asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information regarding the situ- ation in Vladivostok and the maritime province of Siberia; what Government is now in power; whether the Japanese are still in occupation of the city and surrounding country; whether a detachment of ex-officers from General Wrangel's Army has been sent to Vladivostok, and, if so, was this with British co-operation; and whether His Majesty's Government is represented in Vladivostok?

The situation at Vladivostok and in the maritime province has not essentially changed since the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on 17th August. M. Merkuloff's Government is still in power at Vladivostok, and there is a Japanese garrison in occupation of the town and surrounding district. No ex-officers from General Wrangel's Army have been sent to Vladivostok, but a number of Russian refugees from Iraq and India have recently been sent there. His Majesty's Government is represented at Vladivostok by a Consul.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform us if the Japanese Government have explained their position in Eastern Siberia to His Majesty's Government, and if any steps have been taken?

I should like notice of that question.

Is it quite clear that these Russian refugees who have returned to Vladivostok are of all ages and sexes, and unarmed?

They are of all ages and sexes, and I presume they are unarmed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty whether he has any information with regard to a steamer called the "Franz Ferdinand"; at what port she is now; what was her port of departure; under what flag she is sailing; has she on board, or has she recently carried, ex-officers of General Wrangel's army; and whether these ex-officers are to be disembarked, or have been disembarked, at Vladivostok?

The "Franz Ferdinand" was chartered by His Majesty's Government to transport certain Russian refugees consisting of 881 men, 106 women, and 61 children from Iraq and India to Vladivostok. A small party was also sent from Egypt. The ship left Hong Kong on 17th October for Bombay on her return journey. Her port of departure was Basra, and she sailed under the British flag. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, no ex-officers of General Wrangel's army were carried on this vessel.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that full reply, may I ask if it was impossible to arrange an amnesty for these people to allow them to go to Russia proper instead of to Vladivostok?

My impression is that that exact proposition was put to the Soviet Government, and that they have hitherto declined to take the necessary measures. We carried these people to the only part of the Russian Empire over which the Soviet Government has at present no control.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far the disbandment of the South Persia Rifles has been carried out; and what has become of the guns, rifles, horses, mules, stores, munitions, and equipment supplied to the force by the Government of India in their endeavour to help the Persian Government to keep order in Southern Persia?

The disbandment of this force is proceeding in view of the fact that the Persian Government were unwilling to retain the British officers who were in command. The force will have been completely disbanded towards the end of this month. With regard to the second part of the question, a small portion of the equipment has been offered to the Persian Government, but the majority of the arms, etc., have either been withdrawn or destroyed locally.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is to become of the men? Are they to turn into bandits and infest this locality?

I do not think so. If my hon. Friend will put down a further question, I will endeavour to give him the information required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the serious allegations made against the Spanish military authorities by a number of British subjects, all of them ex-service men, who recently enlisted in the Spanish Foreign Legion; whether he is aware that these ex-service men state that the conditions of pay and service promised to them by the representatives of the Spanish consuls in this country were not carried out on their arrival in Morocco; that some of them who protested against the breach of contract were ill-treated and robbed of their money and sent off to Gibraltar; and that others who actually joined the legion have been beaten and kicked by Spanish officers; and whether His Majesty's Government will at once approach the Spanish Government with a request that the allegations made by these men may be inquired into by a committee of inquiry on which His Majesty's Government shall have representation or, alternatively, by a committee composed of nationals of some neutral and friendly country?

I am aware that allegations of the kind indicated in the first four parts of the question have been made. The Spanish Government have been asked to allow a British representative to make an independent and impartial inquiry into the allegations of ill-treatment, and their reply is awaited.

In view of the fact that one of the allegations is that these men are still being retained against their will in the Spanish Army and ill treated, will this representative have access to these men, or will these men have an opportunity of placing their case before the representative?

I have no doubt that will be the case. That is, undoubtedly, what we desire.

Will our representative have an opportunity of going to Morocco and investigating for himself?

That is undoubtedly our intention.

When was the request made to the Spanish Government—how long ago?

I could not say from memory exactly when.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Zaghloul Pasha has been prohibited from landing at any place in Upper Egypt; whether he has recently visited many places in Lower Egypt without disorder ensuing; and what is the reason for the discrimination?

In view of the affray at Assiut, referred to in my reply to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle yesterday, Zaghloul Pasha was prohibited from landing at places in Upper Egypt, where, in the opinion of the authorities, similar disturbances were likely to occur. I would remind the hon. Member that when Zaghloul Pasha recently proposed to visit Tanta, the Egyptian Government felt obliged, in the interests of public order, to take the same steps as those since adopted in Upper Egypt.

Has not the hon. Gentleman received advices from Egypt as to the complete harmony which prevailed at all places visited by Zaghloul Pasha?

I should not like to commit myself to an expression of opinion as to harmony.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether 15 men from Dennahra, who were going on business to Assiut, were fired upon, one of them being wounded, and then arrested by the police; that the movements of individuals about the Mudirieh of Assiut were prohibited, in view of the approaching visit of Saad Zaghloul Pasha; and that even those who had cases in court were prevented from going to Assiut; and can any inquiry be made into these matters?

I have no information with regard to the incidents quoted in the hon. Member's question. It is for the Egyptian Government alone to decide whether any inquiry is necessary.

Is it not possible that an inquiry might be made into this pin-pricking policy which is going on to the injury of the populace?

If such an inquiry is being held, it will be held by the Government of the country.

Are we to consider the Egyptian Government as wholly independent and acting on its own initiative?

In such matters, undoubtedly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the provisions of the agreement come to between France and the Government of Angora; and whether, and in what way, they carry out the promises made by France, when she occupied Cilicia, to protect the subject races of that province?

His Majesty's Government have no information regarding the provisions of the agreement, beyond what has appeared in the Press.

Is it not a convenient assumption that our French Allies are as humane as ourselves?

I should say so, undoubtedly.

Will His Majesty's Government obtain information as to this Treaty between Angora and France?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "obtain" This is a matter between the French Government and the Nationalist Government.

Will the British Government ask the French Government for information—that is what I mean?

I shall consider that.

In view of our great interests in Moslem countries, would it not be advisable for us to conclude an agreement with the Angora Government, considering its victorious position?

The hon. Member should put that question down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made in regard to securing to the children of British parents resident in Japan the status of British nationality, although they may be born outside His Majesty's allegiance?

The proposals approved by the recent Conference of Prime Ministers for the amendment of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, in the sense indicated have been submitted to the favourable consideration of the Governments of the Dominions and India, on receipt of whose replies it is hoped that it may be found possible to introduce a Bill into Parliament embodying these proposals.

Is there any possibility of such a Bill being introduced very shortly, because the British in Japan are very anxious about the matter?

That is a question relating to legislation, and it should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Will this very important point be taken into consideration with regard to other countries as well as Japan? Will consideration apply generally and not to Japan alone?

Of course.

How long ago is it since the Government promised to communicate with the Dominions on this matter? Is it not a year ago?

This subject came under consideration at the recent Imperial Conference.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether legislation for this country is contingent and dependent on the Dominions acquiescing in that legislation, or whether it will be possible for legislation to be carried and applied to nationals in this country, irrespective of the Dominions, in the event of their not seeing their way to agree?

That is a rather high constitutional question. Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice, and I shall endeavour to get him the right information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Rev. Mr. Parker was carried off by Chinese brigands in August while upon his honeymoon, in the Province of Yunnan, and held for ransom; whether the Chinese Government has been approached with a view to securing his safety and return; and whether His Majesty's Government have any information on the matter?

No reports from China have reached the Foreign Office on this subject, but telegraphic inquiries are being made, the result of which will be communicated to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the British Government is taking to advance the abolition of visas in neutral countries for British subjects; and whether, in view of the definite wish of the Swiss Government, expressed through various channels, to enter into a mutual arrangement with our Government for the abolition of the Swiss visa on British passports and the British visa on Swiss passports, he will take immediate steps to bring this arrangement into operation?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am watching the effect of the relaxations already made in regard to visas for alien passengers to this country; but on the facts so far before me, I am not ready to dispense any further with this requirement.

In the meantime, may I ask whether this country is offering the same facilities to Swiss travellers as the Swiss Government is offering to British travellers? Can a Swiss traveller go through England without a visa as a British traveller may go through Switzerland without a visa?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the flogging of George Doty, a British subject, at Miami, Florida, presumably by the same gang that tarred and feathered the Rev. J. Irwin; whether Doty also has been forced to leave America; whether any report on this case was made by the British vice-consul; and what protection or prospect of justice is there for coloured British subjects in this town of Miami?

I have received no official report on this case, but one will be called for from His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty who was responsible for the design of rigid airship R38; and what was the procedure in regard to checking the design of this airship?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The airship was designed in September, 1918, by the airship design staff, which was transferred from the Admiralty to the Air Ministry on the 22nd October, 1919, by which date the construction of the airship had been begun. The procedure adopted for passing and checking the design, upon which any question as to responsibility would hinge, is still under investigation by the Aeronautical Research Committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish as a White Paper the full reports of the inquiries which have been held and which will be held as to the cause of the disaster?

I am not sure it has not already been done; if it has not been done, it is in process of being done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the shipbreaking scheme at Ply mouth, which provided employment for a number of men, has been closed down; if so, will he state the reason; and whether consideration will be given to the possibility of resuming work?

It is understood that work has almost entirely been suspended upon the scheme mentioned, the principal reason being the abnormal and continuous reduction in the price of steel scrap, which has been almost unsaleable during the last few months. The possibility of resuming work, however, is being carefully investigated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Whitehead Torpedo Works, Weymouth, closed on the 5th March last, with the result that in the neighbourhood unemployment is now about 50 per cent.; and whether, in view of the fact that these works provided employment on Admiralty work for many years, special consideration will be given to the possibility of allocating orders in connection with the present naval programme?

The present requirements of torpedoes are not sufficient to admit of continuous employment being provided on even a small scale at the Whitehead Torpedo Works. The Royal Naval Torpedo Factory is working with considerably less than pre-War staff and will require all the torpedo work available in order to keep it running at a reasonably economical output. Should the Admiralty find it necessary to obtain torpedo accessories from the trade in the near future, Messrs. Whitehead would certainly be asked to tender if they still have the plant and facilities for producing such accessories. Should the firm re-open any portion of their plant capable of producing other classes of work which the Admiralty may have to put out to tender, the Department would be glad to consider favourably an application for them to be allowed to quote, in competition with other firms.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men in the building trades who are registered as unemployed at the Employment Exchanges?

The number of men in the building trades registered at Employment Exchanges as unemployed at 7th October was 110,577, of whom 70,817 were labourers and 19,310 painters.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be more economical to find work in house-building for 30,000 skilled men rather than pay them the unemployment dole, and do the figures the right hon. Gentleman gives correspond with the statement of the Prime Minister the other day that all available building labour was fully employed?

There is plenty of house-building work. The great bulk of these men are, as I say, labourers. Another large section are painters who are out of occupation for seasonal reasons. There are 292 plasterers who are now registered as unemployed, and I have got registrations on my books for 988 plasterers.

In the right hon. Gentleman's figures there are nearly 4,000 bricklayers and masons, and is he aware that at the same time the Minister of Health has refused local authorities, who have the men and the material and want the houses, leave to go on building? Would it not be more economical to put the men on work for which they are skilled rather than pay them unemployment benefit?

asked the Minister of Labour whether those insured for unemployment benefit since 1911 and those who have been so insured from a later date and have never been unemployed are not entitled to this benefit if they have been rendered unable for work through illness extending for a year or more, and who on recovery from illness are not re-employed owing to the present industrial slackness; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to ensure that sickness will not deprive an insured person of the unemployment benefit for which he has paid should he find himself out of work when again fit for employment?

In the circumstances described in the question, any rights to benefit arising from payment of contributions would not be affected owing to the period of sickness. If my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of any cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.

Will my right hon. Friend realise that some managers of employment exchanges say that if a man has been sick for 12 months, he is out of unemployment benefit?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases.

asked the Minister of Labour the present approximate number of unemployed registered for the Borough of Southwark, both for men and women, and the amount paid weekly to them for unemployment pay?

In the area of the Borough Employment Exchange, which is that which most nearly coincides with the Borough of Southwark, there were on the Live Registers at 14th October, 9,058 men and 2,048 women registered as unemployed; in addition, there were 851 men and 66 women who had exhausted their unemployment benefit and had ceased to register at the Exchange. The amount paid weekly at present to those in receipt of unemployment benefit is about £6,000.

asked the Minister of Labour the principal trades both for men and women in which there is the greatest amount of unemployment at the present time in the County of London?

The trades in which there is the greatest unemployment in the London Metropolitan areas amongst men are: building, engineering, the wholesale and retail distributive trades, and dock and riverside labour. Amongst females, the greatest unemployment is in the hotel, boarding house, and restaurant service, the wholesale and retail distributive trades, and the manufacture of food and drink.

Did the right hon. Gentleman say the building trade?

I have included painting in that—a seasonal trade.

asked the Minister of Labour the present number of unemployed registered in his Department for the County of London; can he give the details of men, women, youths, and girls; and what is the total approximate amount paid weekly to them for unemployment pay?

At 14th October the number on the Live Registers of Employment Exchanges in the County of London was 127,800, of whom 96,088 were men, 25,006 women, 3,943 youths, and 2,763 girls. In addition, there were 42,813 persons who had exhausted their unemployment benefit, and had ceased to maintain their registrations at the Exchanges. The amount paid weekly to those in receipt of unemployment benefit is about £67,500.

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage of persons unemployed in the co-operative movement and in municipal authorities and those in private commercial concerns of Great Britain?

Separate figures are not available for the three groups mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Is it not possible that there might be some systematic record of the number of men who go out of work from time to time, so that we might know the specific cost to the taxpayers between the co-operative, municipal and private concerns?

I will consider that; but it has been my policy to cut down, as far as possible, the expenditure on returns, which already are quite voluminous, I can assure my hon. Friend.

No return would be required for that.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that of over 100 men and boys signed on for unemployed relief on 28th September at Cornsay Colliery, County Durham, about 30 of them have not yet received any pay, although the rest received payment both on 13th October and 20th October, and that the clerks or those in charge are not able to give them advice as to why they have not received the two weeks' unemployed pay with the rest; and will efforts be made so that their allowance will be paid?

I am making inquiries locally in this matter, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether all the necessary unemployment insurance cards and other requisite stationery and forms are at this moment printed and readily available, in view of the great demand likely to arise in November next from the resumption of unemployment benefit for the period commencing on the 3rd of that month; and whether any steps have been taken to avoid any possible congestion or disturbance at the Employment Ex changes, particularly in the Metropolitan area, consequent upon the great increase in the number of persons who will resume the use of such centres on the date named?

Yes, Sir. It is, however, not possible to prevent some measure of congestion at Exchanges during periods of abnormal pressure if large numbers of applicants present themselves at the same hour; but if claimants to benefit will comply with the arrangements made for their convenience, that is to say, if they will apply at different hours according to a programme which will be notified to them, it is hoped to make payments with a minimum of trouble to all concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the recent dismissal of many officials hitherto employed under his direction, particularly in Employment Exchanges, any provision has been made in respect to additional staff in anticipation of the great increase of work certain to arise from the resumption of unemployment benefit payable to many thousands of men and women who will register for the same early in November next, or will the present staffs of the Exchanges be expected to shoulder all the additional responsibilities and labours involved without any augmentation of their personnel?

Careful consideration has been given to the question of the staff which will be required to cope with the increase of work arising out of the resumption of unemployment benefit, and all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that, during the period of pressure, the Employment Exchange service will be adequately reinforced.

Will it be reinforced by ex-service men?

Practically all Departments of the Employment Exchanges to-day are staffed by ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, owing to continued unemployment, many workers are unable to maintain their health insurance contributions and are consequently dropping out of benefit; and whether he is prepared to recommend the introduction of a temporary measure whereby health insurance benefits may be extended under the exceptional circumstances prevailing at the present time?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to continuous unemployment lasting for upwards of 12 months and due to the present abnormal circumstances, many people insured under the National Health Insurance Acts have, under the provisions of Section 13 (1) of the 1918 Act, been treated as having ceased to be insured, with the result that they have ceased to be members of their approved societies and are therefore no longer entitled to benefits; and whether it is proposed to amend the Law so as to permit these persons to be retained in insurance until the present abnormal circumstances abate?

I am introducing to-day a short Bill dealing with this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of publishing in compact form a brief outline of the official plans for the relief of unemployment, showing more especially the types of proposal which should be submitted to specific authorities and Departments, and the procedure which should be followed in each case?

My hon. Friend's suggestion has been considered by the Departments con cerned, but it is not thought that it would serve any object of sufficient utility. In his speech last week the Prime Minister described generally the various measures which it was proposed to adopt for the relief of unemployment, and further details as regards these measures have been or will be supplied in White Papers relating to the various Bills and in the Supplementary Estimates which arc to be presented to the House. Moreover, local authorities and other statutory bodies have already been informed by circular or otherwise as to the steps to be taken by them in order to obtain State assistance in the carrying out of schemes in their localities.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that Members of this House are really most anxious to lessen unemployment by working under the various Government schemes, and that the issue of some such publication as I have suggested would greatly expedite that?

Yes, Sir; I very fully realise, if I may say so, that co-operation, and the welcome; but I think if my hon. Friend will wait till he sees the form of the Supplementary Estimates, he will find that he will get there a resum é of the form in which we shall proceed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will instruct boards of guardians that in calculating the amount of outdoor relief to be granted to applicants no account shall be taken of any disability pension enjoyed by the applicant, and where such disability pension has been deducted the same shall be refunded?

I have no authority to issue such an instruction as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Lewisham Board of Guardians have, in consequence of alleged profiteering on the part of tradesmen in supplying goods to the unemployed, set up their own depots, at which goods are sold at certain fixed prices; and has he been able to ascertain how much of the difference between the prices of the guardians and of the retailers is due to rent, rates, taxes, and wages, from all of which the guardians in their trading venture are exempt?

I am unable to say what proportion of the difference between the prices charged by the guardians and the prices charged by the retailer would represent the rates, taxes and wages of the retailer, but the guardians estimate that their own overhead charges amount to 20 per cent, of the value of the goods supplied.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the guardians have been able to supply goods at prices very much below the local cooperative stores?

I could not say that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the amount annually spent on railway fares for Rosyth Dockyard employ és for whom there is no housing accommodation at Rosyth?

The annual amount expended on this account is, approximately, £45,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department has yet decided upon a housing policy for the employ és at Rosyth Naval Base; and, if so, will he state the number of houses they expect to build by the end of next year?

The Admiralty are not proposing to embark upon a housing scheme for their employ és at Rosyth, but the question of whether further houses shall be erected by the Scottish National Housing Company for this purpose is at present the subject of correspondence between His Majesty's Treasury and the Scottish Board of Health.

In view of the fact that we are spending this unnecessary money in railway fares, would it not be more economical to have our own houses and save that money, as well as the extra living-out money which is granted?

At present the question is out of the hands of the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give the different tenders for the new capital ships, with the difference between the highest and lowest tenders; and if he can give this for the hulls, for the engines, the guns, and the armour?

I regret that I cannot give this information. My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that it is not customary in business transactions to publish details of tenders. Moreover, in the present case it is not in the public interest to give the particulars asked for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the many persons out of work in the borough of Plymouth, he can say when it is proposed to begin the lengthening of the slip in Devonport dockyard?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that there are no Government slips capable of carrying any of the new capital ships, with the result that the nation is entirely in the hands of private firms; and if he will consider the building of such slips, which will not only provide useful work for many unemployed, but be expenditure of a capital and lasting value to the nation?

As stated by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty on 18th July last, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke), although the advantage of altering the slips at the Royal Yards to enable the largest ships to be built is fully realised, the expense that would be incurred is not justifiable in the present state of the finances of this country. In any case, however, no work could be commenced on the slip at Plymouth until next summer, as it will be occupied until then.

Cannot funds be taken out of the Government grant for this work, seeing it is not only capital, but most useful expenditure?

We are taking all steps to provide as much work as we can for the unemployed. As a matter of fact, this work would not give much employment.

Is it not a fact that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty stated that this work is necessary, and is it not a great mistake to postpone what is a necessary thing and a matter of national importance merely because you have not sufficient money to do it with?

We realise that it is important, and we shall be only too glad to do it when the money is available, but this work is based on the question of unemployment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can make any statement on the subject of the promotion to lieutenant of those commissioned warrant officers who have successfully undergone the examinations prescribed by the Admiralty; if any, and, if so, how many, new candidates have offered themselves for examination; and if there is any probability of those who have already passed being promoted in the near future?

It is the intention to consider the first selection of commissioned officers from warrant rank for special promotion to lieutenant in connection with the next half yearly promotions on the 31st December. Four candidates have passed the qualifying examinations and, in addition, 85 commissioned officers from warrant rank and warrant officers have taken certain of the examination subjects. Of these latter, however, it is unlikely that more than two can become fully qualified by the above date. As promotion is by selection, it is not possible to make any definite statement beforehand as to the number of promotions that may be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the scheme for the increased pay to schoolmasters, Royal Navy, approved by the Admiralty and passed on to the Treasury, has been returned to the Admiralty; and will he say when he will be in a position to make a statement to the House on this subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I regret I am not in a position to say when I can make any statement on the subject, but I can repeat the assurance given to the hon. Member for Central Portsmouth (Sir T. Bramsdon) on the 20th October "that no time will be lost in promulgating any new scheme for "which sanction may be obtained.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that during the last few weeks trawl fishermen from Aberdeen have been taking up live mines; that the existence of unswept or imperfectly swept areas constitutes a grave danger to life and a serious deterrent to industry; and will he take immediate and adequate measures to deal with the matter?

Two cases of trawlers sweeping up mines have been reported recently. Both occurred in an area in which vessels have been warned not to trawl without special safety devices. The seas round the British Isles have been most thoroughly and carefully swept, and it is practically certain that there are no moored mines in existence.

It has been impossible to prevent a certain number of mines sinking to the bottom without exploding. Weekly returns are issued to trawlers regarding these areas, and giving a special caution not to use them without a safety device. It is not considered that any further steps are feasible.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that certain non-service staff in his Department, recently dismissed through substitution machinery, were re-engaged in another section of his Department; and how this action is to be reconciled with the Government's statement regarding employment of ex-service men?

So far as I am aware, no temporary non-service man, dismissed through substitution machinery, has recently been transferred to a fresh post in the Ministry on his replacement in his old position by an ex-service man. A few temporary women officers have, however, been transferred on the termination of their former appointments, to posts in sections reserved for women. In these cases they either hold their present posts only until such time as permanent women officers can be assigned to the duties, or until work of a casual nature ceases. If my hon. and gallant Friend can furnish particulars of any specific case in the Ministry of Labour of a non-service officer being transferred to a fresh post to the improper exclusion of an ex-service man, I will at once investigate it.

Is it a fact that a number of women who were dismissed through the substitution machinery have, through the Employment Exchanges, been taken on at Kew. Does the right hon. Gentleman contend that the work at Kew is essentially women's work, and could not be undertaken by ex-service men?

The work at Kew is dealt with in the next answer, but if the hon. Member suggests that we are keeping the letter of the substitution and breaking the spirit, I can assure him he is mistaken, and if I found it to be so, I would deal very sharply with any such cases.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the exact nature of the work on which the women staff at Kew is engaged; and why the same cannot be undertaken by ex-service men?

The women staff at Kew is engaged upon the following duties: Sorting, filing of documents, indexing, ledger entering, typewriting and manipulation of accounting machines. The above work has always been performed by women, and the permanent clerical posts sanctioned by the Treasury in connection with this work are for women officers. The majority of these posts are held by permanent women officers, but at the present time there are 746 temporary women employed at Kew, as against a temporary ex-service male staff of over 1,800. I have worked in ex-service men wherever I could, and I am having, as I have already said, the position of the 746 women still employed at Kew further reviewed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the recommendations of the First Interim Report of the Lytton Committee in respect of dismissals of ex-service men, i.e ., disabled men to be the last to go, are carried out; and, if so, why Mr. Hassett, who received training in the Ministry of Labour, was dismissed?

Mr. Hassett has had from us every consideration possible. In one post he was found, I regret to say, incapable of performing any but the most elementary clerical duties, and when it became necessary in the course of reorganisation to abolish the work on which he was engaged, he was found a second post, in which he also failed to give satisfaction. Special efforts have been, and are being, made by the Joint Substitution Board on his behalf, but so far the board have been unable to secure suitable alternative employment for him. I may add that we are making inquiry as to the possibility of giving him a further course of training in the watch and clock trade.

If I give the right hon. Gentleman the names of various disabled men who have been dismissed, will he be good enough to re-consider their dismissal, if in their departments there are non-service men who are performing the same work?

If they will undertake it at the same pay.

Yes.

Yes, I certainly will.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that so many ex-service accountants are unemployed, he will issue instructions to dispense with all non-service accountants so as to give employment to many ex-service men?

The information at my disposal does not confirm the view that there are many ex-service accountants unemployed. There are a certain number of ex-service book-keepers unemployed, but there are no posts of this class in the Ministry available for substitution. I have, throughout, made great efforts to find employment for the maximum number of ex-service men, and this applies to accountants as to others. The total number of posts for accountants of all grades remaining for substitution in the Minis try of Labour in London and Provinces is not many, as my hon. Friend suggests, but 10 only, all requiring a high degree of technical knowledge and experience.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any, and, if so, how many, women are still being educated in housecraft and domestic duties at the public expense; if so, when such expenditure will cease; what undertaking has been obtained from such women that they would engage in such duties upon completion of their training; and whether such undertaking has been faithfully discharged?

No women are being trained for domestic service wholly out of public funds. Such training is, however, being given by the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment out of-a fund placed at their disposal by the National Relief Fund. To this expenditure we contribute £1 to every £2 contributed by the Central Committee.

Does the state of our finances justify this counsel of extravagant perfection?

I think that, so far as we have gone, this money has been well spent. I am considering whether I ought to continue to spend anything beyond my present commitment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the National Relief Fund was raised for the specific purpose?

Is it not a fact that this scheme was directly due to the initiative of Queen Mary?

I cannot answer that.

asked the Minister of Health what has been his policy and what action he has taken with regard to the issue of milk to poor mothers and children?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave last Thursday to questions on this subject of which I will send him a copy.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman then say that the present grants for milk would be continued until the end of the present financial year, and could he inform the House what is going to happen at the end of that time?

The hon. and gallant Member will see that I stated in answer to questions that the present grants would continue until the end of the present financial year. As to future policy, that is under consideration.

This is a very important matter. May I ask whether the local authorities could not be informed? Is not the policy settled?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to intro- duce a Bill making it an offence to introduce money from abroad to subsidise a movement for overturning our own institutions or to receive money so introduced for such purposes?

I have been asked to answer this question. Any legislation on this subject would be complicated and difficult and the Government cannot undertake such legislation during the remainder of the present Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether the terms of the truce between His Majesty's Government and the Sinn Feiners were ever reduced into writing; and, if so, what is the date of the document and by whom was it signed, and when the document or documents will be laid upon the Table of this House in accordance with the undertaking given?

A White Paper setting out the arrangements governing the cessation of active operations in Ireland was presented in dummy yesterday, and copies will be available in the Vote Office this afternoon.

May I ask for an answer to the question: Whether there was ever a written document embodying the terms; if so, by whom was it signed and on behalf of whom, and the date?

I think if my hon. and learned Friend will wait till the document is available in the Vote Office in the course of the afternoon he will find all his questions answered.

It is a very simple question. I am asking whether there is such a document and by whom was it signed—surely the Government know?

I am sorry, but I thought the answer that I gave that the document would be available this afternoon would have entirely satisfied my hon. and learned Friend. I cannot say offhand—my memory will not allow me— Whose signatures were appended to the document, but the hon. and learned Gentleman will get the information from it. As to any information not there, I will answer if my hon. and learned Friend will repeat his question to-morrow.

What I wanted was the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman that there was such a document signed by some persons?

Was it signed at all?

I believe the document was not formally signed. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] I believe the document was not signed, but was agreed upon between the two parties. Let me say at once, whatever my hon. and learned Friend and others may think of the terms of the truce in the document, there has never been any question on either side but that the document was binding on both parties.

Is this document worth anything at all if it is not signed?

Yes, an agreement recognised by both sides as binding is a valuable document.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the "Times" of 10th July two totally different versions of this agreement were given—one by the Government and the other by Mr. de Valera?

This was either a verbal agreement, or it was a written agreement. How can you have a written agreement that neither side has signed? I give notice I shall raise the matter on the adjournment of the House.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has had his attention called to the case of ex-Sergeant J. H. Seery, Royal Irish Constabulary, who was dangerously wounded in County Cork, July, 1920, and discharged from the force as medically unfit for further service; whether this officer has received the special pension provided by the Police Pensions Bill for such cases; whether it was promised in August last that early attention would be given to all such cases; and whether he can now definitely announce when these will receive the special pension provided for such cases?

Ex-Sergeant Seery is in receipt of a pro- visional pension of £115 5s. 4d. pending the making of a final pension order. The general position regarding cases of this kind is explained in my reply on Monday last to the hon. and learned Member for York.

asked the Chief Secretary if the Sinn Fein courts which were held before the truce have been permitted to sit during the truce; and, if so, are their proceedings in accordance with the terms of the truce or any understanding arrived at?

The question of Sinn Fein courts was not expressly dealt with in the terms of the truce. Arbitration courts, which as a fact existed before the truce, are allowed to continue during the truce. No courts not in existence before the truce are now allowed to function. No person in Ireland is under any obligation to attend any court other than the King's Court, and the Government are prepared to afford all necessary protection to persons who are illegally required to attend unauthorised courts or are subjected to penalties by such courts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what is the difference between the courts to which he refers and the Sinn Fein Courts to which the question relates?

I should say one great difference is that an arbitration court is a court to which the parties go willingly. No other kind of court is allowed, and if parties called to unauthorised courts are intimidated, or are asked to pay a penalty authorised by the court, they have only to advise the police and we will give them every protection.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that arbitration courts set up by the rebels have been sanctioned by the Government in previous days?

I do not think sanction is necessary. An arbitration court, as I understand it, is a court in which individuals go willingly before other persons to adjudicate on their case. At any rate, it is not possible during the term of the truce to interfere by force of arms with such courts.

As there seems to be some vagueness, may I ask whether the terms of the truce were ever reduced to writing?

Do not these arbitration proceedings originate in illegal Sinn Fein courts? Are not the arbitrations ordered by such courts, and are they not therefore illegal?

If I send the right hon. Gentleman particulars of a case in the present week where a person was brought by a Sinn Fein court and because he protested was ultimately dragged out by the Sinn Fein police, will he see that steps are taken?

I should be very much more grateful if my hon. Friend will bring these things to my notice before the courts sit.

I can only hear of such matters after they have occurred. I have no inside knowledge of Sinn Fein courts.

The hon. Gentleman (Mr. Moles) is Deputy-Speaker of the Northern Ireland Parliament.

That has nothing to do with the matter.

If any case is brought to the notice of the Irish Government dealing with courts illegally held it is at once taken up. If the House will only follow the papers it will see there has recently been a marked decrease in the number of these so-called illegal courts. I may say there are cases in which it is a disputable matter whether the court is illegal, and these are taken up with the Sinn Fein authorities. I know of no other way except by force of arms and that, to my mind, would not be in keeping with the Peace Conference now sitting in London.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we who live in Ireland know that the truce is an absolute farce, that these illegal courts are sitting, and that the truce is being violated every day.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain who the Sinn Fein authorities, to whom he has referred, are?

Are they independent of the English Crown?

I ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the failure of the Government to stop the administration of so-called justice by Sinn Fein courts.

If the right hon. Gentleman will wait till we have finished questions, I will deal with that matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether the official representatives of this country at the Washington Conference are to number about 50, exclusive of clerical and other subordinate staff; what is the estimated cost per day to the taxpayer; and why it is necessary to have such a large body?

asked the Prime Minister the total number of individuals who are proceeding to the United States of America at the public expense in connection with the Disarmament Conference; and how many of these are officials, how many secretaries or typists, and how many attendants?

As already announced, the British delegates will be three in number, and as at present arranged the staff to the delegation will be composed as follows:

Will this sort of number be sent by every country represented at the Conference, and may I ask whether it is not a fact that the estimated cost per head per day is considerably over £10?

Obviously I cannot answer, and least of all without notice, a question as to the numbers of those who are representing other countries, but having regard to the great importance of the issues involved to this Empire and the world at large, I am sure that the House will desire that the British Mission should be adequately equipped for its work.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Gerda Welsh, who was a passenger on the "Lusitania," and whose claim for reparation for the damage sustained at the hands of the enemy has not yet been granted; whether he is aware that Mrs. Welsh has been a total invalid ever since; and whether he can hold out any hope of this and similar claims being settled in the near future?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The particulars which Mrs. Gerda Welsh has furnished are being submitted with other cases for consideration of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Deptford yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister who are the four delegates to the International Labour Conference at Geneva; and what are the names of the advisers?

As the answer is long and detailed, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer :

The four delegates are

Sir Montague Barlow, K.B.E., LL.D., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour.

Sir Daniel Hall, K.C.B., F.R.S., Chief Scientific Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Brigadier-General A. C. Baylay, D.S.O., National Confederation of Employers' Organisations.

Mr. E. L. Poulton, O.B.E., J.P., Vice-Chairman, General Council, Trades Union Congress.

The Government advisers are

Mr. R. R. Bannatyne, C.B.; Mr. G. E. Duckering; Mr. E. A. R. Werner, O.B.E.—Home Office.

Mr. R. J. Thompson, O.B.E., Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr. H. M. Conacher, Board of Agriculture for Scotland.

Mr. Humbert Wolfe, C.B.E.; Mr. I. H. Mitchell; Mr. O. C. Allen, C.B.E.; Miss Isabel Sloan; Mr. A. B. Valentine—Ministry of Labour.

The employers' advisers are

Mr. A. Batchelor, Vice-President of the Scottish Farmers' Union.

Mr. J. E. Butterworth, Secretary, Painting Trade Materials Committee of Great Britain and Ireland.

Mr. J. Donaldson, Vice-President, National Farmers' Union.

Colonel E. H. Foster, Chairman, Anthrax Investigation Board, 1914–1919.

Sir Kenneth W. Goadby, K.B.E., D.Ph., etc., Pathologist, Specialist Medical Referee for Industrial Poisoning.

Mr. A. Whitworth, Chairman, East Indian Wool Importers' Association.

The workers' advisers are

Mr. J. Beard, President, National Union of General Workers.

Miss Bondfield, Member of General Council, Trades Union Congress.

Mr. J. T. Chambers, C.B.E., Treasurer, National Sailors' and Firemen's Union.

Mr. J. F. Duncan, General Secretary, Scottish Farm Servants' Union.

Mr. J. A. Gibson, General Secretary, National Amalgamated Society of Operative House and Ship Painters and Decorators.

Mr. J. Hill, J.P., General Secretary, United Society of Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders.

Miss T. Livesley, Organiser, General Union of Textile Workers.

Mr. A. B. Swales, Member of General Council, Trades Union Congress.

Right Hon. J. H. Thomas, P.O., Ll.D., M.P., Secretary, National Union of Railwaymen.

Mr. R. B. Walker, General Secretary, National Union of Agricultural Workers.