asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the definite allocation of rolling stock between the Succession States has yet been settled; and to what extent engines and goods wagons are being moved across their respective frontiers?

No settlement has yet been reached. The movement of engines and goods wagons across the frontiers of the Succession States is not yet proceeding freely, but provisional arrangements have been made, on the basis of the status quo, to render rolling stock, the ownership of which is disputed, available both for internal and international traffic. Austria, Hungary, and Rumania have entered into an agreement whereby the interchange of rolling stock between these countries is regulated.

Is it not a fact that this matter is responsible more than anything else for the holding up of trade between Central Europe and this country; and as we have been promised again and again that this question will be attended to, can the hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that it will be settled at an early date?

I am not responsible for Central Europe. His Majesty's Government have undertaken to do everything in their power to remove difficulties of communication.

Does the Government undertake the duty of distributing the rolling stock of these Succession States; and, if so, how is it proposed to deal with it?

His Majesty's Government have intervened with the greatest usefulness in regard to this matter.

Has not the whole of the initiative been undertaken by our Government?

Is it not a fact that nothing will be done until a decision has been arrived at in Paris?

I do not understand what the hon. Member's reference to Paris means.

asked the Prime Minister whether the policy of the Supreme Council of creating artificial barriers to the commerce of Turkey and Bulgaria by closing the natural outlets of their ports has contributed to increased prices and unemployment in Great Britain?

Without accepting my hon. Friend's view of the provisions of the Treaties of Peace with Turkey and Bulgaria, there is no evidence that the stipulations of those Treaties have in any way brought about such results.

Are not the ports of Smyrna and Salonika absolutely deserted, and has not the time come, in the interests of economy and for other reasons, to recognise that the Treaty of Sevres is extremely silly, and had better be allowed to drop?

I understand my hon. Friend to have addressed an argument to the House, and not a question to me.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has stated that his pledge of 5th January, 1918, that we were not fighting to deprive Turkey of its capital or of the rich and renowned lands of Asia Minor and Thrace, which are predominantly Turkish in race, was unconditional and that it had the result of improving recruiting in India; and, if so, when?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the statement made by my right hon. Friend in the course of the Debate of the 26th February, 1920, to which I would refer him.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what other countries are imposing a levy on German imports comparable with the levy made under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act?

Legislation similar to the German Reparation (Recovery) Act is in operation in France, Rumania, and Serbia. Belgium, Greece, Liberia, Portugal, Siam, Italy, and Japan have initiated similar legislation.

Are these countries making the laws operative as well as passing them?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman might give me notice of that question.

That is the question I asked, whether they are imposing the levy. Are any of these countries, in fact, imposing the levy or are we alone doing it?

I think I have given a complete answer to the question.

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

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him yesterday on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the total numbers of the staff employed at the Foreign Office, and the total remuneration paid to them in 1913–14, 1919–20, and 1920–21, respectively, and the estimated number of the staff and their total remuneration for the year 1921–22?

The figures are as follow: Foreign Office (including Passport Office and King's Messengers). Year. Total Staff Total Remuneration. £ 1913–14 185 65,509 1919–20 705 172,021 1920–21 873 242,619 1921–22 898 300,488

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why the expenditure has risen in 1920–21 from £705,000 to £873,000 which is the estimate for the forthcoming year having regard to the fact that the responsibilities of the Foreign Office are considerably reduced by reason of the removal from their sphere of the Middle East?

I think my hon. Friend is mistaken with regard to that. The Foreign Office is not responsible for the affairs of those countries in the Middle East which have been transferred to the Colonial Office. If the hon. Member would like an analysed statement and will put down a question, I shall be happy to give him the information.

Are any steps being taken to reduce the number of those employed by the Foreign Office?

Yes, such steps are being taken. I would point out that in 1913–14 in regard to one item that of the Passport Office the staff consisted of two persons and it now consists of over 250.

Do these figures include the staff of the Department of Overseas Trade?

No, Sir; that is not included.

Considering that in 1913 it was only necessary to have two officials in the Passport Office and there is now 250, will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter and see whether it is still necessary to employ this large staff?

That raises another question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as a result of the repeal of Part I. of the Agriculture Act, he will be able to effect a substantial reduction in the number of persons employed by the Ministry?

Yes, Sir. I expect that the repeal will result in a substantial reduction of the staff employed both by the Ministry and by the County Agricultural Committees.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of annual leave granted to the various classes of employés in the different Departments of State, in addition to Bank

Holidays and the King's birthday; whether during recent years there has been any increase, and, if so, to what extent is such leave granted to any of the various classes of employés; and whether such leave involves the employment of extra official help, and, if so, to what extent and at what cost?

I will circulate in the Official Report a statement of the annual leave allowed, subject to the exigencies of the public service, to the clerical classes which are common to the service, and of the annual leave formerly allowed to such classes. Departmental establishments are fixed on consideration of all the factors, of which the necessity for annual leave is one, but it would not be possible to give any precise estimate of the extent to which staff could be reduced by a restriction of the limits of leave.

The following is the statement promised:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office has received from the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai a reasoned telegram of objection to the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, and warning the British Government of its effect on trade; and whether, in view of the importance of the matter to the Lancashire cotton trade, he will ensure that special attention is paid to the communication?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question put by the hon. Member for Chesterfield on 21st June, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how far the distribution of the War medals to the officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserves entitled thereto have proceeded; and when it is anticipated that it will be completed?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what progress has been made with the distribution of the general service and victory medals to men of the Royal Navy; and when is it hoped that the distribution will be completed?

The distribution of the 1914 Star to officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserves is now practically complete, and the 1914–15 Star has been issued to those still serving. The British War medal and the Victor medal are now being issued to those still serving who have received a star. It is not possible at present to give a definite date when the distribution of the whole of the War medals will be completed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to accelerate the distribution of War medals generally to the officers and men in the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserves who are en- titled to them, because there has already been great delay and dissatisfaction, accordingly?

We are trying to accelerate the distribution as much as possible, and we hope to have the whole issue out by the end of the financial year. With the existing staff we cannot do more than a certain amount of distribution in a given time.

Is the distribution automatic, or has each man to apply?

We have the addresses.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the procedure now adopted for filling vacancies for pensioners' ordnance ratings is not giving satisfaction, and that very often the appointments are made before even the vacancies are known; and will he consider the possibility of inserting vacancies when they occur in weekly orders so that every one concerned may have the same opportunity afforded them?

It is presumed that pensioner armourers are referred to. There are only a very small number of these employed in peace time, and the officers who enter them have every facility for obtaining the most suitable candidates. It is not considered that any advantage would accrue from the proposal to advertise the vacancies in Fleet Orders.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Government of Peru have not yet made any remittance in respect of the claims made against them by emigrants from this country; that, in consequence of this delay, the persons in question are suffering acute distress; and whether His Majesty's Government contemplate taking further action with a view to obtaining early payment of the advance of £2,000 promised by the Peruvian Government?

The Government of Peru have not yet made any remittance in respect of the claims of British emigrants from this country. His Majesty's Government are aware that the persons in question are suffering acute distress, and they regard the delay as most unfortunate. Further urgent representations will be made to the Peruvian Government.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men have now applied under the Government scheme for employment in the building trades; how many are now employed; what is the attitude of the trade unions concerned; and whether he has investigated the recent case at Tiverton?

Over 18,600 ex-service men have now applied for employment and over 200 are either at work or are reported to have been allocated among employers. The Building Employers' Federation has throughout the country set up 40 district committees for the purpose of operating the scheme. As I have told my Noble Friend, the continued stagnation in industry generally makes it quite impossible, even with the best of intentions, to make any great headway at present. I have had inquiries made into the Tiverton case to which my Noble Friend refers, and find that the man in question had been engaged independently of the scheme; the ground on which the Bricklayers' Society required his removal was that he was over the trade union age limit for apprenticeship. I greatly regret to say that in a number of cases where ex-service men have actually begun to work under the scheme, the attitude adopted by the operatives on the sites to these men, particularly in the London area, has been unfriendly—so unfriendly in a number of cases as to cause the ex-service men concerned to throw the thing up.

Why cannot we go ahead in cases such as these and replace all those who make it impossible for ex-service men to earn their livelihood?

I cannot make much headway during the present trade depression, but in the cases I have referred to where the atmosphere is so disagreeable that the men have thrown up their jobs, I must try and deal with such cases.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not arrange for jobs to be done by a colony of these men working by themselves where they will not be subjected to these influences?

asked the Minister of Labour if his Department has any statistics showing the number of ex-service men now out of employment; how this number compares with the total on 1st March, 1921; and how many are being assisted by the State?

The numbers of ex-service men on the live registers of employment exchanges at 10th June, 1921, and 4th March, 1921, were 472,374 and 379,184 respectively. The very great majority of these were in receipt of either unemployment benefit or out-of-work donation.

asked the Prime Minister what amount of public moneys has been expended in connection with settling ex-soldiers and others on the land in this country since the Armistice; how many persons, men, women, and children, have been so settled; what has been the cost per head to the State; and will he say how many acres of land have been purchased by the State, and how many acres have been given to the State by private owners?

I have been asked to reply. As the answer is necessarily somewhat lengthy, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As this question was put down in order that the House might have the specific information before it, will not the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to answer some part of the question?

The answer will be in the possession of the House when it appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

The amount of capital moneys so far issued by the Public Works Loan Board to County Councils and Councils of County Boroughs in England and Wales under the terms of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, is £10,357,933 and the amount spent by the Ministry on its own Farm Settlements is £712,405, making a total of £11,070,338. Commitments of Councils, including the provision of cottages and farm buildings on land acquired, whether by purchase for cash or annuities or on lease, will add a further £4,321,022, making a total of £15,391,360, as nearly as may be ascertained.

In reply to the second part of the question, no statistics exist as to the families of settlers, but the number of settlers put on the land since the Armistice (including the Ministry's Farm Settlements) is 13,317 ex-service and 1,674 civilians, which figures include some lettings to smallholders on estates acquired before the Armistice. It is anticipated that 4,400 more men will be settled within the next few months on land acquired by Councils for settlement purposes, but not yet in hand or fully equipped; the capital cost of these holdings is included in the total figure of £15,391,360.

In reply to third part of the question, the figures are not available, as the numbers of smallholders' families are unknown.

In reply to the last part of the question, 277,296 acres have been acquired by Councils and by the Ministry and 923 acres have been made available for the settlement of ex-service men under three gifts, one in respect of 757 acres, one in respect of 117 acres, and the other in respect of 49 acres.

For information as regards Scotland, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Prime Minister how many ex-service men and women have been migrated with the assistance of State funds since the Armistice; what amount has been expended on this migration; what amount has been expended in migration out of the National Relief Fund; and what moneys are now in hand?

I have been asked to answer this question. The number of warrant books issued to ex-service men and women entitling them and their dependants to free passages within the Empire under the Government free passage scheme from the commencement of the scheme in April, 1919, to the end of May last was 30,904, covering in all 54,040 individuals. During this period £895,000 was paid for passages. Since the 1st January last £32,700 has been spent out of public funds in providing additional assistance, making in all the sum of £927,700. It is not at present proposed to continue this supplementary assistance beyond the 30th June. The total sum allocated by the National Relief Fund for purposes of oversea settlement was £375,000. Of this amount £365,000 has been actually expended or has been earmarked for expenditure. The balance from this source still available for distribution is, therefore, approximately £10,000.

Would the hon. Gentleman give the total expenditure?

I have given the total of the different amounts.

Is it not very much cheaper and in the interests of economy that every facility should be given to intending emigrants to emigrate, rather than that they should receive Unemployment Benefit lasting, perhaps, for a whole year?

Are steps taken to see that these men reside in the Overseas Dominions, and is track kept of them in the event of their leaving for other countries?

As far as possible we do try to keep in touch with them. We have a great deal of correspondence from them, and on the whole they have done very satisfactorily.

Are they sent to Mesopotamia and Palestine?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the, Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of R. Richardson and C. Coglan, who were engaged in sinking a new mine near Consett, County Durham, and were thrown out of work by the coal dispute; whether they were refused unemployment benefit, but appealed to a court of referees and won their appeal; whether they were refused their travelling expenses to the place of hearing, and had to walk there and back about 10 miles each way; and whether they are still refused unemployment pay, though there are about 13 weeks' arrears due to them, and one of the men has been turned out of his lodgings because he has no means to pay his rent?

My attention has previously been called to the cases of the two men in question, and, as my hon. Friend knows, I have been in communication with him on the subject. Contributors voluntarily attending the hearing of their own appeals are, under the Regulations, not entitled to travelling expenses, and are so informed when notified of the time and place of the hearing. Whilst the Court of Referees were of opinion that these appeals should be allowed, they did not recommend interim payment of benefit pending an appeal to the Umpire. The Umpire has now decided that the claims in question should be disallowed under Section 8 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920. The Umpire's decision, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, is final and conclusive, and I have no power to re-open the matter.

Were these men told at the hearing that they might apply for their travelling expenses if their evidence was of any value to the findings?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Leeds electricity department for some time during the present coal dispute restricted its supply to factories on Fridays; that in response to representations that Friday was a particularly awkward day for the factories to be deprived of current the supply was extended to Fridays; that the factory hands objected to this alteration owing to the fact that when work was restricted to three days a week they were entitled to 8s a week out-of-work allowance, whereas by working on Fridays at a wage of 7s. they were debarred from claiming the 8s. allowance; and if he will state what steps are being taken to prevent this manipulation of the unemployment funds?

I am making inquiries locally in this matter, and will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the total sum to date which has been expended by the local authorities in payments to the families of those engaged in the coal industry: and is it proposed that moneys so advanced shall be repaid when the questions at issue are settled and work resumed?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend is not at present available. I understand that relief in the cases referred to has, as a rule, been given on loan, and will therefore be recoverable.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total sum that has been paid to officers on the Reserve who were not called up for duty during the late emergency and who never rendered any service?

Only regimental officers of the Reserve of Officers were asked to join for duty by public poster. No issue of pay was made to officers of the Reserve of Officers who were not asked to rejoin.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of these officers have received cheques, and did not know what they were for?

I have answered that several times. The hon. Member asks me whether officers who were not called up for duty received any pay, and I say that officers who were not called up for duty did not receive any pay.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now give an estimate of the expenditure which this country has incurred on account of the coal dispute?

No, Sir. I cannot add anything to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Leith on the 20th of this month.

Is the increase in excess of what the right hon. Gentleman hoped to save by decontrolling the industry?

asked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has been arrived at regarding the new rates of wages recommended by the Grocery and Provision Trade Board; and, if so, can he state on what date they will come into effect?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Grocery and Provision Trade Board, by a majority of 28 to 25, to grant increased wages to all sections of workers in the food distributive trades; and whether, considering that such action would result in an increase in the price of food and that the decision of the Board was arrived at when the cost of living was 175 per cent. above the prices ruling previous to the War and that the cost of living has now fallen to 119 per cent. above 1914, he will carefully consider all the facts before granting the request of the Trade Board which has recommended such increase?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the statement by the appointed members of the Grocery Trade Board that in fixing the rates they had regard to the capabilities of the poorest firms in the worst paid districts; whether the wages paid by co-operative retail and wholesale societies to female shop assistants are above the level of the wages fixed by the Grocery Trade Board, being in many instances as much as 12s. above the Trade Board rates at the age of 18, and 24s. above these rates at the age of 26; and whether he now proposes to confirm the rates fixed by the Grocery Trade Board?

asked the President of the Board of Trade at what date the Trade Board rate of wages for employés in the grocery trade will come into operation?

I have heard personally representations from both sides of the Trade Board on this subject, and I hope to announce my decision this week. In regard to the point made in Question No. 19 by my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield, the information before me shows that the rates of wages paid under agreements by co-operative societies to their workers are higher than the rates fixed by the Trade Board, though differences are not so substantial as is suggested by my hon. Friend.

Is that an answer to all the questions on this subject?

Yes. I do not know if my hon. and gallant Friend has an unstarred question down.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations from the consuming public?

I have received a good many representations from both grocers and grocers' employés and from various other people concerned, but I cannot charge my memory with the fact that anyone has applied to me as a consumer.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to associations administering unemployment insurance benefit through the delay in repayment from the Treasury, he will take the opportunity provided by the Unemployment Insurance Bill to obtain power to grant money in advance to these associations, as is done in the case of approved societies under National Health Insurance?

I may explain that the policy of entrusting to associations the administration of State unemployment benefit has been based on the assumption that the associations desiring to adminis- ter State benefit would be in a position to meet the financial obligations accruing between the actual disbursement of benefit to the unemployed member and the repayment by the Ministry of the amount so disbursed, and until recently the associations have not, so far as I am aware, experienced any difficulty in this connection. I am prepared, however, during the present emergency to make special arrangements for dealing expeditiously with the weekly returns of unemployment on which the repayments are based, and this will, I hope, enable associations to tide over their present difficulties.

asked the Minister of Health if he can estimate what will be the probable annual charge to the State under the guarantee to pay all loss above the produce of a penny rate on houses already authorised by his Department under the Housing Act?

It is estimated that the annual charge on the Exchequer under the Housing Acts in respect of houses already contracted for by local authorities will amount to £10,000,000. So far, however, as the money for housing has been raised by short term loans the annual charge will be reduced as the price of money falls and it becomes possible for local authorities to replace these loans by others obtained on more favourable terms.

Do the Government not recognise that £13,000,000 represents one-seventh practically of the whole Budget raised in pre-War days?

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the Board are still engaged on the approval of schemes?

I have been speaking of houses already contracted for?

Are no more schemes being considered by the Board now?

I will not go quite so far as to say that. There may be exceptional cases, but I am cutting down schemes wherever I can.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Director-General of Housing, on the 16th June, stated that the difficulties of housing have been increased by the profiteering of various branches of the building industry; and, if so, whether at the earliest possible date he will submit to the House a Report upon the manner in which this profiteering has been effected, and state the methods that he proposes to adopt in order to abolish these practices?

I am aware of the statement referred to. Reports have already been presented to the House by the Building Materials Sub-Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act, and a Report will be issued shortly by the Committee which was appointed by my predecessor to inquire into the high cost of building.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been built under his various schemes by direct labour, by building guilds, and by ordinary contractors, and the respective costs of similar types of house under each of the three systems of construction?

On the 1st June 35,066 houses had been completed for local authorities by ordinary contractors, 1,550 by direct labour, and 58 by building guilds. Complete costs of all these houses have not yet been returned, and until these are ascertained no real comparison can be made. The final building costs of parlour houses built by contractors so far as particulars are available range from £875 to £1,090. No final costs have yet been obtained in the case of schemes carried out by direct labour or the building guilds, but so far as an estimate can be made from an analysis of the costs at present ascertained they vary in the case of direct labour schemes from £797 to £1,266, and in the case of building guild schemes from £908 to £985.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give me the comparative costs of similar types of houses? He has quoted some very voluminous figures, but they do not touch the real point of the question—"the comparative cost of similar types."

I am afraid I cannot add to the answer I have given, which is an endeavour to cover the question. It is not easy to get accurate figures, seeing that sites, conditions, and materials all vary so much in regard to cost, although used for the same type of houses.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that Miss E. Upper-ton Wright, of 5, Upper East Shieldfield, E. 1, is not allowed a vote; and what is the reason that she is not placed upon the register of electors?

I have been asked to reply. I have, however, no information as to the matter which is one for the Registration Officer to decide, subject to the right possessed by a person, whose claim Is not allowed, to appeal to the county court.

asked the Minister of Health why a notice describing a new journalistic enterprise by a Member of this House, and explaining that a novel feature would be the distribution of a large sum of money to readers of the enterprise free from the element of gambling and involving no coupon or such like formality, was printed on the back of the official notice enacting that the postponed Census would be taken on Sunday of this week; was this privilege accorded to the hon. Member free of cost; and, if not, can he give the sum that was paid to obtain it?

This question has already been dealt with in the reply given by the Minister of Health to the hon. Member for the West Riding of Yorkshire on the 16th instant and in my reply to the hon. Member for West Ham on the same day.

Will the hon. Member answer the last part of my question: Was that privilege given free of cost or what sum was paid for it?

That was specifically answered the other day.

But—

The hon. Member should follow other questions. This has been answered once or twice, and the amount has been stated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will supply a statement as to the work accomplished by the consultative councils appointed under the Ministry of Health Act, 1919?

The forthcoming Annual Report of the Department for 1920–21 will include a statement on this matter.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the imposition of increased rates on top of largely increased assessments is imposing an unbearable burden upon poorer districts such as Kirkdale, Liverpool, where it threatens to ruin many, including ex-service men, who are endeavouring to carry on small businesses with little capital; that the situation would be considerably relieved if an arrangement could be made by which the repayment of the West Derby union's overdraft of £300,000, due to exceptional circumstances, could be spread over several years instead of being demanded immediately; and whether, in view of the distress arising from unemployment and bad trade, he will assist in arranging for this repayment to be spread as suggested?

I understand that the deficit occurred mainly because the calls made by the guardians were insufficient to meet their current expenditure, and I do not think that ordinary current expenditure should be spread over a term of years. If, however, any part of the overdraft relates to expenditure of a capital nature I should be ready to consider an application for sanction to a loan.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be willing to receive a deputation of Members whose constituencies are affected with regard to this subject?

I will be very pleased to.

Thank you.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the vaccination officer of the Bramley union, to whose case his attention was drawn on the 15th instant, has been a full-time officer for 20 years; that it was only recently that the terms of his appointment were altered and he was made a part-time officer; and that the officer is now getting towards pensionable age, is in indifferent health, and has no other occupation to enable him to add to the salary of £25 9s. 7d. per quarter he is now receiving from the Bramley union; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, he will reconsider his decision not to intervene?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the case of the vaccination officer of the Bramley Union. I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave on the 15th instant.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman, in reply to a previous question, say the man had not stated he was a whole-time officer? Is he not now of pensionable age?

I really feel that it is not my duty to ask local authorities who are trying to reduce expenditure to increase it. If they can get the work done at a certain figure it is not right for me to ask them to pay more money.

But does the right hon. Gentleman not see the injustice that is being done to this man who has served for over 20 years and is being given no pension?

I do not know that he is a pensionable officer.

He has reached pensionable age.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the suspension of the Education Act of 1918 in certain areas owing to the expenses involved in bringing it into operation, the Government will suspend all naval construction and military enterprises, particularly those undertaken for the subjugation of Ireland, until the financial state of the country is such as to enable an adequate education to be provided for all its citizens?

The answer is in the negative, but expenditure will be reduced in all Departments where reduction is compatible with the public interest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in the country that too much money is being spent on Army and Navy affairs, and too little on education?

No, Sir. What is borne in upon me is that there is a very strong feeling in the country, as well as in the Government, that too much money is being spent altogether.

Would the right hon. Gentleman lay a Paper showing the total charges involved in the administration in Ireland—naval, military, civil, police, and the rest?

I think there is a question already on the Paper on that subject for to-morrow.

Are we to understand from the answer that the present Government have ceased to consider the advisability of introducing any social reform that will cost money?

No, Sir; but the hon. Member is to understand that the Government are benton securing economy, and reduction of expenditure, if that be possible.

At the cost of the comfort and the education of the people? Is that economy?

Is it the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman that the only expenditure that is justifiable by this House or in the country is expenditure upon the non-productive and dangerous purpose of subjugating and persecuting the Irish people?

No, certainly not; but I do think that it is the first duty of any Government to give protection to its citizens.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he anticipates that his Estimates of Revenue and expenditure for the present year will be realised; and, if not, whether it will be necessary to present a revised Budget?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given yesterday by the Financial Secretary to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Peebles.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the extent to which the expenditure this year will exceed the estimate of expenditure in the Budget?

It is not possible to give such estimate at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the exigencies of legislation will not allow the Session to conclude before the end of August, he will cause a ballot box to be placed in the Division Lobby and allow Members to signify by ballot whether they would prefer to sit until the end of August, or adjourn at the end of next month and resume to conclude the business of the Session during the month of November?

No, Sir. I do not think that my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal is feasible.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the Government policy in regard to the future of the Ministry of Transport?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Ministry of Transport is to be continued after the present year; and, if not, whether the posts of Minister and Secretary will be abolished?

We are considering what arrangement will best meet the need for economy whilst preserving the efficiency of the public service, but I am not yet able to make a definite proposal to the House.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has made himself conversant with the pledge of the Secretary of State for Air that the Secretary of State for the Colonies would, on the Colonial Office Vote, make a valuable contribution to the Debate on the position of Egypt from the Air Force point of view; whether he can explain when this pledge was carried out; and what is the present Government policy as to the air position in Egypt?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last two parts, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on Monday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is nothing in that speech which in any way carries out the undertaking of the right hon. Gentleman, and that I was not nodding, as he thought I was, but read the speech very carefully?

I listened to it, and have since referred to it, and, if I may be permitted to say so, it is well worth while referring to a speech of such remarkable interest. What I had in mind was a paragraph in which my right hon. Friend dealt with the interchange-ability of machines between Egypt and other parts of the Eastern world, when the developments which are now taking place have borne fruit.

Was not the promise given that the air position would be explained in the Debate on the Air Service, and not in the Debate on the Middle East?

Was not the pledge to the House a definite one that a statement should be made in regard to the air position in Egypt, as the central focus of our air position throughout the world? Would the right hon. Gentleman refer to the pledge of the Secretary of State for Air?

It seems to me, primâ facie, that the Secretary of State for Air was the proper Minister to make a statement on air policy on behalf of His Majesty's Government, whatever part of the world might be concerned. I think that the present Secretary of State for the Colonies indicated an intention of making a statement on the subject on an earlier day, when he was Secretary of State for War and Air. He was present during the Debate on the Air Vote, in order to make this statement if then desired to do so, but apparently he was not required by the House to refer to it.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Colonial Secretary has made any recommendations to the Cabinet as to the future of our position in Egypt; and what is now the Government's policy regarding that country?

It is contrary to constitutional practice to divulge the part taken by individual Ministers in the deliberations of the Cabinet. With regard to the latter part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Eye on 5th April.

5th April was a long time ago. Has nothing happened since then? Can the hon. Gentleman give some indication what is the present policy?

The present policy is what it was on the 5th April.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no definite steps will be taken in this vital matter till the House of Commons has been consulted?

That question ought to be addressed to the Leader of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether, despite the promise of an early relaxation of restrictions, the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) has postponed an agreed-on policy in view of the appointment of the conference of the House of Commons; and whether, in view of the urgency of the problem, affecting the coming to and sojourn in this country of thousands of visitors, who impart a stimulus to trade, he will suggest to the chairman of the conference the desirability of at least considering the immediate introduction of the suggested modifications, even if only as an interim and experimental measure?

I have been asked to answer this question. With reference to the first part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to my Noble Friend the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon), of which I am sending him a copy. The Liquor Control Board are fully alive to the urgency of the problem referred to in the second part of the question, and I will undertake to see that it is not overlooked by the Conference.

I have been asked to postpone this question. Will the right hon. Gentleman have these figures for me to-morrow?

There is a similar question on the Paper addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer tomorrow, and he will give the figures for which the hon. Member asks.

Shall I have them before the Debate on the salary of the Minister without Portfolio, as I want to talk on that?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether he has any information with regard to the kidnapping of the Earl of Bandon by revolutionary bandits on Monday last?

I have not yet received a full report on this subject, but, according to the police report, Castle Bernard, the residence of the Earl of Bandon, was maliciously set on fire at 6.30 a.m. yesterday morning, and was completely destroyed. The furniture, silver, and contents of the library were saved by troops and Royal Irish Constabulary. Lord Bandon was kidnapped by the raiders, and, I much regret to say, up to the present it has not been possible to obtain any information as to his whereabouts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) who are the phosphate commissioners who dispose of the phosphate deposits on Nauru and Ocean Islands; what they are paid and who by; whether these phosphate commissioners have entered into a contract with Mr. G. V. Parker, giving the latter a monopoly in the distribution of all phosphates obtained from these islands on account of the British Government; what are the terms and duration of this contract; and are there any restrictions as to selling price or profits per ton;

(2) what is the estimated amount in tons of raw Nauru phosphate which will be available for distribution in this country, Australia, and New Zealand, respectively, under the terms of the Nauru Island Agreement Act during this and next year; whether, under the contract with Mr. G. V. Parker, the whole of the amount received by this country must be sold in this country, or may any of it be sold to Canada or other British Dominions or Colonies; and, if so, as raw phosphate or as mixture?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The Commissioners, under the Nauru Island Agreement, are Mr. A. R. Dickinson, appointed by His Majesty's Government; Mr. H. B. Pope, appointed by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia; and Mr. A. F. Ellis, appointed by the Government of New Zealand. The first two receive salaries of £2,000 a year, and the New Zealand Commissioner receives £1,000 a year. In accordance with Article 2 of the Agreement, these salaries are payable from the proceeds of the sales of phosphates. With regard to the other points raised, as was explained on Monday last to my hon. Friend the Member for Kinross and West Perth, the Phosphate Commissioners and not the Ministry are the responsible body for making sales of Nauru phosphate. The Ministry has no information as to the tonnage available, or as to the methods by which the phosphate will be marketed in England by Mr. E. V. Parker, but I will make inquiries of the Commissioners and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

Am I to understand that in this island, which is the property of the British Government, the Government have handed over all responsibility to three Commissioners, who can charge what they like for these phosphates without the Government having any say in the matter whatever?

What the Government has done is simply pursuant to the terms of the Act of Parliament which was passed about a year ago.

Will they introduce amending legislation as soon as possible to deal with this grave monopoly and scandal which has arisen?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the statement made by the Ministry last autumn that he expected to put Nauru phosphate on the market at 2s. per unit has been realised, and if not, what is his present estimate of the price to the farmer; and what is the relative cost per phosphatic unit in the United Kingdom of raw Nauru phosphate, Florida phosphate, Peruvian phosphatic guano, superphosphate, and Bilston basis slag, respectively?

No statement as to the price at which Nauru phosphate would be placed on the market has been issued by the Ministry at any time. As raw Nauru phosphate and Florida phosphate are not offered as such to the farmer, and as, according to the Ministry's information, Peruvian phosphatic guano is unobtainable here, it is impossible to give the relative cost per phosphatic unit of these materials in the United Kingdom. It is understood, however, that a mixture of ground Nauru phosphate and basic slag is being placed on the market by the Slag Phosphate Company at approximately 3s. per phosphatic unit. The present unit prices of phosphate of lime in superphos- phate and Bilston basic slag delivered to the farmer's nearest station are understood to be: Unit Price s. d. Superphosphate 30 per cent. soluble phosphate of lime 5 6 Superphosphate 35 per cent. soluble phosphate of lime 5 4½ Bilston basic slag 30 per cent. total phosphates 4 5

Will the right hoe. Gentleman take early steps to see that British farmers are not ruthlessly exploited by this monopoly granted to Mr. Parker to export this Nauru Island phosphates?

The figures I have quoted show that the "ruthless monopoly price" is about 2s. 6d. less than the other.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if his attention has been called to the statement of the Minister of Labour that it was fair to assume that the promised further Debate on the Washington Convention should be taken before 27th July; and can he now undertake to name a day for the discussion?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, under Article 416 of the Treaty of Versailles, any other member of the League of Nations can file a complaint that Great Britain is failing to take the action required of it by Article 405 in refusing to submit the Hours of Labour Convention and the Maternity Convention to Parliament, and that this complaint would be referred to the permanent court of international justice, whose decisions would be final; and whether he will take steps to avoid the possibility of such a grave reflection on Great Britain by submitting the Conventions to Parliament before 27th July?

As regards the constitutional position, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday on this subject. I hope that it will be possible to provide an opportunity for the further discussion that has been promised on Friday in next week, but that must not be taken as an absolute promise.

Can it seriously be described as an offence against international justice to doubt whether one labour code can be made to fit the whole world?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to an answer I gave yesterday, which I think will refer him again to an answer given by the Attorney-General.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any steps have been taken, and, if so, what steps, to initiate a discussion for a naval agreement between the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan?

The views of His Majesty's Government upon this question were fully expressed by the Prime Minister at the opening of the present Imperial Conference and were published in yesterday's papers. I do not think that it would be in the public interest that I should say more at present as to the means of promoting an object which would seem to be as much desired in the United States as in the British Empire, and in the pursuit of which I hope that the three great Powers named by the hon. and gallant Gentleman may heartily co-operate.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, as the strongest Naval Power, it really is incumbent on us to initiate a discussion? If all the Powers are going to wait for the others nothing will ever happen.

With due deference to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, I do not think it is in the public interest that I should say anything more.

Secret diplomacy again.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of horses that have been destroyed owing to the reduction of the military forces in Mesopotamia; whether any mares fit for breeding purposes have been de- stroyed; and what are the steps taken to dispose of the surplus horses before slaughter is decided upon?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Torquay. Only the most inefficient animals have so far been destroyed, and no doubt some mares suitable for breeding were among them, but I have no special information on the subject. During the period from 1st January, 1921, to 31st May last, 1,364 horses, 3,077 mules, and 621 bullocks have been sold at an average price of £30 per head. It is also proposed to hand over to the Civil Government 4,107 dairy cattle and 3,800 horses, the latter being for the use of the Arab army and levies. The Commander-in-Chief is allowed full discretion with regard to the disposal of all animals, subject to the instructions, which have already been issued, that animals are not to be sold to natives unless there is good reason to suppose that they will be properly cared for. As I stated yesterday, however, certain proposals are now being considered by the War Office for the disposal of the surplus animals.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman had offers from a big firm to undertake to transport these horses at a reasonable rate to other countries where they could be sold?

That was answered by my right hon. Friend yesterday in answer to the hon. and gallant Gentleman (Colonel Burn).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he can have extended to the Royal Army Medical Corps and Indian medical ser vices the recent orders, General Routine Orders No. 24, of 10th January, 1921, and No. 437, of 4th May, 1921, permitting officers other than those of the Royal Army Medical Corps and Indian medical services who have completed their time in Mesopotamia, and are due to serve a further period in India, such leave as they may be entitled to under existing leave rules before proceeding to India?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The question of the grant of leave to the officers referred to is a matter for the local military authorities. Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps, whose tour of foreign service is five years, serve two years in Mesopotamia and three years in India, and this procedure could not be carried out if officers were granted leave on the expiration of their period of service in Mesopotamia before transfer to India.

Why is there any differentiation between these medical officers and the ordinary combatant officers, and if they are to be sent after two years in the frying pan of Mesopotamia to the fire of India for three more years, does he not think they want cooling down, and will he send them to the hills for three or four months.

The question of difference between medical and combatant officers has always been the same, that medical officers go for a certain tour of duty abroad. As to the second part of the question, I am afraid I can add nothing to the answer I have already given.