asked the Secretary of State for India when he will be able to state what steps are to be taken to remedy the present condition in India under which the rupee rates of pay of British service officers in India are less than the home rates of pay and allowances converted at the current rate of exchange?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there is a feeling of discontent amongst all British service officers in India on account of the new rate of pay having been fixed on the assumption that the rupee was not going to fall below a 2s. rate; whether the Civil Service are at present drawing over 8 per cent. on their pay as exchange compensation; whether exchange compensation was given to military officers for two months and was then withdrawn and a refund demanded; and why exchange compensation is granted to the Civil Service and is denied to serving military officers?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Indian Press of 29th April that a married officer of the British service in India of about 10 years' service finds himself just over £100 worse off than an officer in similar circumstances at home; and whether the Government of India will now grant to all British married officers of the Army in India the same allowances that have been granted to married officers of the British Army at home?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the fall in the exchange value of the rupee, married British service officers in India are in a worse position financially than when serving at Home; whether the exchange value of the rupee was approximately 2s. when Army Instruction (India), No. 914, dated 21st October, 1919, was issued; and whether action will be taken to safeguard the financial position of all British service officers in India?

Owing to the fall in exchange, the sterling value of the rupee pay of certain classes of British service officers in India is at present less than the home rates. I have considered the various suggestions made to meet the situation, and have consulted the Government of India. They do not recommend the adoption of any of them, and, given a good monsoon, there is reason to hope for an improvement in exchange. I have considered their views most carefully in Council, and concur in their decision.

Were the Government, when they sanctioned the new rates of pay in 1919, guided by the rate of exchange current at that time?

I cannot say that off-hand. Of course, the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows that the exchange has fluctuated in a way that nobody could have foreseen some years ago.

Is it not the case as regards the pay of British non-commissioned officers and men that the value of the rupee is calculated at a fixed rate in sterling?

Yes.

If that be so in respect to non-commissioned officers and men, why cannot the same principle be applied to officers.

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question on that subject, and I will give him a considered reply.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the statement in the "Leader" newspaper, of Allahabad, that the Gwalior State has prohibited the sale and distribution within the territory of His Highness the Maharaja of the following newspapers: the "Kesari," "Amrita Bayar Patrika," "Mahratta," "Bombay Chronicle," "Independent," "Pratap," "Rajasthan," and "Sahasa," and, considering that these papers are published in British India, will he state what action has been taken by the Government of India against these newspapers in support of the loyal action of His Highness the Maharaja; whether the Government of India has accepted the resolution of the Legislative Assembly to appoint a committee to examine the Indian Press Act of 1910, and to recommend modifications of the existing law in regard to liberty of speech and writing; and, if so, will the Press Act Committee consider the views of Indian princes in the matter of granting further freedom to the Press in India?

I have seen a reference in the Indian newspapers to the Gwalior Prohibition. The Governments in British India have not, to my knowledge, taken any steps recently against the papers named. The Committee appointed to consider the Press laws has finished its sittings, and is on the point of presenting its report. The Committee took into consideration the connection between the Press laws and the native States.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the widespread desire expressed in the Indian Press amongst the members of the Civil Services of India to take advantage of the proposals of the Government of India, in their letter of 5th March, 1919, regarding proportional pensions for those to whom service under the reform scheme is not congenial, but who cannot apply for permission to retire till they know the conditions of retirement that will be open to them; and will he therefore now inform the Government of India of the pensions considered by him to be suitable to the various periods of service, as recommended in Clause 36 of the Report of the Joint Select Committee of 17th November, 1919?

I have seen correspondence in the Press. The whole question has for some time been engaging the attention of my Council and myself, in consultation with the Government of India, but is not yet finally settled.

When will it be finally settled?

I hope in the course of the next week or so. I recognise it is a very urgent question, and am doing my best to expedite it.

I will put down another question.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the essential work now being carried on by the publicity department of the War Office?

The Information Section of the War Office is responsible for dealing with the very numerous and varied communications on military matters which are received from and through the Press, both lay and professional. My hon. and gallant Friend, who has himself worked in the War Office, does not need to be reminded of the continued interest evinced by the public in Army affairs, and this is reflected in the desire of the Press to obtain prompt and accurate information. I see no likelihood of any abatement of this work while the commitments of the Army are so widespread. The dissemination of information about the Army is likewise an important factor in the solution of the problem of voluntary recruiting. The Information Section is also responsible for the control of all Army advertisements, and their technical knowledge has enabled us to effect considerable economies which more than cover the cost of the staff. I have under consideration proposals designed to reduce the cost of the section without impairing its efficiency, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will put a further question on the Paper in a week or two's time, I shall hope to be able to give him further information.

Did not the Army do quite well without a publicity department before the War, and may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will not follow the example of the Board of Trade, which has done away with its publicity department, and it really needed it more than the War Office?

Had we not before the War very great difficulty in keeping our recruiting up to full strength owing to the absence of such a department?

What is the personnel of the staff engaged on this work?

I must have notice of a detailed question of that sort. In reply to my hon. and gallant Friend (Colonel Ashley), I am satisfied that the information department is really saving money and is efficient, but I am looking into it with a view to see if I cannot reduce the expenditure.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of extending the scope of the publicity department to enlighten the non-commissioned officers and men of the Army as to the revolutionary propaganda that is being carried on in their midst in barracks?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a new scheme for the reorganisation of the Factory Department of the Home Office is at present under consideration which will entail the creation of many new districts with consequent increases in staff, as well as large increases in administrative expenditure; what is the reason for the proposed reorganisation; and what is the estimated additional expense which will be entailed thereby?

A scheme for the reorganisation of the Factory Department was settled last year, and particulars were issued in the Press last August. The scheme provided for an increase in the number of inspection districts, but this, while it involved some re-grading, has not involved an increase in the staff. The increase in the number of districts was a measure of decentralisation, which was rendered necessary by the increase in the number of factories and workshops and the great growth of the duties devolving on the Inspectorate, and it will have the effect of bringing the district inspectors into closer relations with the factories in their districts, reducing the amount of time and money spent in travelling, and relieving the congestion which had arisen in the lower ranks of the Inspectorate. I cannot say precisely what will be the financial effect of the scheme, as, apart from, the scheme, a long overdue improvement in the scales of salaries has taken effect. On the other hand, there may be, as I have said, a considerable saving in travelling expenses, and it may be decided, in the interest of economy, not to fill up all the vacancies in the staff as was contemplated when the scheme was settled.

Do I understand that the Department is proceeding with this scheme which was arranged for more than a year ago in view of the recent circular to all the Government Departments asking them to substantially reduce expenditure?

We are proceeding with the scheme. The circular did not pick out any particular branch, and this is one of the very last things we should economise upon, because it is a question affecting the safety of the working people.

Will this scheme not involve additional expenditure which should not now be incurred?

If my hon. Friend will read my answer, he will see that we do not anticipate any further increase of expenditure. In order to keep the expenses down, we shall not fill all the vacancies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the wages, including bonus, if any, paid to hoys of 14 to 15 employed by the Government in the Ministry of Health and the Post Office; and what wages are paid to hoys of the same age employed in the District Messenger Service?

The wages, including bonus, of boy messengers, aged 14 to 15, employed by the Post Office in London are at present 21s. 3d. a week. One boy messenger of this age is employed in the Ministry of Health, at a wage, including bonus, of 23s. 11d. a week. These amounts will be subject to a substantial reduction on 1st September next. I am not in a position to state what wages are paid to boys of the same age in the District Messenger Service.

Would it surprise the hon. Member to know that the boys in the District Messenger Service get wages of 9s. rising to 11s. at the age of 15 years? Why is it necessary to pay boys in Government offices doing similar work twice as much and even more?

I am not in a position to know exactly what are the wages and conditions of working in the District Messenger Service, and I should require to investigate the conditions before I could reply to the question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great indignation amongst agricultural labourers with a wife and large family to support in view of the enormous sums paid to boys by Government Departments?

Why should not the wages be revised before September next.

My hon. and learned Friend has evidently not borne in mind the answer I gave on that subject not very long ago, namely, that the dates of revision are fixed in the terms of the original agreement for the War bonus?

Is there any reason why the Government should sweat boys because private companies do so?

That is arguing the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the total number of persons employed in Wales by his Ministry for the years ended March, 1914, and March, 1921, respectively; also the sums respectively paid in salaries and costs of administration for the same periods?

The total number of perons employed in the Welsh Insurance Commission in 1914 was 247, and the total cost £36,025. In 1921 the number was 279, and the cost £84,104, the work on various health services in Wales which was done in 1914 in the Local Government Board having been transferred to the Welsh Board of Health, in pursuance of the Ministry of Health Act, 1919. A temporary staff is also employed in Wales on housing administration, the numbers in March last being 71, and the total cost £22,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is essential for the efficiency of the public service that 1,421 officers should be employed on the staff of commands in 1921–22, in view of the fact that only 519 were so employed during the early months of 1914?

The increase in the number of officers at present employed on the staff of commands, as compared with the number in 1913–14, is almost entirely accounted for by the existing conditions in Ireland and by the numbers required for the British forces stationed in the various countries throughout the world, e.g., Germany, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Palestine, Constantinople. These forces, of course, had no counterpart before the War.

Does not the answer of the right hon. Gentleman embody a strong argument for reducing our commitments in Palestine, Mesopotamia, and Constantinople?

That is not the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 300 Army chaplains are needed in 1921–22 to look after an establishment of 201,000 of all ranks, excluding India, whereas in 1914–15 only 117 chaplains were required for an establishment of 184,000?

The pre-War establishment of 117 Regular Army chaplains did not include those civilian clergymen, 40 or 50 in number, who were engaged to give their whole time to work amongst the troops and were paid the minimum rate for commissioned chaplains. These are included in the establishment of 300 for the Royal Army Chaplains Department shown in the Army Estimates for 1921–22. This figure represents the maximum number which may be employed, but on the 1st June the number had fallen to 260 and further reductions are being made. The scattered distribution of garrisons at home and abroad necessitates the employment of a larger proportion of chaplains than before the War.

Then making all the allowance that the right hon. Gentleman does in his answer, how is it that we have now got 100 more chaplains than before the War?

It is largely due to the number of garrisons all over the world, and to the scattered nature of those garrisons.

May I take it that it is the War Office policy as soon as possible to come down to pre-War conditions?

The War Office policy is to cut down any expenditure that is not absolutely necessary and this is an expenditure that I hope will be reduced.

Does the Army need praying for more than formerly, or what: is the reason?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the moral and spiritual state of the Army justifies this very large expenditure on preaching?

Arising out of that—

We appear to be getting into a Debate

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are now employed in the Department of the chief of the Imperial General Staff at the War Office, 1 deputy-chief of the Imperial General Staff, 3 directors, 5 deputy-directors, 89 general staff officers, and a major-general, a total of 99, as against 3 directors and 60 general staff officers employed prior to the outbreak of war in 1914; and whether he can explain why, now that the War is over, there is still this inflation of 57 per cent, in the number of officers of these grades employed at the War Office?

The question of reduction of the number of officers employed on the general staff at the War Office is amongst the questions now under review by the Army Council in their endeavours to reduce expenditure. The addition over pre-War establishment of 36 officers is mainly due to the greater work thrown on the Army by the greater responsibilities they are carrying in the Middle East, Silesia, Ireland and elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inform the House of the reason of the War Office Regulation which precludes previous service in the Royal Marines or Royal Navy from being counted towards pension by an officer now serving, or who has served in the Army or Air Force, although previous service on the civil side at the Admiralty counts for pension in the case of a civil servant transferred from the Admiralty to the War Office; and whether he will communicate with the Lords of the Admiralty with a view to service in any branch of His Majesty's forces being recognised as though the service had been in one of such forces only, so that the present anomalous position may be remedied.

My hon. Friend is not comparing like with like. The case referred to in his previous question is that of a man who had served in, and been discharged from, the Marines, and subsequently enlisted in the Army. Such a case could hardly arise in the Civil Service; but if it did, I should be much surprised if the service before discharge were allowed to count under the second engagement. If a man transfers while serving, from the Marines to the Army, he would count his service. That would be analogous to a civil servant transferred from the Admiralty to the War Office or vice versa. There is a very definite reason for the Regulation. In a short-service Army, what we want are men who will serve seven years with the Colours and then five years in the Army Reserve, without becoming pensionable. Men who bring with them on entry a long period of service given in some other force do not make the Reservists we want, but make the pensioners whom, in view of the already very heavy pension charges of the Army, we cannot afford. Such men are therefore taken only on the condition that their previous service will not count. It should be remembered that enlistment is voluntary.

Am I to understand that it is only when the service in the Marines or the Navy has actually terminated that it does not count for a pension?

If the service is continued in any other branch of the service it does not matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to announce the decision of the Army Council with regard to the claim of the Devon Territorials to the 1914–15 Star; whether he is aware that over a year ago a deputation of Devon Members interviewed the then Secretary of State for War on the matter; that that Minister promised to give the claims immediate attention; that a month or so later the matter was referred to a tribunal on hard cases presided over by Earl Cavan; that certain hon. Members appeared before them and dealt with the case; that that tribunal promised to make their recommendations to the Army Council forthwith; that ever since, question after question has been asked in this House, and the reply has always been that the matter was still before the Army Council; whether he will now state the reason for the long delay; and when, if he cannot give it now, the decision will be announced?

I greatly regret that no decision can be announced. The subject of the grant of medals and clasps raises a number of complex and delicate issues, but I hope that the conclusion of our deliberations will be reached shortly.

This question has now been dragging on for over two years, and is the right hon. Gentleman not able to tell us approximately, at any rate, when the announcement will be made, and can he state the real reason for the delay?

I do not want to make any mystery about it. The reason is that it is an extremely difficult question to deal with. This question of clasps and medals has very intricate consequences, and the Army Council have been considering it, and they are still considering it.

In view of the large number affected, would it not be well to call in somebody to help the Army Council?

The Army Council has been advised by a Committee, but on the question of clasps alone, if one set of decisions is come to it means 24,000,000 clasps, a thing not lightly to be undertaken.

This question deals with the 1914 star and surely a decision can be come to one way or the other?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there is nothing else but a desire to be absolutely fair to all branches of the Service, and I do not want to come to a piece-meal decision. I want to review the whole question and decide it as a whole.

If I put another question down in a fortnight, will the right hon. Gentleman then be able to give me a reply?

I should hate to have to give the same reply again in a fortnight. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will postpone it for a month or two.

Shall I put the question down again in a month?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an offer has been received from a shipowner offering to transport a minimum of 10,000 horses from Beirut to France, England, or Belgium, at an inclusive charge of £25 per head; and whether in the interests of economy and humanity, that offer will be accepted forthwith?

A letter has been received and further inquiries are being made.

Do I understand that serious consideration is being given to this offer which means a cost of £250,000? Is that the interests of humanity or the shipowner?

Serious consideration is being given to this question, and both the humane and economic considerations will be taken into account. If it is humane and economic to accent this offer, it ought to be accepted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of taking them to India instead of bringing them to Europe?

I cannot make any statement to-day. This offer is to bring horses from Beirut which is 1,100 miles from where the horses are, and on the face of it we could not possibly accept it. I am making inquiries to see if a nearer port could be obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the actual number of horses of the British troops in Mesopotamia that were recently destroyed by order; and by what means and under whose supervision were they destroyed?

During the period from 1st January, 1921, to 31st May last (the latest date for which such information is at present available), 4,572 horses, 1,794 mules, and 43 bullocks were destroyed in Mesopotamia. All of these animals were unfit either for retention or sale. I have no special information regarding the latter part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but the ordinary method of destruction, which was, doubtless, followed, would be by shooting the animals, and this would be carried out under the supervision of the Army Veterinary Service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain by what method they were killed and not leave it to chance?

It is not left to chance. The Army Veterinary Service officers are there, and I am certain that we can rely upon them carrying out the destruction in the most humane fashion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that certain British pre-war pensioners served during the War in Dominion forces, and that Army Order 325 of 1919 only provides for the re-assessment of pension of those pensioners who re-en- listed and rendered satisfactory colour service with British forces during the War, the provisions of the said Order can be extended to those British pre-War pensioners who enlisted and rendered satisfactory service with Dominion forces during the War?

It has been decided that, in the case of both officers and other ranks, service during the late War with a force serving under the British flag should count for re-assessment of pension as if the service had been rendered with the British forces.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to announce a decision as to the future of the national factory at Gretna?

His Majesty's Government have decided to dispose of the factory at Gretna.

Will any opportunity be given on the Estimates to discuss this very large and important question?

I think so. The Army Estimates will probably come before the House again, and I suppose an opportunity will be given then.

May I ask—

The hon. and gallant Member has had a very full answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether engines for use in tanks at the headquarters of the Tank Corps at Ware-ham and at Bovington are, upon the delivery from the makers, broken up and passed on to the Slough Trading Company, who claim them as surplus under the terms of their contract?

There is no foundation whatever for the suggestion contained in the hon. Member's question. No engines for use in tanks have been delivered to the Tank Corps from the makers since May, 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the issue of full pay and marriage allowance to officers and men of the Defence Corps, who are upon indefinite leave for the purpose of following their professions or ordinary occupations, can now be discontinued, seeing that prior to the War members of the Territorial Force did not receive pay when absent from duty or camp?

This question has been very carefully considered, and I am unable to adopt this suggestion. The circumstances of the Territorial Force in normal times are not similar.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a number of these men who are carrying on their ordinary occupations are quite averse to receiving more Army pay, and do not understand why it is paid to them at all?

They are liable to be recalled at any moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position with regard to the direct mail steamer communication between Great Britain and Trinidad and the adjacent West Indian Colonies; and whether an early arrangement will be reached to re-establish a regular direct service?

The present position is set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Frome on 31st May. When His Majesty's Government have decided upon the question of a contribution from Imperial funds, the possibility of reaching an early arrangement will depend upon the tenders received from shipping firms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Air Minister has certain airships at his disposal; and whether he will, in consultation with the West Indian Aviation Committee, consider the desirability of securing these airships for utilisation in connection with transport services in the West Indies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I should be pleased to discuss with the West Indian Aviation Committee the possibility of using airships to improve communications in the West Indies. At the same time, I must point out that these large craft are not suitable for communication over comparatively short distances, and would in any case be uneconomical, if not actually impracticable, owing to the very large overhead charges involved for sheds and mooring masts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposal to lay new cables from Bermuda to Barbadoes, Trinidad, and British Guiana will immediately be carried into effect; and what steps are being taken to ensure the use of British wireless for British Honduras?

As a result of inquiries regarding the cost of carrying out the proposal for a new cable from Bermuda, it has been thought desirable to suspend negotiations in the hope that the total cost of the scheme to the West Indian Colonies and to His Majesty's Government may be substantially reduced in the near future. Improvements are being effected in the wireless station in British Honduras with a view to ensuring direct communication with the naval station in Jamaica.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the State-owned cable to Australia has been an enormous financial success; and cannot the Government come forward and help the communications of the Empire more liberally?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the Government are anxious to do everything they can in the direction he suggests. The whole matter is at present under review.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the judgment of Lord Justice Banks in the recent case of Remmington v. Larchin in which he says that there is no section of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1920, which does not create difficulty: whether he is aware that in the opinion of the most experienced county court judges the Act requires considerable amendment; and whether, in view of these expressions of authoritative opinion, he will appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the working of the Act and to make recommendations for its amendment?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. and learned Friend will recollect that the Act of last year was based upon the recommendations of a Committee presided over by Lord Salisbury and including one of the most experienced county court judges among its members. I should doubt whether anything would be gained by the appointment of another committee at the present time.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the views of county court judges on the question? Can he answer the first part of my question?

My attention has not been called to this judgment and I have not had time to look at it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at it, and reconsider the matter in the light of that judgment?

I will certainly look it up.

asked the Home Secretary whether the new Census forms are being sent out with a covering slip containing an advertisement for the hon. Member for South Hackney; whether this was done with his approval; and is he aware that there is, in consequence, considerable danger of the character of the document being mistaken?

As I have already stated in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for Rother Valley, 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.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think the covering slip was liable to be mistaken for an advertisement for "John Bull," and therefore put into the waste paper basket?

I should not think so.

Is it not the case that by this means the hon. Member for South Hackney got the advertisement for his paper delivered at every house for the cost of one farthing, whereas the Postmaster-General would have charged him 1d? Is that consistent with anti-waste?

Is it not rather expensive economy?

I fail to see why.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the increase in the number of electors and the insufficiency of public halls capable of holding the electors and the growing resentment to open voting, he will take steps to arrange for parish council elections to be taken by ballot as an alternative to the present method?

The question has been considered on several occasions but no satisfactory solution has presented itself which could be carried through without legislation. The representations which have been made to the Government on the subject have been few, and I am afraid I cannot in present circumstances give any promise of dealing with it.

asked the Home Secretary if it has been decided to hold an inquiry into the whole question of the training and exhibition of performing animals; and, if so, whether, as the methods are similar, this will embrace the use of animals with circuses, theatrical performances, tournaments, street shows, and Punch and Judy displays?

The question of the appointment of a Select Committee and of the terms of reference for such Committee is at present under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as Chairman of the Liquor Control Board, whether the Board has decided not to release any further the was restrictions upon the sale of liquor imposed under the Defence of the Realm. Regulations pending the finding or Report of the Conference recently set up?

The position is as follows: In the expectation that it will speedily become apparent whether the Conference will be able to reach a rapid decision on the possibility of dealing with the subject on agreed lines, the Board have decided not to issue any further amending Orders until it appears whether this expectation is to be realised.

In the event of the decisions of the Conference being unduly delayed by reason of the impossibility of coming to an agreement, will the Board consider whether it will not still further relax some of the more unnecessary restrictions?

I think that is a repetition of the question on the Paper. If the Conference does not show signs of coming to an agreement rapidly, obviously the Board will continue its work.

Is it not a fact that the Board has already decided to give further relaxations?

That is covered by the answer already given.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the Reports of the Commissions on Deer Forests and Heather Burning will be published; and will he explain the delay that has occurred in the Reports being received?

I am informed that the final meeting of the Deer Forests Committee to adjust the terms of the Report will be held in the beginning of July. The collection of the necessary information has taken longer than was anticipated, and the final adjustment of the Report has been delayed by travelling difficulties. The Report of the Game and Heather Burning Committee is on the point of being submitted to my right hon. Friend. The Report in this case, as my right hon. Friend explained in his reply on the 24th May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Aberdeen, has been delayed owing to the indisposition of the Chairman of the Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a letter posted in the ordinary way on Thursday in London is not delivered in the Channel Islands till the following Monday; and will he have the matter investigated?

A letter for Jersey or Guernsey, if posted last Thursday in time for the ordinary London night mail collections on Thursday, should have been delivered on Friday. If posted later in the day, it would not have been delivered till Monday. The London and South-Western Company inform me that on and after the 24th instant there will be a Friday sailing from Southampton, and that on and from the 1st July a weekday service will be resumed from Southampton.

asked the Postmaster-General if he would be prepared to consider suggestions for the introduction of an additional class of telegrams, known as post or deferred telegrams, such telegrams to be charged at half the rate of ordinary telegrams, to be sent through when the line is clear and to be delivered by postmen on their customary rounds; if his consideration of a scheme of this kind has already been invited; and, if so, what reasons were advanced for the non-adoption of this or some similar scheme?

There is already a class of post or deferred telegrams known as night telegraph letters which can be sent between any two telegraph offices which are open always, for delivery by first post the next morning. The rate is 1d. for every three words, with a minimum of 1s. The use made of the service is very small, and there is no indication of any demand for its extension. In view of the comparatively short time occupied in the course of post in this country, there seems to be little opening for any deferred service of the kind suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, but I will have the question re-examined.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in January last, many approved societies issued to their members national health insurance contribution cards, and envelopes bearing ½d. postage stamps for return by post of the stamped cards at the end of this half-year; and whether, in view of the fact that the societies have had no opportunity since the new rates of postage came into force of informing their members that the postage of such cards is now 1d., he will give instructions that the current half-year's stamped cards shall be delivered to approved societies without surcharge if ½d. of postage is prepaid?

I regret that it is impossible to exempt articles sent by particular interests from the regulations and rates of postage applicable to postal packets in general.

If these packets are posted and acceptance is refused, will they be returned to the Ministry of Health? Will not the Government have more trouble than if they allow what I suggest?

If the hon. Member will confer with me in regard to this matter I will see if there is any way out of the difficulty.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to the effect that he wished to see a Parliament in the South of Ireland functioning with the widest possible measure of financial control; and whether the Government will make clear what financial concessions it is prepared to make to the Parliaments of Ireland?

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary's remarks in the Debate on the 14th instant had reference to the financial powers and provisions of the Government of Ireland Act and to any further powers that may be necessary if and when the Parliaments of Southern and Northern Ireland make use of the power to unite which the Act conferred upon them.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the statement of Lord Donoughmore in another place that the South of Ireland Parliament cannot be expected to function until some large financial concessions are made?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the terms of Notice B, which is served on persons whose houses or property are to be destroyed by official order in the martial law area?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that Notice B gives a brief account of any murder or outrage for which the Military Governor has decided to exact punishment and his reasons for the selection of any particular property for destruction as a consequence. It further states the time allowed to the owner or occupant from the hour of receipt of the notice for the removal of valuables, foodstuffs or forage.

Does Notice B describe the military necessities under which the house is being destroyed?

Yes, it is the reason for the selection of that property.

Does it give the reasons of military necessity?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the notice gives the reasons for the selection of any particular property for destruction.

Is this a printed form, and if so, how can it be applied to each particular case, as for example, a man who is in hospital at the time of the outrage whose house was blown up?

I do not think it is a printed form. I believe it is written in each case.

asked the Chief Secretary by whose orders the proclamation was issued at Military Headquarters, Cork, on 29th April, to the effect that, owing to the burning of the houses of two loyalist farmers in the Crossbarry neighbourhood, three farmhouses of prominent and active Sinn Feiners were burnt as an official reprisal, and that it is intended to carry out official reprisals in that proportion, or, if that does not have the desired effect, in greater proportion; and whether this proclamation is still in force?

The Commander-in-Chief informs me that a public notice to this effect was issued on the authority of the military governor. Every official action taken against property is governed by the recent order of the Commander-in-Chief referred to in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds on 13th June.

asked the Chief Secretary how many houses have been burned in Ireland since the initiation of official reprisals on the ground that their owners have afforded moral support to Sinn Fein; whether he will describe what constitutes moral support; and whether voting for Sinn Fein candidates at the recent election is considered to be moral support?

The number of houses destroyed by official Orders in the martial law area was given in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Rothwell as recently as last Wednesday. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has already dealt very fully with the reasons for which these punishments have been inflicted, and I cannot undertake to analyse those reasons in the way the hon. Member desires. As regards the last part of the question, however, I may point out that there was no voting at the recent election within the area in which these punishments have taken place.

In reference to the new ground that was given on 15th June, that these houses were burned because their owners had afforded moral support to Sinn Fein, will the right hon. Gentleman describe what he means by "moral support"?

I find it difficult to answer a question of that kind, because there are a great many people who give moral support to Sinn Fein who would never admit it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the giving of moral support to Sinn Fein is sufficient excuse for the destruction of the property of people who give it?

I can only deal with the particular question put to me. If any question refers to a specific case I will endeavour to answer it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chief moral support derived by Sinn Fein either in Ireland or abroad is due to the incompetence and brutality of the Government?

asked the Chief Secretary how many women are at present employed in Ireland as searchers of women prisoners; from what sources such women are recruited; and whether they are considered to form part of the police forces?

I do not feel called upon to give the number of women employed on searching duties or the source from which they are recruited. They carry out their duties under the directions of the police and military authorities, and are paid from police funds, but they do not form part of the police force.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the number of attacks made on Crown forces in Ireland during the week ending 11th June, and the number of casualties resulting to the Forces of the Crown and civilians respectively?

There were 55 attacks on Crown Forces during the week ending 11th June. The casualties to Crown Forces were: police, 5 killed, 35 wounded; military, 2 killed, 1 wounded. So far as is known, 7 civilians, including 6 rebels, were killed and not fewer than 7 wounded.

In view of that appalling account, do the Government still consider that their methods are succeeding in Ireland?

Yes, Sir.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Gracious Speech on the occasion of the opening of the Northern Parliament in Ireland will be based on the advice of His Majesty's Ministers in this country, or His Majesty's Ministers in Northern Ireland?

The speech which His Majesty will deliver will not announce the programme of legislation of the Government of Northern Ireland, upon which the local Ministers would naturally advise, but will be an act of State by the Head of the Empire at the opening of the new Parliament. It will therefore be made on the advice of the Ministers responsible to the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Will there be anything in the nature of a King's Speech setting forth the policy of His Majesty's Ministers in Northern Ireland after His Majesty has graciously opened that Parliament?

That I cannot say. In any case it will not be the speech which will be delivered by His Majesty at the opening of the Parliament. Whether the Viceroy will subsequently on the advice of his Ministry deliver a speech setting forth the programme of the Ministry, or whether that programme will be set forth in a Ministerial declaration by the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, is not for us to state, and I cannot say.

Is it not a fact that in any Assembly comparable to that of the Ulster Parliament in other parts of the Empire there is no precedent to show that there has ever been a King's Speech of the character suggested?

I am not clear as to the meaning of my hon. and gallant Friend, but every Session of each Parliament of the Empire is, I think, habitually opened by the representative of the King in the country concerned reading a speech prepared on the advice of the local Ministers, and containing their programme on the same lines as the programme of the Government in this country is put into the King's Speech here. Of course, there is no exact precedent for the presence of the King at the opening of any Parliament, except this Parliament, but there is an analogous case when his Majesty, as the Duke of York, shortly after the accession of King Edward, went to Australia and opened the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia. The course which we are taking on this occasion is the course which was taken then, and I think that it is clearly the proper constitutional course.

Am I to understand from that that any speech which His Majesty may graciously make at the opening of the North of Ireland Parliament to-morrow will be one for which Ministers in the North of Ireland will have no responsibility whatever?

Certainly. The speech which His Majesty will make at the opening of the North of Ireland Parliament will be a speech for which Ministers here take full responsibility. It has been prepared on their advice.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that five British officers have been murdered in Ireland while off duty during the last few days, he proposes to take any steps to insure that officers in the disturbed parts of Ireland shall not leave barracks unless attended by an armed escort?

I have full confidence in the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland and I am sure that the suggestion of my Noble Friend will not have escaped his attention. I am convinced that he will do everything in his power to insure the safety of the officers and men under his command.

In view of the appalling effect on the moral of the troops in Ireland caused by these incidents, apart from their horror, and the fact that they have now been going on for many weeks without any action on his part, will the right hon. Gentleman make an announcement to the House as to what steps he proposes to take to protect those for whom he is responsible?

I do not feel that it is desirable to interfere with the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is practically the same answer that was given after 19 officers were killed one Sunday morning in Dublin? Is it not time now to give orders that officers are to go out only fully armed and in parties sufficient in number to defend themselves?

If the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland thought that that was a possible and desirable course, I have not the slightest doubt that he would order it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman responsible, not the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland?

And I am fulfilling my responsibilities through the Commander-in-Chief.

Should questions on this subject be put in future to the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who is responsible for the troops in Ireland and their well-being?

My Noble Friend has put a question to me, and I have answered his question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has repeatedly stated that the Dardanelles should be neutralised; and if, in view of these solemn statements, he will explain why Greek naval forces have been allowed to pass through these neutral waters and bombard open Turkish towns?

As regards the status of the Dardanelles, the Prime Minister gave my hon. Friend a full reply on 18th April. The provisions of the Treaty of Sevres for guaranteeing the freedom of the Straits do not contemplate-the exclusion of the warships of any Power from navigating those waters. There could accordingly be no question, even if the Treaty were already operating, of preventing the passage of Greek men-of-war.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to introduce revised Esti- mates before the Committee of Supply is closed, as a result of economies made pursuant to the recent Treasury circular?

In view of the short time available before Committee of Supply is closed, I do not think the course suggested by the hon. and gallant Member would be a suitable, or, indeed, possible, one. It will be remembered that answers to the circular are not expected to be received till towards the end of July.

Does that reply mean that no substantial economies are hoped for?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is his intention, before the end of the Session, to present to the House a fresh estimate of the expenditure and revenue of the current year?

As I stated on the 2nd instant, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer sees no reason to modify the Budget Estimates of revenue, and he is not yet in a position to add, as regards expenditure, to what was said in the Budget statement.

May I ask, without any disrespect to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, why it that he is not here, seeing that it is his day? If there is some unavoidable reason, well and good, but I should like to know.

I hope I may be permitted to answer that question. I am sure that the House will extend to my right hon. Friend the consideration which it has been good enough uniformly to show to me. My right hon. Friend was busily engaged all day yesterday, and will be to-day, in conducting the Finance Bill through Committee, and, as I had occasion to speak to him a few moments ago, I have reason to know that he is at work with a view to the discussion which will take place this afternoon.

The question was whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will make any fresh Estimates before the end of the Session. Was that quite accu- rately answered by the references to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's present opinion?

In view of the fact that the industrial situation will result in a great loss to the revenue, are the Government not considering a reduction of Estimates before the end of the year?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the balance of expenditure over revenue for the first two months of this year is £16,000,000, and that in the corresponding period of last year there was a surplus of £37,000,000?

The hon. Member is giving information, and not asking for it.

Could the hon. Gentleman give us an idea of the aggregate increase in expenditure over the Budget Estimate?