asked the Minister of Health whether the attention of the appropriate authorities in South Wales has been drawn to the Report of the South Wales Regional Survey Committee of the Ministry of Health; and whether the recommendations contained therein will be considered in connection with the work that is contemplated for the relief of the unemployed?

The Report in question has been published in an abridged form and placed on sale, and I have no doubt that the local authorities in South Wales are aware of the recommendations made. I am afraid, however, that the main recommendations of the Committee are not such as can be carried into effect at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, owing to the many unemployed in the boot and shoe industry, he can anticipate future contracts for Admiralty boots and shoes, which, if given out at once to manufacturers, would have the tendency to stimulate trade and create employment?

This matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, among the proposed unemployed relief works, he would consider the question of the development of housing sites as regards the formation of roads, the provision of sewers, etc., in cases where the schemes have been approved by the Scottish Board of Health and the land acquired, but in respect of which tenders for the erection of houses has as yet not been sanctioned?

The Scottish Board of Health are quite prepared to recommend schemes for the development of sites acquired for housing purposes as works of public utility for the purposes of grants from the Unemployment Grants Committee, but on the understanding that if grants are received from that Committee no part of the cost of the work in respect of which grants are made will be chargeable against the housing subsidy at any time.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth as representing the Forestry Commission whether it is proposed to replant the Crown land known as Gallt-yr-heddwch or Waterloo Wood, situate at Llanelltyd, near Dolgelley, in the county of Merioneth; and whether, in view of the serious unemployment which exists in the neighbourhood, immediate steps will be taken to commence the work?

The answer is in the affirmative—preliminary work was begun in June.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, on 13th October last, the Forestry Commissioner wired to the forester at Salcey to stop all hands at Salcey and Whittlebury; if so, were these men and one female discharged without notice although they were fortnightly servants, one of whom has been working in the forest for 18 years; seeing that unemployment is rampant in that area, that this time of the year is most opportune for planting purposes, and that the Government have the subject of forestry as a cure for unemployment, will he guarantee the reinstatement of the persons dismissed; and, if not, what steps is he taking to compensate these people for dismissal without notice?

Four men were dismissed from Salcey and Hazelborough on the 13th October because there was then no work for them to do. Through a mistake these men did not receive the notice to which they were entitled for termination of their employment. Since then, further work has become available, and the men are being continued in the Commissioners' employment.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is a balance of £23,000,000 left of the original £26,000,000 allotted to the Department of Overseas Trade; whether the Government are prepared to devote the £23,000,000 in question to some plan or scheme for relieving the wants of employment in the different parts of the country; and if he will take action in the matter?

The original Act dealing with Export Credits authorised the Board of Trade to undertake liabilities, amounting to £26,000,000, but it did not in itself provide money for that purpose. Estimates for the amounts required have to be taken from time to time, and will continue to be taken (within the above total), as required. The proposals of the Government for assisting unemployment have already been laid before the House.

asked the Minister of Labour how many bricklayers and plasterers are out of employment within a radius of 15 miles of Charing Cross; and the number of builders' labourers who are Out of employment within the same radius up to and including Tuesday, 18th October?

The latest available figures are for 14th October. At that date there were 278 bricklayers, 71 plasterers, 9,596 builders' labourers, and 6,830 other building trade labourers registered as unemployed in the Greater London area. As regards the labourers mentioned, there is no doubt that they include a number of men who do not seek employment exclusively in the building trades and are employed in other trades as opportunity may offer.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of money given from State funds for the relief of unemployed men and women from November, 1918, to the present time, and the amount given by way of grants to local authorities towards relief works carried out by them?

The amount of money given from State funds for the relief of unemployed men and women from November, 1918, to the present time is approximately as follows:—

The amounts allocated during the period in question by way of grants to local authorities towards relief works carried out by them were:

By the Ministry of Transport (either from Road Fund or voted moneys): Grant, £3,361,581; Loan, £1,821,988.

By the Unemployment Grants Committee: Grant, £2,332,000.

Grants have also been made in Ireland to provide employment on reproductive works of general utility for discharged sailors and soldiers in Ireland. The expenditure in 1919–20 was £146,415 and further sums of £265,000 and £250,000, respectively, were provided in the Estimates for 1920–21 and the current financial year.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the great shortage of water in Stockport and in certain districts of Cheshire supplied by the Stockport Corporation, which necessitates the restriction of the hours of supply to a very few each day; that the water so supplied is of a very dirty colour due to impurities; whether any inquiry has been held into the matter; and, if not, will he immediately order one to be held?

I understand that additional filters have recently been installed by the town council, and also that measures have been taken to increase the supply of water; but I am having further inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Health on what basis grants from the assigned revenues are made to extra Metropolitan boards of guardians and to other local authorities?

I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether £70,000 for the erection of workshops, machinery, roads, sewers, gas and electricity mains, and foundations for 630 houses in connection with the housing building scheme at Ilford is to be charged to the 220 houses already erected; and if he will take action in the matter?

I do not fully understand what the hon. Member has in mind. The whole of the approved expenditure in connection with the Ilford scheme will, in the first place, be charged to the Assisted Housing Scheme Account of the City Corporation, but any proceeds from the disposal or use of the developed land will, of course, be credited to the Account.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of houses completed under the 1919–20 Housing Act, the number in course of erection, and the number sanctioned but not begun; and how does the total number compare with the numbers shown as required under the housing survey made by local authorities in 1919–20?

The total number of houses completed under the Housing Acts is approximately 92,000. The number in course of erection is 89,751, including 21,021 approved under the subsidy scheme. The number of additional houses already sanctioned which have not been commenced is 33,259. Under the survey referred to, the gross estimate of the number of houses required was put at 824,000 houses, but there is no doubt that this figure was very considerably overestimated.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses which have been completed under the Housing Acts and the number still in course of construction; the numbers employed in each of the building trades in the erection of these houses; and the number of houses upon which work of any kind has been commenced, apart from roads and sewers, and which are not to be proceeded with?

The total number of houses completed under the two Acts of 1919 is approximately 92,000. The number under construction under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act was on the 1st October, 68,730, in addition to which 21,021 houses have received preliminary approval under the subsidy scheme. The number of houses on which work has been commenced but is not at present being proceeded with for various reasons is approximately 500.

The numbers of men employed on housing schemes of local authorities and public utility societies in the several building trades were on the 1st October as follow:—

asked the Minister of Health whether any schemes have come before the Ministry for the demolition of slum areas in respect of which a special grant has been offered by the Government in the current year?

In view of the necessity of concentrating on the production of new houses comparatively few proposals for the demolition of slum areas have been submitted. Definite schemes have been received in respect of 19 areas, while in a number of other cases informal proposals have been discussed with the local authorities. Four schemes have been confirmed or confirmation promised of which one is the Brady Street scheme of the London County Council.

asked the hon Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that houses were built by the Office of Works at Wragby Road, Lincoln; that similar houses were built by the Lincoln Town Council in the same road; that exorbi- tant rents are being charged to tenants in the houses built by the Office of Works, whereas the town council charge a nominal rent for the similar contiguous houses built by it; that the tenants in the Office of Works houses have declined to pay these exorbitant rents; and that a rent strike has been proceeding for some time; and whether the First Commission is now prepared to bring the rents charged by the Office of Works more into conformity with those paid to the town council, or, alternatively, what the Office of Works proposes to do to end the present unsatisfactory position?

The implication conveyed by the question of my hon. Friend is exaggerated. The rents charged by the Office of Works are very little in excess of those charged by the Lincoln Town Council, and the difference represents better value. There was a difficulty for a time in collecting some of the rents, but the defaulting tenants have wisely accepted the advice of their legal advisers that their action was wrong in that respect; the First Commissioner has already given the most careful consideration to the general position, and sees no reason to regard it as unsatisfactory or requiring amendment. As there is already a loss on this property, any further rent reduction must involve an additional charge on the Exchequer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any temporary officers are now employed by the Admiralty; whether the name of any temporary officer appears in the Navy List; and, if so, on what duties they are employed and under what Regulations they hold their commission?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the third part, these officers are almost entirely comprised in the following classes:

1. A small number of officers retained voluntarily or entered on a temporary basis in consequence of a shortage of permanent officers in their respective branches (Medical, Dental, and Instructor officers), also whole-time Roman Catholic

2. Officers employed with the Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control in Germany, mainly on interpreting duties.

3. A few sick or wounded officers of the late Royal Naval Division still under cure.

4. Officers employed in the Eastern Mediterranean on interpreting duties, or on account of their special knowledge of local conditions, most of whom will be demobilised shortly or relieved by officers of the Royal Navy.

The general authority for the continued employment of temporary officers is Order in Council of 30th September, 1914, which empowered the Admiralty to increase the number of officers in the various branches of the Naval Service with the proviso that the lists should not remain permanently increased after the War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is intended to take any steps to reconstitute a welfare committee for the Royal Navy?

Yes, and the details will be announced very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the promotion, of chief writers, Royal Navy, to warrant rank is determined by their seniority as chief writers or by the date upon which they have qualified under the examinations which came into force on 1st January, 1921?

Promotions of qualified chief writers to warrant rank are determined by their seniority, taken in conjunction with such recommendations as they may have received and their records of character and ability.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if there are any vacancies in the appointments to Greenwich Hospital pensions of commissioned officers promoted from warrant rank; and, if so, why these are not filled up?

There are at present no unfilled vacancies for Greenwich Hospital Pensions for commissioned officers from warrant rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will remove or cause to be removed the penalty imposed on aged Army pensioners who are desirous of living in the colonies but can only do so by forfeiting 40 per cent, of their pensions?

The increases in certain Army pensions authorised by the Royal Warrant of 16th August, 1920, are subject to the same conditions as the increases authorised by the Pensions (Increase) Act of the same date in civil pensions of a similar character. The Act makes it a condition for the increase of pension that the pensioner must reside in the British Islands, and I regret, therefore, that increases cannot be continued to Army pensioners who go to the colonies.

asked the Attorney-General how many cases of appeal by ex-service men suffering from tuberculosis have been dealt with by the House of Lords Appeal Tribunal during the three months from 1st July to 30th September, 1921, and the number of such appeals which have been successful?

The Pensions Appeal Tribunal do not keep any record of the disabilities from which appellants suffer, and it would be impossible for them to furnish the information referred to.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the transfer statement of accounts of Private E. C Underwood, No. 5329935, Royal Berkshire Regiment, has not yet been received at the Army Pay Office, Warwick, from the regimental paymaster, Basra, although this man was sent home in the spring of this year and was discharged from the Army on the 20th May, 1921; and whether, in view of the hardship to discharged men entailed by the delay in settling their accounts, he. can cause inquiries to be made as to what reasons exist, if any, for the delay in this case?

I am having inquiries made, and will acquaint my hon. and gallant Friend of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any reduction in the forces stationed in Iraq since 31st March; and, if so, what is the amount of the reduction?

The force stationed in Iraq has been reduced since 31st March, 1921, by—

4 Cavalry Regiments.

2 Field Artillery Brigades.

1 Pack Artillery Brigade.

20 Infantry Battalions.

In other words, two-thirds of the garrison have already gone. The state of the country remains tranquil. I consider that this reflects great credit on the High Commissioner, Sir Percy Cox, and the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Aylmer Haldane.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many deaths from disease have occurred during the last six months among officers and men of the British forces stationed in Iraq?

The figures are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has seen a book, entitled "The Riddle of the Rhine," by Major V. Lefebure; whether he is aware of the great strength and menace of the German organic chemical industry; whether plants specially erected during the War for the manufacture of poison gas have been dealt with under Articles 168 and 169 of the Treaty of Versailles; whether, as is suggested in the book, it is true that a commercial ruling has been superimposed on the military clauses 168 and 169 of the Treaty; and, if so, by whom was it imposed, and in what manner has a military body, the Inter-Allied Commission of Control, been equipped to operate it?

The military authorities are well acquainted with the book named and with the potential military value of the chemical industry of Germany. No commercial ruling has been superimposed on Articles 168 and 169 of the Treaty of Versailles, and the Inter-Allied Commission of Control is engaged in securing, by the inspection of over 7,000 factories, the observance of the conditions of those Articles, including the destruction or conversion of all plant specifically adapted for the manufacture of poison gas.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present position of the ex-service men in the building trades, both as regards skilled men and trainees and unskilled men, and how many have received employment during the recess?

Under the scheme for the employment of able-bodied ex-service men to be trained in the building industry, there are now about 300 men at work, all training as skilled men. In addition 3,250 disabled men have been trained for skilled trades in the Government instructional factories, and about 4,350 are in training.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the newspaper reports of the deplorable condition of the English ex-service men who were induced some little time ago to join the Spanish Foreign Legion; and whether His Majesty's Government are taking any action in this matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I returned this afternoon to the Noble Lord the Member for Horsham (Earl Winter-ton). I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will set up machinery departmentally for the establishment of the ex-service men temporary paperkeepers employed in the Post Office Savings Bank, many of whom have nearly three years' efficient service in that Department to their credit and, by reason of their entering Government employ since the Armistice, were ineligible to compete in the recent examination for appointments as sorters, etc.?

The question of the addition of certain posts to the permanent establishment of paperkeepers in the Savings Bank Department is under consideration: and if vacancies should thus arise the claims of the ex-service men to whom the hon. Member refers will be sympathetically considered.

asked the Secretary of Stat for Air whether it is proposed to close the aeronautics department of the National Physical Laboratory; and whether this action is on the advice of the Aeronautical Research Committee?

The decision not to maintain after the conclusion of the current financial year the Aerodynamical Department of the National Physical Laboratory, arrived at solely in view of the urgent need to effect every possible economy, was not taken on the advice of the Aeronautical Research Committee. Strong representations have been made that this Department should be retained in the interests of aeronautics, and I am hoping still to preserve its most vital functions, if a sufficient reduction in the cost of its upkeep can be effected.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Director of Research at the Air Ministry has had any experience at all of research work in any direction?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the officer in question—Air Commodore H. R. M. Brooke-Popham, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., A.F.C.—has had practical experience of flight and its problems from a very early date. He has also had a wide and varied experience of research work in connection with aeronautics during the two years and nine months for which he has held his post.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Aeronautical Research Committee have ever been consulted as to the expenditure of money upon the building of a helicopter; and, if so, was their opinion favourable towards such construction?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether in the preliminary trials of R38 any girders buckled; was any additional stiffening worked into the duralumin framework of the hull; if so, is it known whether the fracture to the girders that caused the lamentable accident to this airship took place in the vicinity of this additional stiffening; and in the report on the preliminary trials was the design criticised in any way by a competent air officer?

It is true that in one of the preliminary trials of R 38 a girder buckled, and that this part was subsequently strengthened. It is not, however, the case that the failure of this part had any connection with the accident to the vessel. The girder in question bore little relation to the strength of the ship, but was merely one of those which was used to preserve the rounded surface of the outer envelope. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what was the total cost of R 38, and who bears this expenditure?

It would be difficult to ascertain the total actual expenditure on the airship, but the purchase price agreed with the United States authorities and based on the estimated cost was 2,000,000 dollars. The agreement provides that in the event of total loss of the airship prior to delivery the cost shall be shared equally by the two Governments, and steps are at present being taken to adjust the accounts on this basis.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when the remaining Government officials will be cleared from the Alexandra Palace and the palace handed back to the public?

The greater part of Alexandra Palace has already been surrendered to the trustees. Certain rooms on the south front are still occupied, but it is hoped that they will be surrendered by the end of the year. To this end every effort is being made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the number of persons employed by Section D.B. 5C. of the Disposal Board at Earl's Court; what was the total expenditure of the section in respect of salary and all other expenses for the month of September last; and what is the nature and value of the materials which this section has for disposal?

The number of persons employed is now 27, of whom five are under notice of termination of appointment. The total expenditure of the section in salaries and other expenses during the month of September last was £800 15s. 8d. The material with which this section deals is of a miscellaneous character, including boxes, firewood, binoculars, photographic goods, watches, etc., and the stores now on hand, which are of the approximate value of £250,000, are in course of disposal under a block contract. The approximate total value of the stores, so far disposed of by this section, is £3,500,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what Government Departments are employing the 230 conscientious objectors?

A central record of cases has not been kept, but almost the whole of the cases occur in the following Departments:

Post Office.

Inland Revenue.

Board of Trade.

Customs and Excise.

Ministry of Health.

Ministry of Labour.

British Museum.

Stationery Office.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether Messrs. J. C. Cannell and C. C. Redmill are employed in the Accounts Division, His Majesty's Stationery Office, 32, Victoria Street, S.W.; whether they were both imprisoned in consequence of declining to accept military service because of being conscientious objectors; whether a large number of ex-service men, who served m the trenches, are out of employment at the present time; and whether he can see his way to relieve these two gentlemen of their positions and fill the vacancies thus created by two ex-service men?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Mr. Redmill did not suffer imprisonment. Mr. Cannell was imprisoned pending the first settlement of his case, but was subsequently passed by the Central Tribunal and took up work of national importance under the Brace Committee. The last two parts of the question raise the general questions which were dealt with in the replies of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to questions on this subject on the 24th instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there are any conscientious objectors now in Government employment who do not come within the exceptions to disqualification for the franchise contained in Section 9, Sub-section (2), of the Representation of the People Act, 1918?

The information immediately available does not enable me to state definitely whether any, and, if so, how many, of the men referred to do not come within the exceptions. I believe, however, that there are a certain number who do not.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if a large number of the temporary staff employed in Government Departments, many of whom are ex-service men and war widows, are being dismissed; and whether, having regard to the difficulty of obtaining other employment, he will consider the desirability of suspending further dismissals until other employment can be secured?

In view of the necessity for curtailing Government expenditure, the staffs employed in Government Departments are being reduced, where practicable, and I am not prepared to reverse this policy. The Departments have been instructed to pay every possible regard, in determining the order of discharge of temporary staff, to the claims to preferential treatment of ex-service men and of widows of men who lost their lives in the service of their country.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the sale to the British Metal Corporation, Limited, embraces the whole of the stock in Great Britain and that only; and whether an undertaking will be given that stocks in other countries will be offered with due advertisement and opportunities for tender?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, surplus stocks of these metals belonging to the British Government in other countries are comparatively small, and, while it is probable that stocks in each case will be duly advertised in the countries where they exist, and opportunities given for tender, I am not prepared to give any undertaking which would hamper the Disposal and Liquidation Commission in obtaining the best financial results from these sales.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what quantity of metal was sold to the British Metal Corporation, Limited; and what price was obtained?

The quantity sold was 150,000 tons, and the price obtained £3,650,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury up till what period the stocks of non-ferrous metal recently sold to the British Metal Corporation, Limited, are being stored at the Government expense?

Storage continues at public expense until the 24th December next.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company, of Birmingham, non-ferrous metal merchants, were not called upon to fulfil in toto their contract with the Disposal Board; on what grounds was the contract rescinded; whether the firm mentioned bore the whole or part of the loss; whether, after the failure, the contract was commuted to a commission basis; and if this commission was 1 per cent, and 5 per cent, for establishment charges?

The contracts for brass made with Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company in June and July, 1920, were for 18,000 tons and 15,000 tons respectively, being the approximate amounts of brass then available for disposal. The contracts contained a provision under which Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company agreed to take further accumulations of brass becoming surplus, which were then anticipated would be small. Owing to various unforeseen causes, mainly the drastic reduction in the reserves of munitions, and the bankruptcy of a contractor in Canada who had purchased large stocks of surplus brass, the supplementary quantities which became available for disposal were approximately six times the original quantity purchased by Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company. In view of this, and the collapse in markets generally, the uncom- pleted portion of the contract with the firm was cancelled on the basis that they surrendered to the Government the whole of their profits for the year 1920. After full consideration it was decided to utilise the organisation which had been set up by Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company with a view to selling the remaining quantities of brass on a commission basis, the rates being as shown in the question, except that any saving on the 5 per cent, expenses is divisible equally between the Government and the contractor. Prior to the recent sale the firm had, in fact, sold on commission approximately 40,000 tons of brass.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if in two block sales of scrap metal to Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company and to the British Metal Corporation, Limited, by the Disposals Board no public advertisement or request for tenders was made; and, if so, for what reason?

I am aware that no advertisement was issued in respect of the two transactions referred to. The existence of these stocks was common knowledge in the trades interested, and a number of firms did, in fact, approach the Disposal Board with a view to their purchase. It is the experience of the Disposal Board that in selling large quantities of material, such as that now in question, better terms are obtainable by private treaty negotiations than by putting the stocks up to public tender.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company, of Birmingham, are being paid any commission by the Government on the resale to the British Metal Corporation, Limited; and, if so, what amount?

The amount of commission to be paid to Messrs. E. J. Smith and Company in respect of the sale to the British Metal Corporation is at present the subject of negotiation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, owing to recent large resales of Government stocks of non-ferrous scrap metal, foreign manufacturers are being enabled to compete on specially favourable terms, owing to the low cost of raw material?

I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative. It would be open to British manufacturers, having regard to the cost of freight, to purchase on more favourable terms than their foreign competitors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the consumption of beer in standard barrels and spirits in proof gallons for the years eding 31st March, 1919, 1920, and 1921?

The consumption of beer in standard barrels and spirits in proof gallons for the years ended 31st March, 1919, 1920, and 1921, was as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the statement that the present scale of taxation will leave the country with a deficiency of considerably over £200,000,000 at the end of the current financial year; and whether he can state the exact outlook?

My attention has not hitherto been called to this particular statement, which is without any sort of foundation. I hope, as I have already said, to make a statement in regard to any financial matters arising for discussion in the Debate on the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is prepared to make a full statement as to the munition case in India and the resignation of Sir Thomas Holland; and whether no steps can be taken to reopen the matter?

A full statement as to these matters was issued by the Government of India on the 28th August last and communicated to the Press in this country. I shall be glad to supply a copy of the statement, to which I have nothing to add, to the hon. Baronet. As stated in the communiqué, the decision to withdraw from the prosecution in the case was irrevocable.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement as to the Moplah rising?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks) yesterday.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the payments to be made under the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act of this year will be made to crofters and small holders who have cultivated less than an acre of corn?

My right hon. Friend is advised that there is no authority for the making of payments under Section 2 of the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921, in respect of areas of less than an acre.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the case of a man named Donald Grant, who was admitted to Thornton Poorhouse Hospital, Fifeshire, on 18th June last, suffering from injuries to his head; if any information is available as to the manner in which he sustained those injuries; if an immediate operation was recommended on 21st June last, which has not yet been performed; whether the man has since been transferred to Springfield Asylum; and whether any question of expense or anything that may be known by the authorities of the man's past record influenced the policy of the Poor Law authorities in their treatment of the case?

The attention of my right hon. Friend had not been drawn to this case prior to my hon. Friend's question. I have as yet been unable to ascertain how Donald Grant met his injuries, but further inquiries are being made. Grant was attended by the Poor-house doctor in Thornton Poorhouse and an Edinburgh specialist was consulted. He was taken to Edinburgh on 29th July for an X-ray examination and thereafter was removed to Dundee Royal Infirmary to undergo an operation. At the last moment Grant refused to permit the operation to be performed. On the 19th August he was removed to Springfield Asylum pending his transfer to the Whittlesea Union in England which, I understand, is the parish of his settlement. This transfer was effected under a warrant of the Sheriff on 20th instant. As regards the last part of the question no considerations of the nature mentioned appear to have influenced the medical treatment of the case.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an official circular to the troops in Ireland, dated 14th October, says that gun-running is now so general and free from molestation that the equipment of many Irish Republican Army units is proceeding apace; and, in view of this statement, will he say whether any of His Majesty's ships are employed in watching the coast to prevent gun-running into Ireland?

I have been in communication with the Commander-in-Chief on this matter, and am informed that no circular was issued on October 14th. In any event I am sure that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would not expect me to discuss the contents or alleged contents of any confidential orders or documents issued to the Crown Forces in Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any German missionaries have been permitted to return to any British Colony since the War; if so, to what Colony and for what reason; and whether any German missionaries are now at work in any mandated territory?

The Secretary of State has announced that he is prepared to consider, in consultation with Governors, applications from individual German missionaries of unimpeachable antecedents for permission to enter the Colonies, subject to their being under the control of a British Allied or Associated subject in the Colony and to their being vouched for by a responsible British ecclesiastical authority. So far, however, as I am aware, no German missionary has been permitted to return to any British Colony since the War, nor are any German missionaries at work in territory mandated to His Majesty's Government, with the exception of one, who has been given special permission to work in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if his attention has been drawn to the agitation that is going on in Hong Kong against the mui-tsai system, and to the statement publicly made that the kidnapping or sale of girls would never be checked while the system existed; and what is being done in the matter;

(2) whether a society has been formed in Hong Kong, mainly of Chinese, for the special purpose of suppressing the muitsai system?

I am well aware that public interest has been aroused in Hong Kong on the subject of mui-tsai. I understand that at a public meeting of Chinese held on the 30th of July a resolution was passed for the formation of a society for the protection of mui-tsai; and that on the 8th of August a meeting of about 30 residents was held, at which it was proposed to form a society for the suppression of the mui-tsai custom. As to the action of the Government, I would refer to the reply given on the 24th of October to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Rollox.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much land in Kenya Colony, described in the maps of 1912 as Native Reserves, has since that date been alienated from the Natives; and if he will call for a Return showing what tribes have been affected by such alienation?

The Governor of Kenya is being asked to furnish a complete return, and when it is received, I will cause it to be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. SO far as I am aware, it will be found that the area affected is very small. I may add that my right hon. Friend has recently addressed the Governor of the Colony on the necessity of securing his prior sanction to any reduction in the area of a Reserve, and of giving compensation to the Natives concerned in the event of any reduction, and whether temporary or permanent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the British South Africa Company has advanced a claim to the commercial ownership of the whole of the lands of Northern Rhodesia; whether the Government is prepared to accept the recommendations of Earl Buxton's Commission; and, if so, what steps have been taken to carry out Earl Buxton's recommendation that the legal advisers of the Crown should formulate as soon as possible, for submission to the Privy Council, the precise points upon which the Company's claim cannot be accepted?

As regards the first part of the question, the claim of the Company to the ownership of land in Northern Rhodesia extends ( a ) to all the unalienated land, with the exception of the Barotse Reserve, in the territory of North-Western Rhodesia as it existed immediately before the Order in Council of 1911, which amalgamated the territory with North-Eastern Rhodesia, and ( b ) to three comparatively small areas in the northern part of North-Eastern Rhodesia. As regards the second part, the Adminis- trator of Northern Rhodesia was informed in August that His Majesty's Government had accepted the Report. As regards the third part, the matter is receiving the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take in view of the refusal of the Legislative Council of Ceylon to sanction the increase in pay of the white police force of the island, which was recommended by the recent Salaries Commission; whether he is aware that serious hardship is caused to members of the force by the present low scale of pay, which in some grades is only £1.35 per annum, whereas in the Federated Malay States an equivalent rank draws a salary of £322 per annum, although the cost of living is no higher there?

The whole question of salaries in Ceylon has been comprehensively reviewed by the Salaries Commission. I have not yet received their report, and the latest information available to me does not indicate that the report has yet been laid before the Legislative Council. I cannot admit that the cost of living in the Federated Malay States is no higher than in Ceylon; but when I receive the Report of the Commission I will consider carefully whether it is possible to take any action in the matter of these particular salaries.

asked the Minister of Transport the total amount of duty collected in respect of motor vehicles for the county of Northumberland for 1920 and to the present time in 1921; and what Government grants have been made for the two periods to the Northumberland county council towards the maintenance of its main roads?

The taxation of motor vehicles did not come into force until the beginning of the present year. I do not think that any true deduction can be drawn from a comparison of the figures showing the amount collected in a partic- ular area and the amounts of grant made available to the highway authorities in such area inasmuch as the fund is a national one.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the treatment meted out to the superannuated railway staff of this country, especially during the last three years; whether he realises the distress and suffering now being felt by these men who have each got a lifetime of service rendered to the State behind them; whether he is aware that a solution of their claim has never been honestly attempted, but that the responsibility has been shelved from the Ministry of Transport on to the railway companies and vice versâ ; and will he now take up the matter in order that justics may be done?

The position of the Government in relation to these funds was fully explained on the 2nd March last year, when a Motion by the hon. and gallant Member for St. Pancras, South-West, was under discussion. No responsibility in respect to these claims has ever attached to the State, and the obligations of the railway companies are settled by the Statutes creating the funds. I am informed, however, that some of the railway companies are paying considerable sums to old servants supplementary to the amounts to which they are entitled out of the superannuation funds. I regret that I am not in a position to take any further action in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if lactose is a dutiable article under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; if so, is he aware that lactose is used to prepare in this country reliable infant foods; and whether, in view of pledges given that food should not be taxed, for what reason, since infant food manufactured abroad can be imported free, is the manufacturer of infant food in this country to be penalised by the taxation of an important ingredient in his product?

Crude lactose is not dutiable, but the purer qualities, such as those which fulfil the requirements of the British Pharmacopoeia, are held to be dutiable under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, under the general heading of Fine Chemicals. I am aware that the purer qualities are used for the purpose described by my right hon. Friend. The Board of Trade have no power to exclude on any ground from the operation of the Act any commodity properly included within the general headings of the Schedule. The question as to whether lactose is properly so included is a matter which can be referred to the Referee to be appointed under Section 1 (5) of the Act, and a complaint on the point is being referred accordingly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what legislative or administrative barriers exist against the importation of British manufactures into Germany?

The importation of most classes of manufactured goods into Germany, from whatever source, is at present prohibited, except under licence, and such goods as are admitted are of course subject to any duties prescribed by the German Customs Tariff. No special provisions are applicable to British goods, which are secured the advantage of complete most-favourednation treatment by the Peace Treaty.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to give a return of the permitted hours which have been granted by the licensing magistrates under the Licensing Act, 1921, in London and in other parts of the Kingdom?

The information desired is not yet available, but I propose that in the course of compiling the annual licensing statistics information on this and other matters shall be collected at the end of the year with a view to the preparation of a general statement.

asked the Home Secretary how many men and how many women were proceeded against in each of the five years, 1915 to 1919, under Section 54 (13) of the Metropolitan Police Act relating to threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavour?

This information is not available, and to obtain it would involve an expenditure of time and labour which I should not be justified in asking the police to undertake.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department if Ahmad Mahomad, of Basra, a Persian subject, who got his nationalisation papers in this country, has been out of work for nine months and is now destitute; and will he communicate with the Persian Consul with a view of getting him sent to Basra, his native town?

I presume that the Persian subject mentioned is the same individual about whom my Department wrote to the hon. Member on 20th October. In that letter certain action was suggested, and until I know if it has been taken, and with what result, I am unable to say whether I can be of any assistance.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Frederick Thorpe, a fisherman, who was sentenced at the Lowestoft Police Court to 14 days' imprisonment without the option of a fine for declining to carry out his contract to go to sea; whether the reason for the prisoner's action was the very low price offered; and whether, in view of the fact that the offence was not of a criminal character, but purely civil, he will consider the advisability of a remission of the sentence?

My attention has been called to the case, but no sufficient grounds were shown for any interference with the sentence. Defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of wilful disobedience to a lawful command—an offence under the Merchant Shipping Acts punishable by four weeks' imprisonment besides forfeiture of wages.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the deplorable educational position in the village school at Snelston, near Ashborne, which is the property of the chief landowner in the village; whether the conditions prevailing, both from an educational and sanitary standpoint, are so serious that schoolmistresses rarely stay more than a few months, and the school is sometimes without a mistress at all, children also continually leaving for other schools; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary to remedy a state of affairs which is having a serious effect on the health and education of the children?

This school is not a public elementary school, and no grants are paid in respect of it, but it is at present certified by the Board as efficient, and the question whether the Board's certificate should be continued has been under consideration for some time. I will instruct His Majesty's Inspector to visit the school in the near future and report. I am not aware that the school is insanitary.

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the wages and retaining fees of members of the refreshment department of this House; if he is aware that a voluntary levy has been made on Members of Parliament for the police and messengers of the House; and, as a large number of the members of this staff have served the House for many years, but during the recesses fail to get work, and with few exceptions have no, or a limited retaining fee, will he take steps to consider the claims of those servants and thus remove their grievances by the method suggested?

There is no necessity to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the question raised, as the control of the matter is in the hands of the Kitchen Committee, which is itself a Select Committee, comprising Members representing all parties in the House. I am informed that during the Easter and Whitsun Recesses no discharges take place, and that for the long Recess a system has been established for retaining a considerable number of the staff, while those not so retained receive gratuities. The cost of this system has been for the present year £1,749 4s. l0d. It would be scarcely fair to press the Committee to incur an increased expenditure at the present moment, as the subsidy formally granted to the Department has been materially reduced, and its complete disappearance from the Estimates of the coming year has been already officially indicated.

asked the Prime Minister if statements have appeared in a section of the American Press alleging that the Allied Powers are using influence to prevent Rumania and Bulgaria from sending their surplus of grain into Russia; and whether, if there be no truth in the statements referred to, any steps can be taken to counteract the effect of their publication?

My attention has not been called to the statements in the American Press referred to by the hon. Member. There is no truth whatever in such statements. Rumania and Bulgaria are, of course, perfectly free to make whatever arrangements they think fit for disposing of their surplus grain.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the large joint stock banks are withdrawing overdrafts to farmers at ten days' notice and that these overdrafts have been granted for the purchase of farms; and whether he will make representations to the banking head offices as to the undesirability, in the national interests, of any harsh attitude to farmers?

I am not aware that the banks are acting generally in the manner indicated in the first part of the question. If any specific cases of the kind are brought to my notice, I shall be glad to consider whether any steps can be taken in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General what have been the financial results up to the 30th September of the increased cost of postcards to three halfpence and the increased cost of printed matter of one ounce from a halfpenny to a penny; and whether, in view of the fact that other countries are enabled to issue postal communications at half the business rates at which British firms can issue them, he will take steps immediately to reduce the rates for printed matter of one ounce?

As explained in answer to other questions I am not yet in a position to give any definite estimate of the financial results of the increased rates of postage for postcards and printed papers.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the large deposits demanded from telephone users compared with the cost of actual calls made, he will, with a view to removing this practical obstacle to telephone development, review such deposit charges; and whether he has received numerous representations on this matter?

The deposits required from telephone users under the revised tariff, by which all calls made are paid for quarterly in arrear, are sufficient to cover approximately two-thirds only of the credit given. Under the former tariff local calls were paid for in advance (usually annually) and trunk calls monthly in arrear, and deposits in respect of trunk calls were generally required to cover the total credit. Even allowing for the increased deposits, the subscriber receives more credit under the new system than under the old, and I am not in a position to waive the deposits. Representations on the subject have not been numerous.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the non-collection of letters in the provinces from late Saturday to Monday is causing general dissatisfaction, public inconvenience, and injury to trade, especially to traders doing a large postal business; that such letters are not now delivered until Monday afternoon or Tuesday; and whether he will take steps to remedy the matter?

asked the Postmaster General whether there has been any considerable demand for the restoration of Sunday postage and delivery in the boroughs of England; whether he sees any reason to change the policy which he has adopted by extending to provincial cities and boroughs the advantages of that cessation of work which existed in London and in the rural districts before his recent decision; and whether such demand imperils the arrangement which is now in force?

In reply to these two questions, I do not think I can usefully add anything to the statements my right hon. Friend has already made in answer to previous questions on the same subject.