asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, previous to the destruction of the 20 houses at Ballylongford, County Kerry, on the 23rd February, two auxiliary police were ambushed in the neighbourhood; that a large party of police arrived later in motor lorries, and immediately after this the burning of the houses occurred: and whether it is supposed that this destruction was carried out by the inhabitants?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member last Thursday.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can give any information as to the procedure adopted by the military authority in Ireland when orders are issued for the closing down of a creamery; how much notice is given to those responsible for the creamery; whether any opportunity is given to dispose of the perishable stocks of foodstuffs; and what arrangements are made by the authorities for the utilisation of the milk which farmers cannot dispose of owing to the closing down of such creameries?

I am in communication with the Commander-in-Chief in this matter, but am not at present in a position to give a detailed reply on the procedure adopted in these cases. Perhaps the hon. Member will repeat his question early next week.

asked the Chief Secretary whether on 12th June several farmhouses near Borrisokane and Clough Jordan were destroyed as official reprisals; and for what reason these houses were selected?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the houses of the following persons were destroyed as a punitive measure, following the ambush of police at Modreeney on 3rd June: William Bone of Cloughjordan. Michael Ryan of Knocknagree. Ann Nara of Farren. Timothy Dwyer of Carnole. M. Kenny of Laughnane Bridge.

asked the Chief Secretary whether two houses belonging to Mr. McNamara and Mrs. Cusack were burned in the Kildysart district of County Clare on the 9th June; whether this was an official reprisal; and on what grounds these- houses were selected?

The houses of the persons named were destroyed as a punitive measure following the murder of a constable on 26th May. The grounds on which houses have been selected for destruction were given in my reply of the 9th June to the hon. Member for Harrow (Mr. Mosley).

asked the Chief Secretary whether a prisoner named Patrick White was shot dead at Spike Island, Queenstown, on the 1st June; and what was the reason for this shooting?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut. - Commander Kenworthy) on Tuesday last.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can give any information regarding the circumstances under which a man named Andrew Casey was wounded at Kilmallock, County Limerick, during a police search on the 14th June?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that he has had only a brief report by wire on this case, from which it appears that a patrol observed lights in an outhouse at 2 a.m. The four civilians who were inside were ordered to put up their hands, but one of them, Andrew Casey, did not comply, and was consequently fired at and wounded.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that two men named Patrick and James Ryan were taken from their beds in their house at Knockfune, County Tipperary, on the 7th June, and shot, Patrick being killed and James wounded, and that their house was then set on fire and destroyed; and whether the perpetrators of this outrage have yet been traced?

The Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest in the case of Patrick Ryan found that he was murdered by some person or persons unknown. James Ryan was severely wounded at the same time. The Ryans house was then set of fire, presumably by the raiders, who were masked and could not be identified. The perpetrators of this outrage have not yet been traced, but inquiries are proceeding.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an inquiry has yet been held into the death of Thomas McEver at Coolin Bridge on the 19th May; and with what result?

According to the evidence at the Court of Inquiry McEver was taken from his bed about 2 a.m. on 20th May and his dead body was subsequently found by the roadside bearing a label "Convicted Spy. Traitors Beware. Executed by order of I.R.A." The finding of the Court was wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that eight disguised men visited the house' of Mr. Peter Dunn at Lochrae on 10th June; that they dragged him from the house and asked if he was a Sinn Fein magistrate, beat him with sticks, and kicked him several times; that they also, on the same occasion, injured Mr. Dunn's brother; that both men have since been receiving medical treatment; and whether he has any information as to the perpetrators of this outrage?

The police state that they received no complaint of this alleged assault, but that on seeing in the Press allegations corresponding to those in the hon. Member's question they called at Dunn's house to make inquiries. They found both brothers at home, one of them, Peter Dunn, having hurriedly taken to his bed without removing his clothing. Neither man according to the police report showed any signs of maltreatment.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an inquiry has yet been held into the death of a soldier at Tulla, County Clare, said to have been shot by one of his comrades, and with what result?

The court of inquiry in this case is not yet to hand. From a preliminary report it appears that the deceased soldier was accidentally shot from the police barracks at Tulla in the early morning of 12th June.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has yet been able to trace the murderers of John O'Brien, chairman of the Charleville District Council, who was shot dead and his house bombed on the 3rd January last?

I am making inquiry into the matter and shall be glad if the hon. Member will one day next week repeat this question, of which I only received notice on Tuesday.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an inquiry has yet been held into the burning of the houses of two farmers, said to have been Sinn Fein sympathisers, at Mullaghfad, Five-miletown, on 2nd June; and whether the culprits have yet been traced?

The culprits have not yet been traced, but inquiries are proceeding.

asked the Chief Secretary whether advances from local taxation accounts in payment of compensation for injuries have been, up to the present, made only to members of the Crown forces; and whether it is possible to compensate from the same source innocent persons who have suffered injury at the hands of members of the Crown forces?

Except in a few cases where small advances have been made, the only payments of compensation for injury to person or property that have been made from the Local Taxation Account have been to Crown servants and their dependants or public departments. In regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on the 2nd June.

asked the Chief Secretary how many of the Auxiliary Division, Royal Irish Constabulary, have been dismissed from the force; and of how many have the services been dispensed with since the formation of the division?

Forty-eight members of the Auxiliary Division have been dismissed, and 12 have been permitted to resign since the formation of the division.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the many statements that have been made that floggings of prisoners and others have been carried out by members of the Crown forces he will state how many members of the forces have up to the present been convicted or arrested for such floggings?

One case of alleged maltreatment of prisoners is at present under inquiry. There have been no other arrests or convictions, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the cases he has in mind, distinguishing definite charges from vague allegations, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Chief Secretary why George Maguire, of Newtownstewart, an ex-soldier in receipt of a 90 per cent. disability pension, and granted an allowance from the military authorities for the purchase of a motor hackney car, has been refused a permit by the police authorities, application for which was supported by two justices of the peace; why, when attending at the police court to show documents which he had received from the competent military authority, Derry, among them being a letter from the competent military authority stating that if he could still satisfy him by evidence that he was a suitable person a permit might be given, he was arrested and detained for two days; why the police retained his papers on his release; whether an inquiry can be made into this man's case; and whether any redress will be offered?

This man was refused a permit as the police were unable to recommend him as a suitable person to be in possession of a motor vehicle on account of the pronounced rebel activities of certain members of his family. He was detained for two days pending inquiries as to his unexplained possession of certain official documents. These documents were rightly retained by the police, and the question of redress for their retention, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the recent prohibition of all sales and markets in the town of Athlone by the military authorities was ordered as a reprisal or as a punishment?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the holding of fair's and markets in Athlone is at present prohibited owing to damage inflicted by rebels upon roads and bridges in the

— Year to 31st March, 1920. Year to 31st March, 1921. Quarter to 30th June, 1921. £ £ £ Civil Administration … … … 29,000,000 33,000,000 8,300,000 Military Expenditure … … … 14,750,000 13,500,000 3,750,000 Naval and Air Force Expenditure … 900,00 750,000 200,000

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is his intention to set up a court of inquiry to consider the question of the advantages of the light artificial limb?

Yes, Sir.

vicinity, the attempted destruction of the rifle range, and the failure of the inhabitants to assist the Crown forces in taking steps to stop such outrages or to give information which might lead to the arrest of the guilty persons.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, though six months have passed since draft bye-laws were published to deal with seine net-fishing by motor boats in Dundrum Bay, they have not yet been signed and given effect to; whether he can explain the long delay; and when the bye-laws will be put in force?

The delay in this matter is due to the fact that an appeal against the draft bye-laws has been lodged and awaits a hearing by a Committee of the Privy Council.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost of Irish administration, both as regards civil, military, and other expenditure, for the year ending 30th June, 1921, and the preceding year?

I regret that it would not be possible without excessive labour to give the figures for a year other than the usual financial year. But the following figures will, I hope, supply the hon. Member in substance with what he desires:

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Gunner H. Craine, No. 18,074, Royal Field Artillery, was granted a pension till 26th April, 1921; that on appeal during December, 1920, the examining doctor having full particulars before him, he was deprived of his pension for discourtesy to the doctor; whether this is an authorised ground for withdrawing a pension already granted to a person repeatedly in hospital as a result of his disability; whether he was again sent to hospital in April this year; and whether, seeing that this ex-soldier will have no pension when he comes out of hospital, he will undertake to have the whole case reconsidered?

Pension was withdrawn in this case on the finding of Medical Appeal Board that there was no existing disablement. Subsequently, there was a recurrence of the disability, necessitating treatment, and the man is now in receipt of full allowances. It is proposed to re-examine him on his discharge from hospital. If my hon. Friend will give me further particulars of the incident referred to in the second part of the question, I will have immediate inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Carlton, Richardson's Yard, Grange Villa, County Durham, widow of the late Gunner Joseph Carlton, No. 58288, Royal Garrison Artillery, is not receiving any pension, and that herself and her child are entirely dependent on poor relief, which she is receiving; that Mrs. Carlton's husband served over three years in France, was severely wounded, and finally discharged with a pension; that he was in receipt of a pension of 16s. a week when he died as a result of his wounds received in action; and on what grounds the widow of the late soldier is refused a pension?

The marriage in this case took place after the late soldier's discharge from the Army. The widow is, therefore, not eligible for an award of pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions the position of Michael Goteley, Sapper, No. 157825, who was informed on 12th March that he had been granted an allowance on the alternative pension scale of £2 10s. 5d. per week, but is still only receiving 24s. per week; and, seeing that this man cannot walk without the aid of two sticks and is a patient at St. Helens Hospital, and therefore unable to work, whether the full allowance with arrears will be paid to him?

There is no record at the Ministry of this man having received medical treatment since the 25th January last, when he reverted to disablement pension. I am, however, having urgent local enquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pension whether, in view of the excellent work done by the Lord Roberts' Memorial Workshops in training disabled ex-service men, the Government will consider the advisability of extending to those workshops the same financial allowances as are given to Government training centres, since the Government has already recognised, in connection with the voluntary hospitals, that to help private charitable work of this description is sound economy when the cost is compared with that of Government institutions?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to training of disabled ex-service men in carpentering and basket-work that has been accomplished in Lord Roberts' Memorial Workshops established throughout the country, he will recommend that a grant of 30s. a week per man will be made for the next two years; and whether without such assistance most of these workshops will have to be closed, and the training of several hundred men left incomplete?

I have been asked to reply. I will, if I may answer these questions together. With regard to men who are being trained, a certain number of men who have been placed in training by the Ministry of Labour at the Lord Roberts' Memorial Workshops are already in receipt of the usual training allowances under the Government scheme for the Industrial Training of Disabled ex-Service Men. With regard, however, to men employed by the Lord Roberts' Memorial Workshops, the question of giving some temporary Government assistance, not exceeding £25 a man for a limited number of men, has been under consideration, and an offer on these lines has been made to the Workshops. It is conditional generally on the latter obtaining sufficient public support to secure financial solvency.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Territorial Force War medal has yet been designed; if so, when its issue may be expected; whether, in the meanwhile, miniatures can be made; and, if the medal is not yet designed, when it is expected the design will be completed?

The design for this medal has not yet been approved, as precedence is being given to the preparation and issue of the British War medal and the Victory medal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether medals are to be awarded to men whose war service was confined to doing duty as military police at Gretna and other munition centres?

As stated on Tuesday last, I hope that decisions will be reached shortly on all questions of medals and clasps.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the total number of silver badges given to discharged soldiers during the War, and how many of the recipients hold a commissioned rank?

The total number of silver War badges awarded to date is 1,228,882. I regret that I am unable to give separately the number of badges awarded to commissioned officers as the records are not kept in a form which would enable the information to be readily prepared.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when the War Office intends to give up the land they are holding at Wareham, part of which was formerly used for ordnance stores, but which has not been used for more than a year and for which the War Department is paying a big rent?

I am making inquiries, and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend on the matter as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Transport the finding of the Rates Advisory Committee as to the charges of the Granton and Burntisland ferry?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport referred the question of the charges of the Granton and Burntisland ferries to the Rates Advisory Committee on the 22nd April. The Committee have been in correspendence with the North British Railway Company on the subject, and have now been able to fix a public inquiry for the 12th July.

asked the Minister of Transport if the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company is granting a smaller superannuation allowance to its older employés than is granted by the London and North Western Railway Company; and whether he can arrange that the employés of the former company can be brought up, as regards these allowances, to the standard of the latter company, more especially in view of the amalgamation of these two companies?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is not aware of the amounts now being paid to annuitants out of the superanuation funds of individual railway companies. These funds are usually vested in trustees and administered by committees representing the railway company and its staff, and the amounts which are payable will doubtless vary. My right hon. Friend has been informed, however, that in many cases the companies are supplementing these payments, to avoid hardship, out of their own resources. The position of the Government in relation to these funds was fully explained on the 2nd of March last year, when a Motion by the hon. and gallant Member for St. Pancras South-West (Major Barnett) was under discussion.

asked the Prime Minister wether he has received a resolu- tion from the residents of Thaxted, complaining that the vicar flies a Sinn Fein flag of revolution and rebellion in their parish church, and preaches sedition and disloyalty from the pulpit; whether he has made inquiries into this matter; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take?

I have been asked by the Prime Minister to answer this question. He has received the resolution mentioned, and he sympathises with the resentment felt by the people of Thaxted with regard to the conduct of their vicar; but since the latter appears to have confined himself to expressions of opinion, and used no language calculated to incite to violence, no action can be taken by the Government.

asked the Prime Minister when, in default of a ratification of peace by the Turks, he proposes to introduce a short Bill declaring the end of the War in this country and finally abolishing the Defence of the Realm Act?

I can at present add nothing to the answer which was given on the 2nd June to a question by my right hon. Friend the Member for the City of London (Sir F. Banbury).

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider if the result aimed at by the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, at all events in these days, could be obtained by the complete abrogation of this agreement and the substitution for it of an exchange of notes such as have been adopted by the Washington Government in various aspects of Far Eastern policy?

I have nothing to add to the statement made by the Prime Minister to the Imperial Conference, a copy of which has already appeared in the Press.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that in certain districts in Upper Silesia the Allied forces are taking over territory from the German defence force, and thus allowing the Polish irregulars and insurgents to occupy this territory; that the Poles are committing outrages against the civil population and are trying to reduce certain towns holding out against them by hunger; and what has been the results of the recent visit of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to Paris and his Conference there on the situation in Upper Silesia?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Reports have been received tending to show that outrages have been committed against the civil population, but in the present disturbed state of the country it has not as yet been possible to verify these reports adequately. Food supply has necessarily been interrupted, but the Inter-Allied Commission have taken steps which have ameliorated the situation in this respect. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to a Private Notice question to-day.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the very large amount of time occupied by questions on Ireland, he will arrange that note be taken of the proportion of the hour allotted to questions daily so occupied, and if he will arrange in future that the proportion shall not exceed one-quarter of the whole, or 15 minutes, and that when such period has been expended further questions on Ireland shall be deferred for the day, and thus ensure a reasonable chance of questions addressed to other Ministers being put?

As questions on Ireland are given preference on only one day a week, I do not think it is desirable to interfere with the practice at present obtaining in the House in this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great importance to Southern Rhodesia of the questions discussed in the Report of Lord Buxton's Committee, he is prepared to allow opportunity for discussion of the Report or, alternatively, to make an announcement as to the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the future government of Southern Rhodesia?

The Report of Lord Buxton's Committee was communicated to the elected Members in Southern Rhodesia who accepted the lines laid down in it. The Report proposed that a delegation of elected Members should come to this country to discuss the proposed constitution with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and he has invited them to come at once. Pending discussion with the elected Members, I do not think that any fuller statement can be made. My Noble Friend will have an opportunity of discussing the matter when the discussion is resumed upon the Colonial Office Vote

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as reported in the Russian Press, postal relations have been re established between this country and Russia; whether, if this be the case, any reports have reached his Department to the effect that the receipt of a letter from this country usually entails the arrival of a police inspector to arrest the recipient; and whether he will make inquiry into this allegation in view of its serious con sequences?

The answer to the first part of the queston is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. If the hon. Member will communicate to me evidence that receipt of a letter from this country in Russia is generally followed by the inconveniences referred to, I shall be happy to consider the question of making inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is now in a position to give the names of the members of the British Trade Mission shortly proceeding to Russia?

Yes, Sir, the names are as follow:

Mr. R. M. Hodgson, C.M.G., Official Agent. Formerly His Majesty's Consul-General at Vladivostock, and subsequently appointed His Majesty's Commercial Counsellor for Russia.

Mr. W. Peters, Assistant Agent. His Majesty's Commercial Secretary for Russia.

Mr. H. Montgomery Grove, Assistant Agent. Formerly His Majesty's Consul at Moscow and Warsaw, and His Majesty's Consul-General at Gothenburg.

Mr. P. Leigh-Smith, Assistant Agent. His Majesty's Diplomatic Service.

Mr. H. Ledward, Assistant Agent. Formerly temporary His Majesty's Vice-Consul in Nikolsk, Omsk, etc.

Mr. E. Charnock, Assistant Agent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the Exports Credits Department have refused to grant the necessary credits to enable a contract for the supply of 500 locomotives to the Roumanian Government being taken up in this country; and whether, in view of the fact that if this order can be obtained it will provide employment for many men, he will arrange for representatives of the interests concerned to meet the financial advisers of the Department in order to discuss the possibility of coming to some arrangement?

I am fully aware of the importance to this country of securing the contract in question. The proposition has been very fully examined by the Advisory Committee set up under the provisions of the Overseas Trade (Credits and Insurance) Act, who have several times interviewed the parties concerned, but they have been unable to recommend its acceptance. I understand, however, that an amended proposal may be put forward; and any such proposal will be promptly considered by the Advisory Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the advance in the value of the shares in the Welsbach Gas Mantle Company following upon the Second Beading of the Safeguarding of Industries Bill; and whether this fact will be taken into consideration in connection with the Government's policy on this Bill?

I am aware that the price of these shames rose for a few days in the middle of this month, but I understand that it has since fallen to substantially the level at which it stood last April.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any wholesale traders have been prosecuted under the Profiteering Act; and, if so, in what trades?

Prosecutions have been instituted against wholesalers in respect of the sale of chocolate, step powder, candles, soda crystals, razors, and milk.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the pprohibition by the Government of the United States of the importation of oxalic and formic acids, and as to the prices of these commodities before and after the said order was made?

The importation of oxalic and formic acids into the United States of America was prohibited, except under licence, as a War measure in February, 1918, and, so far as I am aware, this prohibition has not since been withdrawn. It has recently been continued in force for three months by the Emergency Tariff Act. Prices at the date when the prohibition was first imposed were on a much higher level than at the present time.

asked the Secretary for Mines what commission was paid on the Government purchase of £6,000,000 worth of coal for public services referred to in White Paper Cd. 129; did the Government receive any concession by reason of limiting their purchases to four privileged firms in respect of commission; is he aware that firms outside the privileged firms buy at their own risk, but must tender through the privileged firms who are their competitors, whereas the four Government buyers take no risk, but buy to Government orders, thereby limiting competition; and has he fully considered, in the interests of economy, the advantages of greater competition?

I do not think it would be in the public interest at the present stage to publish details of the arrangements made for the purchase of foreign coal. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative; there was no question either of concession or of privilege. As regards the last part of the question, competition is is no way limited. Any firm is at liberty to buy and sell in the open market, and firms other than the Government agents are, in fact, selling foreign coal independently of any Government transactions.

asked the Minister of Health on what authority the census enumerators, on taking up the census papers, asked questions as to the number of rooms, etc., in the house of the servants of the house; and if such questions were asked by his wish, and for what purpose?

Inquiries as regards the number of rooms occupied by a household have been made by census enumerators on the authority of paragraph 13 of Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Census Order in Council of 21st December last and Article 8 of the Census Regulations, 1921. Such particulars have formed part of the Census since, 1891, and as the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate furnish the data for the valuable statistics as to housing conditions and overcrowding included in the Census reports. Enumerators are required and authorised by Article 9 of the Regulations to make any inquiries found to be necessary for the correction or completion of Returns which appear in any respect to be defective, and have no doubt generally adopted methods which they think least likely to give trouble to householders.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the very large number of men and women in arrears with their subscriptions under the National Health Insurance Act, he will further consider the possibility of giving them additional assistance, apart from an extension of time to pay?

The matter referred to by the hon. Member has already engaged my attention, and I intend to lay on the Table of the House Regulations which will enable approved- societies, if they think fit, to give some additional relief to certain classes of insured persons who by reason of arrears are liable to suspension of cash benefits.

asked the Minister of Health if he has considered the 'case against the recent appointments to the office of superintendent registrar at Brentford and at Norwich, as put forward by the Poor Law workers' trade union; and if he would be prepared to furnish the arguments against this case?

I am making inquiry as to the Norwich case. As regards the Brentford case, I have nothing to add to the answers given to the hon. and gallant Member and to the hon. Member for Spen Valley (Mr. Myers) on the 3rd of June and 30th of May respectively.

asked the Minister of Health whether the latest statistics of his Department show any increase in cases needing medical attention as a result of privation entailed by unemployment; and whether his advisers anticipate any such increase in the near future?

The available statistics do not show that this is so, at present, but it is of course to be expected that an extended period of widely-spread unemployment will not be without its effects on the health of the country.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, to obviate the inconvenience to country districts caused by the abolition of Sunday deliveries, he will consider the introduction of private news telegrams at a cheaper rate and slower transmission on Saturday evenings after 2 p.m.?

As explained in my answer to a question asked by the hon. Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Pennefather) on the 14th June, I doubt whether a non-urgent telegraph service in this country could be worked without increasing the telegraph deficit; but I will have further consideration given to the question of introducing such a service as is now suggested.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the facts of the case of David Macauly, a pre-War postman, who, on resuming postal duties, was dismissed as unfit for the service because of his disabilities caused by War services; and, as he is still able to perform his duties, will he see that this man is reinstated?

Mr. Macauly was invalided from the Army on account of epilepsy in April, 1916. On return to the Post Office every consideration was shown to him and the lightest possible duty was assigned to him. As, however, the epileptic seizures persisted and he himself complained that the work was too heavy, his retirement with the superannuation award for which he was eligible by length of service was proceeded with in December, 1917. In the interests of the public service and of Mr. Macauly's Post Office colleagues, as well as in his own interest, I regret that I should not be justified in agreeing to his re-employment so long as the liability to epileptic seizures remains.

asked the Minister of Labour how many trades have established voluntary wage boards; whether these are working satisfactorily; and whether he is using every effort to extend their operations?

The number of Joint Industrial Councils and Interim Industrial Reconstruction Committees established in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Relations between Employers and Employed, presided over by Mr. Speaker, is 71. In addition there are over 400 Joint Standing Conciliation or Arbitration Boards, or other joint bodies representative of employers and workpeople known to be in existence with power to deal with wages questions. This machinery altogether covers about 6,000,000 workpeople. These joint bodies have proved very successful, and every practicable assistance is given by my Department in the establishment of some such form of conciliation machinery in any case where it does not already exist.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the last official figure as to the cost of living; over what period does it extend; and will he give particulars as to how the figures are arrived at, specifying the various items and the price taken as a basis for each computation?

The latest figure is that relating to 1st June, at which date the average increase in the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-War standard of living of working-class families, as shown by the statistics compiled by the Ministry of Labour, was 119 per cent. above the level of July, 1914. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the current issue of the "Labour Gazette" in which details are given on page 287, and a reprint of an article which appeared in the Gazette for February last, containing a full account of the methods employed in making the computation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to close the Appointments Branch of his Department at Edinburgh, although branches are to be retained in Glasgow and Perth; who is at the head of the Appointments Department in Scotland, and what is his place of residence; and whether, in view of the excellent work which has been done by the branch in Edinburgh in finding employment for ex-service men, there is any substantial reason for closing it while a branch in a small centre like Perth, with limited scope in appointments, is retained?

In accordance with the general policy of the Government to reduce expenditure, the closing down of several branches of the Appointments Department has been decided upon, Edinburgh amongst the number. The retention of Perth is merely temporary, and that office will be closed down as soon as circumstances permit. A small number of the present officials in Edinburgh will be transferred to Glasgow, and will be responsible for the interests of ex-officers and others in the present Edinburgh area. The Director for Scotland is Lieut.-Colonel John Watson who, I understand, at present lives near Perth. This officer was not responsible for the closing down of the Edinburgh office.

asked the Minister of Pensions what will be the net increased annual cost caused by the removal of the pension offices to Acton?

It is not possible to give comparative costs, as the staff to be removed to Acton are at present housed in temporary buildings in Regent's Park. No ground rent or rates are payable in respect of these buildings, and in view of the desire of the House that the huts should be removed, the minimum is expended on maintenance. The Ministry of Pensions consider that the improved accommodation at Acton will result in greater efficiency and more economical control. In any case it is certain that the net cost of housing staff in the new buildings at Acton will be much lower than if accommodation were provided in the neighbourhood of Whitehall.

asked the Postmaster-General if any money is now spent by his Department upon publicity; if so, what exactly is the work done and at what cost; and whether Treasury authority has been given for this expenditure?

An officer has been appointed to answer inquiries and to issue information to the public and to the Press as to the services provided by the Post Office. The cost is £650 per annum, together with a small expenditure on typing. The answer to the last paragraph is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the nature of the duties performed by and the amount of the salary paid to the Treasury representative in the Ministry of Transport?

A statement of the duties performed by the Treasury representative in the Ministry of Transport and of the salary payable to this officer was given on the 7th July last in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Anglesey (Sir O. Thomas). I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the answer then given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials in the Land Valuation Department have been dispensed with since the abolition of duties on land values, how much has been saved thereby, how many are still employed, on what duty, and at what cost?

The recent saving as regards staff who were previously engaged in assessment and collection of the duties amounts to some £6,500 per annum. That staff did not form part of the Valuation Office. There has been no material variation in the present numbers of staff in the Valuation Office from the numbers given for 1920 in the Fifth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure. The Report in question specifically pointed out that the repeal of the three, Land Values Duties would operate only to a small extent towards reducing the volume of work in the Valuation Office. As to the nature of that work I may perhaps refer my hon. Friend to the Minute of Instructions issued in regard to the Select Committee's recommendations and laid before the House as a Command Paper (No. 918 of 1920).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the Revenue Return showing receipts and issues from the Exchequer from 1st April to 11th June in the current year and for the corresponding period of 1920, the amount paid out of the Exchequer on account of interest, etc., on War debt was, in the 1921 period, £105,260,288, as against £96,665,490 in the 1920 period, equivalent to an increase of £8,594,798; and what is the explanation of the larger payments on account of debt charges in 1921, having regard to the fact that the total indebtedness was substantially lower than in the corresponding period of last year?

No trustworthy inferences can be drawn from the figures for a particular short period. The explanation is mainly that a considerable number of 12 months Treasury Bills have been issued in 1921–22 whereas practically none were issued in the corresponding period of 1920–21.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Exchequer contribution grant to Poor Law unions are still based on the expenditure of over 30 years ago; if the municipal corporations have endeavoured to have these grants revised in accordance with present-day expenditure on the ground that much of it is of a national character; and, if so, what reply has been given to them; and what was the proportion of grant to expenditure in 1913 and what the proportion now is?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and as regards the detailed information requested in the last part, I must refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. I am not clear as to what particular communications from the municipal corporations are referred to, but the attitude of the Government in regard to the revision of the grants to local authorities in respect of semi-national services in general, and the Poor Law service in particular, is summarised in the reply given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd) on the 25th October last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of publicans' licences and on-beer licences having an annual value not exceeding £25, £50, £100, £200, £300, £500, and over £500?

I am sorry that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will cause a Return to be made showing the number of licences issued to retail licence-holders in England and Wales, and the ascertained or estimated yield of the duties thereon in respect of, for consumption on the premises and for consumption off the premises, for the financial year 1920–21, in each of the following areas: County of London, including City of London; county boroughs in England with a population exceeding 250,000; the rest of England: Cardiff; the rest of Wales; and also the number of licences issued to, and the yield of the duties paid thereon, by wholesale manufacturers and dealers n England and Wales, respectively, for the year 1920–21?

I regret that the Return asked for cannot be furnished, as revenue statistics in regard to liquor licences are not recorded for particular local areas.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements can be made with the Bank of England whereby holders of the following stock, namely, Five per cent. National War Bonds, maturing in the successive years 1922 to 1928, and Five per cent. National War Loan, 1929 to 1947, can have their Income Tax deducted at the source and not, as at present, after the whole dividend has been credited to such holders?

I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of Section 20 of the Finance Bill now before the House, under which power is sought to make the arrangements for deduction of Income Tax at the source, which he desires.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with the holding up of imports in Manchester under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, he can state how many of the necessary documents filled up and sent in by the importers in April have not yet been dealt with nor the goods released; whether he is aware that the delay experienced is resulting in a corresponding delay in payment to the manufacturers for the goods, thus prejudicing the position of the importers; and whether special arrangements will be made to have all goods released as soon as the necessary steps have been taken?

About 16,000 claims for exemption from the provisions of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act have been received by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, of which about 10,000 were received in the month of April, but I am unable to say how many of these were from Manchester. The examination of this mass of claims must necessarily occupy a considerable time, especially as in a large number of cases the evidence submitted in the first instance was incomplete. But in order so far as possible to obviate inconvenience and delay to importers, the Commissioners have from the outset allowed immediate delivery of goods claimed to be exempt on bond being given to pay the levy if the claim is not substantiated. Every effort is being made to deal with the claims on hand as rapidly as is possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that Miss Sarah Turnbull, of Choppington, Northumberland, has lost her only support, James Turnbull, who was an officer at Morpeth Lunatic Asylum, having died a few weeks ago, leaving no will; that Sarah Turnbull is blind and has been for many years; and that the deceased paid contribution for a pension 23 years; if that be so, can she get the contributions that he paid; is he aware that Miss Turnbull is getting on in years; and can she get any of the estate left by her brother James, as she cannot knit now as she has done for a long number of years?

I have been asked to reply. I have no information as to the circumstances of this case, but I may say that there is no legal authority for the repayment of superannuation contributions to the sister of a deceased asylum officer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department exactly what relaxations of restrictions have been introduced by the Liquor Control Board since 1st January, 1921; whether there has been any difference of opinion on suggested policy; and, if so, what this policy was?

When the Central Control Board made their relaxing Order of 25th April last, which was published in the "Gazette" of the 26th April, a statement, in explanation of the Order, was sent to the Press and a copy of it was circulated in the Official Report, in answer to a question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for York (Sir J. Butcher) on the 26th May. As regards the last part of the question, the Board have not authorised the publication of the views of individual members.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether there is any consultative or advisory committee to assist the Lord Chamberlain in his duties as censor, as recommended by the Committee which inquired into this matter in 1909; and, if so, the composition of this committee and which of the members are regarded as representative of the public interest?

I am informed by the Lord Chamberlain that there is an Advisory Board in connection with the censorship of plays, which was first formed in June, 1909, and reconstituted in the following year. The members of the Board are: Lord Buckmaster, Mr. H. Higgins, Sir Squire Bancroft, and Sir Douglas Dawson, of the Lord Chamberlain's Office. I think the hon. Member will agree that Lord Buckmaster is a very distinguished representative of the public interest.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government hope to be able to give facilities for the passage of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill amending the Acts, 1885 to 1912?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to my hon. Friend the Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor) on the 15th instant.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the vitiated atmosphere in the Members' lavatory in the Library corridor; and whether he can arrange for improved ventilation therein and in the lavatory opposite the Members' smoking room?

Arrangements are being made to improve the ventilation of the Members' lavatory in the Library corridor. To improve the ventilation of the lavatory opposite the Members' smoking room would involve considerable expense, which it is not possible to incur at the present time.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he can make any announcement regarding the projected erection of the Devonshire House gates in connection with the Queen Victoria Memorial?

Yes, Sir. Permission has been granted by the First Commissioner to erect these gates at the Piccadilly end of the northern avenue of the Queen Victoria Memorial. No charge will fall on public funds, as the cost of purchase and erection will be met from balances of the original Memorial Fund.