asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many officials in his Department are at present receiving a salary, including war bonus, of £1,000 or over; and how many received a salary of £1,000 or over in June, 1914?

The number of officials borne on the establishment of the Department of Overseas Trade who are receiving salaries of £l,000, including war bonus at the present rate, is six. Four officers of the Board of Trade and one officer of the Foreign Office in receipt of such salaries are also employed in the Department. The Department was created in 1917, and comparison with June, 1914, is, therefore, not possible.

asked the Postmaster-General how many conscientious objectors have been taken back into the Post Office; by whose authority this was done; and whether there were no ex-service men who could have done this work?

Eighty-nine conscientious objectors, who during the War performed work of national importance outside the Post Office at the request of tribunals or under the Home Office Committee, have been reinstated in the Post Office Service. This action was taken under the authority of a Government decision, which applied to the whole Civil Service. I presume the Government considered that men who satisfied these conditions could not justly be dismissed the service, and no question of filling their vacancies could, therefore, arise.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state how many officials in his Department are at present receiving a salary, including war bonus, of £1,000 or over; and how many received a salary of £1,000 or over in June, 1914?

Twenty-five officers are at present receiving salaries of £1,000 or over, against 30 who received salaries of £1,000 or over in June, 1914. Two hundred and eight other officers, whose basic salary is less than £1,000, receive total emoluments exceeding £1,000 by the addition of the cost-of-living bonus.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether overtime can, in any circumstances, be reckoned towards Civil Service pensions: and, if not, what is the Statutory sanction for the Treasury ruling on this matter?

Payments in respect of overtime are in certain circumstances regarded as emoluments of the office for the purpose of calculating the superannuation allowances awarded to civil servants.

asked the Minister of Transport what salary is being paid to the Director-General of the Finance and Statistics Department, and if the appointment is a permanent or temporary one?

The salary of the Director-General of Finance and Statistics is £2,500 a year inclusive, without any additional bonus. The holder of the post is an established civil servant.

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents to passenger-carrying motor coaches or omnibuses have been reported to the Ministry of Transport in the last 12 months, and what proportion is that figure to the total number of such vehicles licensed in the United Kingdom; whether there is any limit to the length, width, or weight of such vehicles; and whether there is any special examination for drivers of such public carriages?

Accidents to motor coaches or omnibuses are not necessarily reported to the Ministry of Transport, and any action that may be taken by the Department usually originates from the reports of such accidents which appear in the public Press. Heavy motor cars are limited to a maximum width of 7 feet 6 inches, and a maximum weight (unladen, but otherwise fit for the road) of 7¼ tons, under the Heavy Motor Car Orders, 1904 and 1921. There is no maximum length imposed by Order. Where these vehicles are licensed to ply for hire the question of the examination of drivers is within the discretion of the licensing authority. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the whole question of the regulation of road vehicles is at present under consideration by a Departmental Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport what relief local ratepayers can obtain to provide the extra funds required to keep roads in moorland or bog areas in condition to withstand the abnormal traffic by heavy motor vehicles that destroy the roads and contribute nothing to the local cost of their maintenance; and whether, in view of the rapid deterioration of the roads, he will consider some scheme whereby those companies that make money out of road-borne traffic shall contribute more largely to their upkeep?

As has already been announced, grants of 50 per cent and 25 per cent. of the cost of maintenance and improvement of roads included in Class I and Class II respectively will be made from the Road Fund. A limited sum will also be available for grants towards the maintenance and improvement of other roads. In these latter cases, each application will be considered on its merits, after taking into account the nature and extent of the traffic upon the road and any other special circumstances. The consideration set out in the last part of the question is in fact one of the underlying principles of the new scheme of motor taxation, which was introduced in the Finance Act, 1920, and which has been in force since the 1st January last.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total number of vehicles registered under the present Motor Vehicles Tax in Scotland; what sum does such a number of vehicles represent; what number of these vehicles are passenger-carrying, let out on hire, or working on a routine service; and what number are commercial or trade vans, lorries, or light cars?

The total number of motor vehicles, including 24,500 cycles, registered in Scotland up to the 31st May last was approximately 67,340. The total amount realised from these vehicles in the shape of motor taxes was £776,000. Of these vehicles 7,080 were motor hackneys and 1,760 tramcars. There were 11,180 commercial goods vehicles registered.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in the Victoria and Albert Museum more than 150 closely similar watch movements of the 18th century, illustrative of some half-dozen types of design and workmanship, a series of silver spoons, already represented in a larger series of corresponding specimens belonging to the permanent collection in the East Central Court, No. 44, six cases containing hundreds of large and small drinking glasses, displaying closely corresponding features of design and manufacture already represented in the permanent collection, several large and smaller embroideries from Greek islands, closely corresponding with specimens in the permanent collection, are exhibited on loan in the Loan Court of the Victoria and Albert Museum; and, if so, can he see his way to give instructions that the acceptance, on loan of such redundant examples shall be brought under better control than appears to be exercised at present, in the interests of economising space in the museum and simplifying administration?

The groups of loans referred to (watch movements, spoons, drinking glasses, and embroideries from the Greek islands) include in each instance specimens differing from, or superior to, any in the corresponding permanent collections of the museum. They are thus supplementary to those collections, and the opportunity generously offered by their respective owners for placing them on view is greatly valued by students, designers, and craftsmen.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that considerable collections of 17th and 18th century French furniture, porcelain, metal work, etc., have been on loan since 1917, and are still exhibited, in the Loan Court of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and that a considerable proportion of them is redundant when compared with almost identical examples in the permanent collections, of which the Jenes bequest is an important part, officially described in the guide published for the museum in 1911 as comprising a magnificent series of French furniture of the periods of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI, a collection of Sèvres porcelain which is one of the most important in this country, exceedingly rich metal work by the great French artists of the 18th century, a splendid collection of bijouterie of the 18th century, and a group of snuff-boxes of the finest quality; and, if so, how much longer does he anticipate that storing the above-mentioned loans will serve the purposes of the museum?

The same conditions as referred to in the previous question (No. 1) apply also to the collections of French furniture, porcelain, metal work now exhibited in the Loan Court of the museum. It may possibly be true in a few instances that some of these exhibits appear to duplicate objects exhibited in the permanent collections. The similarity, however, is generally more apparent than real, and I should add that these considerations are not the only one to be taken into account in accepting an object on loan.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that amongst the specimens belonging to the permanent collections crowded together in the east central court, No. 44, of the Victoria and Albert Museum there are several loans; and, if so, will he consider the desirability of causing these apparently derelict loans to be placed in the loan court, No. 40, and thus make room in court No. 44 for many of the specimens belonging to the permanent collection which are now in the loan court, No. 40?

The two courts referred to (40 and 44) are among those now in course of reorganisation following Wartime disarrangement.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in considering the standard scales of salaries for teachers now under review, he will have regard to the apparently inadequate proportion of the allowance allotted to the uncertificated and supplementary teachers?

The Burnham Committee have made no recommendations as to the remuneration of supplementary teachers. I do not propose to ask the Committee to reconsider the relation of the scales recommended by them for certificated teachers to those recommended for uncertificated teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act by which it is enacted that Section 4 of the Act, which imposes a fine or imprisonment where a person employed by a municipal authority, or company, or contractor who has assumed the duty of supplying any town or place with gas or water wilfully breaks a contract of service with his employer, knowing that the probable consequences will be to deprive the inhabitants of their supply of gas or water, shall be posted by the employer in some conspicuous place where the same may be conveniently read by the persons employed, and as often as the copy becomes defaced or destroyed shall be renewed with reasonable despatch; and whether he will see that its provisions are complied with by municipal authorities, companies, and contractors under the penalties prescribed by the Act?

My attention has not been called to any case in which the provisions of Section 4 of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875, with regard to the posting of notices have not been complied with.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the general public has still the protection afforded by Clause 5 of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, which enacts that a person wilfully breaking a contract of service with the probable consequences of causing bodily injury or endangering human life, or exposing valuable property to destruction, or to serious injury, shall be liable to a fine or to imprisonment; and, if so, is it his intention to make use of the same should the necessity occur?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, action is open to any person aggrieved. The Government have all needful powers under the Emergency Regulations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether there is a strong feeling of dissatisfaction at the continuance of the remainder of the Clauses of the Bread Order, 1918, and particularly those Clauses which specify what the weight of loaves and rolls of bread shall be; and, seeing that these Clauses were framed to meet national emergencies arising out of the War, he can now see his way to repeal them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ardwick (Mr. Hailwood) on the 24th instant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of Trade Boards now in existence and when each of them were respectively set up, distinguishing those which have come into being in pursuance of the Trade Boards Act; what number of people are concerned in the various trades in relation to which such Boards have been established; and is he yet in a position to express an opinion as to the working of these Boards and to the attitude of the trades involved towards them?

The following is a list of Trade Boards now in existence, with the dates upon which they were respectively established: Under the Trade Boards Act, 1909. Chain (Great Britain) 3.1.1910 Machine-made Lace and Net Finishing 7.9.1910 Paper Box (Great Britain) 29.7.1910 Paper Box (Ireland) 8.9.1911 Ready-made and Wholesale Bespoke Tailoring (Great Britain) 23.11.1910

Ready-made and Wholesale Bespoke Tailoring (Ireland) 19.3.1913 Under the Trade Boards Provisional Orders Confirmation Act, 1913. Shirtmaking (Great Britain) 6.2.1914 Sugar Confectionery and Food Preserving (Great Britain) 6.2.1914 Sugar Confectionery and Food Preserving (Ireland) 8.5.1914 Shirtmaking (Ireland) 14.5.1914 Tin Box (Great Britain) 30.7.1914 Hollow-ware (Great Britain) 4.8.1914 Linen and Cotton Embroidery (Ireland) 8.5.1916 By Special Order under the Trade Boards Act, 1918. Tobacco (Great Britain) 23.4.1919 Laundry (Great Britain) 1.5.1919 Boot and Shoe Repairing (Great Britain) 5.7.1919 Paper Bag (Great Britain) 14.7.1919 Corset 17.7.1919 Brush and Broom (Great Britain) 17.7.1919 Tobacco (Ireland) 13.8.1919 Boot and Shoe Repairing (Ireland) 15.10.1919 Fur (Great Britain) 25.10.1919 Rope, Twine and Net (Great Britain) 3.12.1919 Jute (Great Britain) 8.12.1919 Wholesale Mantle and Costume (Great Britain) 13.12.1919 Coffin Furniture and Cerement Making (Great Britain) 16.12.1919 Brush and Broom (Ireland) 22.12.1919 Aërated Waters (England and Wales) 2.1.1920 Aërated Waters (Scotland) 8.1.1919 Hat, Cap and Millinery (England and Wales) 12.1.1920 Dressmaking and Women's Light Clothing (England and Wales) 15.1.1920 Perambulator and Invalid Carriage (Great Britain) 20.1.1920 Flax and Hemp (Great Britain) 27.1.1920 Aërated Waters (Ireland) 4.2.1920 Button-Making (Great Britain) 13.2.1920 Stamped or Pressed Metal-Wares (Great Britain) 13.2.1920 Pin, Hook and Eye and Snap-Fastener (Great Britain) 17.2.1920 Retail Bespoke Tailoring (Great Britain) 17.2.1920

Hair, Bass and Fibre (Great Britain) 20.2.1920 Milk, Distributive (England and Wales) 27.2.1920 Dressmaking and Women's Light Clothing (Scotland) 29.3.1920 Dressmaking and Women's Light Clothing (Ireland) 31.3.1920 Hat, Cap and Millinery (Scotland) 31.3.1920 Hat, Cap and Millinery (Ireland) 31.3.1920 Wholesale Mantle and Costume (Ireland) 31.3.1920 Laundry (Ireland) 14.4.1920 Rope, Twine and Net (Ireland) 21.4.1920 Retail Bespoke Tailoring (Ireland) 24.4.1920 Flax and Hemp Spinning and Weaving (Ireland) 20.5.1920 Linen and Cotton Handkerchief and Household Goods and Linen Piece Goods (Great Britain) 28.5.1920 Linen and Cotton Handkerchief and Household Goods and Linen Piece Goods (Ireland) 4.6.1920 Grocery and Provisions (England and Wales) 23.6.1920 Milk Distributive (Ireland) 6.8.1920 Milk Distributive (Scotland) 17.8.1920 Toy (Great Britain) 19.8.1920 General Waste Materials Reclamation (Great Britain) 27.8.1920 General Waste Materials Reclamation (Ireland) 27.8.1920 Cotton Waste Reclamation (Great Britain) 16.9.1920 Grocery and Provisions (Scotland) 1.11.1920 Made-up Textiles (Great Britain) 24.11.1920 Ostrich and Fancy Feather and Artificial Flower (Great Britain) 3.2.1921

The total number of workpeople covered by these Trade Boards is, approximately, 3,000,000. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 13th April, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the 350,000 ready-made suits which are being offered for sale in Austria are the balance of the discharged soldiers' suits which were purchased from the Government by a London firm of clothing manufacturers who were unable to complete their contract: by whom the suits have been offered in Austria and at what price; whether it is anticipated that there will be any financial loss to the Government in connection with the matter; and, if so, what is the amount of the loss anticipated?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am not aware whether the suits referred to form part of stocks previously acquired from His Majesty's Government, and I have no knowledge of the details of the transaction mentioned, which would presumably be for account of those selling the material. His Majesty's Government are not financially concerned in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Committee which has been inquiring into the cost of building in Scotland has lodged its Report; and, if so, on what date the Report will be published?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Arrangements for the publication of the Report are now being made.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Justiciary Building Court Halls in Jail Square, Glasgow, are very inadequately ventilated and that the atmosphere therein long before mid-day, when trials are being conducted, becomes hopelessly vitiated and makes it very uncomfortable for judges, juries, counsel, and others and difficult to conduct business; and whether, seeing that this state of affairs could easily be remedied by causing the windows to be made capable of being opened at least at the top portion thereof, he will instruct this alteration to be made forthwith?

My right hon. Friend is having inquiry made into the matter referred to and will communicate with my hon. and learned Friend in due course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the pension granted- to Mrs. Elizabeth MacLeod, of 60, Belville Street, Greenock, in respect of the loss of her son Neil MacLeod, second engineer on board s.s. "Yochow," who was drowned on 28th March, 1918, is only dated from 1st March, 1921; and will he make inquiries into the matter and as to whether the amount of the pension so granted is correct?

The pension was dated from 1st March, 1921, because the death of the father, which occurred on 28th February, 1921, so altered the family circumstances that it became possible under the compensation scheme to grant a pension to the mother in respect of the son's death. The amount of the pension is correct.

asked the Minister of Labour if any, and, if so, how many, miners in Glamorganshire have been or are being paid unemployment money; and, if so, under what Act or Regulation this is being done?

The number of persons in the coal mining industry in Glamorganshire drawing benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts on the 10th June was 21,166. These persons had lost employment prior to the dispute and the umpire, with whom the authoritative decision rests, held in test cases submitted to him that the rule laid down in Section 8 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, which disqualifies from benefit contributors who have lost employment by reason of a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute, did not apply.

asked the Minister of Labour the objects towards which it is proposed to apply the funds arising from the contributions paid under Section 39 ( a ) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, by employers in respect of masters, seamen, and apprentices to the sea service or the sea-fishing service who are neither domiciled nor have a place of residence in the United Kingdom; and when a special Order dealing with the matter will be made under Section 39 ( b ) of the said Act?

The fund will be utilised for the benefit of seamen who are insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. The interests concerned have been consulted with regard to the precise scheme to be adopted for this purpose, but agreement has not yet been reached. I am not losing sight of the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men in the building trade employed by the Office of Works are not under the scheme of training as originally introduced, involving a guarantee of employment for two years; and whether he has suggested to any of the employers in the building trade that they should declare or threaten a lock-out with a view of promoting the scheme for ex-service men in the building trade?

The Office of Works is employing about 51 ex-service men under the scheme, all of whom are engaged, so far as is compatible with the powers of that Department, on the same general principles as are observed in the case of men engaged by private employers. The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary the names of the committee of the Irish White Cross Society in Ireland; and whether he has any information as to whether the funds of this society, which have been raised ostensibly for the purpose of relieving those who have suffered either on the rebel side or on the loyalist side, have been granted for the relief of loyalist members and whose families have been murdered, their stock stolen, and their houses burned?

The Irish White Cross Society's Standing Executive Committee consists of 23 persons, whose names, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I have been unable to find the record of any case in which a loyalist has received compensation from the funds of this organisation.

Following are the names of the members of the committee referred to: Chairman, the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Acting Chairman, L. Smith Gordon. Honorary Secretary, J. MacNeill. Honorary Treasurer, J. G. Douglas. Madame Gonne MacBride. Mrs. Sheehy Skeffington. Alderman Mrs. Clarke. Mrs. Kettle. J. G. Webb. Thomas Johnson. Alderman William O'Brien. John O'Neill. R. Erskine Childers, T.D. Captain H. Harrison. Alderman J. MacDonagh, T.D. Alderman W. T. Cosgrave, T.D. Thomas Foran. Thomas Farren. Professor E. P. Culverwell, M.A. Miss E. N. Cunningham, M.A Madame O'Rahilly. Miss J. Wigham. R. Anderson.

NOTE.—The letters "T.D." ("Member of Parliament" in esse ) which appear after certain Members' names indicate membership of Dail Eireann.

asked the Secretary of State for India if large numbers of coolies, engaged in tea gardens in Assam, were recently induced by agitators to desert to their homes on the grounds that British rule in India had ceased, and that they might no longer work for Europeans; what were the approximate numbers concerned; and whether he has information to the effect that many of these deserting coolies died en route to their homes from disease and privation?

I am issuing to-day to the Press a full summary of two communiqués published by the Assam and Bengal Governments regarding these occurrences. A copy will be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the summary promised:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any Orders have been made and returns called for from farmers and others under the Agriculture Act, 1920; whether he will now inform those affected whether those Orders have any force; and whether the returns have still to be made?

A considerable number of notices have been served by County Agricultural Committees under Section 4 of the Act, and returns have been required under the Corn Production Act with regard to crops, livestock, etc., on agricultural holdings and in connection with claims for payments in respect of wheat and oats produced this year. These notices and requirements as to returns will remain in force until the Acts, under which they arise, have been repealed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to the destruction of immature fish by trawlers and dredgers, particularly on the East Coast; whether this indiscriminate trawling and dredging has tended to increase the price of this essential food; whether quantities of sole, plaice, and other fish are now being imported from Denmark, Holland, and Belgium; and whether the Ministry proposes to take or has recently taken any definite action in this matter?

I am aware that trawling generally involves destruction of immature fish. I am not aware that there has been any abnormal destruction in recent times. There is no evidence that trawling and dredging have increased the price of fish. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative. To some extent this import is normal. At present, however, about half of the British fishing fleet is laid up in consequence of the coal strike, and our foreign competitors are taking advantage of the fact. In reply to the last part of the question, the regulation of trawling in inshore waters is primarily the duty of local Sea Fisheries Committees. The regulation of trawling in international waters where the destruction of immature fish is far greater than in British inshore waters, can only be carried out by international agreement. The question whether and to what extent such regulation may be necessary has long occupied the attention of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, and will be further discussed at their next meeting, to be held in July.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present state of public business, the importance of the issues involved in the Bills now before Parliament, of the fact that all-night sittings are not conducive to careful legislation, and of the uncertainties of the industrial situation, he will consider whether it is in the public interest that this House should adjourn at the beginning of August and meet again at the beginning of November?

We have considered this suggestion, but we do not think that this course would be in the public interest.

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has yet been received from the Greek Government regarding the recent Allied representations; whether Mr. Franklin Bouillon has brought any representations to the Allies from the Turkish Government at Angora; and whether a temporary armistice has been arranged between the opposing forces in Asia Minor?

Yes, Sir. A reply has been received from the Greek Government within the last 24 hours, the substance of which is as followsThe Note expresses lively thanks for the Allied offer, which the Greek Government have considered most seriously; they fully appreciate and share the sentiments of humanity of 'their great Allies,' and desire to bring about a speedy pacification; this similarity of views is the natural sequence of the common struggle which led to similar situations everywhere; but it is only in the Near East that the sanctions specified in the Treaty, signed by all the Allies and Turkey, have been left pending. Greece is convinced that, in defending her secular aspirations and rights granted her by the Treaty of Sèvres in compensation for her sacrifices, she is also defending the interests of the civilisation of the world in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Straits; conscious of the importance of her double mission, she is, by the extreme exertion of her moral and material strength, on the point of imposing the common decisions of the Allies, which were the original cause of her being sent to Asia Minor. This conception of her duty has led Greece to accept all the sacrifices and to undertake a fresh war against the Turks, who try to escape the application of the Treaty. Military interests alone can now guide her conduct and decisions, and for those im- perative reasons the Greek Government cannot accept the advice of her great Allies, in spite of her ardent wish to do so, as any postponement of the offensive beyond the date fixed by the High Command must damage the Greek military situation and encourage the enemy to oppose stronger resistance to the behests of the Powers. The sentiments of the Allied Powers of friendship for Greece give the Greek Government confidence that they will appreciate these arguments at their just value, and will recognise that Greece, by continuing the struggle, will place in their hands the most efficacious means of pacifying the Near East; for the only hope of Turkey submitting to the suggestions of the Powers and respecting the rights of sanction by their signature and the interests which they consider worthy of safeguarding can be founded on the influence of military action. Greece will always be ready to listen to her great Allies at any phase of the operations, and she hopes that they will obtain from Turkey concrete proposals for the realisation of Treaty rights and the satisfaction of Greek sacrifices. The Greek Government feel confident that the Allies will remember in their action as mediators the mission of the Greek armies, which were substituted for Allied forces for the execution of part of the common programme, and which will be replaced after the cessation of hostilities by the whole moral force of Hellenism when the new regime in the Near East requires safeguarding; Greece (can maintain?) that part with honour, for she will easily be able to maintain the new status quo once the stipulated guarantees are rigorously applied, and the measures taken which experience has shown to be necessary; the present Turkish resistance is due to the non-application of the Disarmament Clauses of the Armistice. The answer to the remaining parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that exorbitant rates of interest are frequently extorted by moneylenders from borrowers; that this is, in a very large number of cases, rendered possible or facilitated by the fact that the borrower is unaware of and unable to calculate the rate of interest, owing to the way in which the documents signed by them are expressed; and whether the Government will consider the advisability of amending the law by compelling moneylenders to state clearly on the face of the documents signed by the borrowers the rate of interest which is being charged?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. The suggestion of my hon. Friend that moneylenders should be compelled by Statute to state clearly on the face of the document signed by the borrower the rate of interest which is being charged shall receive consideration.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the report of the directors of the Mexican Railway Company in which, after personal visits to Mexico, they report that the country is now tranquil and the Government doing its best to meet fairly all the claims upon it; and if, under these conditions, the Government of that country will be recognised and strengthened by the presence of a Minister from this country?

My attention has been drawn to the report in question, and I have read with great interest this testimony to the intentions of the Mexican Government. Any definite steps which may be taken by that Government to carry out their policy for the settlement of foreign claims would be most welcome to His Majesty's Government, but, as I have previously stated, His Majesty's Government consider that recognition would, for the moment, be premature.

asked the Prime Minister what has been decided by the Council of the League of Nations at their present meeting at Geneva regarding the drafts of the A and B mandates; and whether these drafts will now be communicated officially to the American Government by the British and French Governments, respectively, in accordance with the request of the American Government in their Note to the British Government, dated 20th November, 1920?

A letter has just been received from the President of the Council of the League, in which the suggestion is made that, in view of the intimation from the United States Govern- ment that they could not accept any decision reached on this question without their approval, the Powers concerned should make every effort to arrive at a solution of the points under discussion between them and the United States so as to enable the Council to settle the whole question of mandates before the next meeting of the assembly. His Majesty's Government will consider the best means of giving effect to this suggestion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position in regard to the Boxers' indemnity due from China, allowing for the offer of five years' postponement on the entry of China into the War in 1917; what is the amount of that indemnity; and whether any fresh proposals in regard to it have been made by ourselves or China, whether in association with other Powers or not?

There is a balance of £11,186,547 due from China in respect of this indemnity. When China entered the War, payment was suspended for five years as from 1st December, 1917, and by an agreement made in February, 1918, the suspended portions due to His Majesty's Government were spread over the years 1940–1945. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a passport visa is to be dispensed with between the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium; and, if so, what is the object in keeping visas in force for other countries?

The proposals of the French and Belgian Governments for the reciprocal abolition of British, French, and Belgian visas for the nationals of the three countries concerned are still under consideration by the various Departments of His Majesty's Government concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any inter- national arrangements have been made or are under consideration for the adoption of an international standard head and fittings for airships and airship mooring masts, so that airships of all nations may make use in emergency of any mooring masts that may hereafter be erected in any part of the world.

The desirability of standardising such fittings is fully appreciated, and steps are being taken to consult other nations on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the postage stamps of Tanganyika Territory are still surcharged German East Africa, seeing that the territory is no longer German; and whether he will issue instructions forthwith to the Crown Agents for the Colonies to have the surcharge altered to Tanganyika Territory?

The issue of new postage stamps for the Tanganyika Territory is under consideration. Pending the new issue, it has been found desirable, on grounds of economy, to make use of the existing stock of surcharged stamps.

asked the Home Secretary the number of aliens who have been prosecuted under Section 3 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, for causing, or attempting to cause, sedition or disaffection amongst His Majesty's forces or for promoting industrial unrest?

I am not aware of any alien having been convicted under Section 3 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, since the one to whom I referred in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member on the 31st ultimo. The number of prosecutions could only be ascertained by special inquiry of all the police forces in the United Kingdom, which does not seem to me to be justifiable.

asked the Home Secretary the number of exemptions which have been granted from the provisions of Section 7 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, with regard to change of name by aliens; and in how many cases the fee of 10 guineas chargeable under the same Section for obtaining an exemption has been wholly or partly remitted?

Since the Act came into force in December, 1919, 427 exemptions have been granted. In about 150 of these cases the exemption was in respect of a technical change of name, such as the addition of the words "and Company," "and Sons," etc., to the alien's own name, or the reversion to her maiden name by a British-born woman who was the widow or wife of an alien. During

Year. January. February. March. April. May. Total. 1918 … 11 18 7 9 5 50 1919 … 6 1 5 6 8 26 1920 … 11 10 12 4 6 43 1921 … 15 9 14 16 18 71

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date the annual Return of public expenditure under certain Acts of Parliament (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No. 160, of Session 1920) will be published?

The Return involves a considerable amount of labour, but I hope it will be ready in the course of next month.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Table Water Duty is being avoided by the manufacture of a beverage from crystals called lemonade powder, but which contain no lemon or even extract of lemon, and that this beverage is being widely retailed, to the detriment of licensed mineral water manufacturers who contribute to taxation; and whether he will take action to remedy this state of affairs?

The Table Water Duty is leviable on aerated waters and certain beverages, whether made from powders or other ingredients, only when sold or

the same period 455 applications for exemption have been refused. The fee has been wholly remitted in two cases only. It has been partly remitted in 149 cases.

asked the Home Secretary the number of convictions for drunkenness in the city of Carlisle during the months January to May, inclusive, for the years 1918, 1919, 1920, and 1921?

The figures are as follow:

kept for sale in bottle, and consequently such beverages as those referred to in the question, if sold in open vessels, are exempt. It has been considered to be inexpedient on various grounds to extend the scope of the duty to include beverages not sold or kept for sale in closed receptacles.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to furnish the following desired particulars as to old age pensions; particulars as to year ended 31st March, 1921; total amount paid in pensions; the total cost of administration; the total number of pensions actually payable on the first Friday in March, 1921, stating those for men and those for women separately in both cases; the number of pensions paid at the varying rates; the number of applications for pensions; the number of applications rejected, giving various causes of rejection, age, poor relief, means, and other causes; the number of pensions of whose deaths notifications have reached the office of the pensions officers during the year ended as above; particulars desired as to the number of paupers over 70 years of age in England, Scotland, and Wales, in insti- tutions, stating the average cost per head per annum; the number of paupers over 70 years of age in receipt of outdoor relief, stating the average cost per head per annum of men and women separately in both cases; the average weekly cost of a prisoner in penal servitude and in ordinary prisons for the year ended as above; and the number of persons over 70 years of age confined in prisons during the year ended as above?

The particulars desired by my hon. Friend with regard to Old Age Pensions during the year ending 31st March, 1921, as far as they are available, are as follow:—

(1) Total amount paid in pensions, approximately £25,087,000.

(2) Total cost of administration expenses of Pension Committees, £65,333. Expenses of administration by Government Departments concerned, including cost of payment by the Post Office, printing of pension books and forms, cost of appeals, searches in registers, estimated at £708,051 (see note to Estimates, Civil Service, Class VII, Vote 1, 1920–21).

(3) Total number of pensions payable to men and to women on last Friday in March, 1921:— Men 353,794 Women 648,548 Total 1,002,342

(4) Number of pensions paid at the varying rates (on last Friday in March, 1921): 936,517 at 10s. rate. 26,459 at 8s. rate. 17,174 at 6s. rate. 12,670 at 4s. rate. 6,153 at 2s. rate. 1,629 at 1s. rate. 1,740 not yet adjusted to the new rates under the old Age Pensions Act, 1919. Total, 1,002,342

(5) Number of applications for pensions,. 200,698.

(6) Number of applications rejected. The only figures available are the combined figures of claims rejected and pensions revoked, which are as follows:

Age 14,541 Poor Relief 13,642 Means 24,843 Other Causes 2,290

(7) Number of pensioners of whose deaths information reached the pension officers, 99,986.

(8) The number of persons over 70 years of age in England and Wales in institutions (other than lunatic asylums) and in receipt of out-door relief on the 1st January, 1921, the latest date for which figures are available, is as follows: — Institutional Relief. Domiciliary Relief. Totals. (i) Total number of persons (all ages). 203,031 376,303 579,334 (ii) Number of persons over 70 years of age (included in (i) above). 40,939 11,754 52,693 (iii) Number of old age pensioners (included in (ii) above). 3,311 9,998 13,309

(9) Average weekly cost of Poor Law relief in England and Wales in the financial year 1919–20: s. d. (i) Average cost of institutional relief (other than relief to lunatics in lunatic asylums) per person in receipt of such relief 28 10½ (ii) Average cost of domiciliary relief per person in receipt of such relief 6 5

These averages cover the same items and are subject to the same qualifications as those for earlier years given on page 148 of Part III of the First Annual Report of the Minister of Health (Command Paper 932). I regret that it has not been found possible to give the average cost per head per annum for men and women separately.

(10) With regard to Scotland, no figures are available as to the number of persons admitted to poorhouses who were in receipt of old age pensions whilst inmates thereof, nor of those who were in receipt of old age pensions up to the date of admission.

— Males. Females. Dependants. Total. Sane Poor— In poorhouses 4,942 3,481 327 8,750 Outdoor 8,464 23,565 30,914 62,943 Other than Sane Poor— In Licensed Wards of Poorhouses and Greenock Parochial Asylum. 526 525 — 1,051 In Asylums 6,247 6,256 — 12,503 In Private Dwellings 1,160 1,461 — 2,621

The average weekly cost of all sane paupers and dependants in Scotland for 1919–20, on the basis of the number chargeable at 15th May, 1920, was: Indoor £1 3 0¼ Outdoor 5 10½

These average costs are exclusive of general administration charges. Indoor

— Males. Females. Dependants. Total. 15th January, 1920— In poorhouses … … … 1,078 893 11 1,982 Outdoor … … … 606 1,810 98 2,514 15th January, 1921— In poorhouses … … … 1,178 979 11 2,168 Outdoor … … … 796 2,198 151 3,145

These outdoor poor include old age pensioners as follows: — Males. Females. Dependants. Total. At 15th January, 1920, (for medical relief only). 362 1,041 56 1,459 At 15th January, 1921 564 1,517 94 2,175

There were also lunatic poor of 70 years of age and upwards who cannot be allocated as between indoor and outdoor: — Males. Females. Total. At 15th January, 1920 … … … 404 723 1,127 At 15th January, 1921 … … … 458 698 1,156

The number of paupers and dependants of all classes in Scotland at 15th May, 1920, was:

cost includes cost of maintenance, management, debt charges, etc., of poorhouses. Outdoor cost includes aliment, additional aliments ( e.g., clothing, boots, fuel, etc.), removals, interments and medical charges.

The number of sane paupers and dependants in Scotland over 70 at 15th January, 1920, and 15th January, 1921, was:

(11) The average weekly cost of prisoners for the financial year 1919–20, which is the latest for which figures are available, is as follows: Convicts. Per week. £ s. d. Gross cost 2 8 10 Net cost after deducting value of labour and incidental receipts 2 3 7 Local Prisoners. Gross 1 17 8 Net 1 14 3

(12) The number of persons over 70 years of age confined in prisons is not available, but I have reason to believe that it is very small.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the attitude of President Harding's administration, His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has been instructed to open negotiations for a conference between representatives of the British and United States Governments for the limitation of armaments; whether any steps have been taken or are contemplated to arrive at a preliminary basis of agreement; and, if not, what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards such action?

It would not be desirable that I should make any further statement on this matter at present. The whole question is under the consideration of the Imperial Conference now sitting in London.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state what sum was included in the Estimates for 1920–21, or 1921 and 1922, for the redecoration and renovation of the First Lord's residence at the Admiralty; and what sum has been expended on this service?

The sum included in the Estimates for 1921–22 for the redecoration and reinstatement of Admiralty House, which had been temporarily converted into offices during the War, was £3,500, of which approximately £3,000 has been expended. The cost has been met out of the general provision in this year's Estimates for the reinstatement of the premises occupied for War service, Class I, Vote 10, Sub-head K. Against this expenditure there is a deduction of £500 a year from the salary to which the First Lord would be entitled if he were not provided with an official residence.