledge of the particular cases to which the hon. Member refers, but he will be glad to inquire into them if he will let him have details. Every possible arrangement has been made to expedite delivery of goods imported in the circumstances mentioned in the question, and the Government cannot entertain any proposal for the payment of compensation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of Lord Allenby's announcement that in the last resort responsibility for law and order in Egypt devolves upon him and his admission that in carrying out that responsibility he will have to interfere in party politics, His Majesty's Government will use its influence to ensure that the interference shall be directed towards the adoption of a democratic method of selecting the Egyptian delegation to this country?

So far as I am aware, Lord Allenby has made no admission of the nature suggested. With regard to the selection of the Egyptian delegation, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of the 9th ultimo.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of Lord Allenby's announcement that Great Britain is awaiting Egypt's reply to her offer of conciliation and friendship, His Majesty's Government will remove martial law, and thus give to Egypt full liberty to deliver its reply?

His Majesty's Government do not onsider it advisable to withdraw martial law in Egypt at the present moment. The reasons for the existence of martial law in that country were contained in my answer to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland on March 15th.

asked the Lord President of the Council how many meetings of the Commission appointed by the Assembly of the League of Nations to receive and consider Amendments to the Covenant have been held so far; when this Commission is likely to report; and whether its Report will be made in the first instance to the Council of the League or direct to the Assembly?

The Committee to consider Amendments to the Covenant has held three meetings at Geneva and is now about to hold a further meeting during which it will also consider the Report of the Sub-Committee which it appointed to consider certain technical questions. The Committee will submit its Report in the first instance to the Council. It is anticipated that the Report will be available for consideration by the Council at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received from the hon. Member for Twickenham (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks) some 7,000 signatures against the traffic in worn-out horses between this country and the Continent; and, if so, whether he can take any steps to stop it?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the traffic in worn-out horses has been in the hands of his Ministry for many years without the cruelties associated with that traffic being substantially abated, and that there is a strong feeling in the country that any improved system of inspection cannot be relied upon to prevent these cruelties; and what action he proposes to take to put an end to this traffic?

I understand the Prime Minister has received the memorial referred to. No horse may be exported from this country except after a veterinary examination in order to ascertain that the horse is "fit to travel and work." Insomuch as it appears that the trade in horses for slaughter, though those horses are in no sense "worn out," is accompanied by suffering and attended with cruelties which ought to be prevented, I am taking steps to ensure that the horses intended for slaughter shall be killed in this country and exported as dead meat, as is already done in the case of France. A conference has already been held between the Ministry's representative and those of France, Belgium, and Holland, when my proposals were sympathetically received. I am inviting the representatives of the countries concerned to a further meeting in London to discuss the details of administration.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether teachers who have been appointed by the Board as inspectors will, in consequence of their appointment, be unable to claim the period during which they have acted as inspectors as recognised service under The Superannuation Act, 1918?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the financial state of boards of guardians throughout the kingdom; and whether the Government propose to grant any financial assistance to boards that are destitute of funds due to the state of unemployment over a long period?

I am aware that certain boards of guardians are at the present time experiencing financial difficulties, and I am prepared to sanction temporary arrangements for meeting these difficulties. It is not the intention of the Government to grant any financial assistance.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the protest made by the Portsmouth Trades and Labour Council against the hearing in camera of a sedition charge recently made in that town; and whether, in view of the undesirability of the hearing of charges for political offences in secret, he will consider whether this practice can be discontinued?

The hon. Member no doubt refers to the case of John Hedley, alias O'Hagan, alias Osborne, to which my attention has been drawn. It is not the practice in this country to hear cases in camera, and I should be sorry to see such a practice grow up, but it is occasionally necessary in the public interest that a case should be heard in camera. I am satisfied from what the Director of. Public Prosecutions has reported to me that owing to certain special circumstances this was a case of that kind.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the continued increases in the amount of the precepts levied by the Receiver of the Metropolitan Police for police services, which now amount in some districts to a rate of 1s. 4d. in the £; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to deal with the question of the levy of rates and Exchequer grants for police services?

I am aware of the recent increases in the Police Rate. These have been due mainly to the grant to the police of improved rates of pay and pension in accordance with the recommendations of the Desborough Committee and to the bonus given to meet the rise in the cost of living. If prices continue to fall there will be a substantial reduction in police expenditure in the second half of the present financial year. Under present arrangements, adopted in 1918, the net cost of the police is divided equally between the Exchequer and the rates and the Exchequer therefore bears a much larger proportion of the cost than formerly. I am not aware of any good ground for disturbing this arrangement.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will take any action that would result in the preservation of the Danish moat at Fulham Palace, whose present trustee is apparently unable to meet the cost of its necessary cleansing and renovation, seeing that its obliteration by being filled in, especially under the latest proposal to utilise it for the shooting of rubbish, would be contrary to the public desire that all constructions of historical or national interest or importance should be carefully preserved?

The First Commissioner has heard of the proposed treatment of this moat, but it is not a matter upon which the Department is in a position to take any action.