asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assurances have been received from the Imperial Japanese Government that Japan intends evacuating the port of Vladivostok, the other points Japan has occupied in Eastern Siberia, and the northern half of the island of Sakhalien?

No assurance has been received from the Japanese Government other than that stated in the first part of the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 6th July.

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to state what information His Majesty's Government has in regard to the occupation of Sakhalien, which appears to be permanent?

I shall be pleased to give my hon. and gallant Friend a reply if he will put down a specific question.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the House any information he has?

In the question the hon. and gallant Gentleman asked what assurances had been received and the reply was that there was nothing further beyond what had already been stated.

May I ask whether members of the Japanese Legislature ask when Great Britain is going to evacuate Gibraltar and Malta, to relinquish India, and to leave the southern half of Africa; if not, should there not be some reciprocity of courtesy in this behalf?

On a point of Order. May I—

HON. MEMBERS: Order, order!

Mr. Locker-Lampson.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reason for the increase in the number of King's messengers from 14 in 1914 to 37 last year and to 41 this year?

In 1920 the King's Foreign Messenger Service was amalgamated with the Department of the Foreign Office, which deals with the cyphering and decyphering of telegrams between the Foreign Office and His Majesty's representatives abroad, and the messengers are employed on this work at the Foreign Office in the intervals between their journeys abroad. The permanent staff of King's Foreign Service Messengers has been increased, as shown by the Estimates for the current year, to 15; the additional 19 foreign service messengers are employed on a temporary basis only. There are also seven home service messengers, the number of whom has not been increased since 1914. In view of the unsettled post-War conditions prevailing in various parts of Europe, it has been necessary to increase very considerably the number of messenger journeys, in order to ensure the safe, regular, and speedy conveyance of despatches to and from the Foreign Office and diplomatic officers abroad. Moreover, the very large increase in the number of the telegrams in code and cypher passing between the Foreign Office and His Majesty's diplomatic and consular officers has necessitated the augmentation of the staff which deals with them, but the temporary staff will be reduced as and when opportunity may occur.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why it has been decided to make a new appointment this year of a historical adviser to the Foreign Office at a salary of £1,200, exclusive of bonus?

The post of historical adviser to the Foreign Office, which is personal to the present holder, was created last year. The salary of the official concerned appears for the first time in this year's Estimates, owing to the fact that he was previously on the establishment of the Board of Education, having been seconded from that Department since the beginning of the War for duties similar to those which he is now discharging. For the purpose of the Peace negotiations and the study of the many complex problems arising out of the Treaties of Peace, it was found essential to arrange for historical research in a form not provided for in the existing organisation of the Foreign Office. One of the most important duties of the historical adviser is to prepare for the use of the Secretary of State authoritative and detailed records and reports on negotiations and international transactions connected with the War and the Peace settlement.

Does my hon. Friend seriously say that it was necessary at this time of day to have this new appointment of historical adviser to the Foreign Office; was it not possible to employ one of the staff of the Foreign Office?

No. I should think, from the nature of the work of this gentleman, which I have myself seen, that it would not fall to be discharged by any existing member of the staff.

Is not this a complete example of an official being found unnecessary in one Department and being found a post in another Department— equally unnecessary, so far as the public service is concerned?

With great respect, I think my hon. Friend is mistaken.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what the total salary is—plus bonus?

I would ask for notice of that question.

I will put it down.

Is there not a very stiff and searching examination in history for candidates for the Foreign Office?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many of the 6,000 extra officials at the Admiralty are engaged in the medals branch and prize branch, respectively?

The staff of the prize and medal branches numbers 300, but the distribution between the two branches varies as required by the pressure of work in each. The total number of additional persons employed at the Admiralty at present, as compared with 1914, is not 6,000, but 3,180 as will appear from the reply given to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Molton on the 6th instant.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House any idea at all how the 3,000 are employed?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether 27 boy clerks at wages of less than £1 per week (exclusive of bunus) have been removed from the Colonial Office list, whilst there is an increase of 11 in the higher ranks of officials earning salaries of £300 and over?

The majority of the boy clerks in question, having passed the examination for assistant clerkships, have been placed on the establishment of the Colonial Office as clerical officers. Some of the others have been transferred in that capacity to other Departments. The remainder under Treasury rules left the service on attaining the age of 18 years. The Civil Service Commissioners have for some time ceased to recruit for this class. The increase in the administrative staff in the Colonial Office is due to the continued expansion in the work of the Department.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Ambassador of the Far Eastern Republic at Pekin, M. Jurinin, has sent a Note to the Japanese Government, asking that Japan shall cease intervention in the internal affairs of the Far Eastern Republic and withdraw her troops; and whether His Majesty's Government will use their good offices to induce the Japanese Government to accede to the request?

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of any Note addressed to the Japanese Government by Monsieur Jurin on the subject of Japanese intervention in the affairs of the Far Eastern Republic. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise,

Is there a Far Eastern Republic; is there any information on that subject?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a definite reply from the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government to his representations regarding the sequestration of the Central European Mines, Limited; and, if not, whether he will renew his representations to that Government, in view of the urgency of that matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Leicester (West) on this subject on 13th July. No definite answer has yet been received from the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government, but the matter has not been lost sight of.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to inform the House which Department or Departments of those consulted has not yet been able to decide in favour of the offer from France for the reciprocal abolition of the visa; and whether the Foreign Office is doing all in its power to press for an early and favourable reply?

A favourable reply has been sent to the offer of the French Government for the reciprocal abolition of the visa.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give instructions for inquiries to be made through our representatives in Belgium as to the benefits which that country has gained, or otherwise, in the simplification of her frontier regulations?

I am afraid I do not clearly understand the purport of the hon. Member's question. If there be any precise and definite point on which he desires information, I will gladly consider whether a report from His Majesty's Ambassador at Brussels can be called for.

Does it not occur to the hon. Gentleman that if it has been found so entirely satisfactory to Belgium to do away with regulations, it might be equally satisfactory to us; if that be the case, surely it is worth while making inquiry?

If that be the nature of the inquiry the hon. Gentleman wishes me to make, I will consider it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the officers and men who served in dockyard tugs during the War will be awarded the medals to which they may be entitled?

Officers and men who had 672 hours' (28 days) actual service at sea in His Majesty's ships (including seagoing yardcraft) during the War will be awarded the British War Medal.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that no undue delay takes place in the award of the medals to the men entitled to them?

Certainly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether His Majesty's telegraph ships were employed by the Admiralty during the War; and whether any of the work was done in foreign waters and by the instructions of the Admiralty?

The Admiralty did not own any cable ships during the War. Some of those owned by the General Post Office and some of those belonging to private cable companies were at times employed on work required by the Admiralty during the War. The actual work itself, however, was carried out by the General Post Office or the private owners, as the case might be. Some of this work was done in foreign waters, as was also a large amount of work, by the privately-owned cable ships on their own cable systems.

Is it not the fact that these ships were on the Navy List?

I do not think so, but I will look into that point.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the proposed cotton-bleaching factory at Holton Heath, Dorset, when erected and working, will effect any saving over contracting for the material as at present; upon whose advice is the expenditure of £106,000 being incurred; who is the official in charge of the scheme and what knowledge or experience has he of cotton-bleaching machinery or of cotton bleaching; whether the Government at the Armistice owned nine cotton-bleaching factories, which they have since sold for £100,000; whether any of these factories can now be bought for very moderate amounts and are each capable of an equal production per week to the amount estimated at Holton Heath; whether the cotton will first require to be carded in a Lancashire mill before being sent to Holton Heath; and will he have an urgent inquiry instituted into the whole circumstances?

It is confidently anticipated that when the new cotton purifying plant is installed a saving will accrue. Too much importance cannot be attached to the necessity for obtaining the purest ingredients in the manufacture of the cordite used by the Navy, and this is most likely to be secured by carrying out cotton bleaching—which is only one of the processes that will be undertaken at the factory—under direct naval supervision. In erecting this plant the Admiralty are following the recommendation of those whose duty it is to advise them on technical work connected with propellants. It will be executed under the supervision of the various Admiralty Departments concerned with new works and machinery, based upon technical data which have been prepared by the Admiralty officers dealing with explosives, in conjunction with the Research Department, after a full study of similar plant in use in the cotton trade. The plant will be operated by the mechanical, chemical, and technical staff of the factory. No cotton-bleaching factories were owned or controlled by the Admiralty. During the War the Naval requirements were supplied by the Ministry of Munitions; but, as the Admiralty will now supply their own cordite from the factory at Holton Heath, it is important that all work connected with its production should be concentrated at that place. The cotton will require to be carded before being sent to Holton Heath. The question of establishing this wing of the factory has already received the fullest consideration of the Board of Admiralty, and the answer to the last sentence of the question is therefore in the negative.

What is the object of the Admiralty in proceeding to erect new buildings when buildings fully equipped are already available for them in Lancashire; and, as long as they have to have one process carried out in the Lancashire mills, is it not an advantage to complete the process in one area?

That is exactly what we wish to do. All the processes connected with the manufacture of cordite are now carried on at Holton Heath, except bleaphing, and we want to erect a new wing so as to have all the processes under one supervision.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman right in saying that all the processes are now carried on there except cotton bleaching? Cotton is carded in Lancashire. That is one of the important processes which is not carried out at Holton Heath, and which would require an equal expenditure subsequently at Holton Heath to make the process complete, and is this not just the beginning of the expenditure?

No, Sir. There are many processes which are not carried out at Holton Heath, including the growing of the cotton; but the important thing is the bleaching of the cotton. During the War we had to take a great deal of risk, because it was war time. The Navy has not the confidence that it ought to have in its cordite at the present time, and we are very anxious to have the bleaching and cleaning of this cotton under our own supervision.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state what is the combined naval strength in modern units of the navies of Denmark, Norway. Sweden, and Finland; whether the importance of these navies necessitates the appointment of a post-captain at £2,555 per annum as naval attaché instead of an officer of junior rank; whether an officer of junior rank to captain carried out the duties of naval attaché in Paris, St. Petersburg, and Berlin to the satisfaction of their Lordships prior to the War; what naval duties have necessitated the presence of the. naval attaché at Helsingfors for 85 days during the present year; and how many reports of a purely naval character bearing on Finland have been received from this officer during the present year?

The reply to the first part of the question is

The reply to the second part is, in the opinion of the Admiralty, in the affirmative. The selection of officers or attaches is not dependent solely on rank; many other considerations have to be taken into account, and officers of junior rank are and have been employed. This was, as suggested in the third part of the question, the case at St. Petersburg before the War, but not at Paris or Berlin. With regard to the fourth part, the opening-up of the Gulf of Finland to navigation and the extensive mine-sweeping operations now in progress in the adjacent waters make Helsingsfors the most convenient centre. The answer to the last part is 13, and I may say that, in addition to his duties at naval adviser to His Majesty's Minister, the Naval Attachés has rendered the necessary reports to the Admiralty to the entire satisfaction of the Board. I should like to take this opportunity of deprecating public inquiry in this House as to the duties performed and reports rendered by naval attachés, who are diplomatic representatives and whose work is necessarily of a confidential nature. It is not, generally speaking, in the public interest to answer questions on matters of this kind.

Is not the employment of a senior officer at £7 a day, in a country where the navy consists of five old torpedo boats, a matter for inquiry in this House, and are not the real duties of this officer the organisation of counter-revolutionary plots in Russia?

Can we have an assurance from the Admiralty that this naval attaché is performing duties similar to those performed by naval attaches before the War, and that he is not concerned in any degree with activities against Russia?

I have dealt with this matter on a previous occasion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the verdict and sentence recently passed at the court-martial of Captain E. C. Kennedy, Royal Navy, in connection with the events which occurred on or about 23rd June, at Newport (Mon.), when No. 2 Battalion (Portsmouth) Royal Fleet Reserve, showed signs of insubordination; whether Captain Kennedy's handling of the men under his command on that occasion was successful in averting what might have been a situation of danger; and whether he will consider taking steps to annul the sentence of reprimand in view of the ending of the coal dispute and the little disorder experienced during it?

The Board of Admiralty have fully considered this case and the events at Newport which occasioned it They do not admit that Captain Kennedy handled the situation in a satisfactory manner, and must decline to consider the question of cancelling the sentence, in which they concur.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the position of pensioners who served in the Royal Australian Navy during the War, and by the receipt of deferred pay are debarred from counting their war service towards increase of pension?

A decision has not yet been arrived at, and I regret I am unable, at present, to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member for Central Portsmouth (Sir T. Bramsdon) on the 25th April.

Would the hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to give a reply to this question?

I am now in communication with the Australian Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the entrances to Scapa Flow, Orkney, by Water Sound and Holm Sound, required to be blocked during the War by the sinking of merchant vessels; that the presence of these, obstructions is fatal to the prosecution of fishing operations and fish curing in that district upon which a large portion of the population depends, and also forms a barrier to transport operations there; whether he is prepared to remove these obstructions without further delay to such an extent as may be necessary to afford a safe passage for fishing and trading vessels; and, if not, whether he is prepared to make compensation to the persons affected for the loss that is thus being sustained?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it has been brought to the notice of the Admiralty that the presence of these ships causes, considerable inconvenience to the local fishing industry. As regards the third part, these vessels were sunk at a time of great national emergency, and the Admiralty have from the first been advised that they are under no legal obligation to remove them. They have, however, with some difficulty and at considerable expense, cleared passages two hundred and one hundred yards wide, respectively, in Holm Sound and Water Sound, thus rendering these channels navigable for small craft. I fear it is impracticable to do more, as, owing to local conditions and the fact that the ships are to a large extent already broken up, attempts to remove them would be very costly and are most unlikely to prove successful. As regards the last part of the question, it will, I think, be appreciated that in the above circumstances the Admiralty cannot admit any liability to pay compensation for loss or damage which may be attributed to the presence of these obstructions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of ex-service men have had to leave the locality because they were unable to carry out their pre-War occupation, that a number of fish-curing stations are now derelict, involving great loss to the curers, and that in other ways harbours and other stations are unable to earn the revenue that they would have derived; and does he not think that the Admiralty should come forward and make a voluntary offer of compensation for the losses sustained in cases of that kind?

I have answered that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state approximately the total cost of construction, maintenance, housing, personnel, staff, and all other charges in connection with airships from the date of the Armistice to the date when they passed to the control of the Air Ministry?

The approximate total expenditure upon the airship service from naval funds for the period in question was £4,300,000. This amount represents the actual payments made during that period, and includes some payments which relate to liabilities incurred at an earlier date. It is not practicable, without the expenditure of considerable labour, to say what portion of the amount relates to such earlier liabilities.

May I take it that the figures include all charges under the headings given, and perhaps some others?

Yes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Admiralty has put into operation the findings of the Industrial Arbitration Board as regards the reduction of the 6s. bonus awarded in April and June, 1920, to the industrial employés of the naval establishments, he will state if an immediate revision from the short time now being worked to the full working week will take place; and, if not, will he say at what future date the normal hours of working will be put into operation?

The question of reverting to full working hours in the Royal Dockyards and other Admiralty establishments has been, and now is, under consideration. I may inform the hon. Member that a resolution on the subject was adopted by the Admiralty Industrial Council, of which I am Chairman, on Friday last, in which the representatives of the employés' side, as well as of the Department, expressed the opinion that full time should be resumed at the earliest possible date, but that this should be done in stages, with an increase from 40 to 42 hours a week in the first instance. It is anticipated it will be possible to make a further announcement on the subject in the near future.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are taken in cases when the magistrates make criticisms on the negligence of the officials of the employment exchanges in allowing unemployed pay to persons not qualified; is an inquiry held; and what is done in cases where the negligence is proved?

Inquiry is made in all cases in which there is reason to suppose that there has been negligence in the administration of benefit, and disciplinary action is taken where necessary. Any cases in which persons appear to be improperly in receipt of benefit are referred to the local employment committee for review, or, if there appears to be ground for suspecting fraud, are considered with a view to prosecution. A later question in the name of the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Sir W. de Frece) refers to these cases. I can assure my hon. Friend that I follow up personally so far as I can all cases of Press criticism, whether as to laxity of administration or improper receipt of benefit.

Does the right hon. Gentleman himself give attention to the magistrates' remarks with regard to these cases?

Yes, personally. I read their reports, and, as far as I can, follow them up.

In a large number of these cases, have these remarks of stipendiary magistrates in London been justified?

I should like notice before making comment on a matter of that kind.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the heavy cost to which many local authorities have been put in meeting cases of distress arising out of the recent lock-out in the coal industry; and whether he is prepared to advise the Government to render financial assistance to these authorities, inasmuch as the distress has been caused by a stoppage which has been of a national and not of a local character?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the exceptional burden now being thrown on ratepayers in industrial districts owing to the abnormal amount of unemployment prevailing; whether he is aware that boards of guardians consider that this is a national rather than a local problem, and ought to be dealt with by the Government; and what steps he proposes to take?

I am aware that the expenditure of some of the Poor Law authorities during the coal stoppage has been exceptionally heavy. But I must point out that the stoppage has also resulted in a heavy loss to the National Exchequer, and I am not prepared to recommend that an additional burden should be placed upon the taxpayers who have to meet this loss. The Government already pay half the expenditure incurred by local authorities under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918, and by local education authorities under the Education (Provision of Meals) Acts, 1906 and 1914, on the supply of milk and meals to expectant and nursing mothers, to children under five, and to children in attendance at public elementary schools. I have also taken administrative action in the case of a. number of Poor Law authorities with a view to spreading the burden of relief of the present exceptional distress over an extended period.

Is it not a fact that what we are seeking is not- an additional burden on the taxpayer, but an equal burden—that the burden shall not be placed on a given locality?

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard this as a question entirely concerned with the coal stoppage? Has he considered that it is a question of much more enduring character than that owing to the very large amount of unemployment still existing?

The point the hon. Member raises I have well in mind, but it does not really arise on this question. It is a very serious one. As regards the question of the hon. Member (Mr. Guest), owing to the fact that a dispute has taken place in a particular locality, I cannot recommend that taxpayers in other districts, who are in no way concerned, shall now come to the assistance of the men.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of cases to date in which there has been incontestable abuse of the unemployed benefit; the number of such cases in which a prosecution has been ordered; and the number of convictions obtained?

There have been 89 prosecutions since the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, came into force in November last for fraudulent abuse of unemployment benefit, and convictions were registered in 85 cases. At this moment, there are a number of cases under consideration with a view to prosecution. Apart from fraud, the machinery for examining claims of doubtful validity is, of course, in operation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has yet been given by the Court of Referees in cases where benefit has been disallowed to miners who are unemployed through lack of pit accommodation and other causes?

These claims have been dealt with by the insurance officer on the lines laid down by the umpire in connection with previous similar cases. Instructions in this connection were issued on 2nd July. In certain cases there have been appeals to the Courts of Referees, but their recommendations have not yet been received. Special steps have been taken to expedite the hearings by the Courts, and any subesquent appeal to the umpire that may be lodged.

Shall we have any information as to what the decisions of the umpire are?

I have told hon. Members who are interested that I will send them with great pleasure the decision of the umpire.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman assumes that these men are idle because of the stoppage, is he aware that a number of them would have been idle under any circumstances through lack of trade?

The Order I referred to in the earlier part of my answer relates to men who were unemployed before the dispute. Generally speaking, they will continue to get benefit. Men who are unemployed because of damage to the mines as a result of the dispute, generally speaking, will not. Finally, there are the men who are unemployed as a result of the dispute, and have not been able to go back for economic reasons—bad trade and so on. Generally they will get benefit, but that last category requires to be treated on its merits, and I am expediting the hearings as much as I can.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a resolution from the Disabled Ex-service Men's Training Association asking for an inquiry into the ex-service men's training scheme; whether he is aware that many men undergoing training have been discharged from the instructional training factories before their period of training has been completed, and are unable to obtain work of any kind; whether he will state the reason for these discharges; whether he is aware that much of the money spent in training ex-service men is wasted through the men being turned out before they can obtain work at the trade for which they have been trained; that, for instance, men whose training as dental mechanics has cost the State hundreds of pounds in each individual case are now employed in unskilled work of an entirely different character; and whether he will grant the request referred to and appoint a Committee to inquire into the administration of the scheme, such Committee to be representative of ex-service men generally, the Disabled Ex-service Men's Training Association, and trade unions?

I can assure my hon. Friend that it is quite incorrect to say that men have been sent out of the factories to find improverships before their factory course has been completed. On the contrary, in view of the industrial depression, I have done my best to keep such men in the factory as long as I possibly could; and no man has been discharged to find an improvership who has not exceeded, and in many cases greatly exceeded, the full limit of institutional training laid down. Indeed, from November to May last, no man was discharged at all, even though in many cases the period of institutional training had been exhausted. The men who are now being discharged have all had at least five months' extension. I can assure my hon. Friend and these men that the moment trade revival gives me the chance, no effort will be left untried to fix them up in improverships.

Is it not better to maintain the men in some sort of training, and keep the continuity of the training going, rather than turn them loose?

There is something to be said for that, but my hon. Friend must remember that these men have had a definite course, the length of which is approved by representatives of the trade and of the Ministry of Labour, and part of that course is work in a shop or factory as improvers. I have kept them as long as I can beyond their training, and can really go no further.

Is it not a fact that men who have had no employment since the Armistice, and who have finished their period of training under the Ministry, are being turned on to the roads at a week's notice and have no chance whatever of getting work; and may we not take it that the Minister will state frankly that the scheme has broken down and that he is not able to go on with it?

That is really the question which has been already answered.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any ex-service men are now being accepted for training at the centres?

Yes, Sir. Ex-service men are still being accepted for training under the Industrial Training Scheme. As a matter of fact, 4,774 men have been admitted during the last three months.

Is it economic to be accepting men until you have finished the training of the other men and they are fully skilled?

The hon. Member is contrasting like with unlike. Some of the men go on to improverships, but that is not universally the case. Those are the cases the hon. Member was asking me about earlier on. The other trades and the other courses have nothing to do with that.

Do we take it the right hon. Gentleman is not accepting men for training where improverships are necessary until he gets the other men complete in their training?

I cannot say that.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the complaint made by a fully qualified bricklayer named Henry Hall, a member of the Operative Bricklayers' Society for 20 years, to the Willesden police magistrate on Saturday last that he was starving and homeless, having been unemployed for three months by reason of the bricklayers' trades union having refused to allow him to work because he had been instructing ex-service men in contravention to an order issued some time ago by the society that none of its members were, to give any instruction or assistance to ex-service men desiring to become bricklayers; and whether, in view of this action of this trades union in restraint of trade, and if the existing law does not give protection to British citizens from being deprived of their livelihood in the manner described, he will take immediate steps to introduce whatever legislation may be necessary in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I have made inquiries and am informed that the statement referred to is unfounded. I am told that, so far from this man's union having penalised him for assisting in training ex-service men by refusing to allow him to work, the union has recently helped him with a cash payment, and on 9th July found him employment on a job of which the man did not avail himself.

Is it or is it not a fact, as stated in the second part of the question, that this society has issued an order that none of its members is to give any instruction or assistance to ex-service men desiring to become bricklayers?

I cannot truthfully say whether the bricklayers' trade union has been at all helpful; on the contrary it would be nearer the truth to say that they have rather cold-shouldered them.

Is it not a fact that there is a good deal of truth in the statement made by this old gentleman in court, that he has been deprived of employment by the action of the building union?

Apparently in this case the facts are not as stated.

asked the Minister of Health if grants out of public funds are made to hospitals if provision will be made for representatives of the public on the governing bodies?

I will bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the notice of the Hospitals Commission, but I am disposed to doubt whether a non-recurrent grant would justify requiring hospitals to make a permanent change of this kind in the constitution of their governing bodies.

asked the Minister of Health whether milk assistance, Form 1, used by local authorities in connection with maternity and child welfare work, is approved by the Ministry of Health; whether applicants for milk assistance are compelled to give the name of their employers, the name of their foreman, their ticket number, and other information, and are warned that false answers will render them liable to prosecution; what is the purpose of these inquiries; and what use is made of the information relating to employers and foremen?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The object of the inquiries is to enable the statements in support of his claim made by an applicant for milk at less than cost price to be verified. Where necessary confidential letters of inquiry are sent to employers and the ticket number and name of the foreman are given to assist in the identification of the applicant. The form is part of certain arrangements for better control of milk distribution which were rendered necessary by the occurrence of serious abuses in certain localities.

asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that many local authorities have sold housing bonds on the security of Government undertakings under the assisted housing scheme, and will have a considerable sum of money on this account in hand beyond their liabilities under houses at present under contract; whether they will be allowed to carry out further instalments of schemes already approved up to the amount of bonds they have in hand with the assurance of the Government contribution originally promised; and, if not, in what way will he advise those authorities that their commitments in regard to those bonds shall be discharged?

As far as my information goes, the number of local authorities who have raised more money than they require to finance their housing commitments is quite small. I am obtaining from local authorities exact particulars, and will confer with them with a view to devising the best arrangements to suit the circumstances of each particular case.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government have on its hands approximately 373,000,000 bricks for which contracts were placed by the Department of Building Material Supplies; and whether he has now any hope of being able to dispose of, these bricks other than at a loss?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the number of bricks contracted for, but ,not yet allocated to housing schemes. That number is 306,000,000. The houses to be completed or built under the reduced housing programme are sufficient to absorb the total quantity of bricks outstanding under the Department's contracts. I cannot, of course, anticipate the course of brick prices.

Are the bricklayers not already claiming damages for storing these bricks and accumulating them?

What they may claim is a very different question.

asked the Minister of Health whether an official of his Ministry has been employed abroad in the purchase of roofing tiles for use on buildings in course of erection, under housing schemes, in the United Kingdom; and what are the terms of purchase relating to price and cost of delivery in this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Health if he has caused inquiries to be made for the purpose of ascertaining the supplies of roofing slates available at the slate quarries and slate mines in the United Kingdom for housing requirements; and if he is aware that such supplies are in excess of such needs, owing to the adherence by the quarry proprietors of pledges given to the Government that they would restrict their export of roofing slates in order to meet the home demand?

The answer to the first part of the question is that my Department ceased buying slates several months ago. Inquiries continue to be made as to output, with a view to obtaining such general information as is available regarding stocks of slates. The answer to the second part of the question is that I have no information as to any pledges such as are referred to, but, as I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Merionethshire on the 19th instant, many reports have been received of delay in completing houses owing to the difficulty experienced by contractors in obtaining roofing material.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total area of land acquired by the local authorities since April, 1918, in connection with their housing schemes and the total sum of money involved in acquisition; what is his estimate of the area that will be built upon when the schemes now approved are completed; and what he proposed should be done with the land that will not be required; and whether the Government is prepared to consider a policy of selling or leasing the surplus land to any persons who will covenant to build within a given interval, all new houses on such land to be free from local taxation permanently or for a period of years?

I estimate that the land which has been acquired for assisted housing schemes amounts approximately to 27.000 acres, and that the cost is about £4,800,000. The 176,000 houses approved under the scheme will require an acreage of approximately 20,000 acres. Proposals for the sale or lease of surplus land to persons proposing to build houses will certainly be considered, but without fuller consideration, I could not accept the specific suggestion in the last part of the question.

Will the right hon. Baronet be able to supply us with the rateable value of these 27,000 acres that cost £4,250,000 before they were acquired by the public?

I will see if the information can be obtained.

Will not the number of these housing schemes require the purchase of additional land, so that there will be further surplus land?

I understand not.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the legislation recently adopted in New York city by the provisions of which new houses up to a certain structural value will be exempt from local taxation for a period of 10 years; whether he is aware that the exemption of the structure, combined with the continued taxation on the selling value of the site apart from structure, has given such a stimulus to building that houses are now being erected at the rate of 1,000 a week; and whether the Government will consider giving similar encouragement to private enterprise in this country in view of the limitation now placed upon the housing schemes of the local authorities?

I have seen Press reports on this matter, and am causing inquiry to be made into the facts.

When the facts are available, will the right hon. Gentleman consider putting the policy into operation if he is satisfied that it has proved successful in New York?

asked the Prime Minister whether any compensation has yet been paid to those persons who suffered personal injury, or who had property damaged by enemy action within the United Kingdom during the War; if so, to what amount; and, if not, will he say when such payments are likely to be made?

If, as I suppose, the hon. Member's question refers to compensation paid out of moneys received by way of reparations, the answer is in the negative. As to the last part of the hon. Member's question, I would refer him to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith on the 20th ultimo.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the efforts now being made to restore peace in Ireland and ensure tranquillity in the Pacific, the Government will make an effort to wind up the great War by concluding the outstanding peace negotiations with Turkey?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the assurance given in the Prime Minister's reply of the 7th July to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull, to which there is nothing to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what prices were paid during the recent coal stoppage for French and German reparation coal sold to this country; what quantities were supplied; and whether the quotations were identical with those paid by French consumers?

I have been asked to reply. The average price paid f.o.b. French ports for French and German reparation coal imported for Government account was about 140 francs. The approximate quantities supplied were:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the amount received in respect of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much has been received under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act?

The amount received under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, up to the 18th instant inclusive, is £198,000.

Is it intended to suspend or repeal this Act?

There is a Motion on the Paper in reference to that matter.

asked the Prime Minister the names of those who are to be sent to represent this country at the Assembly of the League of Nations?

The representatives of this country at the next assembly of the League of Nations have not yet been appointed.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give an answer on the subject?

I cannot say without notice.

Will the Government consider whether it is possible for the Prime Minister to be one of those who attend?

If the Noble Lord will consider how many are the Conferences in which the Prime Minister is or is likely to be engaged, he will see that there are difficulties in the way of that arrangement. I know that it is my right hon. Friend's desire to attend one of the meetings, if he can manage to do so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent the Gentlemen selected will be able to commit the country and the Government?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a great many members of the motor and cycle trades in the south and west of Ireland have been for some time past deprived of their means of livelihood in the interests of the State; that no charge has ever been suggested against them as law-abiding citizens; will he state whether these traders are entitled to compensation; and what steps they can take in order to secure the same, and thus avert ruin?

I am aware that the restrictions which it has been found necessary to impose upon the use of motor vehicles in Ireland have necessarily involved considerable loss of profit to the motor trade. This is not, however, the only trade which has suffered as a result of the disturbed state of the country, and I am afraid I can hold out no hope that it will be exceptionally dealt with in the matter of compensation.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the housing subsidy will be paid to those private builders who, relying on the declared policy of the Government, have already begun the building of houses or who have already entered into contracts for the immediate building of houses to meet the existing demands?

The question of the housing subsidy in Ireland is at present being considered, and His Majesty's Government propose to make a statement on the subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the question of the future constitution of Ceylon has yet received his attention; and can he undertake to settle this question by next December, when the Ceylon National Congress meets?

Since the newly constituted Legislative Council has only been in existence since the 7th June, I am not yet in a position to anticipate what proposals for the revision of the constitution are likely to be submitted for consideration. While the Secretary of State will of course give any such proposals his most careful consideration, he cannot undertake in advance to give a decision on proposals yet unformulated by any definite date.

Are we to understand that the Secretary of State awaits proposals from Ceylon, and that these proposals can emanate from the people of Ceylon as well as the Governor, or only from the Governor?

My hon. and gallant Friend will recollect what has been the history of this question, arising out of an undertaking by the Governor that on Amendments being made in the Legislative Council they would be at once remitted for the consideration of the Secretary of State, who in his turn will give consideration to them.

The Amendments are to be suggested by the Legislative Council?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Indian community in East Africa are sending a delegation to this country, which delegation is to include the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme, in order to represent to His Majesty's Government the views and wishes of the Indian community; whether Governor Northey is also coming to this country; and will he see that no definite arrangement is come to until after the arrival of the delegation?

I have received a telegram from the Indian Congress in East Africa stating that a deputation was leaving for England on 5th July, but the telegram omitted to refer to the association of my hon. and gallant Friend with the deputation. Sir Edward Northey is also on his way to this country. I have no doubt that I shall have an opportunity of acquainting myself with the views of the deputation before a decision on matters affecting the Indian community is taken.

If they arrive to-morrow, will it be possible to see them before Governor Northey arrives?

Will my hon. Friend take all possible steps to persuade the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under -Lyme to return with the delegation?

asked the Secretary of State for War if 30,000 Army horses in Mesopotamia which were to be destroyed are now to be put up for sale in that country?

Negotiations are taking place for the sale of the surplus horses in Mesopotamia for export from that country. I would add that the number does not exceed 20,000.

Are these horses to be sold to the Arabs, or are they to be used for the Arab army which is to be raised? How many are to be used by the army and how many are to be sold to the natives?

Negotiations are taking place for the sale of the surplus horses for export from that country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps, if any, are being taken to combat the Isle of Wight disease; and whether, in the interests of beekeepers, he can see his way to recommend that this disease, upon discovery in any district, should be made immediately notifiable?

I have been asked to reply. Scientific investigations into the nature of Isle of Wight bee disease have been in process for a considerable time, and are still proceeding, with a view to the discovery of satisfactory remedial treatment. As a possible preventive measure, a scheme was inaugurated by the Ministry in 1919, which has for its object the introduction of a strain of bees more resistant to Isle of Wight disease than is the case with native stock. Compulsory notification of the existence of the disease would involve a considerable expenditure on. inspection and administration, and for reasons of economy I am not prepared at the present time to propose the fresh legislation which would be necessary.

Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence with the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain) to persuade him to visit the Isle of Wight permanently in the interests of the bees.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if his attention has been called to the offensive smell at the north-west end of the Serpentine, in Hyde Park, near Lancaster Gate; and will he call for a medical report on the cause of this and take whatever steps may be considered necessary to remove this menace to the public health?

The shallow waters in the Central London parks are treated chemically every four days in order to destroy the algæ. Shortly after treatment the water becomes thick in colour and gives off a slight smell; there is, however, no menace to the public health in this process, which has been in force for many years and has been found to be most-satisfactory.

Has the hon. Gentle man ever sampled the smell?

No, Sir.

Will he try?

asked the President of the Board of Trade who is the foreman of the timber operations at Abbey Cwmhir, county of Radnor, the date of his appointment, and what is his experience and the rate of salary; whether he is given the free use of a motor car; and whether such car is being frequently used for purposes other than those connected with the timber operations?

The foreman of these timber operations is Mr. 0. Bailey, who works under the direction of a works officer. He was appointed on 7th February, 1921, at a salary of £5 per week, after nearly two years' experience on various operations under the Timber Supplies Department. A small motor van is attached to these operations, and my information is that it is not used for other than official purposes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total expenditure up to the 30th June last in respect of the timber operations at Abbey Cwmhir, county of Radnor, and the total receipts for the same period; how many men are still employed there and what is the present total expenditure per month on all heads; and for what further period is this expenditure to be allowed to continue?

The total expenditure up to 30th June last was £53,438, and the total receipts to the same date £25,414. The number of men still employed is 53, and the present total expenditure per month is approximately £900. It is estimated that if weather conditions are favourable the operations will be completed in nine months.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to the new Matrimonial Causes Act, passed recently in New Zealand, granting divorce after three years of separation; whether under this law a British subject, after one year of residence, having obtained electoral status in New Zealand, which establishes domicile, can obtain there a dissolution of an English marriage, founded on a judicial separation decree given in the English High Court over three years previously; and, as if such person remarried in New Zealand and returned to England he would be a bigamist here, does the Government propose to introduce legislation to rectify this anomaly?

It is true that a British subject after one year's residence in New Zealand obtains electoral status, but it does not, I think, follow that domicile is thereby established, and under the provisions of the New Zealand Divorce Acts a married person must be domiciled for two years in New Zealand before instituting proceedings there for divorce. There are good grounds for believing that the provisions of the Act of 1920 with reference to divorce founded on a decree of judicial separation are confined to decrees of judicial separation pronounced by the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and, if this view be correct, the last part of the question does not arise.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Education (Scotland) Fund is to be reduced by 20 per cent. in the next financial year; and, if so, having in view the fact that 10 per cent. of the total expenditure by education authorities is on account of interest and repayment of loans, and 66 per cent. on account of salaries and pensions to teachers, will he state whether the salaries of teachers are to be reduced, or the education rate raised throughout every area in Scotland, or if he considers it possible that education authorities can effect the total necessary economies on only 24 per cent. of their expenditure?

I am not at present in a position to frame an estimate of the Education (Scotland) Fund for the financial year 1922-23. Until information is available as to the amount of grant likely to be at the disposal of education authorities in that year, it would be premature to discuss the matters referred to in the second part of the question. My hon. and gallant Friend may, however, rest assured that the financial position is receiving my careful attention.

Considering the probability of the fund having to be reduced by some 20 per cent., will the right hon. Gentleman give some guide to the education authorities, if it is absolutely necessary for them to make provision for a reduction, as to whether it will all fall upon the rates?

I am not in a position to state the precise figure, but the education authorities will be given due warning of the situation that is likely to exist next year.

Will they make a reduction in the salaries of teachers, or what other steps are to be taken? Will the right hon. Gentleman give some guidance?

The whole matter is at present hypothetical. I have stated that I cannot tell the amount of the reduction. All appropriate steps are being taken to apprise the local authorities of the position.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give fair warning that the reduction will take place?

Certainly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the enormous expense that is likely to be imposed on Scottish education authorities by the operation of the Safeguarding of Industries Bill?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can now state the profit or loss incurred by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in farming properties in their hands for the period ending 31st December, 1920?

The accounts in respect of these properties are in course of preparation, with a view to presentation to Parliament as required by the Small Holding Colonies Acts, and the information now given is provisional and subject to audit. I am informed that the statement for the year 1920 will show an estimated loss of £3,950 on the working of four farms, and an estimated profit of £2,870 in the working of other four farms in the hands of the Board.

Why has the Scottish Board of Agriculture made a loss during the period when the farmers were making a profit?

The period of high prices had passed, and prices had fallen.

Surely the prices had not fallen in 1920?

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the total area of land acquired by the local authorities in Scotland since April, 1918, in connection with their housing schemes, and the total sum of money involved in acquisition; what is his estimate of the area that will be built upon when the schemes now approved are completed; what he proposes should be done with the land that will not be required; and whether the Government is prepared to consider a policy of selling or leasing the surplus land to any persons who will covenant to build within a given interval, all new houses on such land to be free from local taxation permanently or for a period of years?

I am not in a position to state definitely the area referred to in the first part of the question. As ground for housing purposes in Scotland is generally acquired by feu, and not by purchase, it is not possible to state a total sum for acquisition. The Scottish Board of Health have approved sites for local authority and public utility society schemes extending to nearly 5,200 acres. The estimated acreage required for houses for which tenders have been approved is 2,100. Local authorities who have surplus land can dispose of it as provided by Section 14 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919. The suggestion contained in the last part of the question will receive consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Health has been able to give me figures as to the cost in England and Wales, and is there any reason why similar information should not be given for England and Scotland, even in the case where the land is feued, as to the cost to which the taxpayer is committed?

I will look into it again. My hon. Friend did not give me very long notice. I have had to get a reply by telegram from Scotland.

I am very much obliged. May I put down a question for next week?