asked the Secretary of State for India the total gross revenue of India, including the receipts both of the Government of India and of all the different provinces; and what percentage does the proposed military expenditure of 62 crores of rupees bear to that gross revenue?

The Government of India has been asked to supply the figures, and I will let the hon. and gallant Member know when they have been received.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the recent disturbances in Bengal and Assam?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Melton.

Is there any further information as to the situation since that communiqué was dispatched?

I do not think so. My recollection is that I received the communiqué only a few days ago.

Are any arrangements being made to facilitate the return of these coolies to their homes, or is it being left to chance?

My recollection is that the Government have not felt it their duty to give free passages to the coolies. I will send a copy of the communiqué to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Are we to understand that the Government of India are to leave these people to die of cholera and starvation on the roadside?

Every conceivable step has been taken to safeguard the interests of these poor deluded coolies; but it would obviously be an unwise step to establish the precedent that when a coolie breaks his contract and leaves his work owing to gross misrepresentation of the state of affairs the liability should be put upon the Government of India.

What about the Government itself?

Would it not be more useful to facilitate their return to their work rather than to their homes? Is any provision for that made by the Government?

If my hon. Friend reads the communiqué of the Government of Bengal he will see that the Government have acted with great humanity, and have done everything possible in the circumstances. If, after reading the communiqué, my hon. Friend desires to put any other questions, I should be only too happy to answer them.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the sterling value of the rupee pay of certain classes of British service officers in India is less than the home rates, the Government of India will permit officers to remit their rupee pay in sterling at the rate of 2s. to the rupee?

For the reasons given in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 21st June, I am unable to accept the suggestion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government of India have considered the case of married officers who through family arrangements find it necessary to remit portion of their pay to this country?

My hon. Friend will be aware that the fluctuations of the rate of exchange cause hardship to many other people besides those about whom he is asking.

Does it not really amount to a breach of contract with officers who in these circumstances are serving in India at a less rate of pay than they would receive at home?

No, it does not amount to a breach of contract.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the number of bogus candidates put forward at the last elections in India, the Government of India have now reviewed their previous decision not to require a deposit from each candidate for election to the Imperial and provincial legislative councils, as is the case with candidates in the United Kingdom and as also provided for in the new constitution of Malta; and, if so, whether steps will be taken in future to require such deposits and make them forfeitable if the candidates fail to secure a prescribed number of votes?

I communicated, as I promised, the hon. Baronet's previous question on this matter to the Government of India, but I have not yet received from them any proposal for the alteration of the rules. I doubt whether in any case they would think an alteration necessary until they had considered what other amendments, if any, are required for the purposes of the next general election.

Is it not the unfortunate fact that these bogus candidates have not failed at the election, but have been elected?

That depends upon what you mean by "bogus candidates."

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information regarding new Indian legislation with respect to emigration; whether the new Measure, if passed, will for the first time include Ceylon as a country to which emigration is restricted by special regulations; and whether the ports of Negapatam and Tuticorin, and other ports from which emigration ordinarily takes place to Ceylon, are not mentioned in the Bill among those from which emigration will be permitted?

The Indian Emigration Bill, the objects of which are to continue the prohibition against indentured emigration from India and to provide for the control of emigration in the future, was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on the 21st March. I shall be happy to send to my hon. Friend a copy of the Bill and a copy of the explanatory speech made by the hon. Member in charge when introducing it, if he so desires. The Bill applies to emigration by sea to all countries, and both in the case of skilled and unskilled workers emigration shall be lawful only from the ports of Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, and Karachi, and such other ports as may be notified. Pending further examination, however, the Government of India propose to ask the Legislature provisionally to approve the present system of emigration to Ceylon and the Straits Settlements.

Can my right hon. Friend say why the ports of Negapatam and Tuticorin, which are the ports ordinarily used by coolies going to Ceylon, are not mentioned in the Bill? Is this a case of arbitrary action by the Executive?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that hitherto emigration to Ceylon has not been regarded as emigration, and that India and Ceylon are so close together and the movement is of such long standing that the utmost inconvenience and hardship will probably result to coolies if previously existing arrangements are totally interfered with?

It was because of that that the Government of India propose, as I have said, to ask the Legislature provisionally to approve the present system of emigration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send me the papers in this case, because I think a provisional arrangement will hardly meet the case?

Certainly.

Will the question of these ports be taken up by the Government of India?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will read the Bill. I think he will find that it is all right.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can hold out hopes of early action on the memorials submitted last year by a large majority of district officers, members of the Indian Civil Service; if he has information that numbers of these officers are in serious financial distress and unable to live on their present pay without falling into debt; and that economic conditions have rapidly deteriorated since those memorials were submitted?

I would ask the hon. Member to refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Kensington on the 15th instant. The issue of the Resolution of the Government of India as to the pay of the Imperial Indian Services may be expected very shortly.

Will the Indian Government do something to help Indian civil servants in regard to the question of transport from here to India, because with the present cost of passages it will be very difficult to enter the Civil Service if they cannot pay the enormous sums required?

My hon. Friend will find that all the circumstances are met.

I am afraid my right hon. Friend (Mr. Montagu) is not here. He is attending a committee of the Imperial Conference, but was here earlier.

Is it not customary for Ministers to leave answers to questions with other officers of their Department in the House?

There is no obligation in that respect, if hon. Members fail to put their questions at the proper time.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the military expenditure of Japan for the present year, and how that expenditure compares with the proposed expenditure in India of 62 crores of rupees; and what is the cost for the defence of India and Japan, respectively, per head of population, comparing the 77,000,000 of Japan with the 315,000,000 inhabitants of India?

My hon. and gallant Friend should address the Foreign Office for information as regards Japan.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the population of Japan is in my hon. Friend's question exaggerated by 20,000,000?

I think that observation should be addressed to the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is considering the granting of an amnesty to those men who deserted from His Majesty's Forces during the War, and who would otherwise have been demobilised in the ordinary way?

I refer the hon. and gallant Member to-the reply given on 13th June last to the hon. Member for the Govan Division of Glasgow.

Is there going to be any time limit after which these men will not be liable to arrest? In 10 years from now-will it be possible to arrest and prosecute men for deserting in the Great War?

My hon. and gallant Friend has not in his mind the reply which was given to the right hon. Gentleman and I will send him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost of transporting horses, per unit, from Basra to India and from Basra to England, respectively?

The cost of transporting horses from Basra to India under the existing agreement is 87½ rupees per head. It is estimated that the cost of transporting them from Basra to the United Kingdom would be about £50 to £60 per head, exclusive of the cost of attendance and forage; it is only possible to give a very approximate figure and it is also based on the assumption that suitable vessels are available in India. I might add, however, that since my answer on Tuesday last on this subject, the position has changed somewhat and offers are now being considered for the sale of the surplus animals at Basra.

As the existing arrangements for transport from Basra to India were made when freights were very high, in view of the reduction in shipping freights, will there be a chance of a reduction in these charges?

If freights drop the cost will drop.

Will my right hon. Friend take care that these horses which have served us in the War are sold in such circumstances that they will be well treated?

The hon. and learned Gentleman can rest assured that that is one of the considerations most prominently in view

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Territorial officers who have served for a long period are entitled to any decoration; and, if so, will he state the-qualifying period and conditions and the nature of the decoration?

Yes, Sir; the Territorial decoration was instituted to reward such officers. The decoration consists of an oak wreath in silver tied with gold, having in the centre the Royal Cipher and Crown in gold; it is suspended from a silver oak bar-brooch by a green riband with a yellow stripe down the centre. The qualifying period is 20 years' service; service in the Yeomanry and Volunteers before April, 1908, is allowed to count and war service is reckoned two-fold. The detailed conditions are too long to give in an oral answer, but I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Royal Warrant governing the decoration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman leave a specimen of the decoration in the Tea Room for inspection by Members?

asked the Secretary of State, for War whether, apart from the clerical staff, journalists employed in the Information Section of the War Office are ex-service men?

Two journalists are employed in the Information Section of the War Office; neither is an ex-service man, one being over military age, and the other in medical category C3 and in an exempted occupation.

Why have not the definite recommendations of the Committee on Substitution been carried out? Are there not plenty of ex-service men, qualified journalists, who ought, above all others, to have these jobs in the War Office?

I feel very strongly in sympathy with the general proposition which my hon. and gallant Friend lays down, but one of these journalists is over age, and was over age during the War. He has done good service and, obviously, it is not fair to turn him out because he was over age. The other is in medical category C3, and was in an exempted occupation.

Then what is the use of the recommendations of the Committee?

The recommendations, as far as the War Office are concerned, are observed with the greatest care.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "over age"?

Over military age.

Is that over 56?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will submit particulars to the House of the new scheme for the reorganisation of the Factory Department of the Home Office; what would be the actual addition to the staff of the Department were the scheme to be put fully into operation; how many of the proposed new posts is it proposed temporarily to leave vacant; will it be necessary to obtain additional office accommodation in connection with the proposed decentralisation; and, if so, at what estimated cost?

I shall be happy to give the House any information on the subject which it desires. A full summary of the scheme was issued to the Press last August, and I will send the hon. Member a copy. The addition to the total authorised staff, if the whole scheme were carried out, would be one inspector; but there is a number of vacancies which have not been filled up, and it is now proposed to leave 24 posts temporarily vacant. Additional office accommodation will be wanted for some only of the new districts, and the arrangement for providing this accommodation, which will usually consist only of a single room, are now under consideration. I am not in a position at present to say what the actual cost will be. In some cases it is hoped to provide the accommodation in existing Government buildings.

Will this scheme really be an economy? Will there be only one additional inspector, and are there 24 vacancies to be left?

The vacancies will be left temporarily, but to make the scheme efficient they will eventually have to be filled up.

They will not be filled up immediately?

Not immediately.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received from the Somerset Agricultural Committee a resolution calling his attention to the fact that, while for a long time past the Ministry have urged and ultimately, by their letter of 8th June, directed the committee to reduce the architects' staff, the Ministry themselves have now advertised for three district architects for their Land Department at salaries of £400 to £500 per annum; and what is the reason for this course?

I have received the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers. The Ministry's letter of the 8th June contained a number of suggestions with regard to the agricultural staff employed by the Somerset County Council, and inter alia expressed the hope that the council might find it possible to dispense almost entirely with its architectural department before March, 1922. The reason for this suggestion was that approval has already been given to three-quarters of the equipment programme of the Somerset Small Holdings Committee, and the Ministry considers that the work should be practically completed by the date mentioned. Unfortunately the provision of cottages and farm buildings in connection with the Land Settlement Scheme is not so far advanced in the majority of counties as it is in Somerset, and, in view of the desirability of settling approved ex-service men as quickly as possible, the Ministry has been obliged to fill temporarily three vacancies for district architects on its own staff to press on the work in areas where less than 50 per cent. of the programme has been approved up to the present. It will be possible, however, for substantial reductions in the Ministry's architectural staff to be made on or before 31st March next.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many were employed on the 31st May last by the Office of Works; total staff; staff employed on housing; total employés in direct employ; employés in direct employ upon housing schemes; and the salaries and wages payable on that date?

The total number of the administrative, professional, and clerical staffs employed by this Department on the 31st May last was 1,893, of whom 114 were employed on housing. The total number of industrial and other manual workers in direct employ on the same date was 9,618, of whom 4,455 were employed on housing. The total amount of salaries and wages payable at that date was at the rate of approximately £2,533,320 per annum.

Is any attempt being made to reduce this Department to pre-War size?

The whole matter is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many officials in his Department receive a salary of £1,000, including war bonus, or over; and how many received a salary of £1,000, or over, in June, 1914?

The number of officials in the Board of Education who received a substantive salary of £1,000 or over in June, 1914, was 21. At present there are 56 officials whose substantive salary amounts to £1,000 or more; in addition, there are 185 officials whose substantive salary ranges between £560 and £1,000, but who receive remuneration at the rate of £1,000 per annum or over when war bonus at the present rate is included. The reduction of the war bonus contemplated to take effect on the 1st September next will reduce this latter figure by about 45.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill dealing with workmen's compensation?

The position has already been explained in the replies given to the previous questions asked by my hon. Friend. The subject is controversial, and no legislation could be undertaken this Session except on the basis of an agreement. As my hon. Friend is aware, enquiries were being made as to the possibility of securing such an agreement for a limited Bill, but they were interrupted by the present industrial crisis. Negotiations will be resumed when a more favourable situation permits, but I am afraid that the prospects of obtaining any legislation this summer are now very small.

asked the Home Secretary whether the result of the inquiry made by the prison authorities into the treatment accorded to Mr. R. C. Barton, M. P., a prisoner in Portland Prison, by the governor of the prison was to show that the governor had exceeded his powers in the punishment of Mr. Barton; whether he has since been removed from the governorship of Portland Prison and sent to Nottingham Prison, a second-class establishment; and whether Mr. Barton's health has suffered severely from the treatment given him?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, is he aware that neither the prison, nor any other establishment in Nottingham, can properly be described as a second-class establishment?

The punishment in question was awarded by the Board of Visitors in the ordinary course, and not by the governor. It was a proper punishment for the offence, and within their statutory powers. The governor has been transferred from Portland to Nottingham in the same rank, because Portland will cease to be a convict prison. The transfer had no reference whatever to Barton's case. Barton's health has not suffered, and is reported to be good.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state what is the result of the trial of five men, named O'Connor, Dowling, Carmody, Herlihy, M'Ellistrum, charged with taking part in an attack on the police at Ballymacelligott, County Kerry, on 12th November last; and whether these men are at present in prison?

O'Connor and Dowling were sentenced to 18 months' and one year's imprisonment respectively. Carmody and M'Ellistrum were found not guilty and released. Herlihy was found guilty by the Court, but the sentence imposed upon him was not confirmed by the confirming officer. I am not clear, however, whether he has been released or whether he has been detained for other reasons. I am, however, making inquiries on this point, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Chief Secretary what compensation is paid to the owners of premises and other property destroyed by rebels; if such compensation is paid either directly or indirectly out of Irish money; and, if so, whether steps have been taken to impress upon the Irish people generally that they themselves are the real ultimate sufferers for acts of destruction committed by the rebels?

Compensation for the malicious destruction of property is by law payable from the local rates. In the case of injury to Crown servants, advances have been made from the local taxation account from the grants withheld from local authorities which, by their refusal to submit their books to audit or otherwise, have severed their relations with the Local Government Board, or have declared their allegiance to Dail Eireann. In either case the loss involved falls directly on the Irish ratepayers. The effect of this burden will doubtless be felt for many years. I think the Irish people themselves are well aware of these facts.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the injustice and hardship caused to small farmers in Ireland by the arbitrary closing of creameries by order of the military because of damage to roads; whether, seeing that the farmers themselves suffer far more than the military by the damage to roads, punitive measures of this kind must fail to achieve their ostensible object; and whether, in view of the impossibility of unarmed citizens either to prevent damage to roads by the Irish Republican Army or to take steps to repair the roads without risking their lives, the whole policy can be reconsidered?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to a question on this subject by the hon. Member on Thursday last.

Are we to understand that no action is being taken by the Government to dispose of the milk produced, day after day? Is it going to waste?

I hope not.

On a point of Order. With reference to question No. 54 in the name of the hon. Member for the Falls Division (Mr. Devlin), may I point out that it is something like 400 words in length, and, in view of the fact that questions are cut down to three per Member, could not some rule be made that questions should not exceed 200 words?

This is legitimately one question. It all refers to a single incident, and the fact that it is rather detailed may make it easier to obtain a full answer.

, in reply to the Question on the Paper : I regret that, owing to a temporary breakdown of communication with Belfast, I have not yet received a report on this case. Perhaps the hon. Member will repeat the question on Thursday?

May I ask whether this question was not put down on Thursday last, and whether I was not asked to postpone it until to-day? What is the meaning of such long delay in securing a reply to a question of such an important character?

I will tell the hon. Member. The report of the case is being sent in answer to this question. Owing to a temporary breakdown in the communications, it has not reached me. Therefore I cannot give the answer, which is already on the way.

Does the right hon. Gentleman assert, in view of the fact that we have a Parliament in Ulster, that it takes four days to send a communication from Belfast to London?

I do not.

Is that one of the first fruits of the Ulster Parliament?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is now in a position to make a statement with reference to the murder of John Murphy, B. A., national school teacher, at Ballinalee, County Longford; whether in the early hours of Thursday, 26th May, six armed and masked men, wearing light raincoats and rubber-soled shoes, came to his home and dragged him away, despite the protestations of his wife and himself, and shot him dead a little distance from his home; whether at the military inquiry next day the widow stated that the murderers spoke with a marked English accent. that she could identify some of them, and that she was prepared to swear that they were members of the auxiliary forces stationed at Ballinalee Barracks, about half a mile from the scene of the murder; whether relatives of the widow state that they saw members of the auxiliary forces on the morning after the murder carefully erasing all traces of footprints when they came with the County Inspector to investigate the crime; whether he is aware that there was no charge made against the late Mr. Murphy and that he had no connection with politics; whether he can state who was responsible for censoring the report of the proceedings at the inquiry and deleting that portion of the evidence which pointed to the crime having been committed by the Crown forces; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I have been in communication with the Commander-in-Chief and I am able to give an absolute denial to the grave suggestion that footprints were erased and that any evidence given before the court of inquiry was deleted from the records. In the course of her evidence the widow stated that the accents of the murderers sounded to her as though they were English but that she could not recognise them as they were masked. She is not reported as having stated in her evidence that these men were members of the Auxiliary Division stationed at Ballinalee, and I may add that in point of fact there are no members of the Auxiliary Division stationed at this place. It was well known in the neighbourhood that John Murphy was a loyal and law-abiding citizen, and the court in finding wilful murder by persons unknown expressed their sympathy with the deceased man's relations.

Will an impartial inquiry be set up to investigate the death of this innocent man, who was a loyal subject of the Crown?

An impartial inquiry has already been set up.

Surely you do not call that inquiry impartial?

I do.

You say it is an inquiry, but not that it is an impartial one.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any persons have been arrested in connection with the murder at Drumcondra, on 9th February last, of Joseph Murphy and Patrick Kennedy, other than those persons tried for and acquitted of these murders in April last?

The answer is in the negative.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether he is prepared to make any statement to the House regarding the action of Ulster special constables in firing upon military near Fivemiletown, County Fermanagh; whether it is a fact that some of the military, including an officer, were killed and wounded; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I am having inquiries made, and I regret that I have received no report up to the present time.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not get the information as rapidly as the newspapers?

Sometimes some newspapers get information which is based on nothing.

Does that refer to the "Weekly Summary"?

asked the Home Secretary if it is intended at an early date to formulate fresh regulations for safeguarding the health, and providing against accidents, of men employed in the slate quarries and mines of the United Kingdom?

I have been asked to reply. The revision of the existing regulations has already been taken in hand, and will be completed as quickly as possible, having regard to the paramount claims of the work put on the Department by the prolonged stoppage of the coal pits.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that German samples and postcards combined are being sent to British manufacturers, merchants, and traders at a postal charge of 1.40 marks, or less than 1½d. at the present rate of exchange, and that postcards alone without samples to Germany now cost 1½d.; and whether, in view of this handicap thus imposed on the British trader, the Post Office authorities will readjust such charges to put the British trader on an equality with the German in circulating samples?

The minimum postage rate on samples from Germany to this country is 60 pfennig for 100 grammes. In the reverse direction it is 1d. for 4 oz. (about 113 grammes). The postage on a postcard from Germany to this country is 80 pfennig, and in the reverse direction 1½d. The German charges are somewhat lower than the corresponding British charges at the current rate of exchange, but if the finance of the Post Office is to be placed on a sound basis it is impossible to regulate the charges according to the depreciated currencies of Central Europe.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the great loss suffered in Hull by the commercial community by the cessation of Sunday deliveries of letters, and that this loss is particularly heavy owing to the large trade done in perishables from the Continent, for which the prompt, delivery of documents is very desirable; why a preferential postal service on Sundays by special express letters, at a fee of 1s. is permitted at the smaller ports of Bristol and Cardiff and refused to Hull; if he is aware that the Hull postmaster has assured the Hull Chambers of Commerce and Trade that it is not impossible to make local arrangements for the delivery and receipt of such express letters on Sundays and that even the present train service admits of this; and will he give the matter his attention?

I have arranged for an express service (as at Bristol, Cardiff, and certain other places) to be given at Hull experimentally. Its continuance will depend upon the use made of it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction caused by the recent increase in the postcard rate to 1½d.; and whether, in view of his general statement that he would make remissions of increases in charges whenever the Post Office revenue warranted this step, he will agree, in order to moderate this dissatisfaction, that the first remission to be made when the revenue warrants it will be in the postcard rate?

The question of reducing the rates charged to the public will be considered as soon as the state of Post Office finance permits, but I cannot. anticipate the decision which will then be arrived at.

Can my right hon. Friend give some undertaking that these will be the first rates to be reduced?

That was the question which my hon. Friend has put, to which I have given an answer.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the present position of the Imperial wireless chain; and whether, as stated by the chairman of the Empire Press Union, the first link is not yet fashioned and may be a dead-end for some years after it is complete?

The wireless stations at Leafield (near Oxford) and at Abu Zabal (near Cairo), which are to form the first link of the Imperial wireless chain, will be ready for use before the end of the year. The delay in the completion of the stations has been due mainly to labour difficulties. I do not agree with the statement attributed to the chairman of the Empire Press Union. A Commission of experts has been appointed to consider the design of the other stations recommended by the Imperial Wireless Telegraphy Committee. Pending the construction of these stations arrangements are being made for the further transmission to and from places beyond Egypt of telegrams forwarded by wireless between the Leafield and the Abu Zabal stations. In addition there is a considerable amount of terminal traffic to and from Egypt.

Are any steps whatever in progress between ourselves and Canada in reference to this matter of wireless communication?

Yes, conversations have been going on for some time.

Conversations, but nothing else?

Conversations are first necessary if something practical is to be done.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Com- mittee appointed by him some seven months ago has yet reported; if so, whether the Report contains recommendations or suggestions in the direction of greater efficiency and economy in administration and greater satisfaction to pensioners; and whether the Report will be published and an opportunity of discussing it provided before the House rises?

The Report of this Committee is now with the printers, and, as Chairman of the Committee, I hope to submit our recommendations for my right hon. Friend's consideration within the next few days.

Are the recommendations unanimous?

The recommendations of the Committee throughout are unanimous.

Will a Bill be presented this Session to give effect to the Report?

I anticipate that legislation will be necessary to give effect to some of the recommendations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a state of uncertainty exists in the overseas sugar industry due to the apprehension that in the future they may again be handicapped by the competition of foreign sugar sold in the United Kingdom below the cost of production, and that this is acting as a deterrent to the further development of our overseas sugar industry; and whether the Government will give an assurance that they will take all necessary steps to prevent any unfair foreign competition in the sugar markets of the United Kingdom?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to, but I am not prepared to give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will take special measures to penalise imports of cheap sugar. I would remind the hon. Member that sugar of Empire origin already enjoys a substantial preference over foreign sugar on importation into this country, amounting to about ½d. per pound.

Is that preference which is granted by the Government intended to meet unfair competition, or would it not be possible to make some arrangement, like the arrangement before the War, for meeting unfair competition apart from Imperial preference?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to secure public confidence in the cost of-living index figures periodically issued by his Department, he will appoint a Standing Advisory Committee, whose functions would be to keep in touch with and to advise him generally regarding these figures; and if not, whether he will appoint a committee of inquiry into the whole question?

As was stated on 20th June, in reply to questions by the hon. Members for the Frome and Stratford Divisions, we have invited the Joint Committee representing the trade unions, the Labour party, and the Co-operative Union, who have issued a statement disputing the accuracy of the Ministry of Labour index figure, to supply us with details showing how their conclusions have been arrived at. We will consider, these facts when they are presented, but, on present information, we do not think that a Committee of Inquiry is necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case of Mr. T. Boyd, who was unanimously recommended by the interviewing board of the Ministry of Labour, on the 11th January, 1921, for a grant for tuition and maintenance for the purpose of his reading in chambers as the pupil of a barrister, and whose case was characterised as a very suitable case; whether, a month later, Mr. Boyd's application was refused in toto by a Grant Committee on the sole ground that the grants for tuition could not be made to candidates who had already been called to the bar; whether any such rule exists in writing; whether grants have been made to barrister candidates; if such rule existed why was it not communicated to Mr. Boyd; and whether, having regard to the exceptional circumstances of the case, the Minister will reconsider the decision of the Department?

I have inquired into the case cited by my hon. Friend. The Training Grants Scheme was designed to assist ex-service students in their training towards a professional qualification but was not intended to cover men already qualified. In certain special cases the Committee have awarded or continued grants to barristers for a short period after call. But on examination of Mr. Boyd's case they did not feel that the circumstances were such as to justify the expenditure of State funds.

Is there any such rule as is suggested, and, if so, why was it not communicated to Mr. Boyd instead of his being kept for two years in the belief that he was being recommended for the grant, thus allowing him to incur much expenditure?

I am not aware that he was kept all that time waiting. It is not in accordance with my information.

If such a rule existed, why was it not communicated to him?

Generally speaking, the reasons for the refusal of a grant are not communicated to those who make applications. In considering grants very confidential circumstances have to be taken into account, and the reasons for refusal are not communicated to the applicant.

Will the hon. Gentleman read the question? It says that the Committee recommended the case as thoroughly suitable for a double grant, and Mr. Boyd was allowed to go on that understanding for a long time until the recommendation was reversed by the act of the Government.

It was not a Committee. It was a Provisional Examining Board, and the Committee did not accept the recommendation of the Board.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention was called on 24th June, 1920, to the feeling that the Anglo-Japanese Alliance should not be renewed for a term of years before the British Government has had the full advantage of understanding the views and desires of the new Government in the United States of America which was due to come into power in March, 1921; in view of the fact that the Government were aware of this feeling, whether they have now frankly communicated with the new Government in the United States; and whether His Majesty's Government will take into its immediate consideration the State Department's communication to the Press in America on 22nd June that the State Department is not informed with respect to the plans of the British Government, and has received no assurances in the matter as to negotiations in regard to possible terms of renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance?

My hon. and gallant Friend knows that the question of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty is now under consideration in all its bearings by the Imperial Conference. I cannot therefore add anything at this moment to the answer which I gave to him yesterday.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state in terms of quantity and value the consumption of alcoholic liquor in Wales and Monmouth-shire for the respective years ending 31st March between 1913 and 1921, inclusive, and the consumption per head of the population of Wales and Monmouthshire during each of those years?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for is not available.

Is it not possible to get the figures in order to arrive at the quantities?

I am afraid it is not possible to get the figures for the specific areas.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any provision has been or will be made for reassessing the pensions of pensioners of the police force in England and Scotland who retired before the War and joined His Majesty's forces and served during the War; and whether any similar provision has been or will be made for reassessing the pensions of pre-War pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin metropolitan police in similar cases?

There is no special provision for re-assessment of pension in the circumstances described, nor is any under consideration. An increase of pension may, however, be granted, under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, in the cases defined by that Act both to pensioners of the police forces in England and Scotland, and to pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin metropolitan police.

asked the Minister of Health whether there has been a change of policy as regards housing in purely rural areas; and whether it has been decided not to sanction any more housing schemes in rural areas?

In view of the necessity of limiting the number of houses to be built under the Government scheme my right hon. Friend has decided for the present to give precedence to the large industrial areas.

Will this decision be communicated to the local authorities?

I will communicate that suggestion to the Minister of Health.

Are we to understand that housing in rural areas does not matter, and that only industrial areas count?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether education authorities in Scotland have power to grant pensions in deserving cases?

The powers of education authorities in Scotland with regard to the granting of pensions are to be found in Section 61 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872, and Section 12 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, as adapted by paragraphs 1 ( a ) and ( c ) of the Fifth Schedule to the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what relationship has Messrs. Picket and Sons to the British Government as contractors or otherwise; whether the shell breaking-down plant and the dump at Meninghan, North France, is British property: whether any other British dumps in France are managed by this firm, or whether British dumps have been sold to the firm; and, if so, what was the reserve price and what was the price obtained?

It could not be stated without extensive inquiry through Departments generally what contracts Messrs. Picket hold with His Majesty's Government other than contracts for the purchase of dumps in France, but I presume it is to the latter that the hon. Member refers. Both breaking-down plant and dump at Meninghan were British property, but have now been sold to Messrs. Picket. No dumps are managed by this firm, but five dumps in all have been sold to them. It is not the practice of the Disposal Board to divulge the terms upon which individual sales were effected, and I am not prepared to depart from that course in this case. The purchase was made in competition with others, and the price obtained was the highest offer.

I beg to ask this question on behalf of my hon. and gallant Friend. Can we not secure an answer to this question, seeing that it is a very important one, bearing upon a matter which is now before a Standing Committee?

The hon. Member is not entitled to an answer on the second calling of questions except through the courtesy of the Minister. I may point out that the Minister was present when hon. Members who have down questions were absent.

When hon. Members are serving on a Committee it is difficult for them to ensure attendance in the House.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Leader of the House what is the present position of negotiations in the coal dispute, and, if they have really terminated, is he in a position to say what the conditions of settlement are; if he is not in a position to say now, will he inform the House at what stage of the sitting to-day he will be able to make a statement on behalf of the Government?

The Prime Minister hoped to be able to make a statement immediately at the close of questions to-day, but I am sorry to say that matters are not sufficiently advanced for that. He hopes, however, to be able to make that statement in the course of the afternoon. Any settlement which is come to must be subject to the approval of the House—

And other people too.

—and it is very important that no delay should be interposed. We should desire, if the proposals of the Government for a settlement are challenged, to meet the challenge at once and immediately get a decision of the House. I hope that we may be able to conclude early in the afternoon the Debate on the Third Reading of the Unemployment Insurance Bill, and the Prime Minister could then make his statement, and if the House wished to challenge the policy of the Government, an opportunity could be given to move the Adjournment for that purpose.

The right hon. Gentleman says that the settlement must be subject to the approval of the House. Do I understand that in submitting the question to the approval of the House the Government Whips will be on?

Certainly. The Government have taken a decision of great importance, and they neither could, nor do they wish to divest themselves of their responsibility. In a matter of this consequence we must present our policy to the House and stand by it, and it is for the House to say whether they approve it or not. I hear my right hon. Friend say that a Vote of money is involved. That is the point. I do not want to anticipate my right hon. Friend's statement, but a Vote of money will be required. That cannot be done without the consent of the House, and if the House, when they hear the settlement, challenge the propriety of making a grant from public funds, we should desire to take the opinion of the House on the point, in order, if the House approved, to enable the miners' representatives to proceed this evening to their several districts, there to recommend a settlement to their constituents in order that work might be resumed on Monday next.

As a matter of convenience purely, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will interrupt the Debate on the Third Reading of the Insurance Bill, or whether the statement will be made at the end of the Debate on the Third Reading?

We must have the Third Reading of this Bill to-day. There is one precedent for interrupting a Debate without Question put, but if there is any desire to challenge the policy of the Government, a Question must be put which enables a decision to be taken. The Adjournment of the House is the only Question we can put, and it must be treated as a Motion for acceptance or rejection. That, I believe, is the only way in which we can take a decision of the House at such short notice. The mere interruption of the Debate on the Third Reading would not give an opportunity to the House of expressing an opinion. I suggest, therefore, in view of the immense importance of this matter to the whole country, as well as to the particular interests concerned, that the House would perhaps be willing to facilitate an early decision by bringing the Debate on the Third Reading of the Insurance Bill to an earlier close than was intended.

Assuming that the Government propose a grant of money, will there not be required a Supplementary Estimate from the House?

Certainly, but I cannot ask the House to vote a Supplementary Estimate this afternoon without notice, and without the Vote being printed. Certainly there will be a Supplementary Estimate required.

Could not the discussion of the policy of the Government be brought under the review of the House then?

Yes. That Vote can be taken on Friday, but if the decision of the House is postponed till Friday, work cannot be resumed on Monday, and if the House insist upon that, I must point out to them that they will make themselves responsible for a further delay in the settlement of the dispute and a resumption of the industry.

In view of the discussion by the Front Benches upon this subject, does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that anyone, providing there is a possibility of settling this dispute, will be mad enough to vote or to say anything to continue it?

Plenty of them.

I hope hon. Members will not press me further at the present time. I think it would be much better for everybody concerned that they should have the full statement before them before they discuss it, and I would only say that when they have the full statement I am very hopeful that the House will agree that the course is a proper and wise one, and that there will be no desire to challenge it in any quarter. If it is challenged, we want an immediate decision.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, before the Safeguarding of Industries Bill is further considered in the House, he will be able by means of a White Paper or printed answer to show what Clauses of Treaties, Engagements, and Conventions would have to be taken into consideration by the Board of Trade in connection with the provisions of the said Bill?

A list of countries with which Treaties that would have to be taken into consideration are in force has already been communicated to the House in the reply given to the hon. and gallant, Member for Newcastle East (Major Barnes) on the 13th June. Copies of these Treaties are available in the Library of the House. They are, speaking generally, those which in some form or another provide for the mutual accord of most-favoured-nation treatment. I do not think that there would be any advantage in reprinting the relevant Clauses of these Treaties as a separate Paper. The circumstances of each case and the precise provisions of the Treaty concerned would have to be considered before an Order is made.

May we take it that in the case of all the countries to which my right hon. Friend has referred the Bill will be inoperative?

No. The effect of the Treaties with each of these countries would have to be taken into account before an Order was made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the convenience of Members, in discussing the Bill, of having before them the considered opinion of the Department as to what Clauses would affect the operation of the Bill?

I have already indicated what are the Clauses which would affect its operation.

Were these Treaties taken into consideration when the Bill was drafted?

Yes.

reported from the Chairmen's Panel: That they had appointed Sir William Pearce to act as Chairman of Standing Committee C (in respect of the National Health Insurance Bill); and Mr. John William Wilson to act as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Scottish Bills (in respect of the Church of Scotland Bill).

Report to lie upon the Table.