asked the President of the Board of Education what sums have been expended in Great Britain on building elementary and secondary schools, respectively, since January, 1919; and what sums were expended between January, 1912, and August, 1914?

The Board's information relates only to expenditure on buildings by local education authorities, and the local education authorities' returns are always made up (in accordance with Statute) for financial years ending 31st March. It is, therefore, not possible to give any figures for any period other than a financial year. Expenditure by local education authorities, out of loans, on elementary education purposes ( i.e., purchase of land; erection, enlargement or alteration of school buildings; furnishing of school buildings, and provision and furnishing of education offices) is as follows: £ 1912–13 2,289,594 1914–15 2,124,129 1918–19 85,233

Expenditure on building secondary schools cannot be given separately; it forms part of the expenditure on buildings for higher education, which for those years is as follows: £ 1912–13 844,053 1914–15 594,275 1918–19 24,192

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, notwithstanding the recommendations of the chief medical officer that school camps should be encouraged, local education authorities are handicapped in making such arrangements under Section 17 of the Education Act of 1918, owing to the rulings of his Board that attendance at lessons given in camps cannot be reckoned on the register of attendances if any charge is made; and, if the Act of 1918 prohibits such charges, will he bring in an amending Bill to enable local education authorities to organise school camps for which a charge is made and where attendance at lessons may be counted on the school register?

On the general question of principle, I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to him on the 26th April. I do not consider that local education authorities are handicapped, and I am not prepared to introduce legislation for the purpose suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Education the average cost of the elementary education of one child per annum in the infants' department and in Standard 7, respectively?

The material at my disposal does not enable me to separate the expenditure upon infants' departments or upon particular classes or groups of classes in public elementary schools. As stated in the answer to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Newbould) on the 21st April, the estimated average cost per scholar in public elementary schools in England and Wales in 1920–21 is £11 5s.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the average number of pupils in a class in elementary schools throughout Great Britain?

The only figure I can give is that obtained by dividing the total average attendance of pupils in public elementary schools in England and Wales during the year ended 31st March, 1920, by the number of teachers on the staffs of those schools on that date. This calculation gives an average of 32 units of average attendance per teacher.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if recently the War Office proposed to instal a plant for dealing with sewage and other effluent which flows from the Chilwell ordnance depot into the River Trent, but have since disposed of the plant; and will he cause inquiry to be made with a view to preventing further pollution of the river?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am making inquiry as to the present position of the matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the frequent protests being made by the National Alliance for the Prevention of Pollution of Rivers and Streams, and by angling and boating organisations and public health authorities, having reference to the pollution of the River Trent and its tributaries, which is depleting the river and streams of fish life and also producing unhealthy conditions; and what action does he propose to take?

I am aware that the River Trent and its tributaries are polluted and my attention has been drawn to this subject by the Trent Fishery Board. I have not received any communication on the pollution of these rivers from any of the organisations referred to in the question. The general question of pollution is engaging the attention of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and of the Ministry of Health. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the question addressed to me on the 11th April last by my hon. Friend the Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will have inquiries made into the circumstances that have arisen in the parish of Roxton, Bedfordshire, where the parish council acquired land for allotments in 1920 without any written agreement, sub-let the same land also without any written agreement to the local allotment association, and now that the land has been sold the council have dropped the entire matter, leaving the men on their plots and without giving any notice to quit or notifying them of any change of ownership; and will he instruct one of his inspectors to see that these plot-holders shall be given the full benefit of the Allotment Acts?

Yes, Sir. I will have inquiries made into this matter, which had not previously been brought to my notice, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to prosecutions of farmers and dairymen for supplying milk deficient in fat in circumstances entirely beyond their control; whether this deficiency is especially apparent in Monday morning's milk owing to Sunday labour conditions; and whether he will suggest to the responsible authorities that the basis of any prosecution should be not one or two but a series of tests so as to eliminate this and other elements of unfairness?

I am not aware of any recent prosecution of the nature referred to in the question, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars, I shall be glad to have inquiries made, and, if the result warrants it, I will consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health as to the issue of a circular letter to local authorities. The attention of local authorities who administer the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts has been called by circular letters and otherwise to the necessity of using discretion in the institution of proceedings under these Acts in respect of milk, and I am sending my hon. Friend, for his information, copies of two such circular letters.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in some districts of Somerset farmers are receiving from wholesalers no more than 10d., 8d., and, in some exceptional cases, 6d. per gallon for their milk; in what districts farmers are receiving 1s. 2d. per gallon; and what is the average price charged to the consumer in London?

The price at which farmers sell milk is a matter of arrangement between the buyer and seller, and the terms on which the sale is made are usually known only to the parties concerned. The Ministry is advised as to the average price at which contracts for delivery in London are believed to have been made, but it has no informa- tion in regard to individual cases. The average price charged to the consumer in London is understood to be 8d. per quart.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if all work under the Land Drainage Act, 1918, has been; suspended; and, if so, when he proposes to remove this embargo and permit necessary drainage which would increase agricultural production?

As I explained on the 12th April, in reply to a question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr. Pretyman), it has been found necessary in the interests of national economy to suspend operations under Section 16 of the Land Drainage Act, 1918, except in special cases where such considerations as public safety or serious unemployment are involved. Other work under the Land Drainage Act, 1918, has not been suspended, and the Ministry is actively engaged on a large number of Orders under Part I of that Act for the constitution of drainage districts and other purposes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the decontrol of agriculture will be immediately followed by the decontrol of hops; whether the Hop Control Board is keeping up the price of hops, and has issued a notice that further forward contracts should not be made, as hops are unlikely to be allowed to be imported; and what has been the cost to the taxpayers of the Hop Control Board and the staff employed by it for the past three years?

The control of hops is maintained under the provisions of the Ministry of Food (Continuance) Act, 1920, and is therefore independent of the Agriculture Act, 1920. The Hop Control Board, which is composed of representatives of the growers, the brewers and the trade, was established in order to secure the restoration of the English acreage under hops, which had been reduced by Order during the War. The Hop Controller is charged with arranging for an equitable distribution of hops at a price based upon the average cost of production after allowing for a reasonable profit to the grower. In view of the fact that the stock of foreign hops already contracted for, together with the amount of the English crop estimated for this year, is already more than sufficient to meet the estimated requirements of the brewing trade, the Hop Controller has issued a notice, dated 31st May last, informing brewers that it is undesirable that further forward contracts should be made. No charge falls upon the State due to the existence of the Hop Control Board, since the sales of the hops brought into the control are made to bear the costs of administration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the strength of the Army and Reserve Forces now as compared with July, 1914; and why 7,607 officials are now necessary as against 2,800 then to deal with the business entailed?

The approximate figures are: July, 1914, 455,800; June, 1921, 576,000. The size of the War Office staff must be determined by the volume of business to be transacted and at the present moment the intake of correspondence from without over which therefore the Department has no control is more than four times what it was before the War, while the staff is less than three times the size. The work of liquidating the arrears of the War, of reorganising the military forces of the Crown, and of administering the Army which is still scattered in many foreign stations, imposes a heavy strain on a staff greatly taxed by the exertions of the War. Reductions are being steadily and progressively made as work diminishes, and since the Armistice no fewer than 17,000 have been retrenched.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent he has reduced the staff of the Director-General of Housing since his acceptance of office?

Since acceptance of my present office, the staff of the Director-General of Housing has been reduced by 26 officers. In addition, 29 officers have had notice terminating their services. The annual saving is at the rate of about £20,000.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow as representing the First Commissioner of Works what is the measure of the control exercised over persons employed in connection with the Houses of Parliament, and particularly with this House; how many persons, and into what categories are they divided; who are paid by or are under the direction of the Office of Works, and what is the line of demarcation between them and the other persons so employed; and is there any other individual or body of persons entitled to give orders to or direct or regulate the conduct of persons so employed, or in any way to exercise control over them in the discharge of their duty?

All the employés at the Houses of Parliament are under the effective control of the duly constituted authorities, such as the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Serjeant at Arms, and the Commissioners of Works, and there is no other individual or body of persons entitled to give orders or to direct or regulate the conduct of persons so employed. The Committees under the Departmental Joint Industrial Council meet at intervals to deal with any questions affecting the welfare of the workmen employed by the Office of Works, but those Committees are consultative and advisory only, and do not exercise any control over the general management.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why, two and a half years after the Armistice, it is now necessary to have 11,504 officials to deal with the business of his Department as against 4,400 in pre-War days?

The figures referred to are not comparable. The total staffs of the Admiralty and Admiralty Home Establishments on 1st June, 1921 (excluding industrial staffs), amounted to 11,235, as against a pre-War comparable figure of 5,321—an increase of 5,914. This increase has been caused, not only by an increase of work in the existing services, but by the development which has taken place in the scientific services, e.g., mining, signalling, etc., and by such changes as the establishment of the Admiralty cordite factory, the development of the Naval Base at Rosyth, and the transfer of Naval ordnance inspection from the War Office to the Admiralty. Although a long period has elapsed since the War, there is still, and there will continue to be for some time, a very large amount of work in connection with the handling and disposal of surplus stores caused by the returns from the Fleet and the closing down of naval bases and depots. The task of reducing staff has not been made easier by the necessity for providing as many posts as possible for ex-service men. The period of training, however brief, which such staff must undergo has naturally delayed work to some extent. Much of the work left over by the War, already referred to above, is now on the point of completion, and very considerable reductions of the temporary staff retained for this purpose are about to be made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the aggregate annual amount paid in bonus only to the various Government Departments during the year ending 31st May?

It is estimated that the aggregate cost of a Civil Service bonus for all Government Departments during the twelve months ended 31st May, 1921, was about £40,000,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the practice of assimilating first-class women clerks into the lower clerical class pending determination of the number of available posts in the executive class has operated almost wholly to exclude women from the executive class in consequence of the assimilation of all second division class men into that grade, no post thus remaining available for women; and whether, in these circumstances, he will safeguard women's interests by definitely reserving beforehand a proportion of executive posts for women in the impending regrading of the Post Office?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Sir R. Newman) on the 26th May, from which he will see that I do not accept the assumption made in his question. The grading of women clerks in the Post Office on reorganisation will be based on the character of the work which they are performing, and will not be affected by the assimilation of the second division to the executive class.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed to allocate the same proportion of higher to lower posts to women as to men in the proposed regrading of the clerical classes; and, if not, seeing that women have long proved themselves as efficient clerical officers as men and that the work of the clerical grades, male and female, is now standardised throughout Government Departments, on what is the differentiation based?

It is not proposed to fix a proportion of higher to lower posts either for men or women in the regrading of the clerical classes in Government Departments. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Home Secretary how many officials in his Department at present receive a salary of £1,000 or over, and how many received such salaries in June, 1914?

The number in June, 1914, was 14, and the present number (excluding war bonus) is 16.

asked the Home Secretary whether a private advertisement of a newspaper appears on the back of the official form delivered with the census paper; and whether he gave his sanction to the use of a State form for this purpose?

Yes, Sir. The document is not a form to be filled up, but simply a leaflet which had to be issued notifying the change of dates resulting from the postponement of the census. I was advised that I could provide for the whole cost of that postponement by letting the back of the leaflet for an advertisement to be contracted for by the Stationery Office. The result has, in fact, been to relieve the taxpayer of the whole cost.

asked the Home Secretary the price being paid for the space on the back of the official form delivered with the census paper; and whether the contract for a private advertisement was entered into without the knowledge of other possible advertisers, and without any effort being made to secure the highest bidder?

The price paid to the Stationery Office is at the rate of £900 per million leaflets issued. The total revenue is estimated at £9,900. The most likely advertising agents were invited to tender, and the contract was awarded to the highest tenderer.

asked the Home Secretary the average number of prisoners contained in Holloway prison; the diet provided; whether the food is supplied by contract; and, if so, by whom?

The daily average population for the last year ended the 31st March was 413. I will send the hon. Member particulars of the meals supplied to prisoners at Holloway. Some of the materials for these meals are obtained from contractors and others from the Admiralty.

asked the Home Secretary whether arrangements can now be made to permit the sale of chocolates and cigarettes at evening performances in theatres; and, if not, whether he can provide that theatres will not be included in any renewal of the Shop Hours Act?

The restriction referred to is now in force under the Shops (Early Closing) Act of last Session, and I have no power under that Act to relax it. As regards the latter part of the question, I am not prepared to give any pledge to the effect suggested.

asked the Home Secretary on what date the Report of the Departmental Committee on the 24-hour measurement of time was received; whether it is still under consideration; and whether, and, if so, when, it will be published?

The Report was received in March, 1920. As I stated on the 22nd February last, in reply to a question from the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon), His Majesty's Government has decided not to take any steps at present for the adoption of the 24-hour system. In these circumstances, and having regard to the need for economy, it was not considered necessary to publish the Report.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the trial of George Henry Fletcher, at the Rotherham Borough Police Court, on a charge of having made a speech calculated and likely to cause sedition and disaffection amongst members of the Rotherham County Borough Police Force: whether he is aware that the defendant was fined £50 or two months' imprisonment, and was not allowed any time to pay; and whether, in view of the impossibility of finding such a sum at once, he will make inquiries into the case?

I find on inquiry that Fletcher was convicted of inciting the police to refuse to do their duty. He appears to be a man of means, living in a house of his own and running a motor car, and I see no reason for recommending any remission of the fine imposed on him.

asked the Home Secretary how long the regulation has been in force which requires the chairman and speakers at an open-air meeting to give their names and addresses to the police?

I do not know to what regulation the hon. Member refers.

asked the Home Secretary whether there has been any increase in the number of aliens into this country during the present year; and can he give the comparative figures for the first five months of this year and last year, giving the country of origin from which the aliens came?

The hon. Member will find the fullest available information in the Returns which have been presented to Parliament every quarter since the beginning of 1920, showing the numbers of aliens who landed or embarked in the United Kingdom in each month. I would refer him to the Return for the first quarter of the present year, but in comparing this with the corresponding Return for 1920 it must be borne in mind that the figures for 1920 are swollen by the inclusion of transmigrants who are excluded from the Returns for 1921.

asked the Home Secretary what are the present rent allowances made to the Metropolitan police force; whether such allowances are made on a sliding scale; and whether, in the event of rents in London being still further increased under the Restriction of Rent Act next month, these allowances will be reconsidered?

Members of the Metropolitan Police not residing in police quarters are granted allowances equal to the actual amount of rent and rates which they pay, up to maximum limits, which are as follow: For superintendents, £80 per annum. For inspectors, 20s. a week. For sergeants, 17s. a week. For constables, 14s. 6d. a week. If rents are raised the allowances are raised accordingly, subject to the maximum limits which I have mentioned. In view of the financial situation, I have come to the concluson that I cannot raise the present maximum limits, at any rate, during the current year.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the suicide of a boy prisoner of 16 years of age in Winchester Prison, and to the recorded opinion of Governor Harding regarding the bad habit of having a long interval between commitment and trial; and whether he will take steps to amend the law in this respect?

Yes, Sir. My attention has been called to the case. The long interval which sometimes occurs between commitment and trial arises from the fact that County Quarter Sessions are, as a rule, held only once in three months, and where the number of prisoners to be tried is small, it would not be possible to insist on their being held more frequently. But the magistrates have power to release on bail prisoners waiting trial, and I do not understand why that was not done in this case. I will inquire into the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General if a definite charge is made in the Civil Service Estimates for official postages for the various Government Departments or whether it is all lumped together and the cost borne by the Post Office Department; and, if so, whether the cost of this official postage forms part of the General Post Office deficit?

No actual payment is made, but credit is taken in the commercial accounts of the Post Office for the value of the services rendered, including official postages, to other Government Departments, and the cost does not, therefore, form part of the Post Office deficit.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the cost of the considerable and increasing duties connected with the sale of national insurance stamps, now performed by Post Office officials, is debited to the Departments connected with national insurance?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Postmaster-General why Dingle Post Office is closed to the public; and when business will be resumed there, as the stoppage is causing suffering and hardship to people in the district?

I will have inquiry made, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a special Committee of the Post Office Whitley Council recommended that a special limited competition should be held for certain classes of temporary workers, male and female; whether there has been great delay in giving effect to that recommendation; and when it is intended to hold the: necessary examination?

The scheme for the holding of these competitions is now settled, the preliminary arrangements are complete, and the Civil Service Commissioners have been asked to fix suitable dates for the examinations as soon as possible. When the exact dates have been fixed, they will be announced to the staff, together with particulars of the proposed syllabuses.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Bengalee newspaper of 4th May that 38 dacoities, or robbery with violence by armed gangs, took place in Bengal during the first fortnight in April; what steps have been taken to strengthen the police force in Bengal, and has he any evidence indicating that this great outbreak is due to the expressed intention of the Legislative Council to reduce the police?

I have no corroboration of the statement in the "Bengali" newspaper, but the figures quoted do not, I think, represent any substantial increase on the statistics of recent years. I have not heard that future reinforcement is thought necessary or contemplated. The second part of the question, in view of these facts, does not arise, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the budget grant for the police was finally passed by the Legislative Council with only minor alterations.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a Public Works officer who elects to come under the revised Indian Pension Rules will, on completing 25 years' service, be at a great disadvantage in comparison with the officer who chooses to remain under the old Rules, as the former, whilst earning only the same pension, is liable on attaining 25 years' service to have his services dispensed with at any time without any reason being given and without receiving any compensation and will only be allowed to retire by permission of the Government, whereas the officer who remains under the old Rules may be removed only for inefficiency or misconduct and can retire whenever he desires?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Rawlinson) on 20th May, 1920. Officers in service on 29th August, 1919, had the option of accepting the new pension rules or coming under the old. The new rules grant higher rates of pension after 25 years' service, as well as higher additional pensions, but Government reserved the right to place a man on the retired list at or after 25 years' service.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that the average expectation of any officer in respect of length of service at which he will reach administrative rank is about 23 years, and that the benefits of the new rules, which consist of enhanced pensions to administrative officers and officers of between 25 and 30 years' service, do not apply to officers retiring or retired before or at this period, he will consider increasing the revised scales to meet the case of officers retiring up to and on completing 25 years' service?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the recent increases of pensions were granted on the recommendations of the Government of India based on the report of the Public Services Commission. I do not see my way to reopen the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India, in view of the fact that the revised scale of pensions recently introduced for the officers of the Public Works Department, India, was introduced on account of the increased cost of living, why no increase whatever in pensions has been granted to those officers who have elected to remain under the old terms in preference to accepting the new terms?

The increase in pensions referred to is part of the new terms. If an officer elect to remain under the old terms, he obviously cannot get the advantages of the new.

asked the Secretary of State for India, whether before the services of an officer of the Indian services could be dispensed with on the reduction of establishment in the past the appointment which the officer held had to be abolished and every endeavour made to obtain other suitable employment for the officer; whether the Civil Service Regulations lay down that the selection of the officer to be discharged should be primâ facie so made that the least charge for compensation pension will be incurred; and, if so, whether he is prepared to qualify the statement he made in the House on 7th June, 1920, in as much as it seems clear that the Government did not always possess the power to dispense with the services of any particular officer for the purpose of reducing the establishment?

As regards the first part of the question, the Regulation to which my hon. and gallant Friend presumably refers runs as followsA compensation pension is awarded to an officer discharged from the public service because, on a reduction of establishment, his appointment is abolished and other suitable employment cannot be found for him. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, my answer of the 7th June, 1920, was correct in respect of officers who had completed the necessary term of service for pension, to whom the hon. Member for Cambridge University was referring. Government has never asserted its intention to exercise a right to dismiss an officer who has not earned his pension merely for the purpose of reducing the establishment.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any Sinn Fein lady prisoners are still detained in Mountjoy Prison; if so, whether auxiliaries or Black-and-Tans are allowed to enter the women's quarters; and, in that event, whether the practice will at once be stopped?

There are at present 10 women prisoners in Mountjoy Prison of the class referred to by the hon. Member. A police guard is stationed in the grounds, but this guard has no access to the women's quarters. The guard is necessary for the purpose of security, especially in view of the fact that a determined attempt by armed Sinn Feiners was recently made to release prisoners from this gaol. The women prisoners are in charge of wardresses.

asked the Chief Secretary whether notices have been posted by the military in Kilmallock, County Cork, stating that any shop which does not stock English goods will be compulsorily closed down for seven days; and by what authority has this proclamation been made?

No such notices have been authorised by the military governor. The latter, however, has the necessary powers under martial law to do so, should he desire, and the necessity therefor arises.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any Members of Parliament are or have been in internment without' charges being preferred against them?

31 Members of Parliament have been interned under Regulation 14B of the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations as being persons suspected of acting or having acted or being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the Restoration or Maintenance of Order in Ireland. These include Members of the Imperial Parliament and of the Parliaments for Southern and Northern Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary if any awards for malicious injuries in the County of Galway have been paid during the last year; if so, to what amount; and, if not, why the Government grants to local authorities have not been used for the purpose of paying these claims?

Forty-three decrees awarded against the Galway County Council have been paid either in whole or in part out of Local Taxation (Ireland) Account grants withheld from the council. The total amount so paid is £13,405. Further awards are in course of payment.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the remarks of the Judge-Advocate at a court-martial in Limerick on Michael O'Connell and Patrick Egan on 27th May last for the possession of a revolver, in the course of which he censured the police for soundly beating prisoners in order to extort confessions, and to the admission of one of the constables that he had beaten one of the prisoners with the butt-end of a rifle; and whether these policemen will be brought to trial for maltreating helpless prisoners in this manner?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave on 31st May to a Private Notice Question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for the Leith Division (Captain W. Benn). The constable involved has been suspended. Inquiry is still proceeding. I have asked that it may be expedited.

asked the Chief Secretary whether it is intended, in future, that before houses or property are officially destroyed in the martial-law area a definite statement will be given to their owners as to the reason for their punishment and an opportunity given them to prove their innocence?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on 21st April.

asked the Chief Secretary whether two shops were destroyed at King Williamstown, County Kerry, on the 29th January; whether this was a reprisal for an ambush four miles away; whether it was officially authorised; and, if not, whether any disciplinary action has been taken?

The Commander-in-Chief has furnished me with the following report on this matter: A patrol of Auxiliary police operating in King Williamstown on 29th January, 1921, were fired on from a store in the main street. The place was attacked, bombs being used to cover the attacking party. As a result the place caught fire and was burnt out. A search of the village followed, leading to discovery of a second store which showed undoubted signs of recent occupation by the rebels. This was fired by the forces operating in the village without waiting for consultation with the local Military Governor. There is, however, no doubt that in this instance he would have authorised this destruction had the matter been referred to him.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry has yet been held into the killing of one civilian and the wounding of two at Upperchurch, County Tipperary, on 22nd May; and, if so, what is its finding?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest in the case of Con Gleeson, the man who was killed, found that he was shot by Crown forces in the execution of their duty. According to the evidence, as the Crown forces approached the village several civilians came out from neighbouring houses. They ignored the challenge to halt, and one of them opened fire. The Crown forces then fired in return. When Glee-son's body was examined he was found to be holding an automatic pistol with the magazine partly charged. In all 74 rounds of ammunition were found on the body. The police report that two men were wounded and are in custody. An unwounded prisoner was also captured and found to be in possession of a bullet, a pair of wire cutters and seditious literature.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the evidence originally taken by General Crozier with regard to the looting at Trim is still in the possession of the police or military authorities?

General Crozier collected no evidence in the strict sense of the term, but his report made at the time is, of course, in the possession of the authorities.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry was held by Major Wake, of the Auxiliary division of the Royal Irish Constabulary, into the looting at or near Trim; and whether the evidence taken by him and the articles alleged to have been looted, which were recovered by him, were made use of in any way at the trial of the cadets alleged to be implicated?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member on last Thursday.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he received a letter written on 24th March, 1921, by Brigadier-General Crozier asking for a private interview for the purpose of placing before him facts which the General, as an Irishman, considered vitally- important to the country, and Empire, and to the Chief Secretary himself; when he sent a reply to this letter; and if he will explain why he would not see General Crozier?

General Crozier, on the 24th March, wrote asking for an interview. In a letter dated the 31st March I asked him, according to the usual practice in such cases, to furnish me with a statement showing the nature of the communication he wished to make. In reply to this letter he wrote one 2nd AprilI have no particular desire to see the Chief Secretary, neither do I think it desirable to furnish a statement in advance.

asked the Chief Secretary what evidence was offered in the case of Nurse Kearns, sentenced to 10 years penal servitude for carrying members of the Irish republican army in her motor car; and whether there is reason to believe that she had any connection with the Sinn Fein movement, and knew the character of the men who had stopped her in the road asking for a lift?

It would be impossible for me within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question to go through the evidence in a case of this nature, but I may say that I have carefully considered this case, and have not felt able to advise any interference with the sentence. The police had reliable information that for some time this woman had been actively participating in the rebel movement by carrying arms and despatches. At the time of her arrest, her car contained five rifles in addition to several revolvers and some ammunition.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the shooting by the forces of the Crown on 28th May of Mrs. Mary Foley, of Garryroe, near Dungarvan, County Waterford; whether he is aware that this woman was 70 years of age; that at the time of her being shot she was standing in a field near her home with no other companions than two small children; and that after she had been shot, at about 3 p.m., no medical assistance was rendered by the military authorities until 9 p.m., by which time Mrs. Foley was dead; and whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?

I am still awaiting a report from the Commander-in-Chief on this matter. If the hon. and gallant Member will put his question down again one day next week, I hope to be in a position to give him a reply. I have asked for this report to be expedited.

asked the Chief Secretary whether a number of men attending a funeral at Limerick on 4th May were fired upon by police, with the result that one was killed and another dangerously wounded; what was the reason for the firing; and whether any previous disturbance had taken place at the funeral?

This refers to the martial-law area, and I have asked the Commander-in-Chief for a report. I only received notice of this question on Tuesday and shall be pleased if the hon. Member will postpone it till next week.

asked the Chief Secretary whether 20 houses were de- stroyed by the police at Ballylongford, County Kerry, on the 23rd February; whether this was an official or unofficial reprisal; and, if the latter, whether any arrests have been made?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that it has not been possible to discover by whom these fires were started. A party of police which was fired at on entering the village assisted in extinguishing the flames.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry has been held into the burning of the farm and farmhouse belonging to a man named Desmond, at Annabeg, on the 23rd October last, by soldiers during their investigation following an attack on the Essex Regiment; and, if so, what was the result of the inquiry?

A labourer's cottage at Rigsdale occupied by Michael Desmond was burnt on 22nd October last year, but no evidence has been forthcoming to enable the police to discover the perpetrators. So far as I am aware, the suggestion that soldiers were involved is based upon the unsupported allegation of Desmond, who, according to the police report, was absent at the time of the occurrence and had left the house unoccupied. I have consulted the Commander-in-Chief, who informs me that the military authorities have no knowledge of the matter. Desmond was awarded £150 compensation at Cork Quarter Sessions in April

asked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry has been held into the street firing and other disturbances in Athlone in October last; and, if so, what was the finding?

The incidents to which the hon. Member presumably refers were: (1) The damaging of the Athlone printing works by fire on 19th October. (2) The murderous attack on Crown forces which occurred later on the same day, and resulted in the wounding "of two officers and two other ranks. (3) The street shooting on the 22nd, which resulted in the death of a civilian named Michael Burke.

As regards the first of these incidents, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Norwich (Mr. G. Roberts) on 28th October last. As regards the second, I regret that every effort to trace the culprits has failed. The incident in which Michael Burke lost his life was dealt with in my reply to a private notice question by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division on 26th October last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps have been taken to apprehend the murderers of John O'Connor, of Gloundaeagh, Tarranfore, on 15th December last, since the military Court brought in its verdict against certain Crown forces?

The Commander-in-Chief informs me that the failure of the witnesses to identify any person in connection with this crime has further delayed action, and at present no arrest has been made. In order to sift this matter to the bottom the Commander-in-Chief has ordered the exhumation of the body of John O'Connor, and the medical report is still awaited.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any inquiry has been held into the death of a man named O'Sullivan, of Blarney Street, Cork, found dead in a field, and whether any trace has been found of the perpetrators?

The court of inquiry in lieu of inquest in the case of Christopher O'Sullivan found that the deceased was murdered by some person or persons unknown. He was an ex-soldier, paralysed, and a loyal man. There is no doubt that he was foully murdered by Sinn Fein. It is regretted that no trace has at present been found of the perpetrators of this callous crime.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the court of inquiry, in lieu of inquest, into the death of Christopher Reynolds called as a witness Bernard Nolan who was with Reynolds at the time of his death and was wounded on that occasion?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any members of the Crown forces have as yet been punished in connection with the attacks on creameries or co-operative stores from 1st January, 1920, to the present time?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has yet considered the second Report of County Court Judge Bodkin, dated 22nd April, in which a summary is given of cases for which compensation was claimed before him for injury committed by forces of the Crown, such injuries including shooting, assault, and the burning of houses; and what steps he proposes to take to compensate the victims of such proved outrage?

I have carefully considered the Report in question, and, for reasons which I have already given when dealing with the earlier similar Report of the learned judge, I am not prepared to accept the conclusions to which he appears to have come on wholly one-sided evidence.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any sentences have yet been inflicted upon members of the Crown forces for allowing prisoners to escape or for the shooting of prisoners alleged to have attempted to escape while in their custody?

Two soldiers have each been sentenced to eight years' penal servitude for allowing prisoners to escape. No member of the Crown forces has been punished for the shooting of prisoners attempting to escape.

asked the Chief Secretary how many men have been executed since 1st January for taking part in ambushes on military or police; and what is the number of ambushes which have taken place each month from January to May?

The number of men executed since 1st January for taking part in ambushes is 14. The attacks on Crown forces, including ambushes and attacks upon occupied police barracks during this period, are as follow:— January 127 February 106 March 149 April 184 May 262

asked the Chief Secretary whether two civilian prisoners, named Martin Purcell and William O'Brien, were shot dead at the Tipperary military barracks on 30th May; whether any inquiry has been held; and with what result?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the answer is in the affirmative. These men, while exercising in the barrack yard, made a concerted rush upon the two sentries who were guarding them, and were consequently fired upon. The Court of Inquiry found in each case that no blame attached to the Crown forces.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. James Cox, 6th Battalion Worcester Regiment, Ministry of Pensions, reference No. M.J.D. 2,482, who was so severely wounded that he now carries two wires through his knee; whether he is aware that before the War this man worked at the Calvert brickworks at wages of £2 2s. a week, but that through his wound he has now been compelled to seek other less heavy work and goes about carting, and that his pension of 7s. 10d. was finally stopped on 7th June, 1921; and will he have this pension renewed in view of the fact that if this man had not been wounded he would now be drawing wages at the rate of about £5 5s. a week at the Calvert brickworks, whereas at the present time, with himself, his wife and child to provide for, his carting only affords him a precarious existence?

In this case disablement was assessed by a medical board in April, 1920, at 1 per cent., and a final allowance was accordingly granted, the whole of which has now been paid. If the man's condition is considered to have since become substantially worse he should apply through his local committee with a view to the reconsideration of his case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that James Ainsbury, 25, Wilson Street, Partick, has had his pension reduced from 100 per cent. to 15s. per week; that this man's record of service shows that he enlisted on the 8th July, 1870, in the 97th Foot, or Earl of Ulster's Own, now known as the Queen's Own Kent; that he served in the Zulu Kaffir war in 1878, the first Boer War, 1881, and the Soudan, and was discharged on the 28th March, 1890, with a service pension of 4d. per day; that he enlisted again on 28th May, 1915, although 62 years of age, and was accepted; that his number was 27,390, rank, private, 59th Protection Company, Royal Defence Corps; that he was discharged on 23rd May, 1916, under paragraph 392 (XVI) with 100 per cent. pension, which he continued to draw until the beginning of May, 1921, when he was reduced to 15s. per week; that this man is not fit to be trusted on the street by himself, as his nerves are completely shattered; and whether he is prepared to have this case placed under review?

There has been no award of pension at the 100 per cent. rate in this case, but there have been considerable periods of treatment during which full allowances were paid. The man was recently examined by a medical board, which assessed disablement at 70 per cent., and an award at that rate will be put into payment at once.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the late Private Anthony Joseph McNamara, No. 52,447, Royal Army Service Corps, was called up on mobilisation on 4th August, 1914, and was discharged from the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, on 17th November, 1920, suffering from chronic gastritis, being finally discharged from the Army on 17th November, 1920, as unfit for further service, after giving only six year's service; whether he was continuously under treatment for this dis- ability from the date of discharge until he died on 21st March, 1921; whether his death was stated to be due to gastric ulcers, and his family doctor has certified that he was healthy before the War, and the condition of his ill-health was brought on by war service; whether his widow, Mrs. McNamara, 80, Blackness Road, Dundee, has been compelled to apply for parish relief for herself and four children pending a decision of the Ministry of Pensions on her application for pension, owing to the local war pensions committee being now prevented by amended instructions from making allowances or grants in such cases; and whether he will facilitate a decision in this case, and consider whether the powers that local war pensions committees previously had to make weekly allowances where there were reasonable prospects of pensions being awarded should be restored?

Entitlement to a widow's pension has now been admitted in this case, and, pending an award under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant, the local committee has been authorised to make advances to the widow. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I am giving him to-day, in reply to a general question on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Dundee Local War Pensions Committee has protested against the restrictions which have been imposed upon local committees, since the publication of the local committee handbook of January, 1920, in regard to widows' claims to pension as dealt with under paragraph 101; whether, as a result of these restrictions, numerous soldiers' widows and orphans have been compelled to seek relief from the parish council; whether he will consider the restoration of this paragraph to its original terms; or whether, alternatively, he will consider the revision of the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee so as to admit of grants being made where recommended by a local committee pending the decision of the widows' claim by the Ministry, and, where the widow's claim has been rejected, pending the decision of an appeal by the widow to the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal?

Paragraph 101 of the 1920 handbook authorised advances where the local committee considered the prospect of an award of pension under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant reasonably clear. In the 1921 handbook this authority is limited to cases in which the cause of the man's death does not differ from the disability for which he had been admitted to the benefits of the Royal Warrant. I am satisfied that this change is reasonable, and I am not therefore prepared to accept the modifications suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Bolton annual holidays commence on the last Friday in June; whether thousands of operatives in this district will be unable to participate in the cheap railway facilities which come into operation on 1st July; whether this fact was taken into consideration when this decision was arrived at; and whether he will make representations with the railway companies concerned in the matter with a view to these cheap railway facilities being granted to this district and so enable these operatives to enjoy the same facilities as those who will benefit on and after 1st July?

The railway companies are at liberty to grant cheap railway facilities whenever, in the opinion of their responsible managers, such a course would produce additional net revenue. The ability of individual companies to make such arrangements must depend upon the supplies of coal with which they find themselves on the termination of the present stoppage. No one regrets more than I do the restrictions upon travel which that stoppage has involved.

asked the Prime Minister whether, to avoid any suggestion that either employers or employed receive too short notice, it is thoroughly understood by both that the railways will be decontrolled in August next; and if the State will, under any circumstances, be ready to "pay a subsidy to facilitate the process of readjustment of working relations?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The period of control was definitely fixed by the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, and the idea of its extension has never been entertained. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative, and I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 10 of the Railways Bill and to the Debate on the Second Reading.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that builders under the subsidy scheme have refused to let houses when completed, holding them for sale only, the effect being that they are kept empty for long periods, thus nullifying the purpose of' the subsidy, which is to relieve the accommodation shortage, he will consider the advisability of modifying the conditions of the subsidy, so as to make it payable only on the effective occupation of the houses built with the aid of the subsidy?

I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but, for the reasons which I gave in reply to his previous question on this subject, I doubt whether it is advisable to impose a condition of this kind.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to revoke the terms of No. 3 contract for the carrying out of subsidised housing schemes; whether he is aware that many local authorities are finding the financial burdens of this kind of contract depressing in the extreme; and who is responsible for its adoption?

The No. 3 Form of Contract was drawn up by the Department for use in cases where local authorities could not obtain reasonable lump sum tenders for schemes comprising a comparatively large number of houses. Only a limited number of these contracts have been made, and I do not propose to extend the use of this form of contract.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to the resolutions passed by the Edinburgh Town Council, and many trade unions and co-operative societies in the East of Scotland, urging the desirability of suspending for the present the 10 per cent. increase of rent authorised during the current year under The Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1920, in respect of dwelling houses; and what is the decision of the Government in the matter?

Yes, Sir. I have seen the resolutions mentioned. I would, however, refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 7th June in reply to questions an this subject.

asked the Minister of Health, if, seeing the increase in local taxation and the growing charges imposed by administrative regulations on local authorities, the Government is prepared to adopt the recommendations of the Select Committee on the procedure governing Bills which involve charges?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday on this subject by the Leader of the House to the right hon. Member for Camborne (Mr. Acland).

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that Frederick Shoe-smith, of 9, Cator Street, S.E.15, has been an inmate of Camberwell infirmary for several months, that he is an insured person, and as such has been recommended for sanatorium treatment; and what steps he proposes to take to obtain the benefit expected by this man?

I understand that an application for sanatorium benefit was received by the London Insurance Committee, on the 12th April last, from this man, who was at the time an inmate of the Camberwell infirmary; that the case is one of advanced tuberculosis; and that Mr. Shoesmith was not therefore recommended for treatment in a sanatorium. I am informed, however, that the case may be suitable for admission to a hospital for the treatment of advanced cases of this disease. Consequent upon the termination of sanatorium benefit on the 30th April last, the Insurance Committee ceased on that date to have any power to provide institutional treatment for tuberculosis, and the question of the provision of such treatment is now a matter for the London County Council. There is considerable pressure upon the available accommodation for the treatment of advanced cases of tuberculosis in London at the present time, but I will communicate with the county council in regard to this case.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when an ex-service man has been committed to an asylum on account of mental injury attributable to the War, the man himself and his next-of-kin are informed that one of the privileges attached to his having been placed on a private patient footing is that, provided that he cannot be proved to be dangerous and unfit to be at large, his next-of-kin has the right, in accordance with Sections 72 to 74 of the Lunacy Act, to direct his discharge?

It is not desirable to furnish this information on admission, but when a service patient is sufficiently recovered to raise the question of his discharge, he is informed of the legal position and of the steps to be taken by his relatives.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of Alfred C. Drake, No. 213589, Air Service, Air Mechanic, Second Class, of Tollesbury, Essex, who enlisted, during the War, at 19 years of age. May, 1916, leaving his apprenticeship as shipwright unfinished, who served three years in the Royal Naval Air Service, and who, after demobilisation 31st January, 1919, applied to the Ministry of Labour for training to complete his full trade union qualifications under the Apprentices Training Department, 64, Queen's Gardens, Paddington, on 7th March, 1921, whether the grounds of refusal by that department can be stated; and whether the Ministry of Labour will reconsider the refusal so as to prevent A. C. Drake from being thrown on the out-of-work dole in consequence of his disqualification arising from the incomplete apprenticeship interrupted by serving his country?

Mr. Drake was, I am informed, demobilised in December, 1918, but the first communication to the Ministry of Labour in respect of him in connection with the Scheme for Interrupted Apprenticeships was made on 7th March, 1921, when the scheme had then been in operation for over two years. The last date of application under the scheme was 30th September, 1920, and this fact was fully advertised. In the circumstances, I am afraid Mr. Drake's application cannot be accepted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the failure of the Scottish Co-operative Bank, Limited; whether, although the sum involved was not large, the sufferers are, as usual, the small class of investors; whether the Government still intends to introduce its promised measure to deal with the better supervision of this type of bank; and when, in that case, the Bill will be laid before the House?

In reply to the first part of the question, as this company is registered in Scotland, no information as to the investors interested in it is available in London, but I am making inquiries. In reply to the second part, I cannot add anything to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 25th April.

asked the President of the Board of Trade where the British Empire Exhibition is to be held, and on what date it is expected to open?

I understand that negotiations for a site for the British Empire Exhibition are now proceeding. It is hoped to open the exhibition in the spring of 1923.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether at the close of the coal stoppage he will investigate the approximate loss to the community as a whole, and to sections of the public individually, entailed by this industrial trouble and its consequences; and whether he will publish his findings for the information of the nation and the promotion of a better understanding of the cost of these conflicts?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my predecessor gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Henley (Captain Terrell) on 13th December, a copy of which I am sending him. The considerations stated in that answer apply with at least equal force at the present time.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries where more than a month's preliminary work will be needed before coal-getting is resumed?

I am afraid it is quite impossible to make any estimate of the number of mines damaged by the stoppage to the extent suggested in the hon. and gallant Member's question. In many mines no one has been below ground since 31st March, and the present condition of the workings and roadways is quite unknown. Nor is it possible to estimate the time it will take to un water the mines which are wholly or partially flooded.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received information that certain coal mines will not be reopened after the coal dispute; if so, how many; and what is the number of miners who thereby lose employment?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Sir A. Fell) on the 11th April.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any information to the effect that France has passed a law that all goods made in France by French citizens shall bear the words Unis France; and when the alteration of the Merchandise Marks Act will take place, and prevent Britishers buying foreign goods thinking they are British?

The words quoted are part of a trade mark indicative of French origin which has been widely adopted in France, but where use is not, so far as I am aware, enforced by law. As regards the second part of the question, I cannot add anything to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 12th May.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any orders and, if so, to what amount, have been placed in this country from Soviet Russia for rolling stock, locomotives, steel rails, and agricultural implements; and what is the value of British manufactured goods exported to Russia since the conclusion of the Trade Agreement?

I believe that some orders for agricultural implements have been placed, but I do not think that any orders for the other classes referred to in the first part of the question have yet been placed. As regards the second part, I understand that goods to the value of £51,246 have been exported to Russia since the signing of the Trade Agreement, and that during April goods to the value of £347,122 have been exported to Esthonia, a large proportion of which are believed to have been destined for Soviet Russia.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for how long a period it is proposed to continue to refuse to grant licences for export of goods to Russia?

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. Since March last, licences have not been required for the export to Russia of any goods other than goods the export of which is prohibited, except under licence, to all foreign countries.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the Report published by the Chief Inspector of Mines, and can he explain why the death rate per 1,000 persons employed in 1920 was 88 and in 1914 1 08, whereas the amount of mineral produced per death was 217,259 tons and 228,947 tons for 1920 and 1914, respectively; and whether, in the opinion of the Department, the mines are safer now than in 1914?

The explanation of the phenomenon that, while the death rate per person employed has fallen, the death rate per mineral produced has risen is, of course, that the fall in the death rate is not proportionate to the fall in output. As regards the last part of the question, my hon. Friend is aware that it is the constant endeavour of my Department to bring about greater safety in mining, but it is obvious that progress cannot be tested by a comparison of the figures of two isolated years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of British merchant shipping are at present laid up for lack of cargoes; how many British shipyard workers are unemployed; and whether it is the intention of the Government to remit the obligation of the German Government under the Treaty of Versailles to build for the Allies 200,000 tons of shipping annually?

According to information collected by the Chamber of Shipping, the number of ships laid up at the 36 principal ports in the United Kingdom at the end of April was 1,165, representing 1,707,000 net tons. No later information is available. According to information in the possession of the Minister of Labour, the following unemployment insurance books and out-of-work donation policies were lodged in respect of shipyard workers on 27th May (the latest date for which information is available) on account of total unemployment:—Males, 108,273; females, 1,039; total, 109,312. In addition, the following books were lodged on account of continued short-time:—Males, 12,987; females, 179; total, 13,166. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to-day to the hon. Member for Ilford (Mr. Wise).

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that applicants for unemployment insurance benefit who claim to be entitled to benefit on the ground that they were in employment for not less than 20 weeks since the end of 1919 frequently have to suffer delay in payment in consequence of the practice of the authorities in writing for confirmation to the employers, some of whom omit to reply; and whether some other procedure can be devised which will obviate this delay?

Employment in an insurable occupation in at least 20 weeks since December, 1919, is one of the statutory conditions for the receipt of benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1921, and it is essential that confirmation of the applicant's statements should be obtained. The procedure for obtaining this confirmation is made as simple as possible, and I am satisfied that it has, on the whole, worked satisfactorily, though I am aware that delay has occurred in some cases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that his figures of unemployment in agriculture are challenged by the workers, on the ground that they are quite inadequate, and that the reason in part for non-registration is the long distance the men have to walk to register, this being in some cases over 10 miles there and back; and whether he can consider registration in these instances by post?

I am aware that agricultural workers, since in a number of districts they live at some considerable, distance from the local offices of the Ministry of Labour, do not always register when unemployed. It is, however, always open to all workpeople who reside more than five miles from these offices to register their names through the post, when every endeavour will be made to obtain employment for them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he conveyed to the Laundry Trade Board his confirmation of the rates submitted to him by the Board as from 30th May; whether these rates, which have been twice confirmed by the Laundry Trade Board, were national rates; whether, in these circumstances, he can explain the reasons which led him to write to the Laundry Trade Board on 20th May raising the question of the application of the minimum rates as varied to certain districts; and whether he has received complaints from the workers' representatives that they were seriously prejudiced by this question of principle being raised at so late a stage?

I conveyed to the Laundry Trade Board, on 20th May, my general decision to confirm the rates submitted to me, but indicated that I did not intend to make my confirming Order until after their further meeting on 25th May. I felt it advisable to give the Board an opportunity of considering at that meeting the position of workers in certain outlying areas. They decided to exclude Cornwall and the Orkneys and Shetlands from the scope of the rates as varied. I accordingly confirmed the rates.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the notice which has been posted up at the Lord Roberts' Memorial Workshops, Nottingham, stating that they are to be closed at once; and if he intends to take any action in the matter?

My attention has been drawn to the position of the Lord Roberts' Memorial Workshop at Nottingham. I much regret that the Committee-of the Fund should have found it necessary to close this workshop, which has done very useful work. The Government, are considering arrangements which may help the Committee of the Fund to tide-over their present difficulties.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that J. W. Chicken, now of 95, Bouverie Road, London, was interned by the Germans in Ruhleben in November, 1914; that he was deprived of all his property in Germany when so interned; that he remained so interned until January, 1916, when he was repatriated to England in broken health and without his property or any compensation therefor; and whether the Government propose to take any, and what, steps to obtain reparation in this and similar cases?

I have been asked to reply. A claim by Mr. Chicken in respect of injury to health caused by interment is registered in the Reparation Claims Department of the Board of Trade for submission to the Grants Commission, which will be appointed to make awards from the fund to be provided out of the first reparation receipts from Germany available for the purpose. Mr. Chicken's claim in respect of damage to property is a matter for compensation under the Economic Clauses of the Treaty of Versailles, and is registered in the Clearing Office for settlement in the manner provided by the Treaty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that up to the period of the recent reduction in the duty on German imports the Custom House officials were charging British buyers of German goods 100 per cent. ad valorem on those goods; and whether, in cases where the 100 per cent. duty was demanded and paid after the date of the announcement of the reduction, a refund will be made to the British purchaser?

As regards the first part of the question, the position was fully explained in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for West Edinburgh (Mr. Jameson) on the 9th May. As regards the second part of the question, the Commissioners of Customs and Excise have issued directions for the appropriate refund in any case in which the original rate of levy may have been paid in respect of goods subject to the Act, which were imported on and after the reduced rate of levy became operative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the fund collected under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act is immediately available for the urgent needs of those who have established claims under the reparation provisions of the Treaty of Versailles?

The answer is in the negative. I would further point out to the hon. and gallant Member that, as explained by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on the 4th May, 1920 (OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 128, No. 55, cols. 1873, 1874, and 1875), the claims against Germany for reparation are not claims by individuals in respect of private wrongs, and no individual has any claim in law against any sum which the British Government may receive from Germany in respect of reparation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any further information as to the interpretation put upon the Arbitration Clause of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance by Japan and the United States of America; and whether either Japan or the United States, or both, have stated officially that the Peace Commission of 1914 is to be regarded as an Arbitration Treaty with the United States?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the very full reply returned to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on 1st March last, to which there is nothing that can usefully be added.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Departmental Committee of the Foreign Office has been taking evidence on the desirability of renewing, and, if so, under what form, the Anglo-Japanese Alliance; and whether, on the occasion of the forthcoming Debate, he proposes to place the information thus collected, at all events in substance, at the disposal of the House?

Depart-mental inquiries are held from time to time in the Foreign Office upon almost every matter of urgent public importance. But it would be entirely contrary to precedent and highly inexpedient to make public use of such investigations, which are intended only for the Department or the Minister concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any advances have been made by the Government of the United States, either officially or unofficially, for the reduction of naval and military expenditure; and whether he will in that case assure, on behalf of the British Government, a sympathetic reception?

His Majesty's Government have received no communication on this subject from the United States Government.