asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Imperial Japanese Government has given any assurances to His Majesty's Government regarding the occupation of the Russian half of the island of Saghalien, the city and port of Vladisvostok, and portions of the mari- time province by Japanese troops; what is the nature of those assurances; and whether the annexation of the Russian half of the island of Saghalien by Japan is to be recognised?

The Japanese Government has informed His Majesty's Government that, in view of the disturbed state of Eastern Siberia, it feels compelled to keep garrisons at Vladivostok, Saghalien, and at various points in the Maritime Province, until a satisfactory settlement can be arrived at with the legitimate Russian Government. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the island of Saghalien has not been annexed to Japan.

Have the Imperial Japanese Government given any assurances that there is no intention of annexing territory, including Saghalien?

I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would give me notice of that question.

It is in my question.

Yes, but perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put it down again.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the representative at Pekin of the Far Eastern Republic of the former Russian Empire has handed a note to the American Ambassador in which a protest is made to the American and British Governments against the support given by Japan to the counterrevolutionaries and inviting the good offices of the American Government and His Majesty's Government in the matter; whether His Majesty's Government is taking any action in the matter; and what information he has respecting recent events in Vladivostock and the maritime province?

I have no information that any such note has been handed to the United States representative by the representative of the Far Eastern Republic at Peking. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise. General Semenoff has landed in Siberia, and has reached Grodekovo. Otherwise the situation has not altered materially since the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 8th June.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs what reply has been sent to the proposal of the French Government, dated 28th April, 1921, suggesting the mutual abolition of visas on British and French passports; and when such reply was sent to the French Government?

No reply has yet been sent to the French Government's proposal, which is still under consideration.

How many more months is it going to be under consideration?

I think it is now only a question of days.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether British military forces at Constantinople have arrested all the members of the Russian Trade Delegation in that city, thrown them into prison, and seized their money and effects; and whether any representations were made to the Russian Government or its official agents in this country before the above action was taken, in view of the recently-concluded trade agreement with Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the arrest of the Russian Trade Delegation at Constantinople by British troops; whether he is aware of the continued ignorance of the Foreign Office as to what has really occurred; and will he state what has happened, and what explanations have been asked for or made to the Russian Government?

On 29th June, the Commander-in-Chief in Constantinople arrested 52 undesirable persons of whom 18 belonged to the Russian Trade Delegation. Of these 18 persons nine were released on the same day and nine deported. I understand that the offices of the Trade Delegation were searched, but I have not so far received particulars of how the contents of these offices were disposed of. General Sir C. Harington's action was necessitated by the discovery of a plot to produce a revolution in Constantinople, which was to begin with his own assassination. The Commander-in-Chief is responsible for the maintenance of order and the administration of martial law in Constantinople, and the measures taken by him in this case seem, on the evidence at my disposal, to be entirely justifiable. A note was received yesterday from M. Krassin in which he asks for an explanation of the case, and the reply is under consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that members of the Russian Trade Delegation have arrived in Constantinople with British visas on their passports; that these so-called undesirables were released with the exception of the Trade Delegation who have now been shipped off; and is the hon. Gentleman also aware that this question is likely to lead to unfortunate results in the relations between Russia and Great Britain?

Is it not a fact that these Russian Trade Delegations all over the world are simply camouflage for Bolshevik propaganda?

Do the Government intend to take any steps under Article 13 of the Russian Trade Agreement to ask the Bolshevik Government to give an explanation of their conduct precedent to the denouncing of the Russian Trade Agreement, in view of the proved work of these Bolshevik agents in Constantinople against our representative?

Are we to understand from the answer that these Russians who receive British visas were afterwards found plotting against the life of the British Commander-in-Chief?

Perhaps I had better answer that question now. I am not myself aware whether these gentlemen had British visas or not, but I would at this moment deprecate any further discussion of this matter, inasmuch as the information at my disposal is extremely limited, but I am endeavouring to increase it.

Has there been any protest from the Russian Government, and what steps have the British Government taken in reply to that protest; further, may I ask whether the grounds for arresting the Russian Trade Delegation in Constantinople would not also justify the arrest of the Russian Trade Delegation in this country?

I have already answered the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question in my reply. I said that M. Krassin has presented a Note which is now under consideration, and therefore the rest of the question does not arise.

Will these people be tried, and shall we have any further account of the evidence?

I have no doubt that a most careful investigation will be made, but I cannot describe what action will be taken in Constantinople.

If the hon. Gentleman has no further information, why does he describe these people as "undesirable persons?"

Perhaps it would have been better had I said "alleged undesirable persons," of whom I think 18 were released on the same day, and nine were deported. It was not meant to convey the impression that all the members of the Russian trade delegation are undesirables.

I beg to give notice that, at the end of Questions, I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on this subject.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a request from British sources to recognise the Government of Mexico; whether that Government has given proof of good faith by meeting its obligations to pre-War British creditors on 1st July in accordance with a recent statement by the Mexican Government to that effect; and, if not, will he make it clear that the British Government will not accord recognition unless the Mexican Government does keep faith with its British creditors?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the recent declarations of the Mexican Government, he will now consider the advisability of recognising that Government?

His Majesty's Government have received suggestions from British sources from time to time to the effect that the Mexican Government should be recognised by His Majesty's Government. As far as I am aware no payments have yet been made on the outstanding Mexican Government obligations. The Mexican Government are already aware of the importance attached by His Majesty's Government to this matter, and I do not think that the attitude of His Majesty's Government on this point requires further explanation.

Will my hon. Friend say whether the British Government has made any official representations through the channels which are still open to them to the Mexican Government as to the conditions on which recognition will be accorded to Mexico?

My hon. and gallant Friend knows better than most hon. Members of this House that His Majesty's Government have already made representations to the Mexican Government.

Not officially.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the disbandment of the South Persia Rifles has now been decided upon owing to the refusal of the Persian Government to take the force over; if so, what guarantee is the Persian Government giving for the security and safety of British trade and interests in Southern Persia; what is to become of the guns, rifles, stores, equipment, and animals supplied by the Indian Government; are the disbanded men to be left in possession of their arms; and what arrangements are being made for the safety of the British officers and men attached to the force?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and British trade and interests will have no further guarantees in Southern Persia than they now have in the North. The points raised in the remaining parts of the question are at this moment receiving the earnest consideration of Mis Majesty's Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when we shall hear the result of this consideration, and what is going to be done?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question in a week, and then I may be able to give him further information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the Report on the Far East situation made to Russian Whites at Chesham House, the Czarist headquarters in London; whether Chesham House is recognised by His Majesty's Government as being in any way the seat of Russian diplomacy; whether there are there any extra-territorial rights; and whether White intrigues are being carried in from Chesham House contrary to the spirit of the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement.

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the negative. I have no information on the fourth part of the hon. and gallant Member's question.

Has the hon. Gentleman received from me a copy of the report in question, which I sent to him?

I do not think it has been brought to my notice, but I will make inquiries.

Is it correct to state, as is set forth in the question, that there is a Czarist headquarters in London?

I should not describe Chesham House in those terms myself.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the approximate present annual cost of Japan's national defences, including naval, military, and air forces; and what the expenditure on these accounts amounts to per head of population?

According to figures given for the 1921–22 Budget, the approximate cost of national defence is £108,280,000, including £45,524,000 for the Army, and £62,756,000 for the Navy. As there is no independent Air Force, the aviation estimates are included in those given for the Army and Navy. The cost works out, roughly, at £1 8s. per head for the total Japanese Empire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Chinese Government has made proposals to raise the Customs duty from 5 per cent. to 10 per cent.; and whether he is communicationg with representatives of cotton trade organisations and British merchants trading with China to ascertain whether other proposals may not be formulated which will give additional revenue to the Chinese Government without increasing the duties upon manufactured goods?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am not aware of such a proposal by the Chinese Government. According to my information, that Government have proposed a revision of the present Customs tariff with a view to increasing the duties to the equivalent of an effective 5 per cent. ad valorem. This proposal is under consideration by the Treaty Powers

Before any decision is taken by the Government, will it receive representations from the cotton and other allied trades and see if a further report can be obtained? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the cotton trade in Lancashire do not want to meet with a similar fate to that which befel them when the Indian cotton import duties were raised?

12. The hon. Member asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations are being made to the Bulgarian Government to admit goods which are despatched from this country before the 1st August at the rate of customs duty then in force, and not to be subject to the increased duty which conies in force on the 9th August; and is he aware that the uncertainty as to the amount of duty to be charged on deliveries now being shipped is seriously affecting British cotton manufacturers?

I have been asked to reply to this question. No information has reached me of the intention of the Bulgarian Government to introduce a revised customs tariff on the 9th August. If the hon. Member will let me have any information on the subject in his possession, I will consider, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what action it may be possible to take in the matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what position the Government will be in in protesting against a foreign country raising its tariffs when they are putting an inflated tariff on foreign countries?

The hon. Gentleman cannot be expected to answer that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether steps are being taken to procure suitable portions of ships now on the list for disposal among such members of their former ships' companies as may desire to purchase them?

This matter is receiving consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that F. Stansfield, discharged from Rosyth Dockyard on 1st April, has served nine years and three months and is therefore entitled to a gratuity; that in reply to his application he was informed that it would take 8 to 10 weeks to settle his claim; and, seeing that after 11 weeks had elapsed another application was made to which an indefinite reply was received, will he expedite the consideration of the claim, as the applicant is still unemployed?

The gratuity in question was awarded a fortnight ago, and it has been ascertained from the authorities at Rosyth Dockyard that the man has received payment.

Why should it take about three months to settle a claim of this kind?

The fact is that the man in question lost so much time in the last year or so. He lost 334 working days, or 226 more than the maximum allowance, and the question whether he was eligible had to be very carefully gone into. Eventually it was decided that he was eligible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the first batch of engine-room artificer apprentices from the " Indus" and "Fisgard " will be sent to Keyham College for training as engineers' officers in fulfilment of the First Lord to the Admiralty's promise; and can he give the assurance that eligible candidates shall be chosen in their order as determined by their place in the examination which they have to pass?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Portsmouth on the 10th June last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if facilities are given to engine-room artificer apprentices to receive training on His Majesty's Ships "Fisgard" and "Indus" for taking the junior examination of the various engineering institutions, and for competing for prizes such as those awarded by the City and Guilds Institute and the Goldsmiths' Company; and, if not, can he say if it is intended that such facilities shall be provided in a similar way as those for dockyard apprentices?

It is not the case that training facilities for the purposes referred to in the question are given to dockyard apprentices, and there is no intention of providing such facilities for artificer apprentices. In both cases the training provided is that which is considered most suitable for the work the apprentices will be called upon to perform, whether in the Navy or in the Dockyard.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the Admiralty's policy with regard to developing rigid airships as sea scouts?

The policy of the Admiralty in this matter was set forth in the Memorandum attached to the First Lord's statement explanatory of the current Navy Estimates. In view of the information from the Air Ministry that the latter would, for financial reasons, be compelled to reduce considerably the provision of heavier than aircraft unless the airship service were suspended, the Admiralty concurred, with regret, in the suspension, for the present, of the development of airships for naval purposes.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Messrs. Crampton, ship-repairers, of Portsmouth, are docking the ships they are repairing in the Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth; will he say whether this firm has his permission to use the dockyard; and, if so, does the firm pay for its use and what is the amount of payment made?

On a very few occasions facilities have been granted to Messrs. Crampton for docking vessels in Portsmouth Dockyard, and then only when a dock is free, and the Naval service is not inconvenienced thereby. Such facilities in the dockyard are granted only to relieve the unemployment situation in the neighbourhood, and when local private docking facilities are not available. Messrs. Crampton have no general authority to use the dockyard. Special application has to be made in each instance, and the case is considered on its merits. The firm pays for the use of the dock at the rate of l¼d. per gross registered tonnage of the vessel docked per each twenty-four hours of occupation, together with the actual cost of the labour and material expended, plus the authorised percentage charges to cover establishment and incidental costs.

Are similar facilities given in other dockyards?

I will make inquiries. I am not in a position to say whether in other dockyards such facilities can conveniently be given.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate numbers in his headquarters local staff who are entitled to the following annual holidays, exclusive of bank and other public holidays: four weeks' annual leave and over 28 working days' leave?

The leave allowances of the staff of the Ministry of Labour are in accordance with the Regulations governing the Civil Service as a whole. Of the total permanent and temporary staff at present employed in the Ministry, 5,291 are allowed, subject to the exigencies of the service, to take an allowance of annual leave not exceeding four weeks, and 1,323 are similarly allowed to take 28 days or over. The aggregate of these two figures amounts to lees than one quarter of the present total staff of the Ministry, nearly one-half of whom, appointed to meet the grave unemployment emergency for which we have had to provide, are engaged on a casual or week basis.

Am I to understand that more than 1,300 members of the per- manent and temporary staff get over four weeks' holiday in the year?

That is not the figure: 1,323 are allowed to take 28 days or over, and 5,281 get leave, if it can be given, not exceeding four weeks.

asked the Minister of Health the approximate numbers in his Department who are entitled to the following annual holidays, exclusive of bank and other public holidays: four weeks' annual leave and over 28 working days' annual leave?

The approximate figures for the Ministry of Health are:

asked the Minister of Health whether the 32 doctors on £1,000 a year, who were appointed by his predecessor, are still retained at his Ministry; and, if so, when he will dispense with their services?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the regional medical officers. If so, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In answer to the second, I refer him to my statement on the 12th May introducing the Ministry of Health Estimates, in which I made it clear that, after personal investigation, I thought that this staff does useful work and should be continued. In any case, I am not in a position to dispense with their services except on the terms of their engagements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman examining the situation with a view to dispensing with their services as soon as their agreements allow, and has he inquired into the feeling locally, where those gentlemen work, as to the necessity for their appointment?

As I have said, I have personally gone into the work of the officers concerned, and am satisfied that they are doing very useful work. In any case, their period of service would not come to an end for several years.

Are we really to understand that the Ministry of Health have tied themselves down for several years in the engagement of their public officials, and is not that a most extraordinary procedure?

In view of the fact that most Government officials are engaged for life in the Civil Service, I think that a temporary engagement for five years in an important office is not a very unreasonable agreement.

Are Government officials never dismissed?

Is it not a fact that the public health has never been so good as it is to-day?

Is not infant mortality going down?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the possibility of combining the Record Office and the Pay Department of the War Office, with the view of saving expense and obtaining greater efficiency in administration; and, if this can be brought about, will he consider the advisability of devoting the money saved in administration to the training grants of the Army?

A War Office Committee is at present considering the question of the amalgamation of the Record Offices and the Regimental Pay Offices in commands. I am afraid I cannot anticipate the recommendations of this Committee.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the officials of the Office of Works responsible for inspection duties are practical men or whether they have been graded to the position from the ordinary Civil Service on promotion?

I can assure the hon. Member that, however recruited, only practical men are engaged upon the duties in question.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many men are employed at the Furniture Department at Stratham; how many have received notice to leave; how many of these are ex-service men; and how many retained are not ex-service men and only obtained employment under the Office of Works after the outbreak of War?

The number of men now employed at Streatham is 52; 23 have received notice; 20 of these are ex-service men. Of those retained, 16 are non-service men, who were employed after the outbreak of War. In making the selection the Superintendent of Stores gives full consideration to service with the forces, and non-service men employed after the outbreak of War are only retained if they are more valuable as workmen than ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-officers and ex-service men are being dealt with successfully and unsuccessfully now per week by the Appointments Department; how many of the staff have received notice of dismissal since the 1st April last, and how many offices are in process of being closed; does he intend to deal with the problem of the ex-officer and ex-service man in future by means of the machinery at present existing; and will he undertake that economies will not be effected at the expense of men who have served in the forces during the War?

There are roughly 13,000 ex-officers and men of similar educational qualifications on the registers of the Department. Daily efforts are made to place them in employment, and the average number placed per week during the last six months is 360, 8,712 having been placed since 1st January this year. 136 members of the staff have received notice since the 1st April, and 20 provincial offices are at present in process of being closed. The future machinery for finding employment for the class of men referred to by my hon. Friend is receiving my close attention. But my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that our obligation to the ex-service man is not likely to be forgotten.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, yes or no, whether the Appointments Department is going to be merged into the Employment Exchanges?

No, that has not been decided upon. The matter is still under consideration, and is receiving my close attention.

For how much longer is the right hon. Gentleman going to give me that answer? He told me the same thing two months ago.

My hon. and gallant Friend is one of the most solicitous —and rightly so—that we should do our duty by the ex-service men, and he well knows that this matter requires great care.

Is it receiving sympathetic consideration?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before reducing the Appointments Department, he will first discuss his proposed scheme of reduction with the British Legion and the Officers' Association, as representative bodies greatly affected?

It has for some time past been my intention to proceed on the lines indicated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to cut down the Appointments Department to a very small scale; if so, will he publish the proposed scheme for retrenching this Department before it is finally settled, in order that Members of this House may have an opportunity of studying it; whether this scheme has been drawn up at his request or on the intiative of the Controller of the Appointments Department; if the Controller has submitted any alternative scheme as in his opinion preferable; and, if so, whether he will accede to the request that it also may be published?

It is intended at an early date to reduce the expenditure upon the Appointments Department, but the exact method and scope of the reduction are still under consideration. The whole question is receiving the close attention of my advisers, but I have not yet received their proposals. These proposals will be given my fullest consideration, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that before any decision is taken close regard will be paid to the interests of the ex-service man.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Appointments Department is practically the only hope that a very large number of ex-officers have of obtaining employment at the present time, and will he bear that in mind before going too far in reducing it?

I know how much the Department has done for ex-officers, but I am bound to adapt it to the needs of the situation. That I shall do with the fullest regard to the interests of the ex-service men themselves.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship suffered by a number of men who have been taught electrical engineering in the Government instructional factory, Bangor, and have finished their courses of training at the present moment; that it is impossible to place such men in a workshop for training as promised under the scheme; and that it means that the men in question on leaving the training centre revert to their pension, and as no man with a disability of over 40 per cent. is qualified to training the maximum allowance cannot exceed 16s., and some of the men in question who are on a 20 per cent. basis receive 8s. per week; if he can state whether there is any means of removing the grievance under which the men are suffering at the present time: and if he will take action in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ex-soldiers in training centres are being discharged before they have completed their training, inclusive of the period set forth in the scheme for serving with an employer?

It has been found necessary to terminate the institutional training of certain men in this and other centres, who have received large extensions of training and for whom no improvership vacancies can at present be found. I would point out that no man in such a position was discharged between November, 1920, and the end of May, 1921, considerable extensions of training in factories being granted. In order to mitigate the hardship caused, the system under which terminations are now affected has been so graduated over several months that the men with the longest extensions leave the factory first. Special efforts are being and will be made to obtain improver ships, and I hope that, now the industrial horizon is clearing, employers throughout the country will co-operate to the utmost in providing openings for these men. In the meantime they will receive the payments to which they are entitled in respect of disability pension and unemployment insurance.

Is it understood that these men are now looked upon as fully skilled tradesmen?

No. It is part of the system that they should go out to complete their training with firms as improvers. I have the greatest difficulty in getting improverships at this moment, and we have done our best to keep men on, in many cases long after the usual training period, in order to prevent hardship.

Will any further steps be taken, when the industrial situation improves, to give these men an opportunity of finishing their time?

As improvers? Yes, we shall do all that we can, and, as I have said, I hope that employers will help us, when things lift a bit, to give these men a chance.

asked the Minister of Health how many ex-service men still requiring the tenancy of houses are on the registers of local authorities; and whether he will take the claims of those men into consideration in his revision of the housing policy?

I regret that the information desired by the Noble Lord is not in my possession. Local authorities in letting their houses have very generally given a preference to ex-service men, and I think it will be recognised that the State is making a substantial contribution towards their housing needs. I have no authority to interfere with the choice of tenants made by local authorities.

asked the Attorney-General whether a certain barrister, who was of military age and A 1 category, and obtained exemption after exemption during the late War and did not enlist until he had actually been summoned is now frequently employed by the War Office and Air Ministry; and whether no member of the Bar can be found to do such work who fought for his country in the late War?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. He is not aware of any such case as that referred to in the question and will be glad if the hon. Baronet will communicate his information to him. My right hon. Friend's practice has been, and is, so far as the distribution of work is in his control, to prefer the services of members of the Bar who fought for their country.

Will the Attorney-General be here on Monday? If so, I will repeat the question then.

He will not. Perhaps the hon. Baronet will communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that John Clark, residing at 28, Church Lane, Tipton, made application in March for unemployment benefit to the Tipton Employment Exchange; whether he was refused benefit on the ground that he was a miner; whether he had been out of work for six weeks before the coal dispute commenced; and, if so, will he cause inquiry with a view to Clark being paid from the date of application?

This workman first claimed benefit on the 4th April, immediately following the stoppage of work in the mining industry. Owing to a misunderstanding it was supposed that he had lost employment on this account. He renewed his application on the 23rd May when his claim was allowed. Benefit has been paid as from that date and arrangements have now been made to pay benefit for the period from 4th April to 23rd May subject to production of proof of unemployment during this period.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why it is that this man, despite repeated applications, failed to get satisfaction until I myself put a question on the Order Paper? Will he cause inquiry to be made regarding the management of this particular exchange?

Certainly, it was due to a misunderstanding. If my hon. Friend contributed, as no doubt he did, to getting this matter put right, I am much obliged to him.

Was the misunderstanding due to the fact that the man was a miner at the time?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is a good deal of discontent in the minds of the various workpeople at Barking who are out of employment on account of insufficient employment exchanges for Barking; whether there is any intention on behalf of the Government to find more accommodation so as to prevent the out-of-works of Barking travelling long distances to receive their pay and sign the vacant unemployment book; and whether it is the intention of the Government, on account of economy of public expenditure, not in any way to provide adequate accommodation so as to deal with the unemployed members in a more expeditious way?

Representations on this subject have been made to me by the Barking Town District Council and other bodies. At present the majority of applicants from Barking for unemployment insurance benefit have to attend the East Ham Exchange, which is from one to two miles distant. This is one of several cases now being investigated by the Department, in which I am being pressed to open new exchanges. I cannot acquiesce in such requests at the present time without being fully assured as to the need for new premises, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that the most careful consideration will be given to the claims of Barking Town.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total amount of the grants paid or approved by the Ministry in respect of houses constructed of green unseasoned woods; whether he has had any reports with regard to these houses; if so, to what effect; and whether it is proposed to approve grants in respect of the erection of any such houses in future?

No grants have so far been made in respect of houses constructed of unseasoned wood, but plans have been approved for 27 such houses, the grants for which, at the rate of £260 per house, will amount to £6,500. A report made a few months ago on two of these houses which were under construction was quite satisfactory. The whole question of the grants to be made in the future is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, owing to his refusal to sanction the erection of further houses by the local authority, several thousands of the inhabitants of the county borough of Middlesbrough are kept in a state of severe overcrowding, which is having a deleterious effect upon their health; and, as many of these are ex-service men, will he consent to receive a deputation from these sufferers, who desire to state their case personally to him?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by my receiving a deputation. I may point out to the hon. Member that contracts have been approved for 684 houses in Middlesbrough, and that only 248 had been completed on 1st June.

In view of the unsympathetic reply as to receiving a deputation, I beg to give notice that at the first opportunity—which, I understand, will be at 11 o'clock to-morrow night—I shall raise the question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a householder in Brixton applied under the pro- visions of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act to the. sanitary authority of Lambeth for a certificate that his house was not in a reasonable state of repair, and paid 1s. for the same which has been retained; that the sanitary authority has refused to give the certificate, although at the Lambeth county court in December last the householder was awarded damages and costs on account of the house being unfit for human habitation; whether he is aware that upon application to the Ministry of Health the householder was informed that it is not necessary for the sanitary authority to issue such certificates; and whether, in view of the provisions of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, he will issue a notice to the sanitary authorities advising them not to place obstacles in the way of tenants obtaining such certificates, so that the repairs they are paying for in their increases of rent shall be carried out?

My attention has been drawn to the case referred to by the hon. Member, and I am making inquiries of the Lambeth Borough Council with respect to it. I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I receive their reply.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction created by the employment on census duties of men already enjoying full-time employment whilst so many capable men are ready and willing to take service of any kind; whether he is aware that boards of guardians have, on the one hand, been allowing their full-time officials to perform paid work in connection with the census, and on the other hand, have been providing relief to families where the breadwinner cannot find employment; and whether he will explain to what extent, if any, unemployed men have been engaged in connection with the census, and why so many men already in receipt of salary or wages have been allowed to work this overtime to the detriment of the genuine unemployed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies of the late Minister of Health to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) and the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Charles Edwards) and on the 2nd and 3rd March last respectively, and to my reply of the 29th ultimo to the Noble Lord the Member for Battersea South (Viscount Curzon). I am sending the hon. Member copies of these replies.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that it is the intention to declare the week of 12th July as a holiday week in Belfast; whether this means that no unemployment benefit will be paid to those unemployed workers who sign up and are paid through the firms where they had been employed, whereas those who sign up and draw their donations through the labour exchange will be paid the unemployment grant in the ordinary way; and whether, seeing that unemployed workers sign up and are paid through their firms for the convenience of the Labour Ministry, who on account of the numbers of unemployed would find it impossible to deal with the claims themselves, he will take steps to see that this class of worker is paid out-of-work donation during the proposed holiday week, and does not suffer because of an arrangement which has been made to suit the convenience of the Labour Ministry in Belfast?

The rule applied to customary holidays in accordance with decision given by the Umpire is, broadly, that benefit is payable to workpeople wholly unemployed and out of a situation, and not payable to those who, though partially unemployed, are not out of a situation. The arrangements for payment of benefit at employers' premises are made for the convenience of the Department and of the workpeople themselves, and would usually indicate that the workpeople concerned are not out of a situation. The decision, however, does not depend on the place at which benefit is paid, and I am taking steps to ensure that the rule above referred to is carried out.

Will these men be paid?

If they are entitled to be paid, yes. I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the salary payable to each of the three members of the Tillage Appeal Tribunal; what was the date from which the salaries of the members of the tribunal ran and are they still being paid; how many appeals did the tribunal adjudicate on from its institution to 1st April, 1921; and how many appeals were then pending for hearing?

The members of the tribunal are paid a fee of three guineas per day, with necessary travelling expenses, when engaged on the work of the tribunal. The date of the first meeting of the tribunal was the 13th May, 1919. The members are not paid when not engaged on tribunal work. Fifty-five appeals have been adjudicated on. Four appeals have still to be heard.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman what official position he holds in this Government?

The Noble Lord had better consult the records of the House.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the successful experimental results obtained during the last six years by growing New Zealand flax in the South-West of Ireland; and whether, in view of the importance of encouraging local industries in that country, he will take steps to give some official encouragement to this promising enterprise?

I have already had an inspection made of the experiments in the growing of New Zealand flax in the South-West of Ireland and am advised that it is not likely that small farmers in the district in question could be induced to take it up. If the hon. and gallant Member will specify more exactly the nature of the encouragement desired the matter will have further consideration. I am not, however, in a position to promise financial assistance for the experiments.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an Order existed, or now exists, forbidding auxiliary cadets in Ireland, while in plain clothes, to carry arms?

At one time it was thought that unarmed men in plain clothes off duty were safe from attack, still more from murder. More recent experience has, however, proved that this is not so. The rule now is that in no circumstances is any member of the Police forces at any time to be unarmed.

Were the auxiliary police who were attacked in Grafton Square and two of them murdered last week armed? It did not so appear in the papers.

I am sorry I have not the exact information.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a young man named John Buckley was shot at his home at Gurthdrum, Tipperary, on the night of 29th June; whether he had been under arrest for political reasons some months previously; and whether an inquiry has been held and any arrest made?

I have not yet received the finding of the Court of Inquiry in this case. According to the police report three men called at Buckley's house and ordered him to dress and come out. Shortly after his leaving the house, six shots were heard, and he was subsequently found dead. The police state that the deceased man had been under their notice as a member of the Sologhead Company of the "Irish Republican Army," but that since his marriage three months ago he was believed to have abstained from rebel activities. No arrests have been reported up to the present.

( by Private Notice )asked the Chief Secretary whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the acts of looting and murder committed by special constables in the Newry district; whether he can state the circumstances of the murder of Mr. Hickey, of Newry; and who were the murderers of Miss MacAnuff, the school teacher from Bradford?

I am informed that shortly after midnight on the 4th/5th instant a house in Newry was broken into by a party of nine men, at least three of whom were masked. All were dressed in civilian clothes. The three masked men entered the house, and the occupant, a woman, was pushed into a bedroom. She called for police from the window, whereupon a shot was fired by one of the men outside, the bullet striking the wall near the window. Other shots were heard inside the house. Immediately afterwards a whistle was blown outside and the raiders made off. The police are at the present moment continuing their inquiries. There is no evidence in support of the allegation that any woman was dragged out of bed in night attire. All possible steps are being taken for the protection of all citizens of Newry irrespective of their creed. In reply to the question as to the murder of a man called Hickey, a number of men went to the lodgings of Wm. Hickey on the night of the 3rd instant at 1.45 a.m., inquired for him, and took him a short distance outside the town of Newry, where he was shot. The men were all masked, and one of them was armed with a revolver. As soon as the matter was reported to the police, investigations were immediately made, and a number of bullet marks were found, and on Hickey's body, or near it, was found a paper marked "Convicted spy. I.R.A." The hon. Member has not given me notice of the question with reference to the murder of Miss MacAnuff, and I have no information with regard to it.

Was not specific reference made in the question yesterday to the case of Miss MacAnuff? Have the police made any investigations? Have any arrests been made in connection with these murders? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last night five further murders by special constables took place in Newry, and can he give the House any official information with regard to them?

Is there the slightest evidence that these outrages were committed by special constables, as alleged by the hon. Member?

There is not a shadow of doubt about it.

I have no information whatever that there is the slightest evidence to bring special constables into connection with any of these crimes.

You never have,' but you will never give an inquiry.

If my hon. Friend desires an answer I am prepared to give it. I think he will find he is mistaken in saying that he gave me any notice with regard to the murder of Miss MacAnuff. I have no information with regard to the alleged murder of five men last night.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how it is that in every one of these cases it is a respectable Catholic citizen who is murdered and that it is proved that none of them belongs to any political organisation, and will he say what redress is to be found for these innocent men and women who are shot in the dead of the night by what we believe to be, and what an impartial inquiry would prove to be, special constables?

Is it not a fact that before the deplorable occurrence took place, the Sinn Feiners in the three days before murdered several people in Newry?

It is not true.

Circumstances are a little more hopeful in Ireland at the moment, and I think the House will agree that it is not desirable to pursue these questions.

With all respect I would say that human life is very sacred to these people—all human life—and no matter what is taking place in Dublin now, I want to press for some protection for these innocent people who are subject to this treatment at the hands, as we can prove when we get an impartial inquiry, of the custodians of public order in Ireland.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether his attention has been called to these circumstances, and whether he thinks it helps the cause of peace in Ireland that seven murders should take place in Newry in the course of a few hours?

I certainly do not think it helps the cause of peace if murders take place anywhere under any circumstances.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a man named Patrick Murphy, of Cork, was shot by members of the Crown forces on 29th June; whether an inquiry has been held; and with what result?

I have not yet received the finding of the Court of Inquiry in this case.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the reason for the arrest and deportation to Ireland for internment of two brothers, Joseph and Dennis Carr; whether he is aware that, apart from appearing as step dancers, etc., at entertainments organised by the Gaelic League, these men have been engaged in no activities concerning Ireland; that they are employed by the Shoreditch Town Council and have excellent characters; and whether he will allow these men to return to their homes and their work?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have nothing to add to the answer already given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 21st June about these two cases. I am not prepared to release them at present.

What is the charge against these men?

If the hon. Member will read the answer, he will find what is the charge.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, apart from the wages of agricultural labourers, there are in the country any classes of workers whose normal wage is based upon the decisions of a statutory body whose findings have the force of law; and whether there are any similar cases in any other country?

In 34 trades, legal minimum rates of wages under the Trade Boards Acts are in operation. These rates are fixed by trade boards, which are statutory joint bodies of employers and employed, and have the force of law when confirmed by the Minister of Labour. For underground workers in coal mines minimum rates of wages, which are also statutorily enforceable, subject to certain conditions, have been fixed by the joint district boards established under the Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act of 1912. As regards other countries, legal minimum rates of wages, fixed by statutory wages boards or by courts or arbitration, have been in force for about 25 years in Australia and New Zealand. These rates cover both agricultural and industrial workers. In certain provinces of Canada, in France, in a number of the States of the United States of America, in Norway, and in the Argentine, similar systems are in operation to a limited extent in industry, but not in agriculture. In Germany recent legislation has empowered the Government to give legal effect to voluntary wages agreements both in industry and agriculture.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any case where a wages Board in any other country, once established, has been got rid of?

I cannot, without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has read reports of a speech made by Emir Feisal at Basra, in which the latter referred to the favourable policy of Great Britain towards the Arab nation, subsequently to which he was himself described by his friends in their speeches as Arab King of Irak; and whether he will make a statement on the situation thereby arising?

I have seen reports in the sense indicated by the hon. Member, and I believe them to be substantially accurate. With regard to the third part of the question, it appears to be unnecessary to add anything to the statement made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in this House on 14th June.

Would it not be unfortunate if we appeared to be, without dispute, supporters of a gentleman who is unacceptable locally because of his religion, and generally because of his hostility to the French?

The hon. Baronet will not, I think, expect me to accept all the suggestions that he makes. In any case, I would urge that it would be more satisfactory to await further discussion on the general policy when the Debate be resumed.

Is it a fact that the Emir has shown any hostility to the French?

I did not understand that that was the suggestion the hon. Baronet made. If he made it, it would be absolutely without foundation.

Would it not be possible that the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) might be appointed, as on both grounds he would be extremely satisfactory?

In that case I would take the hon. Gentleman as my jester?

asked the Prime Minister what is the earliest date on which he can make a statement as to the termination of the Ministry of Transport?

I cannot make a statement on this subject until there has been full time for consideration, both of the amount of work which will remain to do and of the best means of doing it efficiently.

Will the Government get rid of this post-War Ministry as soon as possible?

I prefer not to add anything to the statement I have made until the Government have had an opportunity of considering the matter.

asked the Prime Minister what is the present position with regard to East Galicia.; which international body is now concerned with the question; whether any attempt has been made to ascertain the wishes of the inhabitants as to the future settlement of this country in accordance with the policy declared on 25th June, 1919; and whether there is any truth in the reports that the Poles are settling colonies there?

Eastern Galicia is at present in the military occupation of the Poles by virtue of a decision of the Peace Conference in June, 1919. Its ultimate allocation has not yet been decided upon, but by Article 91 of the Treaty of St. Germain the rights of Austria have been transferred to the Allied and Associated Powers for disposal. The Supreme Council is the body competent to effect such disposal. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative and to the fourth part in the affirmative.

Will my hon. Friend a little expand his last answer as to the report that the Poles are settling colonies there?

Perhaps if the Noble Lord will put a further question down I can supply further information.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the intention of the United States to withdraw their troops from the occupied territory on the Rhine; whether, if withdrawn, they will be replaced by other troops; and, if so, by what forces?

I have no information to confirm the statements which have appeared in the Press with regard to the alleged intention of the United States Government to withdraw its troops from the Rhine. The latter part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is therefore hypothetical.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the intention of the Government to denounce any of the treaties, engagements, or conventions, sections of which are in conflict with the provisions of the Safeguarding of Industries Bill; and, if so, which of such instruments are to be denounced, and when?

It is not the intention of His Majesty's Government to denounce any Commercial Treaties at the present time. If the inquiries provided for in the Bill disclose cases of dumping due to depreciation of exchange where an order would be it variance with the terms of a commercial treaty, the desirability of denouncing such treaty will be considered.

May we take it that if dumping takes place from those countries it will be at least a year before the provisions in the Safeguarding Bill come into operation?

asked the Minister of Health whether the Committee on the Cause and Prevention of Blindness have as yet reported upon the question of the injury to eyesight resulting from the extreme power of lights used in film production; and whether any action is contemplated as a result?

I have received the Report of the Committee referred to. Their conclusion is that there is evidence of only transient injury to the eyes having occurred in a few cases and that such injury was associated with the use of a particular open arc lamp without a proper screen. I have received an assurance from the Incorporated Association of Kinematograph Manufacturers that no member of the Association will permit any open arc lights to be used in their studios for general illumination without glass filters, and in view of this I do not consider further action necessary.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state the reasons why his Department have decided to remove their objections to the incorporation of Acton and Watford and to retain them against the incorporation of Waltham-stow, Ilford, and Leyton, and other Greater London districts; if he is aware that this apparent favouritism is causing the deepest disappointment and indignation in the districts whose application has been refused, and is calculated to destroy the growing interest in local government affairs that has been stimulated in these disappointed districts; and if, seeing that his original objection that the incorporation of local authorities of Greater London might hamper the work of inquiry into the government of Greater London has apparently been waived on behalf of the districts mentioned, he will state what are now his precise objections to Walthamstow, Ilford, and Leyton being treated in the same way; and whether he will grant the request of the Walthamstow Incorporation Committee for an interview upon this matter?

The governing factor in dealing with these cases is the possibility of an inquiry into the whole question of the government of Greater London. The case of Acton was disposed of, so far as my Department was concerned, before the question of an inquiry had been considered by the Government. The cases of Waltham-stow and Leyton have been postponed pending the decision of the Government, and in the circumstances I do not think an interview would serve any useful purpose. I have no information as to Ilford, and Watford is outside the area of Greater London.

When did Acton and Watford receive this honour?

I must ask for notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the names of the Chinese ladies appointed to consider matters connected with the protection of women and girls, especially the Mui tsai, in the Colony of Hong Kong?

The information is not in my possession, but I will inquire of the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a large number of horses have recently been purchased in Australia for use in Egypt; and, if so, will he inform the House of the reason for bringing horses from Australia to Egypt when large numbers of Army horses in Mesopotamia are being destroyed because they are no longer required in that country?

No horses have been purchased recently in Australia, on behalf of the War Office, for use in Egypt. Horses required by the Army in Egypt to replace normal wastage were shipped from Mesopotamia in May last.