asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that T. Crostan, No. 295,662, Labour Corps, is a miner, now unfit to follow that employment; whether his pension was stopped in July, 1920, without previous notice; whether immediately after he was sent to hospital, and while there warned to attend a medical board, but the doctor declined to let him attend, and later, while still in hospital, was notified that there was no ground for any further award; and whether his treatment allowance stopped on 28th March and no further payment has been made, although he is only fit for light work and at present unemployed?

:This man claimed to be impaired by rheumatism on demobilisation, and pension for that disability was awarded until April, 1920. He was re-examined in March, 1920, when no assessable degree of disablement from rheumatism was discovered, a finding subsequently confirmed by a medical appeal board. A fresh claim in respect of bronchitis was put forward, and pending consideration a provisional award was made until July, 1920. This claim was, however, rejected by the Ministry, and an appeal against that decision is now with the Pensions Appeal Tribunal for hearing.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a letter was forwarded to the Department from Hastings on the 23rd June regarding the position of various pensioners in that town; whether he is aware that in reply the regional director stated that all cases are required to be dealt with in the first instance by the local war pensions committee concerned; and whether, in view of the fact that all the individuals had placed their cases before the local committee previous to the communication being forwarded, he will have inquiries made into the various cases concerned?

:The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The fact stated in the last part of the question, however, had not previously been brought to notice, and in view of that fact I am now having further inquiries made. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman say when I may expect an answer?

:As soon as possible. I cannot say more.

asked the Minister of Pensions if a widow whose husband has died from phthisis within two years of discharge from the Army owing to debility is entitled to a pension?

:It is not possible to give a categorical answer to this question, as each case has to be considered on its merits. I may say, however, that it has frequently been found possible to award full pension to the widow when the husband's death has occurred in the circumstances stated.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will see that the assessment committees encourage medical officers employed in the Ministry to get men who have recovered off the pension list and men who are permanently disabled and in a final and stationary stage on to the list for permanent pension; and is he aware of the grievance felt by men who are aware that they cannot recover at being brought repeatedly before an assessment committee for examination and of the fact that each examination entails a substantial cost to the taxpayer?

:I am aware of the facts stated, and I am entirely in sympathy with my hon. and gallant Friend. I have, in fact, already anticipated his suggestion in the War Pensions Bill which is now before hon. Members, and which is down for Second Reading to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of cases awaiting hearing by the pensions appeal tribunals on the 31st March and the 30th June respectively; whether, in view of the very important nature of their work, the appeal tribunals will sit constantly through the summer vacation; if so, what number; and how many of these will be in the London region?

:The number of cases awaiting hearing by the pensions appeal tribunals on the dates mentioned was as follows: Of the total number of cases awaiting hearing, approximately, 1,000 are cases in which the appellants have already been afforded one or more opportunities of appearing before a tribunal. During the latter part of May and in June additional courts were set up, and 1,000 cases are now being dealt with each week. Further tribunals are in course of formation. Tribunals will sit constantly through the summer vacation. The number of tribunals to sit in August and September has not yet been arranged, but, approximately, 16 will sit during August and 12 during September. The number of tribunals to be allocated to London for the holiday period will depend upon the state of the work in London as compared with other regions.

:Does my hon. and gallant Friend recognise the enormous number still outstanding? Do the Government appreciate the difficulties that are thereby caused? Will steps be taken to materially increase the number of these tribunals?

:The hon. Member had better put that down.

:On a point of Order—

:The hon. Member is taking away from the time of other Members.

:Is it not within the right of an hon. Member to ask a supplementary question dealing with a matter of importance such as is referred to in this question, or are we to understand that no supplementary questions are to be allowed?

:Only to elucidate obscure points in the answer.

:With due deference this is not an obscure point.

:The hon. Member cannot now argue the matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has any results that will justify the continuation of the treatment of ex-service men by the process known as psycho-analysis; whether he has received any protest from the men compelled to undergo this torture; how many people are under this treatment; and what are the qualifications deemed to be necessary by the Ministry for those who are experimenting with shattered lives?

:Satisfactory results have been obtained from this form of treatment which, however, is in no sense compulsory, an essential element of the treatment being the patient's willing co-operation. The treatment is always given by registered medical practitioners who are specially qualified by previous training or experience. I am unable to state the number of patients who have accepted and are receiving this particular form of neurological treatment at the present time.

:Is the fact made quite clear to the men that undergoing this treatment is a voluntary act on their part?

:If that is not clear, I will have it made clear.

:Is there any sort of pressure put on the men by refusing them certain benefits unless they undergo the treatment?

:No, Sir; I am certain of that. If it is not clear to them now, I will see it is made clear.

:What are the "qualifications deemed to be necessary" on the part of those who are experimenting with shattered lives?

:I cannot say, but if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I shall be glad to give an answer.

:Will Members of this House be afforded an opportunity for seeing the hospital methods in this matter?

:Yes, I shall be glad to show them to any Member of the House.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any houses are being built in Ireland for discharged or disabled soldiers; if so, how many; what money, if any, has been allocated by the Treasury for this purpose; where such houses have been or are being built; and if any such houses have been or are being built in Belfast or district?

:Houses are in the course of construction under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, but owing to labour troubles and the general state of unrest in Ireland progress has not been as expeditious as could be desired. The amount of money provided for their construction in the present financial year is about £1,250,000. In addition to construction, some new houses have been bought and are now let to ex-service men. The schemes involving the construction of houses are spread over many parts of Ireland. That confirmed for Belfast involves 174 houses, and an increase in the number is under consideration.

:Are these houses being built close together, so that these wretched men, by being near to one another, may have some chance to protect themselves?

:I imagine that that is being done.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been brought to his knowledge that reservists called up for duty during the late emergency have not been taken back by their employers; and whether he can take any steps to assist such men to obtain employment?

:My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already asked that all cases where demobilised reservists have not been reinstated by employers for whom they were working when called up should be reported to him. Cases so reported are immediately investigated, so far with very satisfactory results. So far as is known no reservist has failed to be reinstated in his previous employment.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a reward has been offered for the death or capture of the hon. Member for South Cork; if so, whether he will state the sum of money offered; whether rewards have been offered for the death or capture of other leading Irishmen; what are the amounts; whether any rewards have been claimed; whether any rewards have been paid out; and on what Vote or Votes will these sums be found?

:The answer to the first and third parts of the question are in the negative. The second and fourth therefore do not arise. The only case in any way similar to that indicated in the question is an award which was offered for the capture of Daniel Breen who, there were strong grounds for believing, was the murderer of Major Smyth, D.S.O., M.C., and Captain White, D.S.O., at the house of Professor Carolan, Fernside, Drumcondra, on the 11th October last year. The award was offered in the case of this man solely on the ground that he was wanted for the specific crime of murder.

:Was the reward offered successful in bringing the murderer to justice?

:No, Sir. I am sorry to say it was not.

:Would a larger reward have any possible result? This murderer ought really to be brought to justice.

:That will be considered.

asked the Chief Secretary the number of Protestants who have been murdered in the County of Cork from 1st January till 25th June, 1921?

:I have asked the Commander-in-Chief for this information, but a reference to Cork is necessary. I only received notice of the question yesterday and shall be glad if the hon. Member will repeat it next week.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the recent murder of John Buckley, labourer, Gurthdrum, County Tipperary; and whether there is any evidence that this man was shot by the armed forces of the Crown?

:I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Rothwell.

asked the Chief Secretary if he has any information with regard to the circumstances of the death of Constable Hannon, whose body has recently been found in a bog at Phillips-town, King's County?

:The deceased man was a special constable attached to Clonbologne Edenderry. He was kidnapped while on patrol duty on 19th July last and had not been heard of until his body was found in a decomposed condition in a bog at Ballintogher on 29th June. It is evident that he had been brutally murdered as a rope was found round the neck and there was a bullet wound in the head.

asked the Chief Secretary if an inquiry has been held in respect of the deaths of James Sullivan, aged 20, and Patrick J. Sheehan, aged 28, of Coolasmuthine, Charleville, County Cork, on 29th June; and if attached to each body was a card bearing the words, "Convicted spy; beware. I.R.A."?

:I have not yet received the finding of the Court of Inquiry in this case, but the police report states that the bodies of John Sullivan and Patrick Sheehan were found lying by the roadside, and that each had a label round the neck bearing the words, "Convicted spies; beware." "Irish Republican Army."

asked the Chief Secretary if any arrests have yet been made in respect to the assassination of William Hickey, formerly of Manchester, a young assistant at a furniture shop at Newry, County Down, who was taken from his lodgings on 30th June and his body riddled with bullets?

:No arrest has yet been reported in this case, but the police are pursuing their inquiries.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Constable Shanley, who was fired at after attending Mass at Kildorrey Church, Cork, on 26th June; and if he is aware that his assailants fired a number of shots into his body whilst he was lying mortally wounded?

:I regret to say that no arrests have been made in this case. The Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest found that the deceased constable was murdered by some person or persons unknown. Evidence was given before the Court that while he was lying on his back in the road one of the assassins fired three shots. into his body.

asked the Chief Secretary if an inquiry has been held into the recent murder of Hugh Newman, an ex-soldier, of Liddergan, County Cavan, who was taken from his bed, blindfolded, and murdered; and if he is in a position to give the finding of such an inquiry?

:The Court of Inquiry in this case found wilful murder against some unknown person or persons of the Irish Republican Army.

:Are ex-soldiers who have received threatening letters and are in danger of assassination allowed to carry arms for protection?

:I answered that question yesterday.

:Is it a fact that ex-soldiers who have been carrying arms have been shot by forces of the Crown because they happened to be on the wrong side?

:I am not aware of that.

:Is the hon. Gentleman aware that an ex-soldier who had four brothers in the Army was murdered in Belfast by the police and no attempt has even been made to bring the assassins to justice?

:No, I never heard of such a case.

:You have, because I put three questions upon it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any arrests have been effected in connection with the assassination on 28th June of James Doherty, an ex-soldier, who was shot dead at Athlumkart Bridge, Limerick, by members of the Irish Republican Army?

:No arrest has yet been made in this case.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the murder of Private Frederick Crowther, of the 2nd Staffordshire Regiment, whose body was found on 28th June riddled by bullets in a field at St. Luke's, Cork; and if this soldier had been shot whilst in a sitting position?

:I have not yet received the proceedings of the Court of Inquiry in this case, but the police report states that the murdered soldier and two comrades had been out for a walk and were returning to barracks about 10 p.m. when they were attacked by nine men armed with revolvers. The soldiers were unarmed and unable to defend themselves. Private Crowther was separated from his comrades, one of whom was wounded in the chest and side, but eventually got back to barracks with the assistance of the other, who escaped by throwing himself on the ground and shamming death. As Crowther did not return the locality was searched and his body was found next day with bullet wounds in the chest, side, and face and behind the ear. Inquiries are being pursued, but so far no arrests have been reported.

:Are soldiers of His Majesty's forces allowed to carry arms in self-defence?

:These soldiers do not appear to have been carrying arms. I cannot say whether they are permitted to do so or not.

:In view of the fact that we had a night's discussion on the necessity of some protection for soldiers and forces of the Crown when walking in the streets in Ireland, and that we had a definite promise that something would be done in that direction, can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea that anything has been done as a result of that Debate?

:I will find out for the hon. Member what has been done in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an inquiry has yet been held into the death of Edward Weir, of Ballintubber, Castlerea, stated to have been taken from his house by two men on the morning of 30th June; and whether the perpetrators of this outrage have yet been traced?

asked the Chief Secretary if he is in a position to give any details with regard to the murder of Edward Weir, herdsman, employed near Ballintubber, County Roscommon, who was taken from his home in the early hours of 30th June, and whose body was found in a field close to his house?

:The Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest in the case of Edward Weir found that the deceased was murdered by some person or persons unknown. He was taken from home by two armed and masked men at 3 a.m. on 30th June and was later found dead. It is regretted that no arrests have been made in connection with this outrage.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is in a position to give any information with regard to the destruction of the Castle Hotel, Bally-bunion, on 27th June; and if he has any evidence to show that this hotel had been destroyed by Sinn Feiners?

:A fire broke out at this hotel at about 2.30 a.m. on 26th June, and the police found on their arrival that the main part of the building had been completely destroyed. No one was living in the hotel at the time. The neighbours helped the police to extinguish the flames, with the result that the wings and a quantity of furniture was preserved. There is at present no definite evidence to prove how the fire originated.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the recent burning of the Allen Institute, Bandon, County Cork, occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association; and if he can state how many residences and buildings belonging to Protestants in this district have been destroyed by Sinn Fein during the month of June last?

:The Allen Institute in Bandon was almost completely destroyed by fire in the early morning of 29th June. By the time the fire was observed it was beyond control, and all the police and military could do was to try and prevent it from spreading to the Presbyterian Church adjoining. In this they were successful. The institute was built about 10 years ago, and left by Mr. Allen to the Protestants of Bandon, but there were no restrictions made as to its use, and persons of all creeds and classes frequented it to read the papers and play billiards. The police have no doubt that this was an act of incendiarism, but there is at present no evidence as to the identity of the perpetrators. As regards the last part of the question, I am having inquiry made.

:Is it not a fact that attempts are being made to exterminate the whole of the Protestant population of Cork?

:I cannot speak as to that.

asked the Chief Secretary the number of Protestant farmers who have been forced to flee from their farms in the County of Cork during the last six months?

:I doubt if this information is readily obtainable, but I am having inquiries made and, if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question next week, I will do my best to answer him.

asked the Prime Minister whether any of the Premiers from the Dominions are about to visit Ireland or will attend the conference to which he has invited the leaders of Sinn Fein and the Prime Minister of Ulster?

:I understand that General Smuts went to Ireland on Tuesday on the invitation of Mr. de Valera. I do not know whether any other of the Prime Ministers intend to visit Ireland. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

:Did General Smuts see the right hon. Gentleman and confer with him before he went over there?

:I am constantly seeing General Smuts.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of women and children, respectively, murdered or kidnapped in Ireland by the forces of Sinn Fein since 1st January last, the number escaped or restored to liberty, and the number whose fate or whereabouts is unknown?

:Seven women have been murdered during this period and three kidnapped. The latter are all still missing. No children have been murdered or kidnapped. In addition, nine women have been wounded. These figures do not include women and children killed or injured during bomb attacks on police and military lorries in the streets of Dublin and Cork, and attacks on railway trains.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is in possession of any information with regard to the fate of Constable G. H. S. Duckham, who was recently kidnapped at Macroom, County Cork?

:I am informed that a letter purporting to come from the Irish Republican Army has been received by Constable Duckham's parents stating that he was to be shot. The police have made exhaustive inquiries, but up to the present they have not been able to find any trace of the missing constable.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. T. H. Lewis, recently employed by the Congested Districts Board, was unable to receive National Health Insurance benefit owing to the contributions deducted from his wages not having been paid into the Insurance Fund; and whether, under such circumstances, the amount he would have received in sickness benefit will be paid to him, or the deductions from his wages refunded?

:I have asked the National Health Insurance Commission to make the necessary local inquiry in this case at once, and will communicate the result in due course to the hon. Member.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a mysterious curfew tragedy in Belfast on the night of Friday, 10th June; whether a man who was arrested after curfew is reported, while being conveyed to the police barracks, to have jumped from a Crossley tender, sustaining injuries from which he died; whether the body remained unidentified, and was subsequently buried in a pauper's grave in the city cemetery in Belfast; whether it has now transpired that there were in the victim's clothing documents which could easily have enabled the body to be identified; whether, as a matter of fact, the man was a Mr. Edward Fitzgerald, 122, Dover Street, Belfast, a veteran ex-soldier, who had served 13 years in the Army, including four years' service in the late War, and who had been in the employment of the Great Northern Railway of Ireland, part of whose railway uniform he was wearing when he met his death; whether he can state who was responsible for suppressing the evidence of identification; why no steps were taken to find out and acquaint the relatives; and what explanation he has to offer on the matter?

:This man was seen acting in a suspicious manner in the vicinity of the College Square, Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks, at 2.30 a.m. on 11th June. When interrogated, he refused to answer any questions or give an account of himself. The police accordingly arrested him under the Curfew Regulations. While he was being conveyed to the police office in a Crossley tender he broke away from his escort and jumped on to the footpath. He was unconscious when picked up, and died a few hours later in hospital without regaining consciousness. There was nothing found on him, either in the shape of uniform or papers, to show that he was employed by any railway company. The only papers found were some betting tickets bearing the name of Edward Fitzgerald, commission agent, Belfast. Exhaustive inquiries failed to trace any man of that name. Every effort was made to ascertain the deceased man's identity, a detailed description was circulated, and a photograph taken, and the body retained for a week in the morgue, but without result, and at the adjourned inquest on 28th June a verdict was recorded that deceased, an unknown man, met his death from fracture of the skull by throwing himself from a Crossley tender. The burial arrangements were made by order of the Coroner.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with reference to the announcement recently made by the Admiralty with regard to the lights on the south-west coast of Ireland, he can state whether application has been made to the Admiralty and to the War Office for protection of these lighthouses; what has been the result of these applications respectively; if he can state how the raids upon these lighthouses were carried out; what was the strength of the raiding parties; what amount of fog signals was taken away; what is the distance of the Fastnet lighthouse from the shore; by what means did the raiding party reach this lighthouse; and, in view of the grave danger to Atlantic snipping if these lights and fog signals are interfered with in any way, if he will make further representations to the Admiralty as regards those lighthouses which are off the shore, and to the War Office as regards those lighthouses which are on shore, to furnish the necessary protection against rebel raids?

:The Admiralty and the War Office have been approached in this matter, but neither Department is able to provide permanent protection for lighthouses on the Irish coast. So far as lighthouses out at sea are concerned, however, His Majesty's ships will keep in touch as frequently as possible. As regards the second part of the question, the Fastnet lighthouse, which is about six miles from shore, was raided on 20th June by a party of men in two boats. They took away some of the explosives, also stores and binoculars. The Bull Rock lighthouse, which is still further out, was raided on the previous day and explosives and stores were taken.

:Cannot further representations be made to the Admiralty with reference to the extreme importance of maintaining the fog signals on the Fastnet lighthouse, especially in view of the fact that every ship arriving from America has to make that light, and that there is a very easy method by which that lighthouse could be garrisoned and the fog signals protected?

:The Admiralty are aware of the importance of the Fastnet lighthouse, and steps will be taken to see that it is properly protected.

:Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in answer to two questions on the subject it has been stated that the Admiralty will not do anything? Will he make further representations?

:Is it not the fact that the Admiralty have referred expressly to the Irish authorities?

:Further representations will be made to the Admiralty on this point.

( by Private Notice )>asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the events at Kildress, County Tyrone, on Sunday morning last; whether he is aware that in the early hours of that morning over 30 lorries and motor cars conveying special constables from Cookstown and Dungannon drove into the parish; whether this force on arrival broke up into small parties and proceeded to raid and wreck Catholic houses; whether they broke into and set fire to the local Catholic parochial hall; whether they raided the local public house for drink; whether other shops and houses were raided and thrown into disorder in the course of the raid which lasted six hours: whether in one house visited the only occupants were two little girls, the other inmates having gone to their devotions; whether the raiders asked the elder of the two girls to sign a document that no harm had been done, and on her refusing, whether one of them placed a revolver at her head and threatened to shoot her; whether an old man of over 60 returning to his home, was fired at without warning and seriously wounded; whether people returning from church were wantonly fired on without warning, and only escaped death by lying in ditches, and what was the reason and who was responsible for this raid, and will he take steps immediately to disband this force?

:I have made inquiries into the various allegations contained in this question, of which I only received notice to-day. I am informed that a party of Crown forces in four lorries and 14 motor cars visited Kildress on the date mentioned to search for arms owing to the police having been fired at in the locality. A public-house and a number of shops and houses were searched, but the allegation that the public-house was raided for drink is denied. An old man was slightly wounded, but I have not yet been able to ascertain how he came by his injury. Further inquiry is being made with regard to the other allegations, and if the hon. Member will repeat his question on Monday of next week, I hope to be in a position to furnish him with fuller information.

:Will the hon. and learned Gentleman say, in view of the universal acts of rowdyism and the attacks upon innocent people by these special constables, who are really not constables at all, but are only volunteers from Ulster with the authority of the Crown behind them, and in view of the complaints that have been made and the atrocities these men have committed, what is to be done to protect innocent Catholic citizens in Ulster towns from their depredations?

:I do not know of any such state of affairs existing in Ulster as the hon. Gentleman alleges. Every effort is made to answer every question put by the hon. Gentleman.

:Is not the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that a series of questions has been put down, and charges made, and instances published in the newspapers, in regard to this matter? Is he aware that five murders were committed yesterday in Newry by these men, that a lady teacher was shot near Newry by them, and will he state what protection will be afforded, or will this House afford any protection at all, to innocent people who are being murdered in the dead of the night by these people? If the Chief Secretary is not here, will the Leader of the House answer the question? What protection is to be afforded to innocent citizens who are being murdered in the dead of night by the forces of Ulster backed by the Crown? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] Now, Archer-Shee, what have you to say?

( later ): On a point of Order. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether you noticed the fact that the hon. Member for the Falls Division alluded to me by name, and will you ask him to refrain from doing so?

:Unhesitatingly I apologise for mentioning the hon. and gallant Member's name.

:That was one of those playful matters which the Chair does not notice.

( by Private Notice )asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is a fact that Mr. P. S. Brady, Resident Magistrate of Bantry, County Cork, was taken from his home on Monday evening last, by armed and disguised men who drove him away in a motor car to an unknown destination; whether Mr. Brady had only returned to the district after a prolonged holiday abroad; whether Mr. Brady had been ordered to take this holiday because his life might be in danger on account of evidence given by him in connection with the murder of Canon Magner by Black and Tan forces; whether he can state why Mr. Brady was recalled, why he was sent back to this district, and what further information has he to offer in this matter?

:On a point of Order. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether, in view of the fact that in the question which has just been asked by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool and in the question asked previously by the hon. Member for the Falls Division of Belfast, there is no particular urgency, it is not an infringement of the rights of Members of this House that these questions should be asked on private notice? I respectfully point out that, if it is permissible to ask these questions on private notice, every one of the very large number of questions which have already been asked today on Irish affairs, after appearing on the Paper, might equally well be asked on private notice?

:It is quite true that questions are sometimes tendered to me which might more properly be put upon the Paper. These questions should be limited to questions of special urgency, but, unfortunately, the discretion in this matter lies with Mr. Speaker, and it is not a very easy one to apply. I have frequently asked Members to put questions on the Paper, but some of them are inclined to try in this way to get an addition to their ration.

:Every effort is being made to ascertain the information sought for by the hon. Member, but, probably owing to the brief notice given, the information has not yet come to hand.

:Will the hon. and learned Gentleman specially inquire into the reasons why Mr. Brady, who was warned by the authorities to leave Ireland and remain out of it because he was in danger of being killed by the Black and Tans—

HON. MEMBERS: Order, order!

:Yes, that was the reason given. Will the hon. and learned Gentleman have special inquiries made why the same authorities sent Mr. Brady back to precisely the same place where the Black and Tans threatened to assassinate him if they got him?

:The question has already been answered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the full text of the Greek reply to the recent Allied representations has been received; and what steps are being taken to end the hostilities between Greece and Turkey or to limit their scope and area?

:The Greek reply just received is of a simply negative character, and does not, therefore, in itself call for immediate further action on the part of His Majesty's Government. While for the moment no further step seems open to His Majesty's Government to end or circumscribe hostilities, no opportunity of doing so will be overlooked or omitted.

:As we have been unsuccessful with the Greek Government, could not we now consult the Turkish Government with a view to avoiding any fighting between ourselves and Turkey?

:I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that that has not been overlooked.

asked the Prime Minister if the treaty with Spain is still in force; if so, when does it expire; and whether a new treaty is under discussion?

:I have been asked to reply. The commercial relations of this country with Spain are governed by the Exchange of Notes of 1894, the agreement being terminable at six months' notice by either party. Neither party has given notice to terminate the agreement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the revival in industry, he will consider the advisability of abolishing the dole at an early date, particularly in view of the fact that it is a great expense to the taxpayer and is encouraging voluntary unemployment?

:I have been asked to reply, My hon. Friend is asking for the repeal of the Unemployment Insurance Acts. That is out of the question. And as regards the use of the word "dole," let me observe that for the insurance year, ending July, 1922, the income of the Unemployment Fund will, it is estimated, be £37,000,000, of which employers will contribute £15,800,000 and workpeople £13,750,000. The cost to the Exchequer will be, therefore, slightly less than £7,500,000. I admit that under Section 3 of the Act of last March the grave volume of unemployment made it necessary to initiate conditions for the receipt of benefit less onerous than those which form part of the normal provisions of unemployment insurance. But every care is taken to watch the administration of the benefit under this Section, and under the Act generally, with the view to the avoidance of abuse.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman state how it is increasing voluntary unemployment, as suggested in the question?

:The Minister does not take responsibility for that. Hon. Members ought not to put into their questions words that carry allegations. The object of questions is to obtain information, and not to put the particular views of hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of aliens registered at the Employment Exchanges; the number in receipt of unemployment benefit; and what proportion of these are of ex-enemy nationality?

:Separate particulars are not kept of the number of aliens registering or claiming unemployment benefit at Employment Exchanges.

asked the Prime Minister whether the meeting of Dominion Premiers and Indian representatives has come to any conclusion regarding the renewal or modification of the Anglo-Japanese Agreement; and, if so, what?

asked the Prime Minister what is the present position with regard to the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Alliance; on what date it is now held to terminate unless renewed by both parties; when he expects to be in a position to make a statement to Parliament on the subject; and whether this House will then be given an opportunity for discussing the question?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Government has taken any steps, and, if so, of what nature, to bring about a conference aimed at reducing the heavy naval and military burdens which rest on all nations and prevent reconstruction being satisfactorily carried out after the War;

(2) whether at any time the suggestion of a Pan-Asiatic conference has been brought to his notice; and whether, if this is not the case, he will consider the desirability of issuing the necessary invitations to the United States, Japan, and China with the object of terminating the controversies which threaten the peace of the Far East and the trade of this country?

asked the Prime Minister whether, under the Anglo- Japanese Alliance, His Majesty's Government exercises an equivalent voice in Japanese action on the Siberian or Chinese mainland; whether the British Government is consulted before any aggressive or forward policy is adopted by the Tokyo administration; and what happens in the case of a difference of opinion which may be pregnant with serious after-effects?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Anglo-Japanese Treaty was denounced last year and the fact intimated to the House; whether the Treaty will cease to exist this month; if it is the intention of the Government to extend it for a further three months;

(2) whether he is aware of the action of the Japanese authorities in the Kwantung Peninsula, in South Manchuria, in making use of the Japanese gold currency; whether he is aware that the Chinese Government has sent an official protest to the Japanese Government; and whether, as the British and Japanese Governments are pledged by Treaty to maintain the integrity and sovereignty of China, he will draw the attention of the Japanese Government to the action of their representatives in South Manchuria and advise the repudiation of such action?

:I hope soon to be in a position to make a statement on these important subjects. I am fairly hopeful of being in a position to make a statement on Monday. It depends upon whether replies are received from the United States, Japan, and China; but premature declarations would interfere with the success of negotiations now proceeding. [ The words above printed in italics were inadvertently omitted from the daily issue of the Official Report, col. 623, Thursday, 7th July, 1921— owing to the fact that they did not appear in the copy of the answer supplied in the ordinary way from Downing Street, but were interpolated by the Prime Minister during his reply. ]

:Without going into details, might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can answer the last part of Question 29, in which I ask whether this House will be given an opportunity of discussing the question? After the right hon. Gentleman has made his statement, will the matter be open for an expression of opinion by the House?

:I think it would be far better that that question should be put to me after I have stated to the House what action it is proposed to take.

:May I point out that my Question 39 relates to the currency of the Japanese being forced upon the Chinese, and asks whether any action has been taken by His Majesty's Government to insist upon Japan recognising the Treaty, instead of enforcing upon the Chinese people things which do not belong to China?

:I think the hon. Member will find that the answer which I shall give has a bearing upon the whole of these questions.

:Does the old Treaty expire on 13th July of this year, as the result of the declaration made to the League of Nations, or does it automatically continue for another year?

:The answer which I shall give will cover that, and I hope the House will not press me about details.

:Would the right hon. Gentleman make it a little clearer about the right of the House to discuss this matter? Is that denied by the Prime Minister?

:No, I certainly do not suggest that the House should not discuss the matter, if it desires to do so, after that statement is made; but I think it is far better that that question should be put after the House has heard what action the Government propose to take.

:May I again draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the fact that Question 39 has nothing to do with the renewal of the Treaty, which I understand is what he is going to deal with in his statement on Monday? Question 39 refers to action which has already taken place, and which involves a breach of faith—

:Perhaps the hon. Member would put his question in such a form as to ask for a particular answer to the question referred to.

:May I ask if the Prime Minister can give a particular answer to that question, which refers to a breach of the present Treaty, and not to its renewal?

:If the hon. Member finds that the answer which I give on Monday does not cover that, he cam easily put it on Monday. There will be no harm in the postponement till Monday, and I think the hon. Member will find that the answer I give on Monday will be a very comprehensive one.

:What form will the opportunity for discussion take?

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the letter written by the British and Japanese Governments to the League of Nations admitting that the Anglo-Japanese Treaty is not in conformity with the Covenant of the League constitutes no formal denunciation of the Treaty and has no juridical effect; and, if so, what effect, if any, such letter has, and why it was written?

:I would refer the hon. Baronet to the reply just returned by the Prime Minister to other questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to state whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill during the present Session of Parliament for the purpose of carrying out the recommendations of the conference on licensing legislation presided over by the Attorney-General?

:Until the recommendations of the Conference have been received and considered by the Government, I am not in a position to make any statement.

:Is it not a fact that the Attorney-General declared that the Conference has completed its deliberations?

:The Attorney-General has had to go to Manchester. When he returns, I have no doubt he will report.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that if any action is to be taken, it must be taken very speedily? Could he give us any indication?

:It has been given.

:May I ask if there is any reasonable expectation that the Attorney-General's report will be in the right hon. Gentleman's hands in a few days, as, otherwise, no action will be possible this Session?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the feasibility of introducing a Measure to enable such Members of either Chamber who are Ministers of State to take part in the business of either Chamber without the privilege of recording their vote in the Chamber of which they are not summoned or elected Members?

:This is a question which will have to be considered in connection with the proposed reform of the Second Chamber.

:When may we expect the reform of the Second Chamber?

An HON. MEMBER: Never.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Home Office Memorandum on the Amendment of the Law of British Nationality has been considered by the Imperial Conference; and can he state the general effect of the Government recommendations on the status of Britons born in foreign countries?

:The question is under consideration by the Imperial representatives now in London. With regard to the second part of the question, I would prefer to answer that after a decision has been arrived at.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many countries belong to the League of Nations; what is the estimated cost of maintaining the League for the current financial year; and what part of such cost will be borne by Great Britain?

:Forty-eight States are at present Members of the League of Nations. The Budget of the League covers the calendar year and for 1921 amounts to 21,250,000 gold francs or, quoted in sterling, reckoning 20 gold francs to the £, about £1,062,500. Great Britain's contribution is approximately £52,000— the exact amount will depend upon the rate of exchange current at the time the instalments are paid.

:Could the right hon. Gentleman inform us how many nations have been refused admittance to the League?

:The information could very easily be given but I do not happen to have it with me.

:Does the £52,000 include such benefactions as the money granted for dealing with typhoid in Poland or will that necessitate an extra budget?

:I think it is inclusive, but I do not think it includes what my hon. Friend calls benefactions. All the payments are easily available.

:What is the contribution of the whole British Empire?

:I have not that figure here. Of course it is desirable when figures are required that notice of the question should be given.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will give the House some information as to the recently announced determination of the League of Nations to look after the health of the world, the manner in which this enterprise is to be conducted, and the probable cost to the taxpayers of this island?

:In pursuance of Articles 23 and 25 of the Covenant, the League is proceeding, as it is bound to do, to set up an International Health Organisation. At the present moment the arrangements are in the initial stage only. Great Britain makes a lump-sum contribution towards the expenses of the League, no part of it being earmarked to particular branches of the League's work.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any information as to the value of this contribution even as a measure of preservation against plague?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of British clerks, male and female, employed in the offices of the League of Nations at Geneva, the terms and conditions of their employment, and the cost involved?

:The Secretariat of the League of Nations is divided into two categories, namely, the administrative and clerical sides. The majority of the former have been engaged for a period of five years, but, as regards the latter, appointments are usually terminable at a short period of notice on either side. The total number of the British members of the secretariat of both categories is 120 with a present salary roll of 1,206,960 gold francs.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when it is probable that the inquiries now proceeding with respect to the future requirements of the Navy, and the number and class of ships which it is desirable should be provided in the light of the experience gained during the recent War, will be completed; and whether a Report on the subject will be issued before any decision is come to as to discussing with America or other countries proposals for the reduction of naval armaments?

:The problems of Imperial defence and the limitation of armaments are among the subjects under consideration by the Imperial Conference, and I can make no further statement upon them at present.

:Have not the United States decided that the existing programme shall go forward, and is it not a fact that if that is carried out the United States will then be the largest naval Power in the world?

:I deprecate my hon. and gallant Friend pressing me with questions about a matter which is entirely for consideration by the Imperial Conference. I do not think any good purpose could be served by partial and imperfect answers such as alone I could give.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consult the Prime Minister of Canada, who is now in this country, as to the merits of the turnover or sales tax now in force in Canada and also as to whether the revenue from this tax is in excess of any other form of taxation either previously or at present in force in that country, with the view to its adoption in this country?

:As the Leader of the House informed my hon. Friend on the 1st March last, whatever may be the merits of a turnover tax, it is not considered that the present time is a favourable one for introducing a new tax on trading transactions in this country. In any case, in view of the very heavy pressure upon the time of the Prime Minister of Canada during his stay in this country, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer would not feel justified in asking him for information which is obtainable through normal departmental channels.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the moneys derived from the duties upon mechanically propelled vehicles will be used solely for the improvement of roads; whether the Treasury have any intention of utilising the road fund for any other purpose; and if there is any change of policy contemplated with regard to the application of this fund?

:The application of the proceeds of the duties on mechanically propelled vehicles is governed by Act of Parliament, and could only be altered By a further Act of Parliament. I am not aware of any intention to introduce such legislation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will investigate into the great increase in the cost of the outdoor establishment of the Inland Revenue, which in 1913–14 amounted to £304,520, when the work was done by officials known as surveyors of taxes, with a staff of 1,784 persons, which in 1920–21 had increased to £1,719,970, exclusive of a large War bonus, the work in the latter period being done by persons described as His Majesty's inspectors of taxes, who require a staff of 5,215 persons?

:The expansion of staff to which my hon. Friend draws attention has been necessitated by the immense additions to the work and responsibilities of the Inland Revenue Department which have resulted from the increased complexity of tax law, the imposition of new duties, and the increase in the number of Income Tax payers. The number of taxpayers has grown from 1,200,000 in 1913–14 to 6,000,000 in 1920–21.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware of the large stock of redundant furniture stored at Chiswick and other depots, and that by repair or conversion a large part of this furniture could be used and thus obviate the purchase of new furniture; and whether he is satisfied that this furniture is being used to the best possible advantage?

:I am fully aware that there are large stocks of redundant furniture released through reduction of staffs in Government Departments, and every opportunity is taken to meet current demands for furniture from these stocks to obviate the purchase of new furniture. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

:Has the hon. Gentleman made inquiries as to whether Government Departments are not purchasing new furniture at very high prices and disposing of this very suitable furniture at ridiculously low prices?

:I have made special inquiries and have satisfied myself that that is not so.

:Is it not a fact that not only in reference to furniture, but also in reference to other things, you are selling the very goods which you are buying?

:What would become of the big businesses if they did not?

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the number of men engaged in or on administrative duties, and the number of men engaged on the industrial staff in the engineering, building, and supplies sections, respectively, of the Office of Works during the week ending 4th June, 1921, and the corresponding figures for the first weeks in June, 1919 and 1920?

:The number of men engaged in or on administrative duties at the beginning of June, 1919, 1920, and 1921 were, in the architects' division, 642, 719, and 974; in the engineering division, 122, 156, and 180; and in the supplies' division, 303, 287, and 290, respectively. The number of industrial and manual workers employed at the same periods were, in the architects' division, 1,361, 1,436, and 5,286; in the engineering division, 421, 1,631, and 1,495; and in the supplies division, 971, 2,094, and 1,424, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to the suggestion appearing in the public Press to the effect that a cancellation of the debts contracted by the Allies to Great Britain against an equal value of British manufactured goods, raw materials from the British Colonies bought from Great Britain, and freights for goods carried in British bottoms, would help to solve the international exchange problem, would considerably help British trade, and prevent unemployment; and whether the matter will receive his serious attention?

:My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the suggestion, which will receive due consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in his Budget Estimate for this year he has taken account of any revenue that may be derived from the duties imposed by the Safeguarding of Industries Bill?

:The answer is in the negative.

:Does the Treasury expect to receive nothing in respect of this 33⅓ per cent. duty?

:That is not the question put to me by the hon. Member, and that implication is not contained in my answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that after the Egyptian police and troops had utterly failed to restore order in Alexandria during the recent outbreak two platoons of British infantry appeared on the scene, with the result that the rioting: and looting immediately stopped; and whether His Majesty's Government in Egypt have taken any steps to inform the Egyptian Government that in future, should the Egyptian police and military be unable to quell disorder likely to result in the death of or injury to Europeans, British troops will at once be placed in charge of the town or district: in which outbreaks have occurred?

:With regard to the first part of the question, I am not at present in a position to add anything to the statements that have already been made on the subject of the disturbances at Alexandria. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the Noble Lord to the communiqué addressed to the Egyptian people by His Majesty's High Commissioner on 26th May, in which Lord Allenby made it clear that the ultimate responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Egypt devolved upon himself.