asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. James E. Crossley, late No. 700,425, shoeing smith, Royal Field Artillery, has been refused a pension, although he has gone totally blind since demobilisation; that. Mr. Crossley was under shell fire in September, 1918, near pres, being only 10 yards away when a shell burst, killing 12 drivers and 24 horses, and destroying four wagons, and from that date he has suffered from severe headaches and shell-shock; that an eye specialist of repute has certified to the Ministry that Mr. Crossley must have suffered from optic neuritis during his period of military service; and will he have the case reconsidered?

As the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, whose decision is final, found that the disability in respect of which this man claimed pension is not connected with his service, I regret that I am precluded from having this case reconsidered.

Is it possible for the Minister, while not able to recommend that the case be reconsidered, to take steps to have some grant made?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will see me personally in reference to that afterwards.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the provision in the local committee's handbook enabling committees to give temporary grants pending awards by appeals tribunals is practically a dead letter in consequence of the failure on the part of the Commissioners of Medical Services to notify the result of the medical boards to the committees, which is a condition precedent to any such grants; whether he is aware that in only 6 of the 300 Manchester cases now awaiting hearing by the appeals tribunals have such notifications been made; and whether he will take steps to redress this grievance?

I would remind my hon. and learned Friend that advances in these cases are only permissible if the Board find in the man's favour, and I have no information to show that the instructions to Boards to notify the local committee in such circumstances are not obeyed. I am, however, having inquiry made into the position in the Manchester area and will communicate the result to my hon. and learned Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that William Chapman, 16, Gales Gardens, late private G/6534, Middlesex Regiment, who has on four separate occasions been deserted by his wife, and has two young children to care for, has been. refused allowance for his children at motherless rates, although owing to his wife's desertion he has to pay a woman to attend to them; and if he will state why allowances are paid to a wife who has deserted her husband and children, instead of to the husband who is left with them and who has to pay for their care?

The general question as to the issue of allowances where a wife is separated from her husband is under consideration. I will communicate with my right hon. Friend when a decision has been reached.

Will the Minister express an opinion as to the last part of the question, namely, why allowances are paid to a wife who has deserted her husband and children, and not to the husband who is left with the custody of the children?

I am giving it consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has yet been reached in the case of Mr. C. M. Byrne, late L2328, a sub-conductor, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 42, Canterbury Road, Worthing, which was sent to the Ministry by the Worthing local war pensions committee on 19th March last?

A considerable amount of investigation has been necessary in this case, but the local committee have now been informed of the decision arrived at.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what has been the total cost since the Armistice for the construction, maintenance, housing, personnel, staff, and overhead charges of air.-ships; the number of miles flown by airships; and their estimated present capital value?

It must be remembered that the Air Ministry only became responsible for the airships on 22nd October, 1919. It is not possible, therefore, without an expenditure in time and money out of all proportion to the value of the results obtained, to collect the information asked for in the first part of the question. Moreover, a large proportion of the expenditure was on war contracts, which would, in any case, have had to be liquidated, and the figures would need elaborate analysis according to the purpose for which they were to be used. With regard to the second part, the total number of miles flown by airships since they were handed over to the Controller-General of Civil Aviation is 12,000, the majority of the flights being in connection with mast-mooring experiments, and strictly limited as to duration. The approximate cost of the two airships (R.33 and R.80) now in use is £700,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the information sought for in the first part of the question for the period during which the airships have been under his control? Will he also answer the last part of the question as to the present value of the airships?

I can obtain the information desired by the hon. Gentleman as to what the cost has been since they were taken over by the Ministry, but it will take some days to do so. As regards an estimate of the present, capital value of the ships, I am afraid it is quite beyond my capacity.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a figure showing the cost of the ship is quite valueless for the purpose of the answer, and can he not give an estimate based on the cost minus any damage they have suffered?

No, sir. As regards these two, R.33 is in perfect order, and R.80 is the same.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why a sword, belt, and slings are part of the Air Force uniform, in view of the fact that no tradition attaches to the arme blanche in the Air service and that swords cannot be used in aerial combat?

As stated in reply to a similar question on the 15th June, 1920, the wearing of swords on specified occasions is at once the privilege and the duty of every officer in the service of the Crown who wears His Majesty's uniform, including the members of the Privy Council and the Corps Diplomatique. I do not see any good reason why an exception should be made in the case of the Royal Air Force.

Is it not a fact that in other arms the sword has a tradition and possesses a traditional value from history, but in the case of the Air Force it has none?

An HON. MEMBER: Will spurs be added to the force's uniform?

No, Sir; spurs are not worn.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the sword is not carried by these other persons, as the descendant of the principal arm used by them in days gone by. and under the same reasoning would it not be more fitting and more dignified if the members of the Air Force carried automatic pistols?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question I have put? Is there not a tradition attaching to the arme blanche in the Army, which does not obtain in the case of the Air Force at all, and, if so, what is the value of this as part of the Air Force uniform?

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken with a view to the removal of the impediment to business and foreign travel caused by the system of visas; and whether the offers made to Great Britain on behalf of the French and Belgian Governments for the mutual abolition of visas have been or will be accepted?

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that it is now some considerable time since the French Government put forward their proposal to abolish visas on passports for their nationals and ours, and seeing that the holiday season, which normally takes very many British subjects to France, is close upon us, can he assure the House that His Majesty's Government is doing everything possible to expedite a decision in this matter; and can he state the reasons for the continuance of these Regulations which are causing so much annoyance and delay to the members of the travelling public?

Everything possible is being done to expedite a decision in this matter, which, however, involving, as it does, financial and other considerations of importance, can only be settled in consultation with the other Departments of His Majesty's Government concerned, for which adequate time must be allowed.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House of the duration and cost of the negotiations concerning the boundary between Alaska and British Columbia, and also the duration and cost of the negotiations conducted under the auspices of the League of Nations at the instance of Great Britain between Sweden and Finland concerning the Aaland Islands?

In the form in which the question is put, it cannot be answered. The boundary question formed the subject of negotiations extending over years. As these were carried on in the ordinary way through the regular diplomatic channel, it is not possible to determine their cost. The negotiations ended in the Convention of 24th January, 1903, under which a tribunal was set up, which sat at the Foreign Office and held 20 meetings, the first taking place on 3rd September, 1903, and the last on 20th October following, when the award was given. The cost of the arbitration to His Majesty's Government was £6,893 6s. 7d. The negotiations concerning the sovereignty of the Aaland Islands, conducted under the auspices of the League of Nations, commenced in July, 1920, and were concluded in June of this year, although discussions regarding the neutralisation of the islands are still proceeding. His Majesty's Government have no information with regard to the cost of the negotiations, which is a matter for the League.

On a point of Order. When an hon. Member places a question on the Order Paper containing allegations against other persons, should he not be here to put the question and to hear the answer?

I do not know what reasons may have detained the Noble Lord in this case. As a general rule that is so.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether representations will be made to the United States of America Government that the calculation ad valorem based upon cost of production of similar work in America of import duty upon imported cinema pictures is unfair to British films, for the reason that the cost of production in the former is upwards of four times more costly than in the latter country, or whether he will consider the desirability of subjecting the importations of American films into this country to an import duty based upon the cost of production in America, so that both industries will be placed upon a fair footing?

I understand that the proposed change in the basis of calculation of ad valorem duties would, if adopted, be of general application. The complete text of the proposed changes in the United States tariff is awaited, and on its receipt the question whether any representations on the part of His Majesty's Government are desirable in the interests of British trade will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Lindsey Education Committee submitted to the Board of Education early in this year a salary scheme for headmasters in secondary schools within their area; whether the Board have not yet sanctioned this salary scheme; what leasons they have for refusing their sanction; and whether the Board is aware of the great hardship caused to the headmasters by this delay?

The Board have now informed the local education authority that they will recognise the proposed salary scale as a basis for grant.

Is it a fact that the assistant masters have been granted three or four increases of salary and the head masters of secondary schools have not been granted any?

I am not aware of that.

I understand it is a fact.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if any information is to hand of a threatened mobilisation in Moscow directed against Poland; and whether he can state the comparative strength of Polish and Russian armies at present?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have no information of any Russian mobilisation directed against Poland. As regards the last part of the question, it is estimated that the strength (rifles and sabres) of the Russian army is between three and a half and four times that of the Polish Army.

Is it a fact that the Russian Foreign Secretary has categorically denied the rumours which have been printed in the "Times," and can the right hon. Gentleman state the source of those rumours?

No, Sir, I have no information as to that, and the rumours have only been mentioned by the hon. Gentleman himself.

The foundation is the "Times."

I am not responsible for the "Times."

Neither is Lord Curzon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that at the time when it was stipulated that payment of pensions to certain ex-members of the Liverpool Police Force should commence on the termination of the War it was generally anticipated that the War would be officially terminated within a short time, but as the War has not yet terminated, according to the official interpretation of that term, these ex-policemen and their families are suffering protracted hardships; and, as these arise from causes entirely out of their own control, will he take steps to enable these police pensions to be paid without further delay?

The grant of the pensions is regulated by Statute and I have no power to do what my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to see that outcrop coal workings are fenced or filled in to prevent accidents to children; and whether local authorities have any power to order this?

This question should have been addressed to the Secretary for Mines, but my right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The urban and rural district councils have full powers in the matter and it is on them that the responsibility rests for enforcing the statutory requirements for the prevention of danger to the public.

( by Private Notice )asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the directors of the Staveley Coal and Iron Company, Derbyshire, refuse to re-open their collieries until the miners consent to use forks instead of spades in filling the wagons in the pits with coal; is this refusal to re-open the pits a violation of the recent settlement of the coal stoppage, and a victimisation of the men; and can the Prime Minister bring some influence to bear upon the directors in order to end this unhappy condition of things?

I am aware of the dispute referred to. My latest information, however, is that work is now being resumed, or is about to be resumed, almost immediately.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), whether he is aware that the Liquor Control Board in the Carlisle area has recently acquired a lease of the Crown Inn, Wigton, for a period of five years; that in the lease there is a covenant to dislicense the premises at the end of five years; that the Control Board, although it has no trading transactions with the Crown Inn, has already compensated the owner on account of the licence lapsing in five years' time; and whether he will state to the House, in the event of the Liquor Control Board being disbanded, what authority will be responsible for the enforcement of the covenant in question, for which public moneys have already been expended?

The Board have recently acquired a lease of these premises for a term of ten years, with power to determine the lease at the end of five years. The Board have also agreed with the owner that the premises shall be dislicensed on the expiration of the lease, and the rent has been agreed with reference to the compensation paid to the owner for this prospective dislicensement. As regards the last paragraph of the question, I cannot anticipate the provisions of the proposed Bill.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether the money has already been paid as compensation?

Yes, I think that is so.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform us upon what Vote it will be open to the House to discuss this very remarkable transaction?

On the Vote for the Control Board.

When will that be likely to come on?

Can the hon Gentleman say why a body that is in articulo mortis makes contracts for five years ahead?

In view of the tremendous and long-continued drought, will the hon. Gentleman not suspend the Liquor Control Board entirely, so that the people need not be dry, as well as the weather?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Home Secretary stated to me some time ago that there would be re extension of the Carlisle experiment pending legislation on the question; when did this transaction take place; and was it after the date on which that promise was made?

This is the culmination of negotiations that were started more than a year ago.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House to-night.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Metropolitan Police have any instructions to search the house of a man who has been arrested for felony without a search warrant or the written authority of a chief officer of police?

There are no specific instructions given to the Metropolitan Police on this subject. It has from time immemorial been the practice for police officers to search the dwelling of an accused person whenever it is thought likely that any material evidence, for or against the prisoner, is likely to be so obtained. The practice is brought to the cognizance of courts almost daily, and has never, so far as I know, been adversely commented on by a Judge—much less held to be illegal.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that ,no binding agreements will be made with the Egyptian delegation now visiting this country until a full opportunity of discussing such agreements has been given in the House of Commons?

The point raised by my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the momentous issues to be discussed between the representatives of the Egyptian Cabinet and the British Government, he will consider the desirablity of himself conducting these negotiations rather than leave them in the hands of a subordinate Department?

The negotiations are not in the hands of a subordinate Department, but of the Foreign Office, and are conducted by the Secretary of State, who represents His Majesty's Government in the matter.

Will the House be consulted before any drastic steps are taken in regard to Egypt?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a distinct pledge was given by His Majesty's Government that this House shall have the opportunity—the words were "ratified by the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the Egyptian Legislature"?

I have no doubt there will be abundant opportunity before anything is concluded.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will further explain their present policy with regard to the renewal or otherwise of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, and to the conference to be held with the other Pacific Powers on the reduction of armaments and kindred subjects to the House of Commons before the House rises; and whether an opportunity will be given for a discussion?

I can add nothing to the full announcement which I made on Monday last, nor do I think that a Debate in this House at the present time on the many issues involved in the matters to be treated at these international meetings would be in the public interest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Eastern question has not been discussed in this House for over eight years?

Lieut.-Colonel Hurst.

But, Mr. Speaker, on a point of Order. May I—

The hon. and gallant Gentleman can himself get a reply to his question by consulting the records.

asked the Prime Minister whether the year's notice for abrogating the alliance with Japan has now to be given from the definite date of 13th July or whether it can be given on any date so as to terminate the alliance one year from that date?

There is in the agreement no limitation as to the date upon which the notice may be given.

asked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to state whether the Washington Conference will be able to discuss all questions which have a vital bearing on the peace and tranquillity of the Far East, such as the question of Shantung?

It would clearly be inopportune to make any statement of the kind in the present stage of the negotiations.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if the Government are aware that there is a widespread demand from the organised women of the United Kingdom and the Dominions for the granting to women of the right to retain their British nationality on marriage with an alien, which was lost by the Act of 1870; whether he will take active steps to satisfy such demand;

(2) whether it is the intention of the Government to hold a further conference with the Dominion premiers on the question of nationality, including that of married women; and will women be included as members of this conference?

As has been stated in answer to various questions recently, the question of the nationality of married women is under consideration in consultation with the self-governing Dominions, with a view to legislation at an early opportunity, but it is feared that it will not be possible to deal with the matter at the present Conference of Prime Ministers.

Assuming that the present Conference does not deal with this question, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of treating it as a purely English question, and deciding whether it is not desirable to amend the Naturalisation Law of 1870?

I think it is very desirable that we should keep in touch with the Dominions upon the subject; failing that, I will consider what my hon. and learned Friend says.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that what was important before 1870, when women had very few rights, is still more important to-day?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that on this postponed question of nationalisation, which possibly cannot be dealt with by the Colonial premiers now, that negotiations should be continued with the Dominions so as to be able to produce the appropriate Nationalisation Bill.

That I can undertake to consider.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a cable from the British Chamber of Commerce in Argentina begging him to restore the right of the children of British subjects to British citizenship, which was taken away by the War-time Act of 1914; and if he can give a definite promise of this being done?

I am well aware of the interest taken in this subject by, among others, the British Chamber of Commerce in the Argentine, and I have received the cable referred to. I cannot, however, give the promise asked for, and have at present nothing to add to the answer which I gave my hon. Friend last Thursday.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to attend in person the forthcoming conference at Washington on disarmament and the problems of the Pacific?

The arrangements for the conference have not yet been made.

asked the Prime-Minister if the claims by British emigrants against the Peruvian Government on account of loss sustained by the failure of that Government's emigration scheme, which resulted in a large number of workers having to return to this country with their families in a state of destitution, have yet been assessed; and if a sufficient sum of money has been received from the Peruvian Government to adequately meet all the claims?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The advance of £2,000 promised by the Peruvian Government has now been received. This sum is, of course, inadequate to meet all the claims in full, but a distribution based on the circumstances of each case is now being made through the local employment committees. I understand that a further party of returning, emigrants are on their way from Peru. When the nature of their claims, if any, against the Peruvian Government can be ascertained, His Majesty's Government will submit to the Government of Peru a further claim for compensation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the' present time a Mr. Salomon, who describes himself as the Consul-General for Peru, is engaged in a propaganda to persuade people to go to Peru, and will he in view of that fact take steps to warn intending emigrants?

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a number of men have been arrested under the War Emergency Act, which was brought into operation by the Government prior to the coalminers' lock-out, and that the-Government have now decided not to enforce the Act any longer; and, in conse- quence, whether he will recommend to the Government the advisability of having the men and women who were arrested and convicted under the Act in question at once released?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I presume the hon. Member refers to the Emergency Powers Act, 1920. Regulations under that Act were put in force simultaneously with the outbreak of the coal strike and expired automatically when the emergency arising from the coal strike ended. I am ready, as I always am, to consider any representation on behalf of any individual offender, but I could not give any countenance to the idea that all persons who offend against the law during an emergency may expect an amnesty when the emergency is over.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the Irish negotiations now going on, the Crown will discontinue the charges of conspiracy against certain Irishmen now being heard at the Manchester Assizes?

The trials must be concluded. The prisoners have pleaded not guilty and are entitled to a verdict.

How can the present Government reconcile their attitude in taking proceedings against certain Irishmen in England for conspiring with other Irishmen when the Government themselves are at the present time entering into open negotiations with these Irishmen during a period of truce?

Charges have been brought against these men and they have pleaded "not guilty." They are at the present moment defending themselves and surely they are entitled to a verdict.

Would it not be fairer that the truce which we all welcome and desire should be observed in England as well as in Ireland, and could not these charges at any rate be postponed or withdrawn?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if he is prepared to consider the cases of men like the Brothers Carr, against whom no charges have been made, who have been sent over to Ireland and interned?

I think I should have notice, of that question. I do not know the case referred to, but if the hon. Member will give me the particulars I will consider it.

Whatever may happen elsewhere, will the right hon. Gentleman see that there will be no variation of the law in this country?

Or in Belfast.

asked the Prime Minister what recognised organisations, voicing large bodies of minority opinion, are represented by the four Southern Irish gentlemen invited by Mr. de Valera to meet him in conference?

I do not think it would be desirable at the present moment to make any statement bearing either directly or indirectly upon the conversations now taking place with Mr. de Valera. I trust, therefore, that my hon. and gallant Friend will not press me for a reply.

Does the Prime Minister not think it a pity that questions of this kind should be asked which can only have one result, that is, to undermine the authority of the Southern Unionists who are negotiating the peace; and is he further aware that two of the Southern Unionists are elected Members of the Southern Parliament?

The hon. and gallant Member is just doing what he complains of other people doing.

This is a matter of great importance. These gentleman represent a large body of moderate opinion in the South of Ireland, and the question having been asked, will not more harm have been done by the right hon. Gentleman's answer than by asking this question?

On a further point of Order—

This is a matter of controversy. The Noble Lord (Earl Winterton) has made his protest, and I think we had better leave it there.

Is it not allowable for an hon. Member to put a supplementary question?

This question has been dealt with.

( by Private Notice )asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any information with reference to the disturbances in Cooks-town, County Tyrone, on the night of Tuesday, 12th July; whether he is aware that "B" special constables, accompanied by an Orange mob, attacked the Catholic quarter of the town, burning a house from which an invalid had to be carried; whether these specials and the mob kept up rifle fire for a couple of hours in the Catholic quarter and generally created a reign of terror in the town; and whether, in view of the conduct of these specials in this and other parts of Ulster, he will take steps to have the force immediately disarmed and disbanded?

I am informed that at 8.30 p.m., on the 12th instant, Albert Creighton, an Orangeman, was returning from a demonstration wearing a sash, when he was attacked by 12 men of the other side, two of whom were armed. This party took the sash from Creighton, whose sympathisers gathered and demanded its return. This demand was refused. The police arrested a man, a Catholic named Devlin, but were rushed, with the result that Creighton's sympathisers and Devlin escaped. During the struggle shots were fired from Orritor Street, the Sinn Fein quarters. The police kept the crowd in hand for two hours, but it ultimately got out of control and rushed Orritor Street. Shots were fired from both sides. One house was burned and some windows were broken. The occupant left from the back of his house and went into a barber's shop. The statement that he was carried out of his house is not confirmed. The police offered to bring him to hospital, but he refused as he was not injured. No "B" specials were on duty. All their arms were in the police barrack, and none were issued.

Was it these intelligent special constables who offered to bring a man to a hospital who was not injured?

No. The only police engaged were ordinary Members of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

Were there no special constables concerned?

No, none.

Is it not a fact that three of four of the Royal Irish Constabulary went up the street and arrested this man Devlin to placate the armed mob which was standing at the bottom of the street, and brought this man down an his way to the barracks, and that this armed mob took the man from the Royal Irish Constabulary and threatened them and gave the man a most unmerciful beating on the street? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman also aware that after that took place the Orange mob went about halfway up the street, sprinkled eight or nine doors with petrol and set them on fire, and then in self-defence two revolver shots were fired from the Catholic quarter which had the effect of saving the whole street from being burnt down? Is he also aware—he should be informed—

This is not the time to give information.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the varying practice of boards of guardians with regard to the relief of the unemployed, under which in some areas the relief takes the form of a gift and in others of a loan; and whether, in view of the discontent likely to arise from such difference of practice, the Government will consider the advisability of making the system of relief uniform throughout the country?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am aware of the difference of practice referred to, but I have not heard that it has caused discontent and I doubt whether this would be an opportune moment for interfering with the discretion which has always been vested in the guardians.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that miners who had received notice of the termination of their contracts prior to the date of the recent stoppage are now having their claims for unemployment benefit disallowed; and if he will state the ground upon which miners generally, who are now unemployed, are being refused unemployment benefit?

So far as I am aware there is only one group of cases in which benefit has been disallowed in the circumstances described in the first part of the question. In these cases there is stated to be a dispute as to the conditions on which the men are to resume work, and the chief insurance officer has disallowed benefit. The men or their association are, of course, entitled to the usual rights of appeal to the Court of, Referees and the umpire. With regard to the cases of other miners not now entitled to benefit, although unemployed, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Rotherham (Major Kelley) on the 6th July.

In cases in which it has been decided that pits shall not be re-opened, will the miners and labourers be entitled to unemployment benefit?

I should not like to make any general statement, but if there is any question involved I will give every facility for the case being sent to the referees and the umpire.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are many pits which it has been decided not to reopen, and when that has been decided are not the miners and labourers entitled to benefit?

Yes, but there are certain cases, for instance, where the work cannot be resumed because of the injury done to the pit as a result of the stoppage. I am not prejudging any decision, but am only telling my hon. Friend that the cases are not quite so simple as he may think. I have taken, and will take, every means to have the matter decided forthwith, so that there may be no delay.

When shall we have this decision?

Will the miners of the Brandon Colliery be paid unemployment benefit, where the owners have definitely said that there is no opportunity for them to work?

The hon. Member had better give me notice of that question. If I cannot myself, on a ruling already given by the umpire, give an answer, I will get authority to give an answer forthwith.

When will these people know whether they are to get unemployment benefit?

The cases are being considered now.

Shall we know next week? At present they are starving.

I have already said that I will do all I can to facilitate the matter.

In view of the circumstances referred to in this question, would it not be advisable to give some ruling or instruction which would cause uniform action to be taken throughout the country?

Yes; I may tell my right hon. Friend that the cases taken for consideration are typical cases, so that we may thereafter forthwith have a general ruling as far as possible.

What is the position in the case of those mines which the management say they are not going to re-open because they are not profitable?

That is the case which has been put to me, I think. I will do all that I can to get a decision as early as possible, and if any hon. Members have cases which they wish to submit to me I shall he glad to receive them.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give an assurance that the present Session will not be prolonged to deal with any Bill not already announced to the House?

I cannot give an absolute pledge in the terms suggested by my hon. Friend, but he may be certain that I will do what I can to secure the earliest possible termination of the Session.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the publication of the remaining Reports of the Commissions on Ancient and Historical Monuments can be postponed until the costs of publication have been materially reduced?

The Treasury are at present in communication with these Commissions with a view to reduction of their expenditure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why three officers of the Treasury —the Controller of Establishments, the Controller of Supply Services, and the Controller of Finance—have each been given this year a salary increase of £1,000, making the salary of each of these officials £3,000 per annum, exclusive of bonus?

In 1919 the arrangement under which there had been three Joint Permanent Secretaries of the Treasury was carefully reconsidered by the Government after one of the Secretaries had retired and the other two had accepted appointments outside the Treasury. It was then decided to place the Treasury under the general control of a single Permanent Secretary who, in addition, would be the permanent head of the Civil Service; at the same time the Treasury was organised in three Departments (Establishments, Supply Services and Finance) corresponding to the natural subdivision of its duties, and in charge of each Department was placed a Controller who, under the general directions of the Permanent Secretary, was to be specifically responsible for the work of his Department. The Controller of each Department was given the status in the Civil Service and the remuneration of the permanent heads of the chief Public Departments with whom it was necessary for the efficiency of the scheme that they should rank in authority and prestige; and they accordingly are paid the salary mentioned in the question.

Does my hon. Friend not think it very inadvisable now to give such very large increases to already highly-paid civil servants, in view of the general reduction of wages throughout the country?

My hon. Friend will remember that these increases were based upon a Report of the Asquith Committee.

Is it not a fact that this was a Government Committee for which the Government were responsible? Does the hon. Gentleman mean that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Paisley is responsible, or the Government?

As I was the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the time, perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to answer. As this was a matter of vital consequence to the Civil Service, I asked the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Paisley, with his great experience, to help the Government by taking the chairmanship of that Committee. He did so, and I am deeply grateful to him for it. We accepted their recommendations, and the responsibility rests with me and my colleagues in the Government.

Will the Financial Secretary to the Treasury withdraw his statement?

Would the Leader of the House lay before us a statement showing the number of years that the Civil Service existed on low wages before any recognition was made on increased prices?

I can answer that off-hand. The salaries of the higher officials in the Civil Service have not been raised for 100 years, and they were wholly uncommensurate with the salaries paid elsewhere.

Will these salaries be reconsidered, or are they to be regarded as permanent?

Those salaries are to be regarded as permanent.

Was not the Government of the country more economically conducted 100 years ago?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of considering, and if necessary reducing, these very inflated salaries?

We have already undertaken to give a day on which to put down the Treasury Vote, in order that this matter may be discussed. Certainly the Government will not take the responsibility of paying inadequate salaries to the higher officials, on whose efficiency the Government service so largely depends.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Civil Liabilities Department will be closed down; if he is aware that certain highly-paid officials of this Department have already been transferred to the Ministry of Labour, and that others are about to be transferred; and how it is expected that economies can be effected if this is permitted?

I have been asked to reply. The date for the closing of the Civil Liabilities Department is receiving my careful consideration. Eleven officers of the Department (which is a branch of the Ministry of Labour) have since January last been transferred in a temporary capacity to fill definite vacancies in other branches of this industry. Forty-three officers have during the same period definitely terminated duty, their names being at once sent to the Joint Substitution Board.

As regards the last sentence of this question, let me say at once that while we are bound to adjust administrative charges to the work to be accomplished, we shall certainly continue to endeavour to requite our obligation to the ex-service men to the full limit of our resources.

How are economies to be effected if when you close down one Department you transfer the officials to another Department?

The Civil Liabilities Department had in hand 17,423: cases, and to-day they have only 5,304. Therefore I am reducing administrative expenses according to the work in hand, but I do not propose that the ex-service men shall be worse off in any way than they were before.

Why are the officials who are not needed now in the Civil Liabilities Department to be transferred to the Ministry of Labour? Is it to make jobs for them?

These officials are sent to the Joint Substitution Board to see whether there is still work which can be properly given to them, and that will continue. It is quite wrong to say that jobs are made for them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the hours of work prescribed for the different classes of the Civil Service; whether they are more or less than those of the banking institutions of the country; and what means the Treasury uses to enforce these hours and so avoid excessive staffing?

The hours of work prescribed for the various classes of the Civil Service vary from 42 hours a week, with a Saturday half-holiday when the state of public business permits and a normal luncheon interval of three-quarters of an hour, to 48 hours a week or somewhat more in certain cases. The actual hours worked by large numbers of civil servants are believed to be greatly in excess of those commonly worked in banking institutions. It is the duty, not only of the Treasury, but of the various Departments with which the Treasury is kept in close and constant touch, by personal communications and consultations, inspections, etc., to see that the hours prescribed for the several classes of employé are fully worked and that staffs are regulated accordingly.

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly make inquiry whether it is the fact that there are a not inconsiderable number of civil servants who work six, and sometimes only five, hours a day? Cannot that state of things be put an end to?

My information is entirely to the contrary. I shall be glad to consider any information the hon. Member may have to give me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many officials of the Food Ministry Wheat and Sugar Commissions are still employed in his Department; whether the Wheat Commission is continuing to make purchases; and, if not, when will a Report of its transactions be presented.

The Royal Commission on Sugar Supply is not under the control of the Board of Trade, but I have ascertained that the staff numbers 49. The Food Department of the Board of Trade and the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies employ a staff of 1,344. A. Report on the work of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, which has made no purchases since 21st March, is in course of preparation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the expediency of offering to take over from local authorities, for Government purposes, the large amounts of loan money which have been raised in excess of housing requirements?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. There is still a large amount of money to be raised in the aggregate by local authorities to complete existing commitments, and the number of cases in which an amount in excess of requirements has been raised is, I believe, small. I am considering this question in connection with the general question of housing policy.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he has received a report as to the progress made in the erection of 100 houses at Clayton, Manchester, by the Building Guild; if so, whether the progress of the work and its quality is satisfactory; and, if so, why he has refused the urgent request of the Manchester City Council to be allowed to complete the housing scheme on the Clayton site?

I am informed that the progress and workmanship of the Building Guild, on the erection of 100 houses. at Clayton, Manchester, is satisfactory. The application of the Manchester City Council to be allowed to enter into further commitments is under consideration, in connection with the general question of future housing policy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Councillor A. Davis has been employed by a public utility society to erect flats in Marylebone, including a block of flats known as Addison House, Grove End Road, and that he practically controls the society, from whom he has obtained the building contracts; whether any housing grant has been made to the public utility society in question, whether he is aware that intending tenants of the flats in question have been required to take shares in the society, and that the flats in question are let at rents which working classes could afford to pay; and whether the amount of profits which Councillor Davis has made on the building contracts has been supervised by the Ministry of Health?

I understand that Mr. Davis has contracted to build houses for the Public Utility Housing Society, Limited, of which he is chairman. No grant has yet been paid in respect of this scheme. Under the approved rules; of the society all tenants are entitled to membership, and every member on election is required to take up at least one share of the value of £l. This is a usual: provision in the rules of public utility-societies. As regards the last part of the question, both the tenders for the erection of the houses and the rents to be charged have been approved by my Department. I have no information as to the profits accruing to the contractors..

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to a statement made by the chairman of the Liverpool Parish Assessment Committee at the National Conference of Assessment Committees recently held at the Caxton Hall, Westminster, to the effect that in Liverpool rates amounted to £6 10s. per head for every man, woman, and child, which with the national taxation of £23 per head made the average taxation in Liverpool nearly £30 per head of the population; and whether he can hold out any hopes of reducing this burden of taxation?

The average national taxation per head for 1921–22 on the basis of the Budget Estimate comes to rather under £21, not £23 as stated in the question. Mr. right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is well aware of the heavy burden of rates and taxes, not only in Liverpool but elsewhere, and of the urgent necessity for securing reduction in public expenditure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that taxation is equalised among various classes of the community? [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"] You will have to pay more.

And you will have to pay something!

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made with the wireless enterprises of the United States, Germany, and France; how this progress compares with that of the British Post Office; and whether the Trench Government has come to the conclusion that the State cannot carry on the organisation as well as private enterprise?

It is difficult to deal with this matter by means of question and answer, but if the hon. Member will allow me, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the latter part of the question be answered?

The statement is being prepared, and I will let the hon. Member have it as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade who were the persons responsible for fixing the commission to importers of bacon, hams, and lard for which £1,523,896 is stated by the Comptroller-General in his report on trading accounts to have been paid for the year 1918–19; who were the two firms to whom over £200,000 each was paid in commission; and how many firms in all received over £50,000 each in connection with this business in the year in question?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General stating that the Food Ministry trading accounts for the year ending 1st March, 1920, are still unavailable, and that some of those for the year ending 1st March, 1919, are not yet complete; and whether he can give the reasons for this delay?

These matters are now before the Public Accounts Committee, and I would ask the hon. Members to defer their questions until after the issue of the Committee's Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many regional and transport officers are now employed by the Food Control Department; what salaries they are in receipt of; and when their services can be dispensed with?

The answer to the first part of the question is 170, and to the second an estimated annual amount of £45,000. I am unable at present to reply to the last part, but the number of these officers will probably be reduced by 20 per cent. in the course of next month.

Can the right hon. Gentleman himself spare time to look into this matter? If he is satisfied that these officers must be kept on, I for one shall have confidence in his findings. I want the right hon. Gentleman's personal intervention in the matter.

I will give that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total quantity of the various stocks held by the Food Control Department; what is the value; and how long the liquidation will take?

For reasons frequently explained to the House, it is not desirable, while liquidation is in progress, to disclose quantities of stocks in hand. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Dover; and as regards the third part, it is anticipated that the disposal of stocks will be complete by the end of November, but the liquidation of accounts will not be finished until some time later.

Has the right hon Gentleman considered the advisability of handing over the liquidation of this Department to a business firm of repute, as any business firm entrusted with the task would have wound the Department up long ago?

I have not yet considered that.

It is worth considering.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake that clerical members of the Anti-Waste League shall be asked to do the job for nothing?

The time of the House should not be taken up with questions of that kind.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed by the executive committee of the Dover branch of the British Legion insisting that a Christian burial be given to the remains of their late comrades of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines lying in H.M.S. "Glatton"; and whether he will state what steps he proposes to take to comply with the spirit of the resolution?