asked the Chief Secretary whether he is yet in a position to state the result of the inquiries alleged to have been made into the circumstances of the murder of Mr. John O'Brien, of Charleville, on 1st March; what has been the nature of the investigation; and whether the two constables who are known to have been absent from the barracks at the time of the murder have been put on trial?

I regret to say that it has not been possible to procure any further evidence in this case. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member of the reply given him by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General on 14th April.

asked the Chief Secretary why the use of the city of Dublin markets has been refused for the sale of cattle belonging to members of the Royal Dublin Society; and whether the Government intend to take any action in. the matter?

I would refer to my reply of yesterday to the question asked on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Bath (Captain Foxcroft).

asked the Chief Secretary how many men are at present in internment camps in Ireland; and what is the estimated cost of the internment camps on the present scale for the current year?

The number of persons at present confined in internment camps in Ireland is 3,252. The estimated cost per head per annum is £60 3s. 4d.

asked the Chief Secretary the circumstances under which James Mulrennan was wounded by members of the Crown forces on the 28th March at Kilmore, County Mayo; and whether any arrests have been made?

I am informed that the circumstances under which this, man was wounded were as follows. About 9 p.m. on the 24th March last two constables called to buy provisions at a public-house in Rathnagussane, which is about two miles from Kilmovee, County Mayo. While one of the constables was-inside the public-house making his purchase the other, who remained outside, saw a man get off a bicycle, crouch behind a wall near the public-house and look into it. The constable promptly called on him to come forward into the light, and, as the man did not comply, he went over to him. On the constable's approach, the man dropped his bicycle and struck him in the face with both hands. He then put his right hand to his hip, and the constable, thinking he was about to draw a revolver, fired. The man fell wounded and was at once carried into the public-house by the constables, who staunched and bandaged his wounds.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to introduce legislation authorising the Board of Trade to exercise sur- veillance over the existence, development and activities of trade combinations on the lines of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee on Trusts?

As the House has been informed on several previous occasions, the Government hope to introduce in due course legislation in respect of trade combinations, but I cannot at present indicate precisely the lines on which that legislation will follow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what

— 1920. 1917. 1913. Percentage to Total Imports:— From China … … 9.3 12.9 8.4 From U.S.A. and possessions … … 38.1 36.2 17.8 From British Empire … … 33.7 34.6 43.8 Percentage of Total Exports:— To China … … 21.1 19.9 24.5 To U.S.A. and possessions … … 31.4 31.3 30.9 To British Empire … … 25.5 27.7 19.1

If imports and exports be added together, the percentages of the total recorded trade with China, with the United States of America and her possessions, and with the British Empire, respectively, were, in 1920, 14.7, 35.1 and 30.0.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether very serious money loss, as well as loss of business opportunity and connection, is being caused by the delay in liberating from the Customs colours and dyestuffs imported from Germany, in connection with which the licences issued by the licensing committee and the contracts with the colour makers have been produced, and every requirement of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act fulfilled; and will he give urgent instructions for expedition in this matter?

I have no knowledge of the losses to which the hon. Member refers, but if he will give me full details of any particular case of delay he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

proportion of Japan's foreign trade was with the British Empire, the United States and her possessions, and with China?

My hon. and gallant Friend does not specify the period for which he desires information. The percentages of the imports into Japan, and of the exports from Japan, recorded in the Japanese Official Trade Accounts as obtained from and sent to China, the United States and her possessions, and the British Empire, respectively, in 1920, in 1913, and in an intermediate year (1917) were as follow:—

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury have refused to reckon for pension purposes the War service of civil servants who had retired before the War and have since been re-employed in a temporary civil capacity; and, if so, on what grounds?

There is no power to reckon temporary service for pension except under the provisions of Section 3 of the Superannuation Act of 1887, which requires that it should have been followed by established service; in the cases in question, that condition was not complied with.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the measure of control exercised over persons employed in connection with the Houses of Parliament, and particularly with this House; how many persons, and into what categories are they divided; who are paid by or are under the direction of the Serjeant-at-Arms Department, and what is the line of demarcation between such and the other persons so employed; and is there any other individual or body of persons entitled to give orders to or direct or regulate the conduct of persons so employed, or in any way exercise control over them in the discharge of their duty?

The Treasury do not exercise any control over persons employed in the Houses of Parliament. Control is exercised in this House by Mr. Speaker and the Office of Works. All the officers of the House are under the jurisdiction of Mr. Speaker. The number of those employed is 72, in addition to those immediately under the direction of the Serjeant-at-Arms. Eighty-five persons are paid by and are under the control of the Serjeant-at-Arms. The salaries in all cases are fixed by the Commissioners for Regulating the Offices of the House of Commons. With regard to the last part of the Question, the answer is in the negative as far as this House is concerned. With regard to the other House, I am informed that the doorkeepers and messengers actually attached to that House are under the control and direction of Black Rod. The various clerks in that House (Public Bill Office, Private Bill Office, Judicial Office, etc.) together with the messengers employed for their purposes, are under the control and direction of the Clerk of the Parliaments. Resident superintendents, housekeepers, housemaids, porters, etc., are under the control and direction of the Lord Great Chamberlain. The persons controlling these three establishments are, in their turn, subject to the general supervision of the Offices Committee of the House of Lords, a committee of 40 or 50 peers, whose report on these matters is considered by that House. The payments of each of the three staffs are charged on the House of Lords' Vote. The actual payments are made and accounted for by the Accountant, who is under the control of the Clerk of the Parliaments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on what percentage increase since July, 1914, is the war bonus for the Civil Service fixed now; and what is the estimated figure for 1st September on which the Post Office is basing its calculations and which was taken into account by it in estimating the cost to the Post Office of the war bonus this financial year at £28,000,000?

The bonus paid to the Civil Service is at present fixed with reference to the average of the cost of living, figures for the first of the months November, 1920, to February, 1921, inclusive, and is accordingly based on an increase of 165 per cent, on the cost of living in July, 1914. For the six months beginning the 1st September next the estimated figure is 125 per cent.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether ex-service men who have passed the qualifying educational standard for the Civil Service are required to pay a fee of 15s. before they can be medically examined;, whether, having regard to the fact that, most of these men have been employed temporarily in Government Departments at a salary of £3 15s. per week, out of which they have had to pay fees for entering the examination as well as for attending classes, this medical examination fee can be debited to the National Health Insurance Commissioners, seeing that many of these men have never received any pecuniary benefit under the National Health Insurance Act, or, failing: this, that only those who have passed the medical examination be asked to refund the money at a later date?

The fee for medical examination demanded in the cases of candidates for all but the highest appointments in the Civil Service has, after negotiations with the British Medical Association, been fixed at 15s., and I am satisfied that this sum is a reasonable charge for the detailed report required. I am not prepared to impose a charge upon the Exchequer in respect of this fee, for which Health Insurance Funds could in no case be made liable.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the final gratuity of £42 15s. due to R. F. James, No. 1502, late Royal Field Artillery (S.E.R., 22516), of 104, Princess Road, Moss Side, Manchester, and notified to him by the regional director, north-western region (3/M.J./310), on the 9th May, is still unpaid; and whether he will expedite payment?

Payment of the award referred to has now been authorised. I much regret the delay which has occurred.

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements can be made for a squadron of the Royal Navy, of adequate size and importance to the occasion, to visit the United States of America, seeing that such a visit would be to the common interests of both nations?

It is not the intention of the Admiralty to send a squadron of heavy ships to United States waters during this year. Urgent need for economy in fuel renders such a course inadmissible. I may add, that Vessels of the North America and West Indies Squadron have visited United States ports on several occasions during the past 18 months.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a letter and circular was issued by Mr. H. W. Edwards, commander instructor, on the 10th March, to various men in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, asking if it was their intention to sign on for a further period, and, if not, they should make application for their discharge; whether he is aware that H. P. Smith, 311, London Road, St. Leonards, A.L. seaman G.I. 111, S. 5/245, and F. D. Bailey, 311, London Road, St, Leonards, A.B. 5/155, applied for their discharge, and that a further letter on the matter was forwarded on the 16th May to Mr. J. Bray, Commander of No. 5 Company, Hastings; and whether, in view of the fact that these men have received no communication regarding their discharges, he will have inquiries made into the matter?

It is regretted that in some instances discharges were delayed owing to Service Certificates of the men concerned not being immediately available. It is understood, however, that the discharges are now being effected.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that nearly two years have now elapsed since the commencement of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, and that no new houses have even been commenced by the Rural District Council of the Isle of Wight, he will now take the necessary steps to place that authority in default and will himself cause to be erected throughout the area of that authority such number of new houses as may be required for the proper accommodation of the working classes at rents which the local labourers can reasonably afford to pay?

I am not prepared to take the course suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health what number of houses for the working classes within the meaning of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, have been inspected by the Rural District Council of the Isle of Wight since the commencement of that Act, with a view to ascertaining what closing orders should be issued or what notices should be served under Section 15 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, or Section 28 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919; what number of closing orders have during that period been issued by that authority; what number of such notices have during that period been served by that authority; how many of those closing orders have been determined on completion of the necessary repairs; how many of such undetermined closing orders have been enforced; in how many cases the requirements of the notices so served have been duly complied with; and in how many cases where those requirements have not been duly complied with the local authority have themselves executed the repairs necessary to render the premises in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation?

The detailed particulars desired by the hon. Member are not all in my possession. I understand, however, that during the two years ended 31st December, 1920, 589 inspections of houses were made under Section 17 of the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1909. A large number of inspections were also made under the Public Health Acts. During the same period, 10 closing orders were made, 4 closing orders were determined on completion of the necessary works, and 321 notices under Section 28 of the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, were served.

asked the Minister of Health if any provision has been made to allow for the non-payment of contributions to the National Health Insurance by the miners who have been locked out; if not, is it intended that the workers in the coal industry who have missed 13 weeks' contributions in the present half-year shall be mulcted in an arrears fine of 3s. to bring them into full benefit; or will he issue instructions that members are not to be penalised by fine or reduced benefits on account of their contributions not being paid during this period of unemployment?

An insured person who has missed 13 contributions in the contribution year ended 3rd July next can, in accordance with the Regulations, avoid any reduction in benefit during the next benefit year by the payment of 3s. (if desired, in instalments of 1s.) before the end of next November. In view of the easy conditions of payment, and the prospect of regular employment in the mining industry during the intervening months, it is not proposed to make any special provision as suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether in the case of the marriage of a woman teacher who has not yet qualified for a superannuation allowance on reaching 60 years of age or later, but who wishes to qualify for such allowance, it is necessary that she should cease her work as a teacher on marriage, or whether she may continue to teach until, in consequence of marriage, that is, to become a mother and care for children, she is compelled to cease work; and whether on resuming her work as a teacher she may then apply to the Board for recognition of her absence in consequence of marriage, up to a limit of 10 years, as qualifying service?

The question whether any particular cessation of service is a cessation in consequence of marriage within the meaning of Section 1 (3) of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, is one which can only be determined on the facts of the particular case. If, however, the cessation does not occur on marriage or soon after marriage a presumption might arise that it is not in consequence of marriage but is due to some other cause.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any grant would be payable under the regulations of the Board of Education on account of a pupil under 10 years of age attending a secondary school on the grant list; and whether, if a local education authority maintain a secondary school attended by pupils under the age of 10, and others over the age of 10, and the grants payable by the Board in respect of scholars over the age of 10 are less than 50 per cent, of the cost of maintaining the school, the local authority would be entitled to claim from the Board 50 per cent, of its expenditure on such school, thereby indirectly receiving Parliamentary grant in respect of pupils under the age of 10 in a secondary school?

In the calculation of substantive grants in aid of secondary schools, account is not taken of children who are under 10 years old at the beginning of the school year. The Board have not hitherto required the apportionment and exclusion of expenditure on children under 10 in secondary schools from the general expenditure on which deficiency grant is calculated.

asked the Postmaster-General on what grounds the charge of 10d. on unpaid letters from abroad is imposed, having regard to the fact that the charge of 10d. is more than three times the British rate for foreign postage and many times the foreign rate in paper money at the present rates of exchange?

Under the provisions of the Postal Union Convention, an unpaid letter is marked by the despatching office for surcharge at the rate of one franc, i. e., double the standard postage laid down by the Convention. It has now been decided to surcharge such letters received in this country at double the foreign letter rate, i. e., 6d.; partially paid letters will be charged proportionately.

asked the Postmaster-General' whether, in view of the fact that during the morning work in many of the large sorting offices is light and that at that period more could be overtaken by the staff necessarily on duty, he is prepared to offer to business firms cheaper rates for printed circulars, catalogues, and matter of similar description, subject to the condition that it be handed in between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12 noon; whether many firms would avail themselves of this concession; and whether this arrangement would increase the receipts of the Post Office with no additional outlay in salaries or staff?

This suggestion has often been made and it has but recently been carefully considered. The conclusion arrived at was that the saving of staff would not be sufficient to compensate for the sacrifice of revenue.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the European mail by the steamer "Serbino" for East Africa, arrived damaged by fire and water; and, if so, the causes and what public announcement has been made to the senders?

A report has been received that the mails for East Africa were damaged by fire while lying in a lighter alongside the steamship "Serbino" at Aden on the 5th of May last; but no definite information has yet been obtained as to the cause of the fire. It is hoped that the loss will prove to be comparatively slight. The available information is at present too meagre for any useful public notice to be issued for the information of senders.

asked the Prime Minister when the Report of the Royal Commission on the Importation of Live Stock may be expected; and whether it will be in time to be laid before the Imperial Conference?

The Commission is at present still taking evidence, and owing to the bulk of that evidence its consideration will take some time. I am informed, however, that the Commissioners hope that they may be able to present their Report in August. I am not at present in a position to reply to the last part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the nominal value of National War Bonds of each maturity converted into the new Conversion Loan, and the nominal amount of new Conversion Loan created?

Subject to minor modifications, the figures are as follow:

— 5% National War Bonds converted (face value). Bank Issue. 3½% Conversion Loan set up. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1st Series … Bonds maturing 1st October, 1922 … 49,386,189 0 0 80,499,488 0 0 1st Series … Bonds maturing 1st October, 1924 … 3,344,658 0 0 5,384,829 0 0 2nd Series … Bonds maturing 1st April, 1923 … 65,108,854 0 0 105,476,343 0 0 2nd Series … Bonds maturing 1st April, 1925 … 2,782,676 0 0 4,452,282 0 0 3rd Series … Bonds maturing 1st September, 1923 … 33,708,070 0 0 54,607,073 0 0 3rd Series … Bonds maturing 1st September, 1925 … 3,317,748 0 0 5,308,397 0 0 4th Series … Bonds maturing 1st February, 1924 … 3,948,142 0 0 6,356,509 0 0 161,596,337 0 0 262,084,991 0 0 Post Office Issue. 1st Series … Bonds maturing 1st October, 1922 … 563,784 0 3 918,967 18 8 1st Series … Bonds maturing 1st October, 1924 … 168,517 0 9 271,312 8 4 2nd Series … Bonds maturing 1st April, 1923 … 335,975 5 0 544,279 17 10 2nd Series … Bonds maturing 1st April, 1925 … 93,880 9 5 150,208 15 0 3rd Series … Bonds maturing 1st September, 1923 … 346,538 15 0 561,392 15 4 3rd Series … Bonds maturing 1st September, 1925 … 116,375 19 11 186,201 11 9 4th Series … Bonds maturing 1st February, 1924 … 106,725 0 0 171,827 5 0 1,731,796 10 4 2,804,190 11 11 Totals … 163,328,133 10 4 264,889,181 11 11

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take the opportunity to consult new arrivals in this country from Egypt who are opposed to the present Egyptian Government, as well as any who are supporters of it, with a view to discovering whether the delegation appointed to negotiate with the British people is in any way representative of the Egyptian people?

It will, of course, he the duty of the Foreign Office in proceeding with the Egyptian discussions to make itself acquainted with every point of view.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an elaborate residence is now being built for the British- Governor at Dar-es-Salaam, in Tanganyika territory; why it was not possible to adapt at least temporarily one of the existing buildings; and whether the territory is very embarrassed financially?

The German Government House at Dar-es-Salaam was completely destroyed during the military operations, and the British Governor has, since his arrival at Dar-es-Salaam, been housed on the upper floor of a building formerly used as a library and economic museum, where the accommodation available is both inadequate and quite unsuitable. It was essential to provide an adequate Government house for the head of the Government, and work on the new building has been in progress since last year. The total expenditure on the building is estimated at £33,000, of which £10,500 is to be spent during the current financial year. It is hoped that the building will be finished by the end of this year. The territory is in receipt of a grant-in-aid (in the form of a repayable loan) from Imperial funds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the contract has been let for the construction of the deep-sea pier at Kilindini; whether this work is entirely exclusive of all railway work which is to be carried out by the Uganda Railway; whether the sum is more than the amount allocated from the loan; whether it thus means a larger loan or the sacrifice of more vital roads and railways; and whether, in view of the strong local opposition to the whole scheme, on the ground that it is extravagant and inopportune, and of the financial condition of the Colony, he will suspend the entire undertaking?

Yes, Sir, the contract for the construction of the deep water pier, at Kilindini has now been let. Under the contract the Government reserve the right to construct the railways themselves or may require the contractors to construct them. The sum for which the contract has been let is necessarily greater than the original estimate in 1914, owing to the rise in the cost of labour and materials, and the question whether it will be possible to find funds for the remaining scheme of development is now engaging my careful consideration. I am not aware what are the grounds for the suggestion contained in the last part of my hon. Friend's question. The proposal has the support of the Chambers of Commerce, and I am not prepared to suspend the undertaking which I am satisfied is essential to the future development of the country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department when the long awaited relaxation of restrictions upon serving wine for supper at restaurants will be announced?

In view of the substantial amount of agreement reached by the Conference presided over by my right hon. and learned Friend, I hope it will be possible to introduce a Bill dealing with this matter at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is still proposed to hold the fortnight's annual training for J such units of the Territorial Army as have not already undergone their annual training?

Yes, Sir; there is every intention of holding annual camps for the Territorial Army this year where circumstances permit. Local conditions, however, vary very much, and it has accordingly been left to the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief concerned to decide whether a unit should go into camp or not.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the case of applicants for allotments at Northill, Bedfordshire, where the clerk to the parish council has decided not to call a meeting of his council to consider the matter until July, therefore putting off steps being taken to acquire the necessary land by Michaelmas next; and whether a previous application in 1920 for 50 acres for allotments in the same parish has been proceeded with?

I have had inquiries made into the matter by one of the Ministry's Sub-Commissioners, and am informed that a meeting of the Allotments Society was held in April last, as a result of which a list of applicants for allotments, together with particulars of the area of land required (67 acres), was forwarded to the clerk to the parish council. The letter was acknowledged on the 10th May, and the applicants were informed that the matter would be put before the council at their next meeting on the 19th July. The Sub-Commissioner has interviewed the clerk, who has promised to bring the matter up at this meeting, when the question of approaching the county council with a view to the exercise of compulsory powers of acquisition will probably be considered. The Ministry's Sub-Commissioner will attend the meeting. In reply to the last part of the question, the Ministry's Sub-Commissioner has been unable to trace the application in 1920 for 50 acres of land for allotments, but it is understood that 50 acres of land in the parish have been acquired during the current year for the provision of small holdings for ex-service men.