asked the Chief Secretary whether all members of the Sinn Fein governing body have been released; and why the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division (Countess Markievicz), who holds the portfolio of Minister of Labour, is still retained in prison?

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

asked the Chief Secretary what is the cost of administration in Dublin charged upon the Imperial Exchequer for the first six months of this year compared with the same period in the previous year?

The cost of administration charged on the Chief Secretary's Office Vote for the periods in question are respectively £29,091 and £17,063. These figures do not include the expenditure on the temporary office of the Chief of Police.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in Ireland every counterpart deed must by law be impressed with a counterpart die; that the die for carrying this out was lost in the fire in the Customs House, Dublin, and that many deeds have been held up because they cannot be so impressed; and whether he will see that the Belfast Stamp Office, where at present there are no appliances or facilities for stamping counterpart deeds, shall be supplied immediately with a counterpart die, more especially in view of the fact that such an installation must be made in the near future for the proper and efficient working of the Stamp Office under the new Government of Ireland Act?

Since the fire at the Customs House, Dublin, arrangements have been made for stamping counterparts for Ireland by sending them through the Comptroller of Stamps, Dublin, to London, and all cases are stamped and returned immediately. There is no necessity to hold up deeds requiring the counterpart stamp, and they can be dealt with at once if they are forwarded to the Comptroller at the Inland Revenue Office, Jury's Hotel, Dublin. The supply of the necessary dies for counterparts has been arranged for in the case of both Northern Ireland (Belfast) and Southern Ireland (Dublin) under the Government of Ireland Act, and these are being proceeded with as quickly as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that no deed can be stamped in Belfast to a higher value than £10; and whether he will see that this limitation is removed and that instructions shall be given that deeds may be stamped up to any amount?

The Stamp Office at Belfast is provided with a range of dies of which the highest in value is £10, but there is no limitation as to the total value of duty with which a document may be stamped other than the space available on the face of the document for impressing the stamp. The present range of dies has proved sufficient up to the present, and pending the institution of full stamping facilities at Belfast, which is now being arranged for under the Government of Ireland Act, it is considered that the existing supply is adequate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that civil bill processes are required by law to be impressed with a stamp to the value of Is. or 6d.; that owing to the fact that in the Customs House, Dublin, the stamping machinery, together with the large stock of civil bills already stamped was destroyed; that on application to the General Post Office in Belfast for such civil bills solicitors have been informed that the local stock has been exhausted, and that no more are to be had from Dublin; and whether, under these urgent circumstances, he will direct that an adhesive stamp, which should be cancelled on the civil bill being entered for hearing, shall be accepted in lieu of the impressed stamp?

Steps are being taken to replenish the stocks of stamped civil bill process forms. Meanwhile unstamped forms, which it is understood can be obtained from printers and law stationers, are being stamped in Dublin, and forms can now be forwarded for stamping in Dublin through either the Post Office or the Stamp Office at Belfast. In these circumstances it is not considered necessary to issue an Order under the County Officers and Courts (Ireland) Act, 1877, extending the use of adhesive stamps to these cases.

asked the Minister of Health whether the regrading scheme for his Department has been submitted to the Departmental Whitley Council and discussed by them; whether it has now been agreed to by them; and, if so, when it will be ratified by the Treasury?

The regrading scheme for the Ministry of Health has been submitted to, and discussed by, the Departmental Whitley Council. Agreement was not reached, but the scheme has been forwarded to the Treasury. I cannot say when Treasury sanction will be received.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men in his Department have been dismissed or have received notice of dismissal since 1st July last; whether investigating committees, as recommended by the Lytton Committee, are in operation in his Department; and, if not, whether he will set up such committees, with a view to more effectively safeguarding the interests of the ex-service men?

As regards headquarters, eight members of the temporary staff have been discharged and seven are under final notice. One member of the casual temporary staff has been discharged (casual members, I should explain, are engaged on a week-to-week basis).

As regards local offices, 14 members of the temporary staff have been discharged and 14 are under final notice. Six hundred and one members of the casual staff have been discharged and 867 are under final notice. These latter gentlemen have been employed as a result of the great volume of unemployment, and have been employed on a weekly basis in order that staffing requirements may be immediately adjusted to the work to be accomplished. In all cases these gentlemen s names have been at once put forward for consideration to the Joint Substitution Board machinery, which is designed, if possible, to secure other posts for them.

As regards the second part of the question, I set up in September last, with the approval of Lord Lytton's Committee, a Standing Advisory Committee on Substitution for the whole Ministry, and this committee has, since that date, been busily engaged in reviewing the whole of the substitutable staff of the Ministry (men and women), in the special interests of the ex-service men, and has, in effect, performed the functions of an "Investigating Committee," of the kind referred to by my hon. and learned Friend. All its reports have been referred to me personally, and I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that I have devoted time and care when dealing with these reports, with the special object of safeguarding the interests of the ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Health if any consideration is given to insured persons under the Health Insurance Act who, being out of employment through no fault of their own, are unable to continue their contributions, and arc consequently greatly in arrears; and whether it is possible for them to be kept in benefit by deducting a small percentage from their sick pay, when it is allowable, until such arrears are paid up?

Insured persons who have fallen into arrears through unemployment are given an opportunity of making a comparatively small payment in order to avoid any reduction or suspension of benefits. In view of the great amount of unemployment during the past 12 months, the time during which such payment may be made has been extended to 30th November next, and approved societies have been empowered to make a special concession in the case of members who have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks in the year. Any method, such as that suggested by the hon. Member, which involved the collection of the arrears only from members who fell ill, would not be fair to the approved societies, as they would not be adequately recouped for the loss sustained by them in unpaid contributions.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that at the local elections in Walthamstow in 1919, before the Walthamstow Incorporation Committee commenced their propaganda for incorporation, a total of 16,001 votes only were recorded out of a total electorate of 53,376 upon the register, and these were spread over 32 candidates; that in the election of 1920, when this propaganda was in full swing, the voting increased to 26,285, spread over 30 candidates; that in the present year when the inquiry was held, and expectations were entertained that the charter of incorporation would be granted, the voting increased to 28,371 votes divided between 22 candidates; and whether, seeing that the prospect of incorporation has caused the citizens of Walthamstow to take a keener interest in their local affairs, he will state' what steps he proposes to take to meet this growing demand for incorporation, so as to prevent apathy in local affairs returning again?

I am not in a position to estimate to what extent any increase in the number of persons voting has been due to the movement for incorporation. As regards the last part of the question I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to his previous questions relating to the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether while the supply of water for household purposes is cat off at about 6.30 p.m., the inhabitants of West Kensington can watch the tennis courts in Queen's Club being watered with a large hose every day; and whether, since this spectacle is not likely to encourage them in the economies incumbent upon all good citizens in time of drought, he can take steps to prevent this waste?

I am communicating with the Metropolitan Water Board with regard to the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in the Easington district, County Durham, appeals against decisions of the medical board are heard before another tribunal having the same chairman as the medical board whose decisions are being appealed against: if this be so, whether he is aware that thereby a sense of grievance and in justice is caused in the minds of appellants; and whether he will give the necessary instructions to ensure that in future no member of a medical board whose decision is being appealed against shall sit on the appeal tribunal?

The personnel of a. medical appeal board should be entirely different from that of the Board whose assessment is challenged. I am having inquiries made into the position in the area mentioned, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions the result of his inquiries into the subject of a letter that was forwarded to the Department from Hastings on 23rd June regarding the position of various pensioners in that town; and whether, in view of the fact that all the individuals had placed their cases before the local committee previous to the communication being forwarded, he can now report on the various cases concerned?

My right hon. Friend is communicating with the hon. Member regarding this matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether secretaries to local war pensions committees are not permitted to state cases on behalf of applicants before appeal tribunals; and whether, in view of the fact that applicants are often unable properly to present their own cases, he will arrange that secretaries to local committees may present cases on behalf of men or make some other suitable arrangement?

The Regulations made by the Lord Chancellor governing the procedure of the pensions appeal tribunals permit appellants to appear by counsel or solicitor, or with a member of a local war pensions committee of other friend. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the duties of secretaries to local committees are sufficiently onerous to preclude them from making a practice of attending before tribunals.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the recommendations of the Commission of Rapporteurs, appointed in order to settle the Aaland Island dispute, were unanimously accepted by the Council of the League of Nations; whether the Swedish Government has formally and strongly protested against the decision of the Council; and whether any intimation has been given that the Swedish Government intends, nevertheless, to accept the decision in accordance with her pledge as a member of the League?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second and third parts of the question, the Swedish Government expressed, through their representative on the Council of the League (Mr. Branting), their disappointment at the decision of the Council, but stated that Sweden was ready loyally to recognise that the decision of the Council had the force given to it by the Covenant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the International Labour Conference, sitting at Geneva in October next, will have before it a proposal for the prohibition of the use of white lead in painting; that this proposal is viewed with alarm by the Government of the Common- wealth of Australia because such a prohibition would cause the closing down of the Broken Hill lead mines of New South Wales, which are of primary importance to Australia; that such a prohibition would have a similar effect upon the lead mines of Burma and Rhodesia; and whether he will cause instructions to be given to the representatives of His Majesty's Government at the International Labour Conference to ensure that careful consideration may be given to the possibility of dealing effectively by precautionary regulations with such dangers of poisoning as are incidental to the use of paint rather than by a method which would have such serious consequences for Imperial interests?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, I have received no representations as regards Rhodesia. The Commonwealth of Australia and India are both original members of the International Labour organisation under Article 387 of the Treaty of Versailles, and provision is made for their direct representation at International Labour Conferences under Article 389. As to the third part, I understand that the instructions to be given to the representatives of His Majesty's Government will be settled later.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware of large sums of money being distributed among teachers: and, if so, will he see that teachers termed uncertificated and supplementary get a fair and just share of it?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 13th and 27th of June by myself and my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will undertake to arrange that where schools in villages are being closed, involving that the children therein would have to walk considerable distances to the nearest place of education, they should either be provided with some means of conveyance; to school, or, if this be not possible, that the closing of such schools should be postponed, in view of the strain and inconvenience, if such arrangements be not made, which will be caused to children all over the country, especially during the winter months?

Any proposal made by a local education authority to close a school is carefully considered by the Board, with special reference to the distances of the children's homes to other schools, and to the possibility or advisability of conveying the children to them. There are did vantages as well as expense in conveyance, and it is necessary to consider every individual case upon its merits in relation to all the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the estimated time by airship for the following journeys: England— Egypt, England—Karachi, England-Johannesburg, England—Perth (Western Australia)?

Assuming that the ground organisation is complete, and a regular service established, it is estimated that the following times will be taken:

asked the Secretary of State for Air what were the working results of the German airship Bodensee during the period she was run by the Delag Company?

I have had the information which my hon. and gallant Friend requires extracted from the sources open to us, but, as the resulting statement is rather long and somewhat complicated, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

"This airship was operated during the latter part of 1919 by the Deutsche Luft-schiffart Company for purposes of experiment and propaganda. Regular flights were carried out daily between Berlin and the Swiss frontier, the fare being 575 marks per head and the time occupied being from six to seven hours. On the 2nd November, 1919, the airship was damaged in a snowstorm, but the service was re-established on the 11th of the same month. The airship was finally laid up for reconstruction on the 1st December, 1919.

At the general meeting of the Company it was stated that the experimental and propaganda enterprise was a complete success, and had been extensively patronised by the public, and that the financial result, considering that the whole elaborate organisation had to be carried out for a single airship, was not unfavourable though a slight loss was inevitable. The spasmodic increase in expenses, especially fuel, had a particularly unfavourable effect. The 'Bodensee' had carried out 103 flights on 81 flying days; she had been 535 hours in the air, and had carried 2,800 passengers, 4,500 kilos of mail, and about 30,000 kilos of goods."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to state whether any decision has been reached with regard to the acceleration of promotions in the accountant branch of the Service?

The future promotions in the Accountant Branch of the Navy depend upon the post-War establishment, which is still under consideration, but it is hoped that a decision will be reached shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now state the result of his inquiries into the suggested increases in the rents of old small holdings in the Potton district of Bedfordshire, where it is alleged in the local Press that such increases are to range from 75 to 125 per cent.?

I am informed that the highest proposed increase of rents in the Potton district is 100 per cent., i.e., from £2 to £4 per acre in the case of certain land near the station, the rental value of which, in the open market to-day, is estimated at £4 10s. per acre. As I have previously stated, if the tenants consider the proposed rents excessive, they are entitled to have the matter referred to arbitration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the terms of reference and the names of the Committee to inquire into the tenure of allotment holders and other matters?

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friends, the Secretary for Scotland and the Minister of Health, on this subject, and hope to be in a position to state the terms of reference and constitution of the proposed Committee in the course of a few days.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will take immediate steps to inquire into the case of Robert Mackay, Loanmore, Dornoch, a crofter, who is threatened with eviction without the option of purchasing his holding; and whether he will introduce legislation without delay for others similarly situated for establishing fixity of tenure, not to be disturbed by reason of change of ownership of the holding?

If my hon. Friend will furnish me with the facts of this case I shall be glad to consider it. I cannot give any undertaking as to legislation on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in a number of industrial works in. the country, overtime is being worked; and whether, in view of the large amount of unemployment in the country, he will request these firms which have sufficient work to enable them to work overtime to stop overtime working where possible and employ more men during the day to complete the work they have in hand?

I am not aware that overtime is being worked except in comparatively few instances, for which usually there are special reasons. But if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind perhaps he will place it at my disposal. I think I ought to say that during the whole period of the grave industrial depression through which we have been passing, and in which we still find ourselves, the situation as regards the working people has been greatly eased by the arrangements made by many employers to continue industrial establishments on short time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the new unemployment benefits take effect as from 4th July; whether those who were paid unemployment benefit on 8th July had their benefit i balanced from Thursday, 30th June, to Wednesday, 6th July; whether the sum paid to these men was only 15s.; whether there should have been paid 3s. 4d. for the 30th June and 1st and 2nd July, respectively, instead of 2s. 6d.; and whether this 10d. for 30th June and 1st and 2nd July, respectively, will be paid to those who were unemployed on those dates?

Under Section 1 (2) of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act, 1921, the reduced weekly rates of benefit of 15s. for men and 12a for women came into operation on the 30th June. Accordingly the correct amount appears to have been paid in the cases referred to. I should add that the date July 4th mentioned by my hon. Friend was that on which the increased rates of contribution became payable.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, owing to the return from abroad of the general manager of the General Accident Insurance Corporation, he has opened, or intends to open, fresh negotiations for the settlement of the dispute between that company and the Guild of Insurance Officials; if so, whether he will use his influence to get the parties to agree to arbitration; and whether, if either party refuses, he will exercise his powers and grant a court of inquiry?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to the question put by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), on 3rd June, of which I am sending him a copy. Since the dispute was first brought to my notice I have made every effort to effect a settlement, but after very careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that I cannot usefully intervene further between the parties.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it has been reported to him that certain firms in Ipswich are not paying the rate of wages set out in the retail bespoke tailoring schedule; whether inspectors have been sent to inquire into conditions; the result of the investigations; and whether he has issued, or will issue, instructions to those firms that the rates as set out by the Wages Board must be paid or a prosecution will follow?

I have received a series of complaints against a firm of retail bespoke tailors at Ipswich. As the result, several inspections have been made. The latest, in January last did not reveal infringement of the Trade Boards Act. If I receive information indicating that the requirements of the Acts are not being observed, further investigation will be made. No other complaints have reached me regarding the payment of minimum rates of wages in this trade in Ipswich.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it has been reported to him that certain firms engaged in dressmaking and millinery in Peterhead are not paying the rates of wages set down by the Trade Board; whether inspectors have been sent to inquire into the situation; the result of the investigations; and whether he has issued, or will issue, instructions to those firms that the rates as set out by the Wages Board must be paid or a prosecution will follow?

I have received a complaint that a dressmaking firm in Peterhead did not pay the Trade Board minimum rate of wages. This firm and another firm of dressmakers in Peterhead were found to be paying less than the minimum rate of wages, and steps are being taken to enforce the observance of the law by these firms. I have received no complaints regarding millinery work in Peterhead.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in refusing to vary his decision in the case of Mr. Ford-ham, he was aware that he suffered very heavily by the War, and that his net private income, apart from his salary for the year 1920–21, was only slightly over £100, and that he has three children, of whom two have not completed their education; that the qualifications and claims to be dealt with as ex-service men of Mr. Fordham and other Red Cross orderlies, and of men serving with the. French Army, were dealt with in papers attached to Mr. Fordham's appeal, which were not before the Minister at the time of his decision; that the decisions of the joint substitution board and the War Office were made without these authorities obtaining from Mr. Fordham full information as to his services; whether he has observed that the decision of these authorities, so far as it refers to the British Red Cross Society, is stated to refer to officers and men who served on different conditions to the paid working trained orderlies referred to in the question; that Mr. Fordham's contention that men serving with the French Army with War Office permits should be treated on the same terms as men serving in the English Army has the support of the French Embassy; and whether, having regard to the points now raised and the fact that since the decision Mr. Fordham. has been informed that he has been classified as an ex-service man, he will reconsider his decision to make no further inquiry into this special case, and to the general claim of British Red Cross working orderlies and the men who served in the French Army to be treated as ex-service men?

The case of Mr. Montague Fordham has, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware from previous answers received by him with regard to this gentleman, received the most careful consideration at my hands. In all the circumstances, I am not prepared to institute any further inquiry into his case, but, I may add, that my information as to his private means, on which the decision to substitute him was to a considerable extent based, related to the current year 1921–22 and not to the year 1920–21, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the Regulations, published in 1898 by virtue of an Order in Council of 1894, which govern the conduct of officers of the Civil Service of Southern Rhodesia as to the acquisition of farms and stock, and dealing therewith; whether any of these officers have within the last five years and upwards acquired land or cattle, or dealt or traded with them in a manner prohibited by the above Regulations; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am acquainted with the terms of the Regulation governing this matter. From the information in my possession, I feel assured that there is no ground for complaint regarding its observance. I may add that the whole question was debated at length last year in the Southern Rhodesian Legislative Council, and high tributes were then paid by elected members to the purity of the administration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has been informed that upwards of 100 to 150 foreigners, said to be of Polish extraction, recently landed in Barbados, where they are plying the trade of coppersmiths; where these emigrants actually come from; who sent them to Barbados; how long they propose to stay there; and whether, in view of the great need of population in British Guiana, he will endeavour to secure similar emigration to that Colony?

I have no information on this subject, but will make inquiries of the Governor of Barbados. When the Governor's reply has been received, the suggestion made in the last part of the question will be considered. I should add, for the information of my hon. and gallant Friend, that the Government of India propose, if suitable personnel is available, to send a deputation to British Guiana in the autumn to consider the question of Indian immigration into that Colony.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it was by the order of the British High Commissioner that Prince Aziz Hassan, the nephew of the Sultan of Egypt, was ordered to leave Egypt; and, if so, on what grounds was the order made?

The decision to expel Prince Aziz Hassan from Egypt for the reasons given in my reply to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills) on the 18th instant was taken by Lord Allenby with the concurrence of the Sultan and of the Egyptian Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether 2,250,000 of the inhabitants of Egypt, and 3,156 out of a total of 3,460 members of public bodies, have signed declarations of support of the policy of Zaghlul Pasha; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government proposes to continue negotiations in regard to the future of the people of Egypt with the delegation under Adly Pasha?

I have no such information; on the other hand, a member of the Egyptian Legislative Assembly, in a letter published in the local Press, has pointed out that whilst the total population of Egypt is 14,000,000, over 17,500,000 signatures purporting to be those of adult males have already been affixed to declarations of confidence or lack of confidence in the Ministry. The reply to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether Russia is regarded as one of the great Powers interested in the Pacific settlement; and whether it is proposed to secure the representation at Washington of at least Siberian interests?

His Majesty's Government have no information to show that the United States Government have invited a Russian representative to be present at the Conference on the Pacific question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of a limited company which does no trading, but whose sole income is derived from rents of property, a large portion of which comes under the Rents Restriction Acts, and which has considerable mortgages on its property which constitute a first charge upon it, such a company is entitled to deduct the mortgage interest from its rents in arriving at the sum taxable for Corporation Profits Tax; and, if it is not so entitled, whether, seeing that it will be paying Corporation Tax on income which some other person receives, he will take steps to remove this anomaly?

I would remind the hon. Member that upon the Report stage of the Finance Bill which is at present before the House a new Clause was accepted, which is designed to give relief of the character suggested to property-owning companies in connection with the Corporation Profits Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether notices were posted to many miners in the county of Durham during last week, intimating that if Income Tax was not paid within seven days proceedings would be taken; whether the seven days will expire on Friday next, and, if so, whether he is-aware that the men will not be paid their wages until the Saturday following the expiration of the notices; and whether, in view of this fact and of the fact that in connection with credit schemes in operation during the stoppage deductions, will be made from the men's wages for some time to come, he will allow an extended time for payment of Income Tax?

The Income Tax demand-notes, to which my hon. Friend refers, were issued to the taxpayers concerned in the normal course. As I have stated on previous occasions, however, it is the general practice of the Board of Inland-Revenue to acquiesce in a reasonable postponement of the payment of taxes in individual cases of genuine and proved inability to meet the demands of the-Revenue at the dates prescribed by law. My hon. Friend may rest assured that this general practice will be followed in regard to the taxpayers to whom this-question relates, and that there will be granted such extension of time for payment of the tax as the circumstances of the individual cases may warrant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as-representing the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), whether the statement circulated by the Incorporated Association of Hotels and Restaurants, to the-effect that no one, however well known, can have a credit account at a restaurant nor give a banquet, even though there may be hundreds of people present, unless the liquor is paid for before those at the banquet leave, correctly represents the-law as laid down by the Liquor Control Board Regulations?

I have no authority to interpret the law in its application to particular cases, and can only say that the provisions of the Orders of the Board' are to the effect that liquor must be paid: for before the person ordering it has left the premises.

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases of lead poisoning, which have occurred during the past year at the Marmet Baby Carriage Works, Letchworth; the proportion of these cases to the number engaged in paint work and rubbing; and what action, if any, the Home Office have taken in this matter?

There were no cases in 1920, but five have occurred this year. The average number of persons employed in the painting department of the works is 10. After discussion with the Factory Inspectors the firm decided to discontinue the use of lead paints, and since the end of May only leadless paint has been used.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any, and, if so, what financial assistance has been given to the makers of hosiery needles?

I have been asked to answer this question. No financial assistance to makers of hosiery needles was given by the War Office, and so far as I am aware, none was given by the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any, and, if so, what, financial help has been given, either by direct grant or special depreciation allowance under the Income Tax or Excess Profits Duty, to the producers of tungsten in this country?

The numbers of British emigrants in 1920 have not yet been further classified

No direct grant or special financial help has been given. As regards the second part of the question, the statutory allowances for special depreciation are made for taxation purposes in the case of this industry as in the case of other industries. These allowances are based on the amount of the exceptional depreciation or obsolescence of assets due to the War. The cost of certain researches into tungsten production, now concluded, has been defrayed in part by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in the ordinary course of their work. The charge to public funds was £3,899.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of emigrants from the United Kingdom during the year 1920, giving the occupations and ages of male and female emigrants of 18 years of age and upwards, and the country of future permanent residence?

The number of British subjects who were recorded as leaving permanent residence in the United Kingdom to take up permanent residence in non-European countries during 1920, are shown hereunder, residence for a year or more being regarded as permanent residence:

according to ages and occupations. For the nine months ended September, 1920, however, the classification according to ages has been completed and the

asked the Postmaster-General whether sorters of 18 years of age at the General Post Office, St. Martin's-le-Grand received in the financial year 1913–14 wages of 20s. per week, and whether they now receive, including bonus, 63s. 8d. per week; whether sorters at 21 years of age received 26s. in 1913–14, and now receive £3 19s. 6d.; and whether £3 3s. 8d. per week constitutes the normal wages for an employé aged 18 under the present Civil Service scheme?

The payments are correctly stated in the hon. Member's question. The differences in amounts as between the financial year 1913–14 and the present time are accounted for by an increase of 4s. a week in the basic wages and the addition of the cost-of-living bonus. The bonus payments will be substantially reduced as from the 1st September next.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the equipment of the Cairo and Leafield wireless telegraph stations are considered to be up to date; and whether it is proposed to equip other stations in a similar fashion?

figures are shown in the following Table:

The wireless stations referred to by the hon. Member are being equipped with 250 kilowatt arc installations. My predecessor was advised when the completion of these stations was decided on that this equipment was the most suitable for maintaining communication between England and Egypt. I may mention that arcs of practically the same design, though of greater power, are employed at the new French station at Bordeaux. The Imperial Wireless Telegraphy Committee reported last summer in favour of the use of thermionic valves at the remaining stations of the Imperial Chain. A small Commission of Experts, is now preparing plans of the stations in accordance with the general recommendations of that Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the desirability of introducing outside experience into the Post Office, he will give consideration to the possibility of filling the approaching vacancies of assistant engineer-in-chief to the Post Office and superintending engineer, London district, by the appointment of suitable engineers not already in the service of the Post Office; and also whether he will follow a similar course when the present engineer-in-chief to the Post Office, now art age limit, retires?

There are officers in the Engineering Department of the Post Office who are competent to fill the appointments of assistant engineer-in-chief and superintending engineer, London district, which will shortly become vacant, and I do not think it is necessary to go outside the Post Office service for this purpose. ' The engineer-in-chief is not at present about to retire.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the size of the garrison in Palestine on 30th June last; and what is the present estimated cost of this garrison per annum?

The strength of the garrison of Palestine on 30th June was approximately 7,200, in addition to some 700 British military personnel temporarily retained in Palestine for works services of a capital nature. These figures do not include Egyptian troops employed on works, police and transport duties, and Indian followers (who are not generally classed as troops). These were included in the figures given in the answer to the question of the hon. Member for Harrow on 7th June. The estimated cost of the garrison is at the rate of about £2,500,000 a year, exclusive of expenditure in respect of capital works services.