asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the Committee the Government of India proposes to despatch to Fiji?

The Government of India and the Government of Fiji have agreed that a Committee, composed of Mr. V. S. Srinivasa Sastri, Member of the Indian Council of State; Pandit Hirday Nath Kunzru, Member of the Legislative Council, United Provinces; and Mr. G. L. Corbett, C.I.E., Indian Civil Service, should visit Fiji in the autumn of this year.

The terms of reference to the Committee will be:—

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that at present only the printers and publishers of newspapers in India are required by law to be registered, steps will now be taken to require the proprietors and editors of news papers in India to be similarly registered?

The whole question of Press legislation in India is now under consideration by the Government of India, in consultation with a Committee specially appointed for the purpose. I understand that the point which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind is not being overlooked.

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress the necessity of this upon the Government of India?

I do not think there is any necessity to impress it upon the Government of India. I have ascertained that it is not being overlooked, but it Is being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the dividends paid by Indian cotton mills as exampled by Sholapore Company, 1,000 per cent. per annum, Lakshmi Company and Maneckji Company each 500 per cent., Kohinoor Company, 375 per cent., Morarjee Goculdas Company and Swadeshi Company, each 350 per cent., Madras United, 300 per cent., and many others from 100 per cent. to 300 per cent.; whether, as these dividends were declared shortly before the Indian Budget was introduced, the Indian Government considered these large profits when framing schemes to raise revenue and, if so, what additional taxes have been imposed upon and what additional revenue is expected from cotton mills companies; and, if such revenue is not in fair proportion to the increases in import duties, will he represent to the Indian Government the need of reconsidering the import duties on cotton goods in view of such large sources of internal revenue being available?

I am aware that the Indian cotton mills have recently paid large dividends, but the figures given by my hon. Friend appear to be greatly in excess of those published in the Press. The only additional tax specifically imposed on the cotton mills companies in connection with the recent Indian Budget lay in the withdrawal of the concession under which machinery and stores imported for use in a cotton spinning or weaving mill were admitted free of duty. The additional revenue anticipated from the change is 10 lakhs. With regard to the last part of the question, I can only refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 23rd March to a deputation from Lancashire regarding the Indian cotton duties.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures given by the hon. Member, though they may be in excess of the figures published in the British Press, are correct from the official accounts of the companies concerned?

I am informed that they are greatly in excess of any figures that we have.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he can get confirmation of these figures from the "Times of India" in any issue for the last two months, and that these figures are published and are available for the information of anybody connected with the Indian Office; and, if these figures are justified, and considering that the question of the Indian Import Duties was purely one of revenue and not of protection for India, is it not desirable that these duties should be reconsidered and that the burden should be placed on the available revenues in India?

I will investigate the figures further, but I do not think they affect the principle laid down, after discussion by a Committee of this House, that the Government of India should have fiscal autonomy.

Is it not possible for the firms to pay these dividends in consequence of the low wages paid to textile workers and the long hours worked?

Any further questions must be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give a list of the pre-War infantry battalions of the Indian Army which have been earmarked for disbandment, with the date on which each battalion was raised; whether these disbanded battalions are to be replaced by fresh battalions; if so, how these fresh battalions are to be constituted; and for what reason the change is to be made?

The only pre-War infantry battalion which has been reported as having been already disbanded is the 44th Merwara Infantry, which was raised as a local battalion in the year 1822. It is understood that the 80th Carnatic Infantry is to be disbanded in September. This unit was raised in 1777. Beyond these two battalions, I regret that I am unable to give my hon. and gallant Friend a list of pre-War infantry units earmarked for disbandment, as no final decision on the subject has been reached. The remainder of my hon. and gallant Friend's question therefore does not arise.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his undertaking, given to me some months ago, that no further reductions would take place pending the decision of the Committee of Imperial Defence, is valid?

Yes. The undertaking which I gave to my hon. Friend will be strictly observed.

What is happening to the officers of these disbanded battalions which are being retrenched?

I understand that a committee is working out the details of disbandment. I think I answered a question of the hon. Baronet the day before yesterday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a more explicit answer upon that point soon, in view of the great anxiety amongst these officers in India upon that question.

Yes. I want to give my hon. Friend and the House an explicit answer, and I hope to be able to give it soon.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to whether these disbanded battalions are to be replaced by fresh battalions, and how they are to be constituted?

I am sorry that I overlooked that part of my hon. Friend's question. Perhaps he will be good enough to repeat it. I have not the information, but I believe the disbandment is due to reduction, and therefore I do not imagine that the battalions will be replaced.

Was not a promise given that no pre-War battalions would be reduced?

No. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will refresh his memory.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to alarmist statements regarding India made by the Rev. W. Sanderson, who is understood to be an agent of the European Association; whether this gentleman is responsible for the circulation of an invention to the effect that a Sikh regiment had mutinied and had been disbanded after the execution of 18 sepoys, in which from whomsoever proceeding there was not a word of truth; and, if so, whether, in view of the very serious results of such misstatements, any steps can and will be taken to restrain the reverend gentleman from giving rein to his imagination upon public platforms?

I have seen reports of a number of utterances by this gentleman, to some of which I have found it necessary to take exception, but I have no information connecting him with the circulation of the false report referred to which was telegraphed from Calcutta to certain London newspapers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received a memorial sent by telegram to him by the Indian Civil Service Central Association, representing a large majority of the officers of the Indian Civil Service now serving in British India; whether the said memorial sets forth their profound dissatisfaction with the increasing difficulties of the public service since the passing of the Government of India Act; and what reply he has given to the memorialists, in view of the personal responsibility to them under his pledges given at the time of the passing of that Act?

I have received the telegram referred to and will send a copy to the hon. Member. I think this will be a better plan than commenting on his description of it in the second part of the question. The Government of India are about to issue a comprehensive resolution dealing with the whole question of the pay of the all India services. The substance of my reply to the memorialists will be indicated in the Resolution, which I would ask the hon. Member to await.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have got a copy, and does he consider that the increasing difficulties of the public service set forth by the gentleman in question in this telegram do or do not exist?

I am anxious to avoid disputation as to the meaning of the telegram. The memorialists refer to a passage in the Montagu-Chelmsford Report. I have nothing to withdraw from that.

Are the salaries and allowances sufficient to meet the increases in the cost of living, and is it not rather the financial question that causes dissatisfaction, than the new situation in regard to the Government of India?

I think there is a good deal of economic dissatisfaction.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what date he will be able to give us the Government of India Resolution?

I am afraid I cannot. It is a matter of practice and precedent that any communication must be made through the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has had any report from India as to the growth of bureaucracy since the institution of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms; and whether he can give any estimate as to the additional cost of governing the country incurred in consequence of such increase in officials?

I do not follow the first part of my hon. Friend's question. I do not understand how the scheme of Government instituted by the Government of India Act to which this House assented in 1919 could have led to a growth of bureaucracy. As to the cost of that scheme, I will certainly endeavour to furnish the House with a statement.

Does not the question say "since," and not "in consequence of"?

I find it difficult to understand how it is possible that a measure for the institution of a democratic form of government in India can possibly have led to a growth of bureaucracy.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any assurance that if an officer submits an application for permission to retire on proportionate pension on the ground of his dissatisfaction with the new conditions, and his application is refused, the application will, in no circumstances be treated as implying willingness to retire without a pension, and that steps will be taken to ensure that the fact that he has submitted such an application will not be disclosed?

Yes, Sir; I can give an unqualified assurance on both points.

Will the right hon. Gentleman soon be able to answer the question as to the terms on which men may retire, if they wish to do so?

I have decided the matter. A despatch has been sent to the Government of India. I hope it will be only a short time before the receipt is acknowledged, and it can be published.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to publish it in this country?

I will take steps to see that any Resolution published by the Government of India is published at the same time in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement as to the activities of Gandhi and the Ali brothers; and whether any disturbances have arisen owing to the direct or indirect activities of these individuals since they were received by the Viceroy?

I do not think there is any detailed statement that I could make in reply to the first part of the question. The Government of India have not indicated to me, that in their opinion the undertaking to refrain from encouragement to violence has been disregarded since it was given. As regards the last part of the question, disturbances have occurred since the Viceroy accorded an interview to Mr. Gandhi. The reports of these have been communicated to the Press immediately on receipt from India. There is nothing in the reports to show that the outbreaks were directly attributable to the three persons mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the fall in exchange, the sterling value of rupee pay of British service officers in India is less than the home rates; that the Government of India have decided not to adopt any of the suggestions made to meet the situation; and whether, seeing that the War Office is responsible for ordering British service officers to India, he will take steps to safeguard their financial position?

I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India on this matter.

Are not officers entitled to receive the rates of pay laid down in the Royal Warrant, wherever they may be serving?

That is one of the questions as to which I am in communication with the Secretary of State for India.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any reason why British service officers in India should not receive a full equivalent for the allowances which they receive when serving at home, to be paid in rupees calculated at a fixed rate of exchange?

My hon. and gallant Friend is repeating himself in this question.

When will a decision be arrived at?

As soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether adherence to the order of priority of discharge recently announced will result in an abnormal proportion of old, disabled and comparatively inefficient men being retained, to the detriment of efficiency in the Arsenal; and, if so, whether a due number of exceptions will be made in the order of priority?

The order of discharges which has been announced from time to time is the fairest that can be devised, having regard to all the circumstances of the case. It may, to some extent, have the effect mentioned in the question, but every effort is being made to maintain efficiency at the highest possible level consistent with fairness to all concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the total number of Defence Force troops stationed in the various coalfields during the recent strike; what is the total cost of these units; and how often the military has been called upon to supplement the police in the preservation of order?

The total number of officers and men of the Defence Force stationed in the various coalfields during the recent dispute was approximately 12,000, and the total cost of these troops, for the full period for which the force existed, is estimated at £770,000. As regards the last part of the question, troops were called upon to support the civil power and they provided guards for stores of, explosives, etc. The presence of the troops in the various areas undoubtedly produced a steadying effect.

In view of the history of the coal dispute as we now know it, was this expense really necessary?

At the beginning of the dispute, it was impossible to say what would happen, and precautions were taken which, on the whole, I think were justified and successful.

Is the pay of officers who were not called on to serve included in this amount?

No officers were paid who were not called up. Some surplus officers were called up and their money was stopped after about ten days.

Is it a fact that some of them had notice to report themselves?

It is not.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether authority will be given to general officers commanding districts to use their discretion in allowing available motor lorries to convey cadets to and from their camps provided no expense is incurred by the public and when the application is recommended by the Territorial Force Association concerned?

I regret that the amount of mechanical transport retained for the use of the Regular Army in peace does not admit of the adoption of my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. It would not he possible to carry out such a service without incurring additional expense.

May this be done if commanding officers in districts find that there is transport available?

No. It is obvious that the use of transport for this purpose is bound to cause additional expense.

asked the Secretary of State for. War whether yeomanry cavalry regiments which are converted into other arms will as yeomanry still retain their precedence amongst Territorial units?

These units will continue to be shown in the Army List in the Yeomanry Precedence List, in their old order and as yeomanry regiments. A note will be made against each regiment stating the arm of service to which it has now been converted. As regards precedence as artillery, it is proposed to reprint in the Army List the County Precedence Li3t of the Territorial Royal Artillery, that appeared in the 1914 Army List, and the converted yeomanry regiments will take their precedence in the artillery of their county in accordance with their precedence as yeomanry. That is to say, they will become the senior artillery units in their respective counties.

asked the Secretary of State for War if anything is to be done for the widow of the late General Sir John Cowans who, it is understood, has been left unprovided for; and whether, though not in accordance with custom, he will recommend that an adequate subsistence be given to Lady Cowans, in view of the invaluable services rendered to the nation by her late husband?

I hope that it will be possible to award to Lady Cowans a widow's pension at the rate of £225 a year; the question of the grant of some special recognition, over and above what is contemplated by the regulations, is under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Is it a fact that this lady is left unprovided for?

I believe that that is a fact.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the case of widows of private soldiers and non-commissioned officers who have been left in necessitous circumstances?

I am not sure that this arises, but the widows of private soldiers and non-commissioned officers are entitled to pensions on exactly the same terms and conditions as Lady Cowans, if she is entitled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the latest edition of the Royal Warrant for Pay is of 1914; that since that date there have been over 700 amendments; that whereas the book cost 6d. in 1914, it is now sold complete at £2 2s. 6d.; and whether, in view of the burden cast upon officers who will have to pass examinations on this as well as other military books in order to get promotion, he will cause an up-to-date edition of this and other military books to be printed at a reasonable cost?

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative, but I would point out that collected amendments to 1st August, 1918, have been published by His Majesty's Stationery Office at a charge of 9d. The 1914 Edition (reprinted in 1919 without amendments) is published at 1s. net, and I am not aware that £2 2s. 6d. is charged for the book with amendments. The revision of the Royal Warrant is at present in hand, and every effort will be made to bring all volumes of Army Regulations up to date as soon as possible.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that, although the Amendments have been published, they have been inserted in the book in such a form as to make a study of them impracticable, and is he also aware that on inquiry it is ascertained that £2 2s. 6d. is wanted for the complete book?

No, Sir, I was not aware of that.

I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Bill.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the order was cancelled whereby officers could obtain three copies of these Regulations?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the sum spent in the years 1919–20 in the erection of sheds for wool storage at Hull; whether these buildings have been completed; whether the contract was open to tender; and whether Treasury sanction was given for the scheme?

I have been asked to answer this question. The amount spent on the erection of sheds for showing (not storing) wool in Hull during the year 1919–20 was £157,397 16s. 8d. The buildings have since been completed. Tenders were not called for, as a special type of building was required; the erection, however, was carried out on a costing basis. The Treasury did not at the time feel able to share responsibility for the action taken. I should add, however, that the case is now under the consideration of the Committee of Public; Accounts.

Has any action been taken against the officials responsible for this transaction, to which the Treasury consent was not invited, and which has now been strongly condemned by the Report?

I am sure that my hon. Friend will understand that I desire to wait for the Report of the Committee on Public Accounts, to whom the Comptroller and Auditor-General himself reports.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these sheds are of very great importance to Hull in connection with the direct wool trade with Australia?

I am sure that the facts are as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a public meeting held at San Fernando, Trinidad, on the 31st May of this year, at which resolutions were passed in favour of representative government and West Indian federation; whether these resolutions have been transmitted to him; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. The third part, therefore, does not arise.

How is it that the Governor of Trinidad is not keeping in touch with the state of public opinion on those two subjects, and will the hon. Gentleman issue instructions to the Governors of West Indian colonies to keep in touch with public opinion on the matters which form the subject of the question?

My hon. Friend is aware that communications with Trinidad are not so satisfactory as we would wish to see them. I shall be glad to make inquiries on the point referred to in this question, and I can assure him that after those inquiries are made the matter will receive careful attention.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been full reports of this meeting in the local Press? Is there no one in the Colonial Office who reads the local West Indian Press?

I cannot say whether anyone in the Colonial Office reads the West Indian Press. I cannot claim that I do so myself.

Would it not be a good thing if the Colonial Office kept in touch with West Indian questions and the West Indian Press?

Yes; and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that that is done.

Will the hon. Gentleman communicate with the Governors of the other colonies as well as with the Governor of Trinidad?

I cannot undertake to send out a circular questionnaire to all the Governors. I do not know exactly what my hon. and gallant Friend would imply that the questionnaire ought to contain. On the point raised in the question, whatever information is available, or ought to be made available, will certainly be given.

Will the Colonial Office start a publication and call it the "Weekly Summary"?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether letters between the headquarters of trade unions and their branches have been opened and read by Government agents during the recent dispute in the coal industry; whether this practice is being continued; and will he explain the reasons for this practice?

The answer to the first question is in the negative. The others do not therefore arise.

Does that apply to the officials of the Department, one of whom is stationed in the Post Office in London?

That question ought to be addressed to the War Office.

Do I understand that the hon. Gentleman or his Department would not be aware whether War Office officials were opening letters?

No. They could not be opened without the permission of the Home Secretary.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the revival of the so-called unemployed agita- tion, as shown by outdoor meetings, whereat violent and provocative speeches are being delivered; and what action, if any, he proposes to take to check violent propaganda, all tending towards a breach of the peace?

I do not think it can be said that there has been a revival of the unemployed agitation, but certain persons still continue to make provocative speeches at the meetings of the unemployed. Any speeches heard by the police which contain direct incitements to violence are brought to the notice of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Are not many meetings of unemployed held, at which no provocative statements of the sort alluded to in the question are made, and will the hon. Gentleman refrain from causing action to be taken against those meetings?

Who is going to decide whether a speech is violent or not?

Sir Hamar Greenwood.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the prevalent and apparently increasing practice of running motor lorries along the main roads leading into London at week-ends and of filling them with liquors of varying descriptions, which are apparently supplied to customers regardless of all licensing laws; and whether he proposes to take any action to check such an abuse?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that he is ready to take action if in the circumstances indicated in the question any breach of the law is brought to his notice, but he cannot assume that there is a breach of the law merely because liquor is carried on a motor vehicle and consumed by the passengers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these travelling public-houses are to be seen on all the main roads around London at week-ends, and will the police not direct their energies towards dealing with the matter?

The police cannot interfere unless there is a breach of the law. The mere fact of carrying liquor on a motor and drinking it does not constitute a breach of the law.

May I ask if any instructions given in reference to this matter are to be all-embracing, and if the attention of the police will be directed to private cars as well?

asked the Secretary for Scotland to what extent the damage done to the nets of about 60 local boats in the Moray Firth in the months of February, March, and April, has been recovered from the foreign trawlers who caused it; and whether any legal proceedings are pending in connection with the matter?

My right hon. Friend presumes that the question refers to the damage done to nets belonging to cod fishermen. So far as my right hon. Friend is aware no compensation for damage of this nature has been recovered from foreign trawlers. In view of the difficulties in obtaining the necessary evidence against individual vessels, and in view also of the fact that in many cases the Regulations as to marking nets by flags and lights have not been observed by the fishermen whose nets have been damaged, my right hon. Friend fears that legal proceedings are not likely to be effective. None, so far as he knows, are pending.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether negotiations with the Foreign Office are now proceeding in regard to the prevention of trawling in the Moray Firth by foreign trawlers; and, if so, what progress has been made?

My right hon. Friend is in communication with the Foreign Office, but he is not yet in a position to make any announcement on the subject.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many men placed on holdings under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, have not yet had their rents fixed; how many of these men have had their holdings for two years or over; how many have had them for one year or over; and what is the reason for the continued delay in fixing these rents?

All except 12 of the holders established under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, have been informed of the rents payable by them but, pending completion of the buildings, the ultimate cost of which may involve adjustments in the rents, interim rents only have been notified in 180 cases. Fourteen holders established under the Act of 1919 have been in occupation for two years or over, and 69 for one year or over.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair to these ex-service men, to leave them in their holdings for two years, without allowing them to know what the expenditure on the holdings is going to be?

The answer to that is that it is impossible to fix the rents definitely until all the facts have been ascertained, and that will be done as soon as possible.

Is not two years a long enough period in which to fix the rent of a small holding?

I have no doubt it has been done in all cases within that time if it could be done.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many ex-service men placed on holdings under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, have' been given the landholder's tenure as defined by The Small Holdings (Scotland) Act, 1911; whether any of these holders have been informed that they must purchase their holdings at a price to be fixed by the Board of Agriculture; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the event of any holder refusing to purchase on these terms?

557 ex-service men have accepted or have been offered landholder's tenure. As holders do not purchase their holdings on becoming landholders the latter part of the question does not arise.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the £4,000 per annum which was allocated to assist the plot-holders in allotment gardens in Scotland is now being made full use of; and, if so, in what manner it is being used?

The power conferred upon the Board of Agriculture for Scotland by Section 18 (3) of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, to expend a sum not exceeding £4,000 in any year for the purpose of encouraging the allotment movement has not yet been exercised. My right hon. Friend gave approval last year to a proposal by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland to appoint three qualified horticultural instructors and organisers to be paid from the special fund for the purpose of developing the allotment movement, but in view of the general financial position and on the suggestion of the Treasury, these appointments have not been made. My right hon. Friend proposes to defer consideration of schemes which might be assisted out of the fund referred to until the Committee on Allotments, which is about to be appointed, has reported.

Is it quite clear that the £4,000 will be available and will not lapse to the Treasury again?

I think so.

It is very important it should not lapse.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the present position of the housing scheme in Scotland; what are the present-day prices for constructing the various types of houses authorised; and how do those figures compare in each case with 1919–20 prices?

As the reply is rather lengthy and contains a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply:

Up to the 9th July the Scottish Board of Health have approved tenders for the erection by local authorities and public utility societies in Scotland of 20,625 permanent houses. At 30th June, 1,968 of these houses were occupied, 117 were ready for occupation, and 10,357 were under construction. In addition, 429 temporary wooden houses were occupied, 81 were ready for occupation, and 146 were under construction. At the same date, certificates had been issued, in respect of approval of plans, etc., for 2,203 houses to be erected by private persons under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, and subsidy had been paid on 594 houses so erected.

The estimated average cost per house during June, 1921, of the various authorised types was as follows:

For particulars as to the cost of the various types throughout 1919 and 1920, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Appendices I and XX respectively of the Board's annual reports for 1919 and 1920.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether tiles of foreign manufacture are being recommended and purchased for use on housing schemes; whether he is aware that several hundreds of slate quarrymen are unemployed in North Wales and in receipt of unemployment pay;

(2) whether he is aware that the cost of covering a pair of houses with Belgian pan-tiling, as now used on public housing schemes, is about £119, and that the same houses might be covered with Welsh slates for £91; and will he, in the interests of economy, take steps to reverse this policy?

In many districts building has been considerably delayed by the difficulty in obtaining roofing materials, and in some cases imported tiles have been used, in order that houses may be completed and occupied. Subject to reasonable consideration of local custom and preference, the policy of my Depart- ment is to encourage the use of those roofing materials which are available and can be supplied at the most reasonable cost. The information in my possession as to the comparative costs of roofing houses with Belgian pan-tiling and with Welsh slates does not bear out the suggestion in the hon. Member's second question, but if he will give me particulars of the case he has in mind I will have it investigated.

Are we to understand that there is a scarcity of Welsh slates?

Yes, in certain districts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say where there is a shortage of Welsh slates?

There are certain districts where there is a shortage owing to difficulties of transport.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that stacks of Welsh slates can be purchased all over North Wales?

Another injustice to Wales!

asked the Minister of Health whether there has been a change in the housing policy of the Government; and whether, if any more houses are to be built, he will give the same treatment to rural and industrial areas?

I hope to be in a position to make a general statement as to the Government's housing policy on Thursday next.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question?

I think I had better postpone that until I deal with the whole question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman issued instructions to local authorities and private builders stopping these buildings and the House of Commons has not even been informed?

My instructions were to suspend operations while the policy is being considered and discussed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us have got particulars of cases within the last few days where building has actually been stopped by the Minister on account of the new policy of the Government, while the House of Commons has not yet even heard of it; and yesterday the right hon. Gentleman was not in a position to tell us.

As I have said, we have given instructions to suspend—

You yourself will be suspended one of these days!

—the issue of new certificates under the subsidy scheme—

Eton: He has got to follow "his Master's voice!"

—till the question has been discussed and settled.

I ask the right hon. Gentleman why this has happened, while the Minister responsible for the policy was not in a position yesterday to inform the House, and is not to be in a position till Thursday?

A certain policy having been adumbrated, I thought it only right to advise the local authorities not to issue any new certificates which would have to be cancelled, but to hold them over for a short time, till the policy was dealt with and declared.

May I ask the Leader of the House, in view of the important statement that the Minister of Health is going to make on Thursday— on which there can be no debate— whether he will give an early opportunity to the House of Commons for debate—

Will the right hon. Gentleman please defer that inquiry till the end of Questions, so that hon. Members may not be deprived of the opportunity of putting those which are on the Paper?

At the end of Questions—

May I now ask the Leader of the House the question which you, Mr. Speaker, asked me to defer until the end of Questions—whether, in view of the important announcement to be made by the Minister of Health on Thursday, involving a reversal of the housing policy of the Government, an early opportunity will be given next week for the House to debate the subject, and whether that opportunity will be one provided by the Government outside the ordinary Supply days?

My right hon. Friend's question illustrates the difficulty of putting a question upon which the right hon. Gentleman is not yet fully informed. I do not accept his description of the character of the statement which my right hon. Friend hopes to make on Thursday next.

It is notorious.

As regards an opportunity for discussion, I certainly could not give one of the days reserved for Government legislative business next week. The House may prefer to take that subject on Thursday week instead of the Scottish Estimates. Thursday is a Supply day, and if the House prefers to take the Supply that raises the housing question instead of the Supply which is arranged for that day, of course we will conform to the wishes of the House. I am not at all desirous of imposing that upon the House, or of depriving the Scottish Members of the day set apart for their business, but in this matter the Government will try to meet the wishes of the House. Short of that, we must postpone it until another Supply day, or we must take it on one of those occasions when the general policy of the Government is open to discussion, among which would be a Motion for the Adjournment of the House immediately after my right hon. Friend has made his statement.

I do not think any Scottish Members would object to a postponement of the day given for discussing the Scottish Estimates, so long as an opportunity is afforded for their discussion. The right hon. Gentleman will remember that under the Standing Orders he has power to give an extra three days to Supply. Since this important question of policy has arisen— whether it is a reversal or not we shall hear on Thursday—does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is of sufficient importance to give one of these extra days and thus increase the already too limited opportunities which the House has got of discussing questions in Supply?

I have already promised one additional day for Supply. I do not wish to refuse this request to consider the addition of yet another day to the number of days for Supply, but at the same time I am aware that in all quarters of the House there is a desire to finish our business before the end of next month, and every demand for additional days makes this more difficult.

Will the statement to be made by the Minister of Health include the housing policy in Scotland, and will the policy in Scotland be identical with that in this country?

I think the statement which my right hon. Friend proposes to make is an answer to a question on the Paper which he has asked should be postponed. Perhaps my hon. Friends will wait until they have heard the answer, and then see whether any supplementary questions are necessary.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that his staff have apparently no system in inflicting or not inflicting a penny supercharge on picture postcards bearing five-word messages, but occasionally fine mere words of greeting, and pass messages of commercial import; and whether he will take measures to formulate an easily-comprehensible rule on this subject and to circulate it to all post offices?

This rule has been administered for some 20 years without serious difficulty and I see no occasion for modifying it. The conditions under which a packet is transmissible at the printed paper rate are well understood by the staff, but I have no doubt it is possible to construct doubtful cases upon which opinions may differ.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be surprised to know that there is a notice headed South Western District, Victoria, to the effect that you can put any five words you like on a picture postcard, and in view of the doubts which exist—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

The hon. Member must not continue to speak after I rise.

I apologise.

I wished to point out to the hon. Member that he is now giving information, not asking for it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has any data as to the effect of the rise in postage rates upon the number of postcards (inland) now being despatched as compared with the number at the old penny rate?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on the 21st June.

Was not the right hon. Gentleman's answer on that occasion rather in the nature of a non possumus, and is it not a rule, when the price of a commodity is raised, to find out at the earliest possible moment what effect the rise in price has on the sale of the commodity?

Certainly, but I am sure my hon. Friend realises the difficulty of the task of taking a census of the millions of postal packets passing through the post every day. It can only be done at that time of the year when members of the staff are not on leave and it is in order that additional staff may not have to be taken on, that the matter is being deferred, but it will be done as soon as possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an approximate idea of when it will be possible?

Yes, I think in the late autumn.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise how big a burden it is upon the public to have to pay an additional fifty per cent., and is it not only fair that they should know as soon as possible?

I agree, and they shall know as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General what were the average weekly wages of a first class sorter at the General Post Office, St. Martin's le Grand, in the financial year 1913–14, and what they are at present, inclusive of bonuses, allowances, and other increments?

As the answer is a lengthy one, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

The wages paid to sorters at various points of the wage scale in 1914 and at present are as follows:—

The bonus payments are in accordance with the general Civil Service cost-of-living bonus scheme, and will be substantially reduced as from the 1st September next.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of his recently expressed sympathy with the proposed treatment of pre-recent war sufferers from bilharzias is by the Christopher son treatment, he will inform the House of the result of his communication with the Secretary of State for War on this subject?

I am glad to say that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War is in agreement with the proposals made by my right hon. Friend in this matter; and, accordingly, the necessary arrangements are being made to provide the modern treatment for men still suffering from bilharziasis contracted as a result of their service in former wars.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us what is bilharziasis?

It is a tropical disease for which a new remedy has been discovered. It would be unwise to embark on the technical medical details.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the number of thoroughbred yearlings sold recently at New market from the national stud; what was the average amount for which they were sold; and what was the total amount realised?

Eleven thoroughbred yearlings were sold at Newmarket on the 29th ultimo from the national stud. The average amount for which they were sold was 2,410 guineas, and the total amount realised was 26,520 guineas.

asked the Secretary of State for Air who was responsible for passing the designs of the new full dress uniform for officers of the Air Force; if he is aware that in the case of the Royal Navy the full dress uniform is a survival of the old fighting uniform worn by officers in action; why the full dress of the Air Force is not adapted from the fighting uniform of that force; what is the cost of the full dress officers' uniform of the Air Force in the various ranks; and what proportion of this cost is borne by the State?

The design of the full dress uniform for officers of the Royal Air Force was passed by the appropriate members of the Air Council. The cost, no part of which falls on public funds, ranges from about £55 to about £65, according to rank. I am fully aware that the principle suggested by the hon. and gallant Member has had much to do with the creation of the uniforms of the various Services. In the case of the Air Force the governing principle held in view was the creation of a distinctive uniform which should not be too expensive.

Have any steps been taken to sound members of the Air Force themselves as to their opinion of this uniform, and if they are opposed to it, is it too late to have it altered and made more simple?

Yes, as far as it has been possible the opinions of a great number of the officers of the service were invited. Considerable weight was paid to their views, and the result is as the hon. and gallant Member has seen.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the scheme for erecting new Government offices in Whitehall Gardens is permanently abandoned?

The answer is in the negative, but in view of the financial situation consideration of this scheme must inevitably be postponed indefinitely.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, why the Green Park is shut at 10 o'clock p.m. in the height of summer, to the inconvenience and disadvantage of those who have no other means of obtaining fresh air and country amenities?

Any extension of the hours during which the Parks are open is rendered impossible on account of the additional expense involved.

Is that sufficient reason for depriving the public of the use of the park, which Lord Palmerston said was maintained for their unrestrained use and enjoyment? What would the extra expense be, and why should it be more than that of keeping open Hyde Park, for instance?

We try to consult the interests of the general public, but, in view of the stringency in expenditure at the present time, the extra expense of police and park keepers is felt to be undesirable.