asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to that portion of the Report of the Select Committee on Pensions, which recommended that all officers and other ranks of the Mercantile Marine who served afloat during the War in British merchant vessels should be regarded as having been engaged on War service, provided that such service was performed under circumstances where the normal risks or strain were increased by War conditions; whether this recommendation has yet been adopted by the Government; and, if not, whether immediate attention will be given to the matter?

As indicated in the reply which I gave to a similar question by my hon. and learned Friend last week, this recommendation has received the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government, and it has now been decided to include within the scope of the War Risks Compensation Scheme for the Mercantile Marine cases where the seaman constantly was in or passed through the danger zone, and it is clearly established on medical evidence to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade that he was subjected to continuous and exceptional strain thereby, that his health was affected by the strain before his discharge from the last ship in which he passed through the danger zone, and that his illness or death can properly be regarded as due to this strain. This decision takes effect from 9th August, 1920, the date of the Select Committee's Report, and payment will accordingly be made from that date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of any inquiry that has been or is being held into the affairs of the Royal London Mutual Insurance Society; if he can state the circumstances which led to the resignation of the board of directors; what connection exists or existed between the society and the Royal London Insurance Company; whether he is aware that information has been refused to policy holders and that in consequence many of the society's agents are now on strike; and whether he will make inquiry into this matter?

I have no information with regard to the first, second, and fourth parts of the question. As to the third part, it appears from the returns for the year 1919 that all the directors of the Royal London Auxiliary Insurance Company were at that time directors of the Royal London Mutual Insurance Society. In reply to the last part, the Board of Trade have no power to make an inquiry into the affairs of a company which is not in liquidation, except under Section 109 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether M. Krassin has returned, or is returning, to this country; and whether, so far as the Board is aware, any business of any sort has as yet been done under the Anglo-Russian Agreement?

M. Krassin returned to London from Russia on Tuesday, 31st May. I am informed that considerable purchases have been made in this country since the conclusion of the Trade Agreement with the Soviet Government.

Has the Disposal Board sold any goods at all to M. Krassin?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will address that specific question to the Treasury, who are responsible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any indications as yet of orders which would have been placed in this country going abroad for speedy execution owing to the stoppage of industry due to the coal crisis?

Yes, Sir; I am afraid that a number of opportunities of trade have been lost through this cause.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total revenue of the Thames Conservancy for 1920 and the cost of administration; and what is the percentage of the increased cost of licences granted by the Conservancy this year to owners of pleasure-boats let on hire as compared to the cost of similar licences granted in 1919?

The information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member in the first part of the question will be found in the accounts of the Thames Conservators issued as House of Commons Paper 105 (1921). The cost of licences for pleasure boats let on hire, other than launches or house boats, has been increased from a nominal fee of 2s. 6d. for a period of 3 years to 10s. 6d. per annum or 30s. for 3 years. The Rates Advisory Committee last year held a public enquiry into the charges payable on the Thames Navigation Undertaking, and in their opinion the increase was necessary in order that this class of boat may contribute fairly to the cost of the maintenance of the river for their enjoyment.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has so far been made with arterial and bye-pass road construction in the Metropolitan Police area how many men are now employed; and how much longer will be required for the completion of these works at the present rate of construction?

As the answer is a long one, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

The following are the more important new arterial or bye-pass road schemes in the Metropolitan Police area, upon which work is proceeding:

1. Brentford Bye-pass.

2. Croydon Bye-pass.

3. Eastern Avenue.

4. Eltham Bye-pass.

5. New Cambridge Road.

6. New Chertsey Road.

7. North Circular Road.

8. Shooter's Hill Bye-pass.

9. South Circular Road.

10. Western Avenue.

11. Barking Bye-pass.

1. Brentford Bye-pass. —This bye-pass, some 5 miles in length, is being constructed by the Middlesex County Council, the work having been let in two sections to contractors. Good progress was made so long as it was possible to obtain fuel to keep mechanical appliances at work. To some extent, the shortage of fuel has meant a reduction in the number of men employed. It is believed that the whole scheme will be completed within a period of two years.

2. Croydon Bye-pass. —This work, 4 miles in length, is in the hands of the Croydon Borough Council, and is being carried out by direct labour. Good progress is being made, and it is hoped that the whole road will be completed by the end of next year, with the possible exception of the bridges.

3. Eastern Avenue, 8 miles in length.—A short section of this work is in hand in the Borough of Hackney, upon which fairly good progress is being made. Considerable difficulty has been experienced in getting other parts of the work put in hand, the local authorities being in many cases unable to find their required contribution. These difficulties, having now been overcome, the work has been placed in the hands of contractors who will, so soon as it is possible to get adequate supplies of fuel, be engaging labour. Two years will probably be required for the completion of the work.

4. Eltham Bye-pass, nearly 4 miles long.—This work is being carried out by the London County Council, and good progress has been made. The road has been formed for about two-thirds of its length, and the whole will shortly be ready for the foundation work. A year hence the road should be ready for traffic.

5. New Cambridge Road. —A 7-mile length of this road is being constructed by the Middlesex County Council, commencing in the Urban District of Tottenham and passing through Edmonton and Enfield to the Hertfordshire boundary. A great part of the excavation work has been completed, and the foundations are in progress for a considerable distance. The sections, so far as they can be completed without having to demolish property, will be made available for traffic at the earliest possible moment. All temporarily incomplete sections will be connected up to existing roads so that they may be ready for use before the complete scheme becomes an accomplished fact.

6. New Chertsey Road. —A short length of this road on the north side of the Thames is in course of construction by the Middlesex County Council, and should be completed early next year.

7. North Circular Road. —Several miles of this route are in hand in the Urban Districts of Willesden, Hendon, Southgate, Edmonton, and Walthamstow. Preparations are in hand for an extension of the work through Finchley. It is probable that it may take two years to carry the scheme to completion.

8. Shooter's Hill Bye-pass, 3 miles long.—This work is being carried out by the London County Council, and is well in hand. Whilst it will not be entirely completed, it should be available for traffic by the summer of next year.

9. South Circular Road. —A short section in the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich is nearing completion, but it has not yet been possible to make definite arrangements for its extension.

10. Western Avenue. —Work now in progress in Hammersmith and Acton should be completed this year, and it is anticipated that town planning procedure will safeguard the future extension of this road westwards to Uxbridge.

11. Barking Bye-pass. —About 4 miles in length, connecting Canning Town with the London-Tilbury Road near Dagenham. As in the case of the Essex portion of the Eastern Avenue, this road has been put out to contract, and the work is now being begun. It should be completed within a year.

The number of men employed upon the foregoing schemes is about 2,000. A considerable part of the foundation work having been completed, it has been found necessary to reduce hands, but with the opening of the work upon the Barking Bye-pass and Eastern Avenue, it is hoped that employment will be found for a considerable number of men who are unfortunately at present out of work in the districts through which these sections of road will pass.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman take advantage of the work of the Roads Advisory Committee to help him? How long is it since it sat?

I do not quite know what the hon. Baronet wishes. Is it in answer to the question about bye-pass roads?

Getting work done.

Work is being done.

asked the Minister of Transport if, when the £60,000,000 is paid to railway companies on the cessation of Government control, any provision will be made under the allocation of the grants for the reinstatement of light railways which were destroyed during the period of the War whether any compensation was paid for the rails, etc., to the London and South Western Railway Company when the Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway was taken up and on whom the responsibility will rest for the reopening of this light railway after the 15th of August?

In reply to the first part of his question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Clause 10 (4) of the Railways Bill, which leaves the allocation of any money received out of the proposed lump sum entirely to the discretion of the company concerned. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the question of the reopening of the light railway is one for decision by the company.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that many British merchants and traders, whose property and businesses in Germany were seized and liquidated by the German authorities during the War, have been unable to obtain delivery of their books and documents in accordance with Article 13 of the Annex to Article 297 of the Treaty of Versailles, and that by reason of such non-delivery such British merchants and traders have been unable to prepare accounts and to formulate their claim for compensation and restoration of property; whether he is aware that Clause 6 of the Agreement of 31st December, 1920, between the British and German Governments respecting Article 297 of the Treaty, so far from facilitating the delivery of such books and documents, seriously prejudices the rights in relation thereto conferred on British nationals by the Treaty; and whether the ratification of such agreement will be postponed until the House of Commons has had an opportunity of discussing it?

I have been asked to reply. In a few cases where property has been liquidated by the German authorities, claimants have experienced difficulty in recovering their books, owing to the fact that the books have been sold with the businesses. Representations have been made to the German authorities on the matter, and already in one case the books have been recovered. Article 6 of the Agreement provides that where property has been liquidated, all the documents shall be handed over immediately upon the application of the former British owner. In other cases summaries are to be furnished at once, but the detailed documents are ordinarily only to be returned at the same time as the property itself. I do not think that this provision can operate to delay the preparation of any claim for compensation, which could not in any case be formulated until the owner had taken back and examined his property. It is not intended to ratify the Agreement on behalf of this country until Germany has ratified.

Why, if it is not intended to ratify this Agreement, Article 15 says: "The Agreement shall be ratified, and that ratification shall be exchanged in London as soon as possible"?

If the hon. Baronet looks at my answer, he will see I did not say it was not intended to ratify the Agreement. I said it was not intended to ratify it, so far as this country was concerned, until Germany had ratified.

Will the House of Commons be given an opportunity of considering how far this Agreement prejudices the rights of British traders before its ratification?

Obviously, that should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that traders importing goods of German origin from France, Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland are not required to make any payment under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, but that firms importing the same class of goods direct from Germany are called upon to pay His Majesty's Customs 50 per cent., and in some cases 100 per cent., of their value, and on similar goods imported since 12th May, 26 per cent., in addition to heavy charges for demurrage, rent, warehousing, etc.; and, in view of the undertaking by the German Government to pay to the Reparations Commission a sum representing 26 per cent. on all goods exported from Germany since 1st May last, is he now prepared to recommend the House to suspend the operations of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, 1921?

I have been asked to reply. In view of the acceptance by the German Government of the Reparation Settlement, under which they have agreed to repay to exporters of goods from Germany the levy of 26 per cent. imposed by that Settlement, the Board of Trade have issued an Order limiting the application of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act to goods first consigned from Germany All exports from Germany will be liable to the levy, but in the case of direct exports to this country, the levy will be collected by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. In the case of exports to countries which have not adopted similar legislation to our own, the levy will be collected by the German Government. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what precise advantage accrues to us collecting this very small part of reparations at our expense?

We make perfectly certain that we get it.

Then the other way is not certain?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that coal coming from the Ruhr Valley does not pay duty at all?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that traders are finding very great difficulty in getting their goods through the Customs, even after they have made sworn declarations as to date of contract, etc.? Is he aware that the usual thing is for the Customs to ask for a bond to be entered into for payment of the duty by the trader if he be called upon for it by the Customs, and may I ask if the hon. Gentleman could see his way to give some instructions whereby the traders' position may be more fairly and properly considered?

I do not catch quite clearly the points put by my hon. Friend, but if he has any specific case that he would like to bring to my notice, I shall be very glad to consider it. In regard to the points raised by the hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Kiley), it was part of the arrangement come to in the final settlement that it should be open to every country to collect this levy in its own country.

In view of the fact that neither France nor Belgium has collected a penny, would it not be better to have a uniform arrangement for the levy?

No, Sir. I do not think it would. It makes no difference whatever in the matter of trade whether the 26 per cent. is collected in this country or otherwise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the amount received in respect of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act?

The amount received under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act up to the 2nd instant inclusive was £30,000.

What was the total cost incurred in collecting on the revenue and on the trade?

That question had better be placed on the Paper.

Has the Financial Secretary not estimated the cost for clearance and other charges at at least £50,000?

That question, too, had better be placed on the Paper?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any news of Allied agreement, or the contrary, in the action being taken by British and French troops in Silesia?

All Allied troops in Upper Silesia are under the command of General Gratier, the French Commander-in-Chief. General Gratier receives his orders from the Allied Commissioners in Upper Silesia through the Military Department of the Commission. It is therefore presumed that the action of the Italian, British, and French troops in Upper Silesia will be co-ordinated in accordance with the orders of the Commission.

Is there any truth in the statement published in the Press this morning that English troops are being used to keep the German part of Upper Silesia in order, and that the French troops are being used to repress the Polish insurgents?

My hon. and gallant Friend must not expect me to answer questions of that kind without notice.

Is my right hon. Friend not in receipt of daily information from Silesia?

Yes, Sir, but I must decline to answer from memory questions as to telegrams I have read.

asked the Prime Minister, now that the Hungarian Treaty has been ratified by the British Government, what steps have been taken by the Magyar Government to evacuate the German districts of West Hungary and by the Yugo-Slav Government to evacuate the Pecs coalfield?

The Treaty does not come into force until the ratifications of three of the principal Allied and Associated Powers and of Hungary have been deposited. As soon as that has been done steps' will be taken to secure its execution. So far, only His Majesty's ratification and those of Italy and Hungary have been sent to Paris and are ready for deposit.

Does the hon. Gentleman know when the French Government is expected to ratify the Treaty?

No, I am not able to say.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if there is now a Publicity Department at his Ministry what exactly does it do; and at what cost?

There is no separate Publicity Department of the Ministry, but the staff of the Publications Branch, which is responsible for the issue of the Ministry's Journal, leaflets, and other publications, includes a journalist, who advises on the form, etc., of all publications, and who is responsible for the issue of information to the Press on agricultural matters. This officer receives an inclusive salary at the rate of £1,000 a year, but it has been decided, in the interests of economy, to abolish the post at the end of September next.

How many people are there in this Department who are assisting this gentleman at the rate of £1,000 a year?

A question with regard to figures should be put upon the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the desirability of withdrawing the war bonuses and additions to salary granted to Government employés so that the effects of the present extreme depression in all branches of trade and business should fall upon all alike and not be confined to the railwaymen, miners, engineers, dockers, and other similar trades, where large deductions are being asked from the wages of all employed?

I am unable to agree to this suggestion. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the bonus payable to civil servants is automatically reduced as the cost of living falls, and as regards the salaries authorised for the various posts in the Civil Service, he may rest assured that these are kept under constant review so as to ensure that the rates of remuneration payable are not more than adequate.

In view of the fact that the railwaymen have already had a considerable reduction in wages owing to the fall in prices, why cannot civil servants have their reduction made at a much earlier date than six months?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these increases of salary were decided upon by a committee composed exclusively of civil servants, and will he arrange, if possible, that the question be reconsidered by an impartial committee?

As regards the first question of the hon. Gentleman behind me, he will remember that the Civil Service bonus does follow the cost of living index number; it followed it up just as it is following it down, not at the time, for it lags a few months. As to the second question, I do not think what he says is the case. On the Committee in question there were representatives of the big industries.

Could not the hon. Gentleman now see his way, in view of the strain and difficulties of the rest of the community, to secure that these bonuses of £750 and £500 paid to men in receipt of salaries of £2,000 and £3,000 a year should come to an end?

That is the question which, in other words, was originally asked.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury has been approached with any proposals to compound the payment of civil servants and their war bonus; and whether, before any such step is taken, Parliament will be asked to express its views?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the latter part of the question, whilst the procedure to be adopted in the hypothetical contingency referred to would necessarily depend on the circumstances, including the sittings of this House, it would certainly be the object of the Government that the House should be given full opportunity of expressing its views.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what percentage of civil servants are now on the establishment; what percentage are unestablished; and whether it is possible to form some idea of the extra cost which would be entailed if pensions were accorded to all?

Of the 366,894 employés shown in the Return of Staffs for 1st April (Cmd. 1290), about 54 per cent. are on the establishment and 46 per cent. are unestablished. As regards the last part of the question, I have to refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave him on the 1st instant.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that, before the Treasury agrees to any enlargement of the existing establishment, the House of Commons will be given an opportunity of discussing it?

A similar question has very often been put in regard to this matter and I think my hon. and gallant Friend knows the answer that has to be given. It is always the policy of the Government under all circumstances to secure every possible opportunity for the House to discuss and pronounce its opinion on these questions, but in view of such circumstances as that the House may not be sitting, it is not possible in all cases to give a definite undertaking.

Did not the hon. Gentleman in answer to the original question say that if pensions were granted to all civil servants the cost to the nation would be approximately £1,000,000 a week?

As the hon. Member sees from my original answer, it would be more misleading than not to try and put a figure on the proposals in the somewhat general form in which my hon. Friend has put them to me. I can assure him I have by no means underestimated the cost, which would undoubtedly be very large.

Is it not a fact that there is at present a movement on foot to put all who are now unestablished on the basis of establishment? If that is so surely it is the hon. Gentleman's duty to tell the House exactly what it would cost the nation if all people at present employed in the Civil Service are to be entitled to pensions?

If the hon. and gallant Member will read my answer to his last question on this subject he will see I have given all the information at my disposal in relation to this point, but if he will put before me any scheme of which he has heard in such a form as to render it possible to make an estimate of course it will be my duty to prepare a figure from the information at my disposal. But as his question stands I assure him the conditions are so vague that it would make any estimate that could be given more misleading than not.

Is it not true my hon. Friend admitted that certain proposals had been put forward? If that is so, may I not ask the Leader of the House if the House will be afforded an opportunity of discussing those proposals before they are settled behind the backs of hon. Members?

If the hon. and gallant Member will place on the Paper a specific question embodying the point he has put in this supplementary question, no doubt he will get an answer.

May I respectfully point out that it is the custom now of the Government to settle this sort of question behind our backs—questions which involve enormous expenditure. I am simply asking that before anything is settled in this matter we, who are supposed to be the guardians of the public purse, should have an opportunity of discussing it without the Whips being put on.

If the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question defining the proposals to which he refers, no doubt an answer will be given, both as to the cost, and as to whether it will be done without discussion by the House.

Is it possible to put the question in a more specific form than the hon. and gallant Member has done, namely, "Is it possible to form some idea of the extra cost involved?" Cannot that question be answered?

I think I can satisfy the right hon. Gentleman. I am aware of no proposal so specific in its terms as to which it is possible to make a reasonable estimate upon it.

asked the Minister of Health whether there are in the employ of his Department office boys of 15 years of age in receipt of a weekly wage of 33s. 2d. and others with rising wages up to 51s. 9d. at 17 years of age; and on what ground such remuneration can be justified in view of the amounts paid to adult workers outside, including miners?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on the 1st instant to the hon. Member for Islington East.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington East did not reply to the last part of my question? May I press for an answer to that?

I am sorry. I have the answer here.

Will the hon. Gentleman read it, please?

Yes. It was as follows:

"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."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st June, 1920; col. 1064, Vol. 142.]

If the reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, why is it necessary to pay office boys a wage of 33s. 2d. per week?

It would be wiser, I think, if the hon. and gallant Member would put that question when we have the Minister (Sir A. Mond) here.

When may we have the Minister here?

He is here on most occasions to answer questions. Let it be put down for Wednesday.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Corn Production (Provisional) Regulations, 1921, have been laid before the Houses of Parliament; and, if not, will he explain why?

It is regretted that by inadvertence the Provisional Regulations referred to by the hon. Member were not laid before Parliament. These Regulations were made under Section 2 of the Rules Publication Act, on account of urgency, and notice that they had been made was given in the "London Gazette" of the 12th April.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what urgency there is in demanding a return from every occupier of land of the number of labourers, men and women, employed on that land?

The Act under which the returns are made prescribes that we are entitled to obtain a return in writing with reference to the cultivation of the land, the crops and the livestock thereon. You cannot cultivate the land without labour, and, therefore, it is necessary that we should have a return of the number of labourers employed.

My question was, What is the urgency? Why were not these Regulations laid before Parliament in the usual way, as required by Section 12 or 15 of the Act.

The urgency was simply that these Regulations were made for the purpose of obtaining the returns on 4th June last, on which day they are made up annually.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has now taken any further steps in the promised establishment of tanks for the mussel industry at Lympstone, the absence of which has brought an important industry to a standstill, thereby causing much hardship in the district?

Yes, Sir. Arrangements are proceeding satisfactorily, and the work of construction should soon begin.

Does that mean in the course of the next few weeks?

Yes, Sir. There were difficulties about the cost of this work, and we have now received a revised tender, which is very much lower, or, rather, we are undertaking the work ourselves on an estimate very much lower than the tender we had before, and I see no reason why we should not proceed with the work.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will give an undertaking that the alterations contemplated to the roads on the Horse Guards Parade and the contour of the park will not be begun until this House has had an opportunity of pronouncing judgment upon them?

No such change will be made without Parliamentary assent. I hope an opportunity may shortly be found to discuss the matter, as the Guards Division cannot settle their memorial until the site is agreed, and, moreover, the Office of Works is anxious to make its plans in good time to organise the necessary unemployed labour. I will give notice when the matter is likely to be brought before the House.

Would it not be possible for plans of the changes to the roads and the general contour of the park to be made public so that the public in general may have the opportunity of judging?

The plans are in the tearoom for Members of the House to examine, and I understand that very shortly copies will be published in the "Times" and other newspapers.

Do not the Office of Works propose to provide under the scheme more trees and more green in the way of grass?

Yes, that is the case.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the needs of the thickly-populated and poor district in the immediate vicinity, he will consider the possibility of opening to the public the western part of Kensington Gardens which lies between Palace Gardens and the Broad Walk; whether he is aware that it is at present tenanted only by sheep and is not used for any purpose connected with the transport force in the gardens; and whether, in view of these facts, he will make representations to the War Office on the subject?

The First Commissioner has been in communication with the War Department as to the feasibility of opening the gardens, or part of them, to the general public, but for military reasons it is not at present possible to do so. The First Commissioner has, however, been able to arrange for the children attending elementary schools under the London County Council to continue to play their organised games in part of the gardens. Meanwhile, I am fully alive to the importance of reopening the whole area at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the names of the Committee which is sitting on the reconstitution of the Indian Army?

The composition of this Committee has not yet been finally decided, but in any event it would be contrary to the usual practice to announce the membership of a Committee of this nature.

asked the Secretary of State for India what has been the result of his communication with the Government of India with regard to the cheapening of the cost of passages of Government officials to and from India?

My right hon. Friend hopes to give my hon. Friend a reply this day week.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information regarding the letter reported in the Indian Press to have been addressed by the Registrar of the Calcutta University to the Government of India, and as to what action has been taken by the latter in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has seen in the Press the letter referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, but he is not informed as to the circumstances in which it was written or whether any reply to it has been made. He will inquire of the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that under Army Instruction, India, No. 790, dated 23rd July, 1918, it was decided that Government servants granted commissions in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers and Military Officers of the Indian Army in permanent civil employ on temporary military duty during the War should be given the option when serving overseas of retaining their civil salary according to the next below rule or of receiving the military pay and allowances of rank plus civil pay, whichever is greater, with retrospective effect from December, 1916, and that similar concessions were made to members of the home Civil Service who served overseas under the War Office, he will state whether a similar concession was refused in the case of servants of the Indian Government who served overseas under the War Office; and, if so, for what reasons the concessions were refused?

It was not originally intended that Indian Government servants who joined the Indian Army Reserve of Officers should serve outside India. Having joined the Reserve on this understanding they were entitled, when it became necessary for them to serve overseas, to receive not less pay than when serving in India, namely, their civil pay. There was no such understanding in the case of those who joined the British Service, and after very careful consideration my right hon. Friend has decided that there are not sufficient grounds for giving them their civil pay.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he exercises any control over the placing of orders by the Indian State railways; and, if so, has he considered the inadvisability, in the Imperial interests, of giving such orders to foreign companies, who, because of exchange conditions, can quote lower prices, and to pay unemployment doles to unemployed railway material workers in England?

The purchase in this country of stores for Indian State railways is under the control of the High Commissioner for India, whose policy is to give full weight to the considerations urged by the hon. Member.

Is it understood that India is entitled to buy in the cheapest market?

That is the usual method in trade.

asked the Prime Minister how many soldiers have been killed and wounded since 1st January, 1920, in the war in Ireland?

Before this question be answered, may I inquire since when have we been at war in Ireland?

The number killed is 127, and the number wounded 205.

asked the Prime Minister whether the number of troops in Ireland is so short of requirements that it is impossible to provide guards for all public buildings; and whether this was one of the reasons that the Customs House in Dublin when attacked had no special guard?

In regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the speech of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on the Motion for the Adjournment on the 1st instant, and, in regard to the second part, to my right hon. Friend's reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for the West Derbyshire Division on the same date. I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's statement.

May we take it, in spite of what was said by the Chief Secretary the other day, that the statement is correct that a shortage of troops was one of the reasons for the burning of this building?

No, Sir; what my hon. and gallant Friend may take as correct is what my right hon. Friend said.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question is a textual copy of what the Chief Secretary said?

Nor do I think that the truth is easily ascertained by taking a few words and reading them without reference to their context.

Is it now intended to send over additional troops in order to give protection to loyal subjects?

Yes. The statement was made by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, or was it the Prime Minister, that it is the intention of the Government to send over additional troops; but I cannot say that troops will be placed on guard in every small place.

asked the Prime Minister whether a military proclamation was issued at Listowel on the 27th April last stating that in future reprisals for any outrage against lives or property of officials will be taken against the property of selected persons of known rebel sympathies without proof of their implication in the outrages; and whether this proclamation commands the support of His Majesty's Government?

This matter was fully dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General for Ireland in reply to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Leith Division on the 9th ultimo.

May I ask the Chief Secretary if he was aware of this proclamation when he made his statement last week?

I made my speech in the Debate and I stand by it.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman's speech was a flat contradiction of the proclamation?

It was not.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that an American Commission, comprising 11 senators, 4 congressmen, 13 bishops, 3 governors, and other prominent citizens has recently examined many witnesses, Irish and American, upon present conditions in Ireland and has furnished a detailed report; whether he is aware of the conclusions of this Commission to the effect that the Imperial British Government has incited their agents to slay, burn, and loot, has tempered with terror and alcohol this chosen instrument for the appointed purposes of the Imperial British Government in Ireland, and that the moral responsibility for the crimes of this instrument rests on those that fashioned and used it; and whether, in view of the fact that this publication commands a world-wide circulation, he is in a position to prepare a detailed refutation of the indictment and secure its circulation abroad?

I am informed that this Commission, which was a purely informal body, has taken evidence from a number of persons holding extreme views on the question of Irish government, and on the basis of such evidence has issued a report couched in violent language attacking the policy and administration of His Majesty's Government in Ireland. His Majesty's Government were invited to send witnesses to give evidence before this Commission, and declined, on the ground that they were unable to recognise the right of citizens of a foreign State to hold any inquiry into the conditions of any part of His Majesty's Dominions. On the same ground, His Majesty's Government do not now propose to enter into any controversy with this self-constituted body of investigators.

Will the right hon. Gentleman institute a judicial inquiry by English judges, with a view to refuting all such allegations?

No, Sir. I do not think the report of this inquiry affords a shadow of ground why the Government should change their policy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one Governor retired from this Commission when he found its partisan character; and is he aware that the general opinion of the country is that they had better mind their own business?

I am not aware of what the hon. and gallant Member has just stated, but I should not be surprised.

asked the Chief Secretary how many of the 18 members of the Auxiliary Division, Royal Irish Constabulary, stated on 20th April to be awaiting trial in connection with the looting at Trim, were included in the five placed under arrest and the 26 dismissed by General Crozier?

The 18 cadets who have been brought to trial include the five cadets who were originally placed under close arrest and five of the 26 who were dismissed by General Crozier.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the house of Mr. David Clancy, of Kilfinane, County Cork, was destroyed in the month of February by military or police as a reprisal for the burning of an aeroplane which had descended close by; whether the police now admit that this was due to a mistake; and whether any steps have been taken to compensate the owners of the house and to fix the responsibility for the error?

The Commander-in-Chief informs me that exhaustive inquiries have failed to establish the responsibility of any members of the Crown forces for the destruction of Mr. Clancy's house, and that he has been unable to trace the source of the alleged statement by the police. If the hon. Member can supply further information on this point the inquiries will be continued. Mr. Clancy made a claim for compensation for malicious injury, and was awarded £900.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in connection with the loss sustained by Mr. Doran owing to damage to his artificial leg by members of the Royal Air Force on the 6th May last, he will state the method of inquiry to ascertain whether Mr. Doran is entitled to compensation; whether the inquiries are being made by the Royal Air Force or other military body; and, if so, whether he will give instructions that this matter shall be inquired into by civil servants of the Crown rather than by people who may have been implicated in the affair?

I called for a full report on this case when it was brought to my notice by the hon. Member. I regret that I am not in a position to give the further information now asked for. As soon as the question of compensation has been settled, I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has taken the opinion of the Law Officers as to his power to arrest persons in England and deport them under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act; and upon what words in the Act he is acting?

It has not been necessary for my right hon. Friend to consult the Law Officers. The Act provides for the issue of Regulations for securing the restoration and maintenance of order in Ireland, and No. 14b of the Regulations so issued provides that the Secretary of State, or in Scotland the Secretary for Scotland, or in Ireland the Lord Lieutenant or the Chief Secretary, respectively, may order the internment of a person suspected of acting or being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the restoration or maintenance of order in Ireland.

Will the hon. Baronet kindly answer the last part of my question, namely, under what words in the Act are these powers taken—not the Regulations, but the Act?

I have not the precise words here. I understood my hon. and gallant Friend to ask whether my right hon. Friend had taken the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown. I will let my hon. and gallant Friend have the precise words in the Act, but it is quite clear that the Act does provide the power.

I will put down a further question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will ask Parliament to authorise the erection of a national memorial to the soldiers and police murdered by rebels in Ireland?

I much appreciate the spirit that has prompted the question of my hon. and gallant Friend. His suggestion shall be considered at the proper time.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the growing interest in the system of proportional representation and of the likelihood of it being adopted in the near future for the election of Members to this honourable House, he will cause to be circulated for the information of Members some Report of the recent election for the Northern Parliament in Ireland, with the necessary data as to the transference of surpluses, elimination of candidates, and so on?

My hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to adopt his premises. As to the second part of the question, I am not clear that the Government can add anything to the information which will be available from other sources, but I will make inquiry.

asked the Prime Minister whether his statement on 29th April, 1915, that the Liquor Control Board was instituted for war emergency only and not with any temperance idea, and his further statement on 26th November, 1918, that liquor control will be removed as soon as the military situation permits, will soon be put into practice so far as working men's clubs are concerned?

I have been asked to answer this question. It was made plain by the Prime Minister in the Debate on the Committee stage of the Defence of the Realm (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, on the 11th May, 1915, that many of these war-time Regulations might have to be retained in force till Parliament could deal with the subject by legislation. As regards the second part of my hon. Friend's question, I would remind him that the letter to which he refers did not refer mainly to the restrictions of the Central Control Board, many of which have been withdrawn or modified. May I add that the Board are considering the removal of further restrictions.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that the continuance of these club restrictions is the cause of half the trouble that is taking place in the country?

asked the Prime Minister when effect will be given to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee upon National Insurance administration; and will he say when it is intended to give effect to the recommendation that the administration allowance of approved societies be increased from 4s. 5d. to 4s. 10d. per member?

It is hoped to introduce at a very early date a Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee.

asked the Prime Minister when he will be able to lay before the House the Report of the Committee presided over by Lord Cave which was appointed to examine the grave charges made by an hon. Member of this House against officials of the Ministry of Munitions in connection with the alleged destruction of working papers?

The Report is now being printed, and will, I hope, be available for Members in a day or so.

asked the Prime Minister whether any statement can yet be made as to the construction of the Channel tunnel; whether the naval and military experts have as yet reported upon it; whether such a report was favourable or not; and, if not, whether he can give any idea as to when a decision will be reached upon this matter?

I regret that I am unable to make a statement on this subject. In view of the great number of urgent questions engaging the attention of the Government at the present time, I am unable to state when a decision will be reached.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Members of this House occupy, in virtue of their salaries, an office of profit under the Crown, he will cause to have abolished the ancient practice of appointing a Member who wishes to vacate his seat to another office of profit under the Crown, and allow a Member who wishes to resign his seat to do so by handing in his resignation to Mr. Speaker for consideration by His Majesty?

No, Sir. The assumption in the first part of the question is incorrect, and the remainder, therefore, does not arise.

Is it not a fact that we come to this House by virtue of a writ issued by the Crown, and that we get our £400 a year by that means?

The writs are issued under the authority of the Crown, but that does not make the Members of this House servants of the Crown in the sense of the Statute referred to.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the economic zeal developed in the House, he will give the Members an opportunity to discuss the advisability of meeting earlier in the day and adjourning earlier in the evening with the object of economising fuel and light during the coming winter?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 9th May, in reply to questions on this subject.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that in consequence of the present industrial situation the imposition of the approaching increase of 10 per cent. in house rents will cause hardship to many families, and may probably result in widespread resistance; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, the Government will reconsider the advisability of giving facilities to the Increase of Rent (Restrictions) Bill?

I can add nothing to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 26th May, in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the great amount of unemployment at present, a large number of working people will not be able to pay this increased rent, and is he prepared to give some assistance in this matter?

I am aware that it would be difficult to place limits on the amount of suffering and distress caused by the slackness of work due either to avoidable or unavoidable causes, but I think we should only be delaying a return to more normal conditions by continuing for a further period this exceptional legislation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in consequence of the great reductions of wages taking place in all parts of the country, a terrible burden is being inflicted upon the poor?

asked the Postmaster-General what amounts are credited to the Post Office in respect of postal services performed for other Government Departments?

Credit is taken in the commercial accounts for the value of all services rendered by the Post Office to other Government Departments. See House of Commons Paper No. 218 of Session 1920. It is estimated that for 1921/2 the value of postal services will be £2,500,000, of telegraph £200,000, and of telephone services £750,000 and of certain miscellaneous services, such as the payment of Old Age Pensions and War Pensions, the administration of War Loans and other items, £2,350,000, making a total in round figures of £5,800,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that Government Departments are being charged the same rate for their postal services as the general public?

Yes, Sir.

Is the first Estimate of £2,500,000 based upon every Government letter having a twopenny stamp upon it?

Yes. The same charges apply to Government offices as to those which are not Government offices.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the small number of unemployed in France and to the fact that at the present time the number is only 35,000 and in March last it was 45,000, whereas in England before the coal strike the number was over one million; if he can give any explanation why in such a time of depression all over the world unemployment in France should be so small; and, seeing that his Department would obtain much valuable information from an inquiry on the spot into the conditions prevailing, whether he is prepared to make such an inquiry?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to recent statements that there is practically no unemployment in France; what is the actual rate per 100,000 of unemployed in France and Great Britain, respectively; and to what he attributes the relative freedom from unemployment of the former country?

According to a statement recently made by the French Minister of Labour, the number of persons unemployed at the end of March was 160,000, or about four times the total of applicants on the "live register" of the exchanges, which appear to be the figures my Friend refers to. On the same ratio the total number of unemployed in France on 21st May, the latest date for which figures are available, would be about 105,000. In France the work of reconstruction in the devastated provinces, the existence of a large standing army, and the large number of peasant proprietors all tend to reduce the number of unemployed industrial workers. The Ministry of Labour is kept regularly informed. I do not think it is necessary to make an inquiry as suggested.

Am I to understand that the Ministry thinks we can learn nothing from France by the way in which they treat this matter?

Is it not a fact that there are no such restrictions on output in France by the trade unions as we are suffering from now?

What is your output?

We cannot discuss that question now.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the changing conditions and continually falling prices, and the possibility of increased overhead charges to the traders necessitated by the new rates being passed on to the consumers in the shape of increased prices, and thus retarding a continuance in the fall of the cost of living, he will postpone for six months confirming the rates of wages proposed by the Grocery and Provision Trade Board?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the state of trade in the grocery and provision trades, together with the fall of 48 points since November, 1920, in the cost of living, do not justify the recommendations made by the Grocery and Provision Trades Board in November last to the Ministry for confirmation; and will he, before confirma- tion, refer the recommendation back to the Trades Board for further consideration, in view of the fact that, if confirmed by the Ministry of Labour, it will lead to increased unemployment by the reduction of staff arising from increased working costs at a time of trade depression and difficulty?

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to arrive at a decision, and he has promised before doing so to receive personally representatives from certain of the interests affected. In considering the rates full regard will be had to the fall in the cost of living and to the probable effects of the rates upon employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the answer given by him on the 16th March to the effect that it was proposed to set up a trade board for the fish, poultry, rabbits, and game distributive trades, he can now state on what date the arrangements for setting up this board will be completed?

I regret that the establishment of this trade board has been somewhat delayed by the difficulty experienced in securing suitable representatives of the smaller towns and country districts. My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is essential to the success of a trade board, more particularly in a distributive trade, that adequate representation should be given to those districts as well as to the larger towns. I am not yet in a position to state definitely when the Board will be set up, but my hon. Friend may be assured that there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Lieutenant J. S. Archer, of 4, Wellington Street, Moss Side, has been refused reinstatement as higher grade clerk (established) in the Employment Exchange Department, Salford, on the ground that owing to the summary orders of the Air Ministry, dated 23rd September, 1918, he had no time to procure leave from London before reporting for duty; whether he is aware of the good reports made on this officer's work both in the Royal Air Force and in the Pensions Ministry; and whether he will exercise his clemency by waiving the technical point, and reinstate this officer in view of his services to the State?

It is the case that Lieutenant J. S. Archer was refused reinstatement as a permanent officer in the Ministry of Labour. Mr. Archer had already served in this country during the War to 16th March, 1918, when he resigned his commission. Subsequently, on the 17th August, 1918, he applied for permission to rejoin the Forces as an administrative equipment officer in the Royal Air Force. Permission to do so was refused on 30th August. Notwithstanding this refusal, Mr. Archer left the Ministry of Labour and returned to the Forces on the 30th September, 1918. Some 15 months later, on 20th January, 1920, Mr. Archer applied for reinstatement, but after a careful consideration of all the circumstances of his case, it was decided that his request could not be acceded to.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the great importance of encouraging the annual shows of the Royal and other agricultural societies in order to stimulate interest in agriculture in all parts of the country, he will consider the remission of the Entertainments Duty for such shows; is he aware that, with one exception, the committees who organised these shows last year incurred heavy financial loss; and will he allow bands and other extraneous attractions to be added to these shows without the present liability to imposition of the Entertainments Duty for such additions?

As regards the first of the hon. and gallant Member's question, exemption from Entertainments Duty is granted in respect of bonâ fide agricultural shows provided by a society not conducted or established for profit, and not including any extraneous attractions in the proceedings. As regards the second part, I have no information. As regards the third, I am not prepared to waive the latter condition.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the case of George P. Chapman, B/10,652, 17 Company, Nore Battery No. 4, Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham, who served 12 years throughout the War, who has secured 30 acres of land in Essex under the Government scheme for exservice men for settlement on the land, who has invested the whole of his money and over £100 borrowed to cultivate and plant the 30 acres, and who has fairly good prospects of successful crops; whether this man has now been called up under the recent Royal Proclamation and sent to the Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham, with the danger of leaving his land derelict from want of attention; and whether cases of this kind will be dealt with by extended leave of absence?

The Admiralty's attention had not previously been drawn to this case. Orders have been given for Chapman to be demobilised forthwith.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question as to what the general practice is with regard to men situated as this man is in agriculture?