asked the Minister of Health if he will cause inquiry to be made into the case of Miss A. M. L., a lady renting a house and keeping boarders, who was removed to Marlees Road infirmary on 16th September, 1920, and subsequently transferred to Long Grove asylum, all her belongings being sold up by her landlord, F. L. Gardner, of 14, Marlborough Road, Gunnersbury, who wrote to her sister that the patient was legally dead, and who refused any delay of execution although informed that she had sufficient money in the savings bank for payment of her rent; why no steps were taken by the union authorities, who had possession of the savings bank book, etc., to safeguard the belongings of a lady certified under misapprehension, who upon her discharge two months later found herself destitute, and to whom no record of proceeds of sale far exceeding the amount required to cover her rent was presented; and will he now take steps to see that she is re-imbursed, for a loss which, in her weak and ill condition, has proved to be exceedingly serious?

I have communicated with the guardians on the subject and am sending the hon. Member a copy of their reply with copies of relevant documents, which do not bear out the suggestions made in the question. I do not see that I can usefully take any further action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to publish the figures showing, according to the recent Census, the population of the chief towns in the country; and whether he anticipates that from increases or decreases he will be able to draw any reliable deductions with regard to housing needs?

As regards the first part of this question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Hood) on the 10th instant, of which I will send him a copy. The Census returns will no doubt throw light on the housing needs of the different towns.

asked the Minister of Health the cities and towns of this country in which municipal undertakings are carried on at a profit and those in which there is a loss, the respective figures in each case, the reasons for a decline of prosperity, and the view of the Ministry as to whether there is, on the whole, sufficient indication of up-to-date business-like methods?

I am now preparing a special volume of statistics relating to the larger towns, in connection with the local taxation returns for 1919–20, and I hope to publish in this volume particulars as to the finance of the various undertakings.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at Crow-borough, on a piece of derelict land sold about 25 years ago in small plots to about 300 purchasers, all of whom have abandoned the land, except two or three gipsies who still own their plots, a gipsy encampment has been formed; that such encampment for the greater part of the year consists of 25 to 30 caravans with a large population which overflow the two or three plots on to the rest of the land; that the camp is utterly insanitary, there being no sanitary arrangements, and no water supply, and in hot weather is a mass of filth of every description, and has been described by the medical officer for East Sussex as the filthiest spot in Sussex; that the camp attracts a most dangerous class of persons and the occupants are a danger to the public, and have recently proceeded from acts of open theft and acts of violence to the crime of manslaughter; and whether he will take steps to have this nuisance abated, the camp dispersed, and, if necessary, the derelict land sold or taken possession of by the Crown?

I instructed one of my medical officers to visit the encampment of Walshe's Gate, Crowborough, and I have received a report from him which substantially confirms my hon. Friend's description of the insanitary conditions. I am in communication with the local authority with a view to action being taken by them in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the New Hebrides are at present under joint French and British control; whether he is aware that native lands are being sold to settlers by. the French and that the entire island of Uripiv, with the exception of a few acres owned by a mission, have been leased to a white man, with the result that the natives will only own their houses and gardens; whether any land sold by either Government holds good as a title deed; whether, though it has been laid down that the natives are to enjoy sufficient land for their sustenance, he is aware that this is being interpreted to mean a few bread fruits round the village, their yam gardens, but none of their coconut plantations; what is proposed to be done regarding the future government of these islands; and whether the whole matter will receive the careful reconsideration of the Government?

It is correct that the New Hebrides are under joint British and French control. I have no information with regard to the sale of land in the island of Uripiv by the French Government. The procedure regulating the sale of land and the registration of title deeds in the New Hebrides is laid down in Articles 22–27 of the Convention between the United Kingdom and France concerning the New Hebrides, dated the 20th of October, 1906. The procedure cannot be described completely within the limits of the reply, but I may observe that from the date when the Convention came into force one of the conditions for the valid sale of land by a native to a non-native is that the purchaser shall apply within six months to the Joint Court for registration. A copy of the entry in the land register constitutes a conclusive title to land. The Joint Court, however, is not at present sitting. The Convention reserves certain powers to the British and French High Commissioners of prohibiting the sale of land to non-natives (Article 27 and Section 8), but I am not aware how the provision is interpreted by the local administration. The question of the future government of the Group has been engaging the attention of the Government and was discussed recently with the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, and the whole matter is receiving the careful consideration of the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the length of the average working day on the railways in Trinidad of European and American and native drivers, respectively; and whether overtime rates are paid both to white and coloured drivers for time worked over and above the minimum working day?

I regret that I am not in a position to furnish particulars as to the terms on which locomotive drivers for the railways in Trinidad are recruited locally or in America. Fifty-four hours constitutes a week's work in the case of drivers recruited from this country. Overtime rates are paid.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his atention has been called to the distress amongst Scottish miners and the use which is being made of the fact that unemployment benefit is refused to many men unable to obtain work on account of the difficulties experienced in reopening the pits after the recent stoppage; and whether, in the public interest and to avoid misconceptions, he will state the policy of the Department in respect to the miners and unemployment benefit?

The question whether unemployment benefit was payable to miners who became unemployed by reason of the stoppage due to the recent dispute and who could not resume work owing to the disrepair into which the pit had fallen, has been the subject of authoritative decision by the Umpire in accordance with the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts. The Umpire disallowed benefit on the ground that there was in these circumstances a continuance of the stoppage of work which was due to the trade dispute. As my hon. Friend is aware, I have no power to revise the decisions of the Umpire, who is an independent judicial authority. I may add that miners who are unemployed for reasons not arising out of the dispute, but on account of slackness of work or the permanent closing of the pit or seam, are in general not disqualified from benefit.

asked the Minister of Health what tenders by British local authorities have been sent abroad to other countries within the last six months; whether such local authorities are compelled to accept the lowest tender even in view of equality of the work or goods offered; and whether, in view of the need for providing employment during the coming winter, the Ministry will consider the desirability of notifying all local authorities that, even if British tenders are rather higher than foreign, the orders should be placed at home, provided that they are satisfied that the quotations are the lowest compatible with home industrial conditions?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available. The acceptance of a higher or lower tender is within the discretion of the local authority. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 10th instant to the hon. Member for Mossley (Mr. Hopkinson).

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, following upon a strike in the nut and bolt industry in the Black Country in March last, arrangements were made as between the trade unions and the Midland Bolt and Nut Manufacturers Associations by which work was to be resumed pending a final settlement, and that one of the definite conditions laid down between the two parties was that there was to be no victimisation of any of the strikers; that Messrs. Thomas Lench and Sons, of Black Heath, will not reinstate 80 of their men on the ground that they refuse to accept resignation from their trade union as a condition of reinstatement; whether he can take any steps to induce this firm to honour the agreement made by the association of which they are members; and whether he can do anything to put an end to this attempt to interfere with a workman's right to be a member of a trade union?

I am aware of this dispute. An Officer of the Ministry of Labour has discussed the matter with the parties. I am informed that the firm claim that it was not a party to the agreement referred to. I understand that they would probably not be unwilling to re-employ these former employees when work can be found for them. In so far as the matter raised in the latter part of the question is concerned, I am afraid that there are no powers under which a firm can be compelled to recognise a trade union.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men in England and Wales engaged in the building trades at the end of 1913 or on 30th June, 1914, and the numbers so engaged at the end of 1920 or on 30th June, 1921?

The only available figures are those furnished by the records of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, according to which there were 708,039 persons in the building trades in England and Wales at July, 1914, and 754,820 at May, 1921. The number of men at 31st May, 1921, was 728,350; a separate figure for men at July, 1914, is not available. It should be noted that the figures for 1921 also include a number of persons, for example, clerks and carters, who were not insurable under the Act of 1911.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is any hope of an early settlement of the joiners' strike; whether the Ministry can still further usefully intervene; and what is the estimated loss through the strike to the men, to the employers, and to the nation?

In regard to the first part of the question I regret that I am unable to add anything at the moment to my reply of 11th August to the hon. and gallant Member for the Dulwich Division, Camberwell (Sir F. Hall), a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend. In regard to the latter part, it is, I think, impossible to make an estimate of any value of the loss resulting from this dispute.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the delay by the military authorities in clearing certain land near Fort Matilda, Greenock, and in the erection of suitable fencing; that this land is required for recreation purposes by the public of Greenock; and will he give the matter his attention?

The land referred to was the site of a hutment camp. The huts were recently sold, and, with one exception, have now been removed by the purchasers. The area was originally agricultural land, and it is impracticable to reinstate the land in its former condition. The War Department do not propose to carry out any part of the work of restoration, but in accordance with the terms of the agreement, compensation in lieu will be paid to the owner. The amount to be paid is at present the subject of negotiation, and in the meantime the owner has proceeded with the removal of the concrete footings and other works left on the ground. It is anticipated that an agreement with the owner will be reached or the matter reported to the War Compensation Court in the course of the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that during the recent mobilisation of the Forces at the time of the coal strike, two cases occurred, one in which three lieut.-colonels were called up where there was a vacancy for only one, the remaining two being granted leave pending orders, and the other in which a lieut.-colonel Royal Artillery, was called up, and while performing no duties received full pay; and if he will have inquiries made into these cases if fuller information be provided?

Immediate action had, in the circumstances, to be taken to recall officers of the Reserve of Officers, and there was neither time nor staff available to arrange for sending orders to individual officers. A general summons by poster was therefore issued. This resulted in some cases of redundant officers reporting for duty. All officers, however, not required were definitely released from duty as soon as possible, and ceased to be entitled to receive pay.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the neurasthenic patients at Letch-more House, Richmond, complain that lunatics are detained at that institution; and, seeing that ex-service men suffering from neurasthenia are likely to have it aggravated rather than cured under such conditions, will he take steps to remove the cause of complaint?

The hospital referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend was taken over by the Ministry from the War Office some six weeks ago for the treatment of the more severe cases of neurasthenia. Patients with more pronounced mental symptoms are accommodated in a separate wing of the building, under observation by orderlies, and do not mix with the other patients; and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that there are no grounds for the suggestion in the last part of the question. I need not assure my hon. and gallant Friend that, of course, no persons certified as insane are inmates of this hospital.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a man who has accepted a lump sum in place of a final weekly allowance is entitled to treatment, if he should need it, and treatment allowance; and whether, "if his disability becomes greater than originally assessed, he can claim further pension?

No distinction is drawn under existing Regulations as regards eligibility for treatment and allowances between the man who, on account of a small disability, has been awarded a lump sum and the man who is awarded a final weekly allowance, subject to necessary adjustment as regards allowances. It has been the practice of the Ministry to allow reconsideration of the man's claim even in these cases of minor disabilities.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-service men are still in hospital suffering from disabilities arising from or aggravated by service in the War?

The number of ex-service men at present receiving in-patient treatment from this Ministry for disabilities due to or aggravated by service in the Great War is approximately 34,000. This figure includes 2,600 men undergoing concurrent treatment and training.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has been reached in the case of Mrs. A. E. Hall, 7c, Barton Street, West Bromwich, whose late husband, Private Joseph Thomas Lunn, No. 146,672, Machine Gun Corps, died after discharge; and, if no decision has been given, whether he will take steps to expedite such decision in view of the claim for pension having been under consideration since October, 1920?

In the case of Mrs. A. E. Hall, who is the mother, not the wife, of the deceased soldier referred to by my hon. Friend, I find that the conditions required by the Pensions Warrant for entitlement to pension are not at present shown to be fulfilled. The case is, however, being further considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that certain local committees are already passing resolutions expressing anxiety lest the new Pensions Bill may prejudice the position of the disabled soldier or his dependants; and whether, to check the popular spread of such idea, he will at once issue another official statement on the subject?

As my right hon. Friend has already stated in this House, the object of the War Pensions Bill is to secure economy in the cost of administration, not economy at the expense of the pensioner. The functions of local committees in regard to pensioners and claimants to pension or other benefit are, indeed, made explicit in the Bill in a manner which should remove all doubt on this score. It is, however, my right hon. Friend's intention to explain the objects of the Bill, when passed, to all committees, who may not be fully aware of its present provisions.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since Britain now has a commercial representative in Moscow, it is possible for him to obtain and forward for the correct information of the British public, to whom appeals for help are being made, an exact and authentic statement of the extent and severity of the famine and cholera, and of the means taken to alleviate both visitations.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain).

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the Anglo-Japanese alliance, Great Britain has given, or is entitled to give, any sympathetic support to the official protest by China against the introduction into Shantung of Japanese gold currency, which is causing endless confusion with the Chinese currency and which is regarded by China as an infringement of her sovereign rights?

If the hon. Member is referring to a recent notice published by the Japanese Government of the Kwantung leased territory (not Shantung), I have nothing to add to the reply already given to him on 28th July and 4th August. I have no reason to believe that any question has arisen regarding currency in Shantung, and have no knowledge of any official protest on the subject by the Chinese Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has any information to the effect that the Mayor of Samannoud beat a man named Mohammed Abdul Reheem on the face with a stick for refusing to sign a declaration of confidence in Adly Pasha and his Cabinet;

(2) whether he has any information indicating that the deputy-mayor, the brother of the mayor, and other inhabitants of the Nahyet Demetno district of Almahalla Alkobra publicly denounced the mulahiz, or police officer, and the mayor for going round the elementary school compelling the boys to sign declarations of confidence in Adly Pasha and his Cabinet, adding after their names such titles as notable, landowner, etc.?

The reply to these questions is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether on Friday, 17th June, 1921, the authorities of the Ashmoon district in Egypt compelled the inhabitants to sign an agreement to attend a farewell reception to the official delegation on the occasion of its departure for London from Alexandria; whether the inhabitants protested publicly through members of their local committee against this compulsion; and can he give any information about this occurrence?

I have no information as regards the alleged incidents.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the complete text of the proposed changes in the United States' tariff as regards importation of cinema pictures has now been received; and whether any representations in the interests of British trade will be made by His Majesty's Government?

I have been asked to reply. The full text of the United States' tariff proposals in the form in which they passed the House of Representatives was published as a Supplement to the "Board of Trade Journal," of the 4th August. The Board of Trade are in communication with the Foreign Office on questions affecting British trade arising out of the proposed new American tariff, but I cannot state as yet whether any, and, if so, what representations it may be deemed advisable to make.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of wood-wool imported into this country in 1920 and during the present year, respectively, together with the countries of origin and the quantities from each?

Separate particulars regarding imports of woodwool are not recorded by His Majesty's Customs, and I am, consequently, not in a position to furnish the information desired.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the very great importance of the Canadian market to British exporters, he can inform the House as to the reasons for the resignation of the senior Trade Commissioner for Canada and Newfoundland; whether this position has been filled again; and, if so, who has been appointed?

Captain Edwards has resigned the apointment of His Majesty's Senior Trade Commissioner in Canada and Newfoundland because he feels that the office and travelling allowances attached to the post are not adequate for the proper performance of his functions. I should explain that the allowance for office expenditure was considerably increased as from the beginning of the current financial year, and as a further increase could not be contemplated, having regard to the urgent necessity for economy, there was no option but to accept Captain Edwards' resignation. This was done with the greatest regret, in view of the admirable work which Captain Edwards has performed in the interests of British trade. As regards the last part of the question, it is proposed to transfer Mr. Milne, who at present holds the appointment of Trade Commissioner at headquarters, to Montreal, of which post he has had previous experience.

asked the President of the Board of Tirade the percentage of the exports of the United Kingdom to the various Dominions, Colonies, and countries of the world for the first six months of 1921 and for the same period of 1914?

The following table furnishes the desired information in respect of all the countries which purchased British goods to the

extent of more than ½ per cent, of the total value of our exports, either in 1914 or in 1921:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps have been taken by his Department to assist British traders in the new Baltic States; at which of the capitals is the Department represented; and whether British firms, who are developing trade relations with these new republics, have expressed themselves as satisfied with the assistance given?

A Minister has been appointed to Latvia and Esthonia, with residence at Riga, and the same gentleman acts as Commissioner for Lithuania and Consul-General at Kovno. There are also Consular Officers at Reval, Pernau, Riga, Libau, and Kovno. It is the duty of all these officers to afford all possible assistance to British traders. With regard to the last part of the question, several appreciations of services rendered have been received in the Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the address delivered by M. Mailhe, before the French Academy of Science, on the production of spirit for use with internal combustion engines from linseed oil; and whether he will do all in his power to assist such a person, in view of the importance of being independent of imported supplies of fuel for this type of engine?

I have seen references to this subject. Even if the process were commercially profitable, it is not clear how it would render us independent of imported supplies, nor do I see in what way the Board of Trade can assist the discoverer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department holds any stocks of foodstuffs transferred from the Ministry of Food, and, if so, whether he can state an early date when he proposes to dispose of such?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The disposal of stocks is progressing rapidly, and will, it is anticipated, be completed before the end of this year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty whether his Department has compiled or is compiling an official list of the accepted names of the naval battles or encounters of the late War?

No such list has been, or is being, compiled by the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty whether, in view of the official assurance on 1st June that the position of the Permanent Secretary to the Admiralty in regard to the Board remains the same as it was formerly, he can give an assurance that no change is contemplated?

No change is contemplated in the position of the Permanent Secretary, as set forth in the reply referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of staff employed in the secretariat and the functions of this Department; and whether new position of Deputy-Secretary has been instituted?

The number of the staff employed in the Department of the Secretary of the Air Ministry is shown in detail on pages 27 to 30 of the Air Estimates. The functions of this Department are those of financial, establishment and general administration, as well as the correspondence duties usual in Government Departments. As a consequence of the Government's decision that the Permanent Secretary was to become responsible for finance with a view to more efficient financial control, an arrangement has been made by which the secretarial and finance sides of the Department are more closely associated than hitherto. As part of this arrangement, the post of Deputy-Secretary replaces that of Assistant Financial Secretary shown on page 29 of the Estimates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether economies can now be effected in the salaries of the three chief officers in the Traffic and Mechanical Engineering Department, namely, director-general, £3,000; chief mechanical engineer, £2,500; and consulting mechanical engineer (part-time), £2,500?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked why four divisional officers in the Roads Department have been appointed this year, at salaries of £1,200 to £1,800 each?

:The post-War increase in mechanical road transport has thrown an unprecendented strain on the roads of the country. To assist local authorities in providing adequate roads a new system of licensing motor vehicles was introduced with the general consent of the road users, and yields upwards of £9,000,000 sterling a year. As this fund is largely distributed in grants towards expenditure on a percentage basis the entire highways expenditure, estimated at about £50,000,000 a year, comes under review. I am responsible to the owners of motor vehicles that the money contributed by them is spent to the best advantage. The officers referred to are highly qualified road engineers and it would have been useless to appoint officers without the requisite experience. The cost of their salaries, which vary between £1,150 and £1,550 inclusive of war bonus, is recovered from the Road Fund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the Reports of the various Committees appointed last year to inquire into the staffing of the Government Departments have not been published; the reason for the Government not publishing such Reports; and when such Reports will be submitted for the consideration of the House?

Four of these Reports have not yet been published, but three of these will be presented to the House this week. It is not proposed to publish the remaining Report, in view of the fact that the Ministry concerned has ceased to exist.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, up to the time of the October-December, 1920, examinations the salary for the clerical class in the Civil Service was an initial salary of £80 a year and bonus, with yearly increments, and at the age of 26 a marrying salary of £150 and bonus was granted; and, seeing that married ex-service men of 26 and over, with families to support, and who were successful in these examinations, are now being refused the married wage, and that the total emolument of the men in this category will be reduced to about £180 a year in September next, will he consider granting an increase to the married staff who come within the scale referred to?

A salary of £150 at the age of 26 has never been offered to candidates for the clerical class. The suggestion in the first part of the question is derived from the fact that if an officer entered in the class at the age of 18, and rendered satisfactory service for 8 years on the new scale, he would then be in receipt of £150 a year. The initial salary of ex-service men now appointed to the clerical class is regulated in accordance with the recommendations—which His Majesty's Government are not prepared to modify—of the 3rd interim Report of Lord Lytton's Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the importance to the British Empire that those closely interested in the future of airships may be able to appreciate the reasons actuating past and future airship policy, he will arrange for the Report of the Export Sub-committee on Imperial Communications to be at once published in, the form of a White Paper?

The Report of the Committee of the Imperial Conference on Imperial Air Communications will be included in the Papers on the subject of the Conference, which are shortly to be published.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is the intention of the Government to dispense with the aerodromes, sheds, and all gear now at Howden, Pulham, and Croydon in connection with the handling of airships should the ships themselves be disposed of; and whether any use is made of the aerodromes pending the Empire decision?

The reply to the first part of the question is that Howdem will be given up, as it is not considered that it would be necessary to a future airship undertaking; that Pulham will be placed in charge of a care and maintenance party, pending the result of the deliberations of the Dominion Governments, when, if the result be unfavourable, it will be disposed of; and that Croydon will be retained permanently as an aerodrome, the airship appliances being temporarily stored. The reply to the second part is in the negative so far as the Air Ministry is concerned, except for the tests which remain to be carried out in connection with R38.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the air station at Waddon, Croydon, is the property of the Air Ministry; whether privately-owned aeroplanes are allowed to use the same free; if not, what charge is made for the use; and whether this station is used at present by the Royal Air Force for any of their machines?

The air station at Waddon is the property of the Government. Privately-owned aeroplanes are not allowed to use this aerodrome free. The charges vary from 2s. 6d. to 10s. for each landing, according to the type of machine. The aerodrome is not normally used by Royal Air Force machines. I have sent to my hon. Friend a copy of the regulations, setting out in full, on page 18, the scale of charges at Croydon Aerodrome.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the appointment of Air Vice-Marshal J. F. A. Higgins, C. B., D. S. O., AF. C., was suddenly found necessary on the 17th January, 1921, when during the course of the War and the two subsequent years after the Armistice there was no such position; and what are the qualifications of Air Vice-Marshal Higgins for the appointment?

In common with many other measures of importance in connection with the permanent organisation of the Royal Air Force, the commencement of the work on which this officer is engaged was deferred until the more urgent problems of demobilisation and evacuation of war-time stations had been settled. Air Vice-Marshal Higgins was formerly an officer of the Royal Artillery, and has had a distinguished career in the R. F. C. and R. A. F. from 1912. His service experience renders him eminently suitable for his present responsible duties.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement as to the present position of British civil aviation, indicating the passenger and or postal services existing; the average daily number of miles covered by these services; the fares and rates being charged; particulars of the facilities being given by the railway companies to assist the aviation companies in the distribution of the passengers, mails, etc.; and the types of machines being employed on these services?

The following particulars relate to the regular cross-Channel services only, and do not include irregular services or passenger flights in England.

(1) Two British regular passenger and postal services exist at the present time operating between London and Paris.

(2) The average actual daily mileage covered by these services was: 3 months ending 30th June, 1921, 520; month ending 31st July, 1921, 1,125.

(3) The fares and rates charged are:—

Passenger —

£6 6s. single

£12 return

Freight —

100 lbs. or under, 1s. per lb.

Over 100 lbs., 10d. per lb.

Postal Rates —

Letters surcharged 2d. per oz.

Parcels surcharged 1s. per lb.

(4) The standing instructions for the disposal of the mail, in the event of a forced landing, laid down by the General Post Office, include an arrangement such that, if in the event of a forced landing the mails would reach London most quickly if sent by train, the stationmaster at the nearest station will accept the mails for transmission by the next train to London. The percentage of efficiency of the British mail services was 100 per cent, for

the June quarter and the above arrangement has, therefore, not been utilised.

(5) The types of machines used on these regular services have been:

De H. 18,

Handley Page, and

Vickers Vimy,

supplemented occasionally by a B. A. T.

For further information on the subject I would refer my hon. Friend to the "Half-Yearly Reports on Civil Aviation," which are presented to Parliament as, Command Papers.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement as to the present position of French civil aviation, indicating the passenger and/or postal services they are running, the average daily number of miles covered by these services, the form of subsidy the French aviation companies are receiving from the French Government, the fares and rates being charged, particulars of the facilities being given by the French railway companies to assist the aviation companies in the distribution of the passengers, mails, &c., and the types of machines being employed on these services?

The following statement gives the particulars asked for in the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth parts of the question:

NOTES.—In every case special reductions are offered to members of aero clubs and officials of aviation societies.

If the services shown above are carried out as advertised, the average daily mileage flown is 5,110.

The particulars of the French subsidies for Civil Aviation are as follows:—

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the large number of farmers who sent in their claims later than the specified date of 18th July, whether he will reopen the matter so as to admit of these claims; the authority on which the date was fixed; and whether the form sent out specified that it had to be sent in by 18th July?

The latest date for making claims was fixed by the Corn Production (Provisional) Regulations, 1921. The form sent out specified that claims could not be accepted unless they were received not later than 30th June. As stated in my reply to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on the 8th August, it was decided in deference to representations that claims might be made up to 18th July, but growers were then warned that no further extension of time would be granted. I regret that I cannot reopen the matter.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if his attention has been drawn to the increasing nuisance caused by the quantities of waste paper, broken glass, and other litter with which the Royal parks are constantly disfigured; if the parks staff is instructed to remove this rubbish; and if steps can be taken to ensure that the public shall deposit its debris in proper receptacles?

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of the conditions to which the hon. Member refers. A large staff is permanently employed in collecting rubbish—an unsatisfactory and costly procedure—as the real responsibility under the park rules rests upon the public itself. I am much concerned at the increasing amount of broken glass, which is a source of especial danger to children. Notices are being posted to warn the public that throwing litter about is contrary to the park rules, and that all such rubbish must be removed by the public, or placed in the proper receptacles. Prosecutions will be undertaken if necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that fires, involving in some cases valuable agricultural produce, extending as far as 600 yards from the railway line, have been started from sparks from engines of the Great Eastern Railway Company; whether in these cases the company are exempted from liability to pay more than £100 in damages; and, if so, whether he proposes to amend the law in this respect, or take steps to ensure that where railway companies burn wood a suitable device shall be attached to the engines to prevent sparks escaping and causing serious damage to the surrounding country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, this is a question of interpretation of the law. I know of no proposals at present to introduce legislation on this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport if, under the new grouping of the railways, arrangements have been made to compensate managers and other officials for loss of office; and, if so, on what scale?

I must refer the hon. Baronet to the Third Schedule of the Railways Bill and to the various discussions which have taken place on the Committee and Report stages.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the arbitrary nature of those Clauses in the Railways Bill which deal with the freight rates for the carriage of pit-props, whereby these rates are regulated by the amount of the truck-load instead of the more equitable unit of the lot; and whether, in view of the fact that merchants are not as a rule able to ensure the use of trucks holding a sufficient quantity of goods to enable these to come under the cheaper rate, he will consider a modification of the regulations in this respect?

Pit-props are not mentioned in the Railways Bill. The question raised is one of classification, which would fall to be dealt with by the Rates Advisory Committee, under Clause 28 of the Bill. By mutual arrangement, the deposit of the railway companies' proposals as regards the classification of timber has been deferred, in order to give time for negotiation between the companies and the trade, and these negotiations are still proceeding.

asked the Postmaster-General how much it would cost to post 10,000 circulars to France from this country, and how much it would cost to post the same circulars to their destination in France by sending them to France in bulk and posting them in that country?

The Noble Lord has omitted to indicate what weight he contemplates in regard to the circulars to be sent by post to France. The postage rates for printed papers from the United Kingdom to France are one halfpenny for two ounces, while the internal postage in France would be 5 centimes per packet up to 50 grammes.

asked the Postmaster-General if the site of the old General Post Office in St. Martin's-le-Grand is going to be disposed of, or does the Government purpose to leave the valuable land vacant for many more years?

Steps are being taken to dispose of this site, but up to the present no adequate offer has been received.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that there is only one telephone in this country to every 47 inhabitants, as against one to every eight inhabitants in the United States, he is able to state what measures he is taking to popularise and generally make known the benefits of the telephone to prospective users in these islands?

It has not hitherto been possible, owing to the shortage of spare plant, to supply current demands for telephone service, But as the new plant which is in course of provision becomes available for use, convassing is being resumed in those areas where new orders can be met.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has sufficient information to enable him to judge whether the recent advances in the telephone service will be successful in securing that additional revenue upon which he was basing his calculations when he made his proposal for increased charges?

It is somewhat early to attempt to estimate the result of the increased telephone charges, but as far as statistics are available at present, I have every reason to believe that the forecast of the departmental committee as regards the additional revenue to be obtained from the revised telephone charges will closely approximate the facts, after allowance has been made for the falling off in traffic attributable to the coal strike and trade depression.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is satisfied with the number of inland telegrams which have been sent since he advanced the minimum charge to 1s.; and how the income derived therefrom compares with an equivalent period during which 6d. was the minimum charge?

A comparison between the inland telegrams sent during the six months ended 30th June, 1914, when the minimum charge was 6d., and those sent during the six months ended 30th June last, when the minimum charge was Is., shows that while there was a fall of 16'6 per cent, in the traffic, the revenue increased by about 74 per cent. This result is not altogether unsatisfactory, especially in view of the trade depression of the latter six months. The figures for the current half-year promise to show an improvement.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a postal servant granted a commission during the late War in the Royal Engineers Special Eeserve Postal Section, and subsequently seconded (but not transferred) to staff duties, would be entitled by virtue of the conditions of his service to full civil pay in addition to his military pay and allowances for the whole period of his service with the Army?

If my hon. Friend will send me the name of the officer concerned, I will make inquiries and write to him.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was informed by his permanent officials before approval was given to the appointment of Commander E. L. C. Grattan, R. N., to the vacant position of assistant inspector of wireless telegraphy that that officer did not possess any technical or scientific qualifications and had had no equivalent training or experience in technical wireless telegraphy and electrical engineering; whether he was informed that the only way in which Commander Grattan had been connected "with wireless telegraphy was in a purely administrative capacity in dealing with the personnel of certain naval wireless stations and not with the engineering or electrical portions of the work; whether Commander Grattan passed a medical examination and is of the age laid down in the advertisement for the post; and whether, in view of the statement of the Assistant Postmaster-General that the duties require a high standard of scientific attainments and the fact that Commander Grattan does not possess these qualifications, the appointment of that officer will be cancelled?

The hon. Member is misinformed. Commander Grattan possesses the necessary technical and scientific knowledge as well as the educational qualifications and administrative capacity required, and has had wide experience in. technical wireless telegraphy. There were no fixed limits of age for candidates, but Commander Grattan is above the age stated to be preferable. He has passed a medical examination. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the case of a recent promotion in the Brighton Post Office, an officer, number 40 on the senority list, was selected over the heads of many senior men who had acted as supervisors with great efficiency and with satisfaction to the administration during the War period; whether he is aware that a sorting clerk who stands as low as number 52 on the seniority list has been selected for the acting list; and whether, having regard to the past history of the local administration in regard to the question of promotion, he will cause searching inquiries to be made into the whole of the circumstances?

The recently promoted officer to whom I understand the hon. Member refers stood number 39 on the class of sorting clerks and telegraphists, but it is not the case that he passed over many men who had acted as supervisors with great efficiency. On the contrary, very few of his seniors had shown controlling and clerical ability, and none was so well qualified for the duties of the higher post. The same considerations apply to selection for the acting list, in which it has been necessary to include a number of comparatively junior men. The fullest inquiry is made in all cases before a promotion is authorised.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give instructions for the Report of the Select Committee on Estimates, dated 3rd August, 1921, to be sold to Members at such a reduced price as will show a profit provided they are ordered in quantities of not less than 1,000 up to 10,000, and are not required for re-sale but for free distribution confined to the purchaser's constituency?

The Report was published as a Parliamentary Paper, at the price of 1d. In view of the cost of production, it is not possible to sell such papers economically at a less price.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if amounts refunded on account of Excess Profits Duty are to be treated as income; and, if so, how they are to be taken into account, in view of the fact that in many cases the net loss actually exceeds the total amount paid on account of this tax?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions of Rule 4 (1) ot the Rules applicable to Cases I and II of Schedule D of the Income Tax Act, 1918, from which he will see that the amount of repayment of Excess Profits Duty is required to be treated as profit for the year in which the repayment is received. In the type of case suggested by my hon. Friend, the rule works as follows. If a trader has made a loss of £10,000 for a given year without taking into account a repayment of £4,000 Excess Profits Duty received within that year, then for the purposes of subsequent years' Income Tax assessments, the result of that year would be taken as a loss not of £10,000 but of £6,000, that is, a loss of £10,000 less the profit of £4,000 represented by the Excess Profits Duty repayment.

asked the Home Secretary if he can inform the House whether any special relaxation of prison regulations was allowed in the case of Ernest Daniel Kiley while in Pentonville Prison, and, if so, why and at whose request?

No special relaxation of prison discipline has been allowed in this prisoner's case. He was temporarily discharged from Wandsworth Prison, under Section 17 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act, 1914. He was suffering from a severe illness, which required special treatment that could not be provided in prison. His discharge was authorised as a pure matter of routine upon the strong recommendation of the medical officer of Wandsworth Prison supported by the Medical Prison Commissioner. No relative or friend of the prisoner had approached the Home Office either directly or indirectly on his behalf. It is not usual in such cases to require a warder to remain in charge of the prisoner, as hospitals and nursing homes are unwilling to accept patients with warders in attendance, and in very few of the many cases dealt with under this Section of the Act has the privilege been abused. Kiley's escape was at once notified to the police, and all possible steps were immediately taken by them to secure his re-arrest. His present whereabouts are unknown, and the police are continuing their efforts.